Never Let Me Go (Brock Lesnar)

Chapter Ten

           Before we left the house, I called Olivia to let her know we were on our way. When we got there, the kids were playing outside and had no idea we were already back. Once they realized it was us, they swarmed the truck. They congratulated Brock on his win and then went inside to gather their things. They said their goodbyes to the other kids and then we all went home.

           I helped each of them put their things away and showed them what I had gotten them from Vegas. I knew that we really hadn't been gone that long but to me, it felt like forever. I had no idea how I kept myself sane when I was with the WWE. We were constantly traveling and would sometimes work six days per week. I guess I just got used to it but now, with all the kids, I couldn't even imagine doing it again.

           By Sunday evening, I was outside watching the kids play. Mya was brushing Renegade, Alanna and Natalie were giving Surprise a bath, again, and Ajay was trying to catch a frog in the yard. I was sitting on the deck facing the barn as I watched Ajay creep up on the frog. He had been after the thing for the last twenty minutes and every time he thought he had it, it hopped away. I did my best not to laugh even though it was funny but he was trying so hard. I looked on as he knelt in the grass with his hands out in front of him. All of a sudden, he lunged toward it and jumped up in the air. "Momma! I got it! I got it!" He ran toward me and jumped in my lap. "Look! I'm gonna name him Tom!"

           I chuckled and looked down at the dark green frog in his hands. "That's good, Ajay, but you know you have to let him go..."

           He looked up at me with widened eyes. "Why? I can keep him in a box in my room. I'll feed him and everything!"

           "Yeah, but you wouldn't want to be kept in a box all day, would you? He has a family too, you know. I'm sure he misses his mommy and daddy."

           He was a little pouty at first but eventually nodded. "Okay," He looked at the frog. "You can go home now. But you can come see me, if you want." He bent down and opened his hands. The frog took a leap and was out of our sight within a few seconds.

           Ajay laid back in my lap as I ran my fingers through his hair. "Good job, buddy." I sat there in silence, taking it all in. My mind couldn't help but wander to my Doctor's appointment this week. I was nervous and a little scared, but who wouldn't be?

           The idea of knowing something was wrong with me but not knowing what was scary. I couldn't help but think the worst and the thought of not being around for my kids was terrifying. I had read up on my symptoms and found that a brain tumor was very possible. I knew this was the worst of all the possibilities but I just couldn't stop thinking about it. What if it was a tumor? What if it was cancer?

           "Ajay, why don't you go help Alanna and Natalie with Surprise?" Brock added, sliding the door closed from the living room. Ajay looked to me for assurance as I nodded. He smiled and then ran off toward the barn. "Scoot over."

           I slid over to the side of the swing as Brock sat beside me. "He called, didn't he?" I asked, not taking my eyes off of Ajay.

           Brock nodded. "We're flying to Los Angeles tomorrow morning. By noon, you'll be having blood work, X-rays, a CT scan, an MRI, and an EEG. Tuesday morning, we have an appointment with Doctor Young. She'll go over the results with us then. I've already called Olivia, she'll pick up the kids tomorrow and keep them until we return. Now, it's up to you whether we tell the kids or not, but you know they'll be suspicious."

           He was right, I knew that much. "I don't know how to tell them. Natalie and Ajay are too young to understand and I don't want to worry Mya and Alanna."

           "I know and it's your call. I'll do whatever you want."

           I knew he wouldn't tell me what to do, he was always keen on letting me make my own decisions but this was one time I needed his input. "If you were in my position, what would you do?"

           Before he could answer, Mya walked up behind us. "What would you do about what?" She asked, taking a sip of her sweet tea.

            "What are you doing there?" I ask.

           "I went inside to get something to drink. Renegade's a big guy, you know. That's a lot of brushing... Now, what are you talking about?" I looked to Brock, not knowing what to say. "Uh-oh... What's wrong?" She asked, sitting down in front of us.

           I took a deep breath, knowing I had to make my decision now. "Why don't we talk inside?" I turn to Brock. "Make sure Ajay stays out of trouble." He nods as Mya follows me to her room. I sit down on the bed as she sits in front of me.

           "What is it? You're scaring me." She asked as worry filled her voice.

           "I know I'm not your mom and I'm not even sure if I should be telling you this, it's a lot of responsibility for you... And to be honest, it's not really fair."

           She gasped. "Oh God. You and dad are separating, aren't you? I knew he shouldn't have went back to the UFC. This is exactly what happened last time."

           I shook my head. "No, no, dear. We are very much together."

           She sighed. "Oh, thank the Lord." She pauses. "Then what is this about? And by the way, you are my mom, mom."

           I smiled. "Your dad and I are leaving tomorrow to go to Los Angeles. We'll be gone a few days and I need you to help Olivia with watching the kids."

           She cocked an eyebrow. "Okay? We had to come inside for that? And why are you leaving again?"

           "That's what I'm trying to tell you... I have an appointment with a neurologist there Tuesday morning. Tomorrow, I'll be having a series of tests and the results will be given to us at that appointment."

           I could see her wheels turning as she took in what I said. "As in a brain doctor? What's wrong?"

           "I've been having severe headaches for a while now, to the point that I lose my vision. During Brock's fight, I went down and was taken to the back by one of the on-sight doc's. They knew this doctor and got me in as soon as they could."

           Finally, it clicked. "So, that's why you came home early... And why dad's following you around like a sick puppy... What's causing it? Why didn't you tell me?"

           "I was scared and I didn't know how to tell you. They don't know why I'm having these, that's why I'm having all these tests. But I'm telling you now because you're old enough and mature enough to understand what's going on. But now comes the unfair part..."

           She hesitates. "I can't tell Alanna, can I?"

           I shook my head. "No, I don't want her to know. Natalie and Ajay are too young to understand, so I think it's best to keep them in the dark as well... I know you don't owe me anything, Mya, and I can't stop you from telling them-"

           She stopped me. "No, no matter how many times you tell yourself that I'm not really your kid, I still am. Some kids have a biological mother, some have an adopted mother, and some have both. I have both and I love you more than I love her. You've been here for me and dad. You asked me not to tell them and I won't. But I do ask one thing in return."

           I nodded. "Name it."

           "As soon as you know what's wrong, I want to know."

           I smiled. "Of course, I wouldn't have it any other way."

           After all these years, it was that moment that I realized Mya was my daughter. In her mind, I was the one that carried her and helped raise her. I had been there for her in those odd teen years and had given her the family she always wanted. I knew my secret was safe with her and that gave me peace of mind. I knew Olivia would watch the kids but I knew Mya would take the responsibility of being mom for a few days.

           Now, I just had to worry about me.