I Think I'm in Trouble {Reimagined}

CII.

"Well, that was a bust," Shannon stated as she pushed open the front door, allowing Damon in after.

"I hope everything goes well," he sighed, eyes landing on the singer just moments later. "Hi, Stevie..."

"Hey..."

"I didn't even see you, mom," the younger woman walked over to be with her, hugging her and kissing her head before sitting on the couch next to her.

Bringing her hand up to her daughter's forearm, she smiled gently.

"Maybe that was a poor choice of words," she admitted, cradling her hand while admiring each of her rings on her fingers and the red polish that was chipping off of her nails. She could tell she had mostly likely been chipping it off of herself since she could probably feel the ridges of the initial chipping.

"It's fine... But really, I used to take that sort of stuff for granted," she explained. "Anyways, how's Kristen? What was a bust?"

"Dad's at the hospital with her still, they're doing a bunch of testing and all kinds of other crap and dad's just reassuring her, because well, the man knows what he's talking about..."

"Honestly, I'm glad he could be there. Now more than ever, especially because I really can't and your brother promised her we'd be here for her."

She pursed her lips.

Lifting up her hand into mid air, "Damon, come here."

He walked over and took her hand, acknowledging her without a word.

"I didn't get to properly greet you," she added. "Nor have I seen you since you've been back, how are you, sweetheart?"

He easily smiled and leaned in to peck cheeks with her; her tone was always so welcoming and kind.

It was easy to think back to his high school days, when she'd care and or concern about anything about him, letting him know she'd help if he ever needed anything. She was just so motherly and it continued to show despite the loss of her sense; she still wanted to nurture when surely her goal should have been getting her sight back.

"I'm okay... Last couple of days have been hard and I didn't wanna overwhelm you. I heard about your accident and what you've been going through and I figured I'd give the family space," he patted her hand.

"You've always been a part of this family, Damon," she explained and then sighed. "I know you're struggling also with the loss and I'm really sorry too."

Shannon rested her head on her mother's shoulder, being not only supportive, but hoping she could keep her from getting too deep.

She really didn't want to see her struggle anymore; not after so many years of being on and off on drugs, being postpartum and being on tranquilizers and going on binges with her drinking. Even though it was almost inevitable to be depressed after the death of Jeffrey, she just couldn't fathom the thought. Yet, there she was depressed, heartbroken and blind.

"Shannon told me you told her... And maybe that was a good thing because she was able to help me in the moment I had just been told."

"I hate that dad and I couldn't get to you first," she shook her head.

"Everything happens for a reason, doll," she brought her hand up, slowly moving it toward the girl's face.

Shannon helped by guiding her hand to complete the action since it was often she did that; caressing her cheek. She then kissed her palm gently and just snuggled up to her.

"Along with all that, I hear the funeral is this Friday..." he commented.

"Yeah... With my hospital stay, it really feels like I've missed everything. We had a five to seven day period to set a date either today, tomorrow, or Friday and well, I was still in the hospital till this morning."