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Chapter 3 - Hannah

A few days had passed since my encounter with Niall and I found myself thinking about him more and more. The gorgeous crystal blue of his eyes, the multiple shades in his sandy blonde hair, the way his thick Irish accent made me weak at the knees. My nerves kicked in as I strode through the door. Immediately I looked at the seat Niall usually sat in. I frowned when it was empty. Instead of taking my regular seat l took the one behind Niall's in the hopes that if he does show up to class I’ll have the opportunity to talk to him again. My heart fluttered at the thought, which was completely ridiculous because I barely knew the boy. But even I couldn't deny there was a spark. I pulled my notebook out of my messenger bag and flipped to a clean sheet. I was about half way through my doodle when the familiar accent startled me.

"Hey"

My eyes shot up to meet his gorgeous blue ones "Hey" I replied with a smile

He took his seat and class began. About half way through the lesson, a piece of paper folded into the shape of a football was flicked onto my desk. I looked at suspiciously and unfolded it. Scrawled across the paper were the words "Will you go to the football game with me?" Recalling the announcement about the pick-up football game this Saturday, I knew mom had a Chemo appointment and she always liked when Dee or I went with her. I leaned forward and whispered "What are we in 5th grade?"

He peered over his shoulder and responded "l could've put 'yes' 'no' 'maybe' at the bottom would that have been better?" His lips curled into a smirk that made my butterflies beat wildly in my stomach. I giggled and tossed the paper back over his shoulder

"So what's your answer?" he whispered back.

"Ms. Winters, Mr. Horan, is my class interrupting your social gathering?" Mrs. Wesley asked.

"No Ma'am" we both said in unison and I slumped into the back of my seat. The rest of class went by agonizingly slow. When Mrs. Wesley finally released us I picked up my bag and headed out the door. I was half way across campus when I heard someone calling my name.

"Hannah!" He shouted, running in my direction. When he caught up to me he was breathing heavily

"You never gave me your answer; will you go to the game with me Saturday?"

"I can't" l gave him an apologetic smile as I began to walk away.

"Well what about next Wednesday? My mate is playing at the coffee shop on First and Oak. He's really good, we could go listen to him together" a look of desperation flashed across his eyes.

"Look Niall, I just can't. Ok?" I swiftly turned and headed towards my car again. Going on a date-or whatever we were going to call it- with Niall sounded great but all I could think about was mom and how much she needed me right now. I don't have time to go out on dates and just hang around. A part of me wished I could just tell Niall that, he would understand right? I hadn't talked to mom about anyone besides Jeanine. I contemplated my dilemma as I pulled into moms drive way.

I was greeted with a warm embrace. The smell of barbeque filled the air.

"Hi mom" I said as she pulled away "How are you feeling today?" I set my stuff on the table and wandered into the kitchen for a snack

"Eh, same old same old. Tell me about this new boy" she squealed. Mom had a way of changing the subject when it was about her. She didn't like talking to us about her disease.

"How did you-"I began

"Your sister told me you met a boy at that burrito place you love so much and that you and he were talking and she thinks something's up. So spill" I rolled my eyes. Thanks Dee.

"Mom your worse than a high-schooler" l grabbed the milk out of the refrigerator and poured it into my glass

"So there lS something up! My baby's got a boyfriend!" She practically danced over to me and threw her arms around me.

"Mom!" I struggled out of her grip

"Well let's be honest Kennedi's always been the one whose got a way with the guys." She said matter-of-factly

"MOM!" I squealed. Although it was true Dee was always better at talking to guys than I was but it didn't bother me. I was happy just taking care of mom, even when she was in remission.

"When do I get to meet him?" she sounded genuinely excited

"Never" I mumbled and took a sip of milk. "He asked me to the football game on Saturday but I said no"

"Hannah Elizabeth Winters. You call that boy right now and you tell him you would be more than happy to go on a date with him" she stamped her foot. I swear she's no better than a 2 year old.

"It's not a date. And besides you have your chemo on Saturday. You know you're always so sick those days. I'd rather be here with you."

Her expression softened as she wrapped her arms around me once more. "Sweetie I love you. You are incredibly caring but you need to stop worrying about me. What happens when I'm not here" She gently stroked my hair.

"Don't talk like that.."

"Promise me you'll go out with that boy." she gave me a quick hug before continuing to cook.

"I promise, mom"

*****

"Nean what am I supposed to do? I know for a fact that my mom can't take care of herself when she's getting chemo but she wants me to see Niall." I popped a French fry into my mouth. Jeanine and I had decided to go to the mall to clear my head.

"Hannah your mom knows what she can and can't handle. lf she says she can take care of herself so you can go on a date then you should go. I love you but you worry too much"

Sheesh everyone makes me out to be such a worry wart but they don't worry enough. I though to myself. I decided Jeanine just didn't understand. Sure, she'd been for there me my whole life but her mom was perfectly healthy. She didn't have to worry about constant hospital trips instead of boys. She knew I was lost in thought because she broke the silence.

"Have you heard from your dad?" She stared at her plate. She knew that was just as a sore subject as my mom "Does he know?"

"No and he's not going to" My dad had left us after the second time mom was diagnosed. He said he couldn't handle it. The truth was he was sleeping with our neighbor. None of us have spoken to him since. Silence fell between us once again.

"C'mon there's a sale at Forever 21, and you need a new outfit for your date"

“I’m not going” I insisted. Jeanine only rolled her eyes.

“Fine. But you need the retail therapy anyway. Let’s go” She popped up from her chair and practically ran for the store. She was right though. With the emotional roller coaster of a week I’ve had I did need it… and it was only Wednesday.