𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐑 |

chapter eighteen

Vera

"Vera, you have to eat," Miss Kira said softly, sitting beside me.

"Did Aiden eat?" I asked.

She nodded.

"Then I'm fine. He's more important right now."

"So are you. You aren't any good if you're running on no food and hardly any sleep. Aiden would want you to eat."

When I looked at her, she urged the plate closer to me with a smile. I gave in and took the plate, her smile widening when I started to dig in. She drummed on her legs and stood up to go back in the kitchen and fix a glass of orange juice. She returned and handed it to me, sitting beside me again.

"How're you feeling, sweetie?"

I ate another forkful, exhaling deeply then looking at her.

"For once, I don't know how to answer that," I faltered, placing my fork down. "I can't think of a word to describe it."

I reached for my orange juice and took a quick sip, wiping the droplets from the corners of my mouth. My eyes almost widened at how fresh it tasted and I went in for a longer sip. Miss Kira was watching me worryingly and I felt bad making her so worried.

She probably has her own stuff to worry about, I shouldn't be pouring my mess onto her.

"You know, you're really good for Aiden," she finally said. "And this is coming from a mothers perspective, not just because you're my best friends son."

But am I doing enough for Aiden?

"You're still young." This woman's a mindreader, isn't she? "You took on a huge responsibility and you should give yourself come credit, cut yourself a bit of slack."

"I try," I finally say. "I-I really do try, but it never feels like enough."

"If you always manage to put a smile on that beautiful boy's face, then you are doing enough. You're doing more than most parents are doing now," Miss Kira explained, smiling at me. "Don't be so hard on yourself."

Finishing my breakfast, I wiped my mouth and placed the plate on the small table beside us. She brought an arm around my shoulder and hugged me close.

"Look, if there is one thing I can say to make you feel better... you aren't alone, Vera. You have people behind you who are willing to help. Don't forget that."

"I know... thank you," I whispered, leaning against her slightly. "Thank you for everything you've done for Aiden as well. It means a lot."

"Nah, don't thank me," she chuckled. "He's a bundle of joy."

I slowly smiled in agreement, adjusting the blanket over me.

"He really is," I said more to myself than aloud. "Where is Aiden?"

"Taking a bath. He had a few clothes left over, so Jesse wanted to give him a bath after waking up."

Miss Kira excused herself when her phone began to ring and I laid back once she disappeared down the hall. I got comfortable under the covers once again and released a breath, adjusting the pillow under my head. That's when I heard quick footsteps racing down the hall before a body flopped on mine.

"Oh god," I groaned, chuckling when I looked up at Aiden. "Aiden, that was my gut you landed on."

"Sorry," he giggled, patting my stomach. "I'm clean."

I chuckled and cupped his cheeks before moving my hands to ruffle his hair. He whined and did the same to me, chuckling when I groaned playfully. I pulled him down into a hug and sighed softly, cupping the back of his head.