Much Like Falling

Chapter Twenty-One

*Mia’s P.O.V*

“So, it didn’t go well, huh?”

“It was better than what I was expecting,”

“What were you expecting, Baby Doll?”

I glanced up at my Mother, timidly hugging myself. She was standing by the sink, just having finished rinsing the dishes, water all down her oversized front, with her dark brown hair tied in a loose ponytail. Her fingernails were chewed, and from the corner of my eye I could see her wedding ring glistening in the setting sun that still shone through the kitchen windows, giving the room a nice warm, yellowy glow; the opposite to how I was feeling.

I didn’t know how to describe what I was feeling. I felt bad, ashamed, scared, and as if someone had punched a hole straight through my chest. I felt empty, light-headed and weak; fragile. I just wanted to curl into a ball and cry.

“I thought he was going to break up with me.” I pressed my lips together to stop myself from crying as my Mother came forward, welcoming me into her gentle arms. For a moment I forgot about the wet patch on her t-shirt, and embraced the love my Mother had for her daughter. She lost her husband and was only just coming to terms with it, and soon she’d be losing her only child too.

“Oh, Sweetheart,” Mum cooed. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you. It’s hard for him, you know. It’s hard for all of us.”

My cheeks were soon hot with tears. I buried my face into Mum’s shoulder and tried to even out my breathing. The last time we cried in front of each other was when the doctors announced my cancer was terminal. It felt so long ago and yet, I was still here. “It’s my fault,” I choked.

“No,” Mum said, sternly. “It’s not your fault. Don’t ever think that it’s your fault.”

I kept quiet despite the thoughts that were too stubborn to let me rest. It was obviously my fault. I was weak. I was the one who had cancer.

My phone vibrated on the countertop, giving us both a fright. I laughed nervously, stepping away from Mum so I could check it.

My heart beat faster as I saw Emerson’s name pop up.

Good night my baby. I hope you’re okay. I’ll never break up with you, I promise. I’m with you until the end, okay? Don’t ever think otherwise. Hehe my family wants to meet you… I kinda told Mum the news… I hope that’s okay. She said you can come over for dinner before school starts, your Mum should come too! I mean what I said earlier, I really do love you. Don’t ever forget that. Have a good sleep darling. I’ll text you tomorrow xx

Mum read the text over my shoulder and smiled. “He’s definitely a keeper,”

I nodded. He sure was. “We should go to theirs for dinner,”

“That sounds nice,” Mum said, “Make a date and we’ll be there!”

I replied; Aw babe, I am so sorry… I know you won’t leave me. Mum and I are keen for dinner. Just give us a day. Sleep well Emerson, I love you too xx