Opposites Attract - ON HOLD

Chapter 21

"I don't want to see her," said Harley, looking away and out the window.

"But–"

"Didn't you just hear me?" he said in a hiss.

The nurse left the room and Vivian looked at Harley. His jaw was set in a ridged position and his eyes were toward the window with a blank stare. Vivian looked back toward the door when she heard someone come in. She expected to see the nurse again, but instead she saw a small woman with watery eyes.

"Harley?" she said in a shaky voice.

"Why are you here?" he asked in a hushed, but deadly tone.

"Maybe I should leave," said Vivian as she stood up.

"No. Don't," said Harley as he squeezed her hand.

Vivian sat down after seeing she didn't have much of a choice. Harley didn't seem like he wanted to be alone with his mother.

"How are you feeling?" asked his mother as she took a step closer to the bed.

"Like shit. What about you?"

"I'm sobering up."

"Since when?" shot Harley.

"Since last night when I heard the news."

"Who told you?"

"The hospital called when you were having surgery."

"Why didn't you come sooner?"

"Well, I was half–drunk and I couldn't go to the hospital that way."

Harley didn't answer, but kept staring out the window.

"I'm sorry–about everything," she added.

Harley squeezed Vivian's hand harder.

"You're only saying that because I'm hurt. Two weeks from now, it won't make any difference."

His mother kept silent.

"Where's Bob?"

"At work," said his mother quietly.

"You mean you didn't bring him along to finish up the job," said Harley nastily.

"Bob doesn't mean–"

"Doesn't mean to beat up people. Doesn't mean to make life harder than it really is," interrupted Harley.

"Maybe he is a rough person, but he is really sweet."

"When has he ever done anything nice? Can you think of one time, Mom?" said Harley in a raised voice.

"Harley, I love Bob very–"

"Sure you do. What about Dad?"

"Listen, I only came here to check on how you were doing," said his mother in tears.

Harley ignored the pitiful crying noise his mother was making. His eyes were as cold as they were when she walked in.

"You call if you need anything. Okay?" said his mother in sobs.

Harley didn't answer. His mother glanced at Vivian and walked out of the room. Vivian kept quiet, not sure what to say.

"I can't believe her," said Harley with a growl.