Irreplaceable

Chapter Twenty

Angel's POV

I was stressing. My mom had killed herself and I had nowhere to go. I was talking to a social services worker.  Her name was June. She was a nice, middle-aged woman. She had one child of her own and had adopted twins. I could tell she loved them dearly by the way she talked about them.

I envied her children. Their mother wasn't a drunken waitress who had decided it was time to say goodbye forever.

"Do you know any relatives you could contact?" she asked.

"No." I said. I had already told her that I had nowhere to go.

"Well, for now, you can stay with a foster family. When you're 18, you will be allowed to leave." She shuffled through papers.

I nodded my head. I would be 18 in about six months. I just needed my foster parents to love me because I needed a lot of help.

June excused herself to go make a call. I checked my phone. I hadn't checked it in a while. No one had texted me, but I did have a voicemail.

It was from my mom. She had sent it around 12 in the afternoon. I was in class then. If I had known, I would've answered it. Maybe I could've saved her.

It was not so much that I cared if she lived or not, but I needed her income.

I listened to the voicemail.

Angel, I know I have told you this so many times, but you still seem to hate me. I honestly do love you and I always will love you. You don't have to love me back. I know was selfish. I didn't think about our family. I only thought about myself and now everything is ruined. I can't do this anymore. I can't live knowing I pushed your father to death and knowing that you hate me. I left all my money and jewelry hidden under the biggest rock in the back yard. Use it wisely. I'm sorry I ruined us. I'm sorry I ruined you.

I didn't know what to think. My mind was racing. I hated my mom even more for being a coward. She should've pushed through like everyone else is doing. I've been in pain for so many years, and I'm still here.

I put my phone back into my pocket. June had come back with a donut for me. I didn't feel like eating.

I had lost everything. I didn't have friends, I didn't have family, I didn't have a mom, I didn't have a dad. I only had me.

"Can we go back to my house so I can collect my belongings, please?" I quietly asked June. My voice was hoarse from crying.

She nodded her head and grabbed her keys. We left her office and walked to her car.

The ride to my house was silent. June turned the radio on, but I didn't pay attention to it.

"We're here." June tapped my arm.

I was lost in my thoughts and I hadn't noticed our arrival.

I smiled weakly and went inside. I packed all my clothes and hygiene items. I took my posters off my wall. I stuffed two suitcases. Last, I went outside to the backyard to look for the money. My mom had left it under the biggest rock.

After a couple of tries, I found the money and jewelry. There was about 500 dollars. Not enough, but good enough. The jewelry would add up if I pawned it.

I went back inside to grab my suitcases. I took one more long look at the house. I didn't think I would see it again.

I heard footsteps enter through the front door. It was Chase.

"Chase, what are you doing here?" I was shocked.

"I don't know. Why have you packed your bags?"

"My mom committed suicide so I am going to live with a foster family until I turn 18."

"Ok."

Ok. That was it. Chase had to be hiding his true emotions. He had to care at least a bit. I walked over to him and tried to hug him.

Chase pushed me of him, "Are you crazy?"

"Yes." I answered honestly. I had lost my mind in the past couple of days.

"You know how I feel about you."

"I'm sorry." My eyes teared up. I looked down to hide my tears, "I'll just go."

I raced out the door.

I didn't see Chase leave as June pulled out the driveway.

***

Carter's POV

Chase had come to see me claiming it was an emergency. He was pacing around my bedroom and telling me about Angel. I was sitting on the bed and just listening to him. The whole situation was just terrible.

My father wasn't around, I couldn't imagine losing my mother.

It was really a shame that such a horrible thing had to happen to her.

"So what do we do?" I asked Chase when he finished.

"I took the cameras back. I left one in her bedroom just in case she went back there for any reason."

"Good idea."

"But I don't know what to do now?"

"Let's just proceed as normal. Talia and I will go through with the prom queen idea, but we can't use the projector. We will just have to dump food on her."

Chase shrugged, "I'll let everyone know."

I nodded my head. Chase said goodbye and left.

I was bored so I texted Colin.

Me: Come over?

Colin: on my way ;)

I put my phone down on the dresser and went to talk to my mom. She was in the kitchen cooking dinner. I sat at the island and watched her.

"Mommy." I whined.

"What?" she stirred something in a pot.

"I love you."

"I love you, too. Is something wrong?"

"Angel's mom committed suicide."

"I would too if I had to live with Angel." She snorted.

"Mom, this is serious."

"I know. I'm sorry."

"I just can't imagine losing you." I looked at her.

My mom was about to say something, but the doorbell rang. I answered it and Colin came inside.

I led him to the kitchen.

"Mom, can Colin eat with us?" I asked.

"Yes, of course. Are you two back together now?"

Colin proudly grabbed my hand, "Yes, ma'am, we are."

"That's what I like to hear. I'm almost done here so sit tight."

Five minutes later, my mom had finally finished. She made delicious roast beef with corn and bread. The three of us ate and laughed. I learned to appreciate my mother because one day she just might not be here. As far as I was concerned, she would be here for a long time.

I was blessed.