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19

Harlem Santino

"Muchachos, por favor, relájenme. Estoy bien." my boys, please for me relax. I am fine. Paola's small voice creased the suffocating silence of the hospital's waiting room.

Crowding of either of her sides, Courtland and Harlem sat with faraway expressions on their faces.

Harlem leaned down with his head rested against his palms while Courtland completely spread out with his arms draping around Paola's thin shoulders.

Harlem could feel his heart thumping against his ribcage, anxiety swirling around his stomach he felt as he was about throw up and pass out all at once.

Today of all day was scary, today this small makeshift family would received news that could determine their very future.

"Paola Rivera?" A sweet cheery voice made each of their heads lift and stare at the short thin nurse cradling a baby blue clipboard in her arms.

Sucking in a deep breath Harlem stood up first reaching his hand down to help his mother up while Courtland supported her from the other side.

"Por favor, Señor, si estás escuchando, deja que esto sea una buena noticia." please lord if you're listening let this be good news.

Harlem prayed to himself, squeezing his mother's right hand he led his family after the nurse who's smile hadn't dropped yet.

Opening up the room for them Paola let go of her boys and got herself situated on the paper cover bed. Glancing at her sons her face frowned and tears began to sting her eyes.

"My babies, I am so very sorry you have to be here. Mami is sorry." Paola looked between her boys her lips quivering slightly.

They'd all been down this road before. Cancer has been very unfortunately prominent thing is all of their lives.

Getting up from his chair Harlem crouched down in front of his mother taking her small warm hands into his own. Brown eyes on brown eyes he gave a small smile

"Ma, don't apologize for nothing. You're the strongest person I know and Court and I couldn't imagine being anywhere that wasn't right here with you." Harlem whispered squeezing her hands before reaching up to wipe away a lone tear.

Staying there for a few more minutes each of their heads turned when the door opened and in walked Dr. Clayton.

Sparing Harlem and Paola a small smile he set his clipboard onto the counter closest to the door before taking a few steps to pull the short swivel stool in from them.

"So, I don't want to lead you guys in any further. As I told you guys in the last appointment the mass in Ms Paola's left breast has doubled in size. We have three options, we can preform surgery and attempt to remove the mass however the surgery is extremely taxing and could eventually lead to other issues. The next option is beginning another round of chemotherapy. I know you guys aren't a big of that one but I honestly believe that will be one best bet. And lastly we can allow the mass to grow and keep Ms. Paola comfortable."

Harlem already deep frown intensely hearing the last option.

There's no way this uppity ass nigga just suggested giving up on the woman who had never gave up on anyone.

Knowing his brother, Courtland  reached out keeping a firm grip on Harlem's shoulder. "Nigga is you fuckin' crazy? I will-" Harlem's eyes widened with a crazed look in his eyes misty, his voice wobbling.

His heart hurt so bad.

Paola grasped her baby boy's hand into her own, tilting her head with a small motherly grin.