CLANDESTINE | HS |

THIRTY SEVEN

Logan

"Do you have everything?"

Holding a duffel bag in my hand and a massive bouquet of flowers in the other, I turn to look at the woman behind me.

"Well it's not like I'm coming back even if I leave something behind." Raising her eyebrows at me her lips curl into a sly smile. "Now get a move on and let's get out of here."

Today was the day that my mom was coming home.

After too many days in the hospital, she was free.

"Who sent you these flowers?" Walking next to her towards the parking lot where Warren went to get the car, I look at the yellow roses.

Hooking her arm through mine and pulling me closer, she hums. "I can't quite remember."

"Sure you don't." I laugh, my chest growing tight at the feeling of getting to walk out of the sliding doors with her.

Once the new medicine started working for her, it was almost like a miracle.

Even though I'd never really prayed before, I prayed for that.

A miracle.

Getting to take her home felt like the only gift that mattered to me, the only thing that I'd ever really wanted.

My mom wasn't cured and she still had a long road ahead of her but right now all that mattered to me was that she was alive.

She was still here.

With me.

As we step up to the curb, Warren gets out of the car to open the door for my mom after pressing a kiss to her temple.

His love for her is unmatched, a love I've only ever gotten to experience from one other person.

Harry.

Pushing the thoughts of him out of my head and the ache that takes up space in my chest, I put the duffel bag into the back seat. "I'll meet you at the house?"

"Okay, baby." Blowing a kiss and reaching out to shut her door, she buckles herself in.

"Love you, kiddo." Warren pulls me into a side hug as the flowers hang down by my leg. "I'm so proud of you."

Squeezing my eyes shut, I let out a deep breath. "Thank you for everything."

"You don't have to thank me for being there, you know?" Stepping away to the driver's side, he smiles. "See you at the house."

Making my way to my car, I sit behind the wheel and let out a deep breath.

She's safe, she's here.

Setting the flowers in the passenger's seat, my eyes catch on a little card that slides out onto the seat. Picking it up and turning it over, tears well in my eyes as I read it and trace over the familiar handwriting.

Diane,

Just another bouquet for you.

Thank you for being so wonderful and letting me be a part of your life and letting me love your daughter so fiercely.

Can't wait to take you to lunch next week.

-Harry

Take her to lunch?

My mom hasn't said anything about talking to Harry or spending any time with him. It makes my mind turn over and over on the way to her house, thoughts of him and those green eyes that could see into the shadows and pools of my soul like he wanted to stay there.