The Time of Her Life: Sister's at Heart Book 1

Chapter Twelve: Dinner With the Family

Author's Note: This chapter will be set in Annie's home town, so technically we will skip a week :))) hope nothing gets too confusing!!! Thanks APdreamgirl :P

Annie's POV

I pulled into the familiar driveway, it had been almost a week since i had seen Alex. We talked on the phone regularly, and sent text messages throughout the day, but it was nothing compared to being held or even kissed by him. Becca had helped take my mind off things by keeping me busy shopping, and watching movies. 

I got out of my small car and was immediately enveloped in a hug, my mother squeezed me gently. " I'm so glad your home baby girl," She said smiling at me and taking my bag from the trunk. I followed her into the house that I grew up in, not much had changed I did notice that the kitchen was now yellow instead of blue. 

" How are you feeling?'' She asked as we made our way up the stairs to my old room, I hadn't told any of my family that Alex and I were dating. I didn't want any of them to have hurt feelings, but this was one thing in my life for the moment that I didn't want everyone knowing about. 

" Good I guess, Becca's been great keeping my mind off things," She opened the door to my bedroom, it looked exactly the same. I took my bag from her and started pulling stuff out to put in the dresser, " I don't want you to worry about me mom, I'll be fine." 

She sighed, " Annie no matter how old you get, or where you are, I am your mother I will always worry about you. Besides being ok, how are you feeling about tomorrow?" She was concerned, that much I knew, but I really didn't know what I was feeling tomorrow would not only be the first day in a week that I last seen Alex, but it was also the first day he would be talking about what kind of treatment plan would be best for me. 

" I guess I'm a little anxious, mainly just to get it over with." I folded a pair of shorts and tucked them in my drawer, before facing her. " I might as well get this over with." I knew if I didn't tell her about Alex and I that she would be hurt, I just didn't want anyone saying anything negative about our relationship, not that I thought my mother would but you never know. 

She looked at me expectantly, " Mom Alex and I have kind of been seeing each other." Her face turned to complete surprise, then back to concern. Oh boy here it comes I thought, the lecture about how I shouldn't be dating my Dr. 

" Annie, do you think it's a wise decision to be dating your Dr.?" I sat on the bed beside her, and took her hand. 

" Mom, he's great, and when I'm with him everything feels like it's going to turn out just fine. He understands that I was skeptical at first, and honestly this is just a trial run for us. We want to make sure this is what we both want, and so far it's been great!" I said in a rush. 

" Annie, I just don't want you to get hurt, I hope you don't think I'm being judgemental. I just want what's best for you, I'm sure whatever treatment plans he puts you on will take all your strength. I just want you to fight for your life, not burden yourself with a busy new relationship." For the first time in my life I was actually mad at my mom, and hurt at myself for even telling her. 

" Somewhere deep down inside I knew you would react this way, why can't you just be happy for me? Did it ever occur to anyone that this might actually be a good thing for me? Alex takes my mind off the things that hurt me, it might not always be this way but for now, this is exactly what I need." My voice cracked at the end. 

I wanted to be the strong one, and never let anyone know I was truly scared. It was getting harder each day to pretend everything was ok, but deep down I knew God was taking care of me. I silently prayed for the strength I needed to get through all this, the small tear that I had was trying to hold back fell and my mom grabbed me in close for a hug.