Forever Yours

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

The time I had to spend with my mother wasn't as long as I wanted it to be, but I knew even the day she first got here that she had to go back to my dad sooner or later. I had a lot of fun with her though, she even let me miss one day of school just to get more time together. Of course I argued that I hate ditching school but she won me over with the argument that she's my mother and ultimately is in charge of me. Somewhat. I really don't want to face Zoey again, but I know I can't run from my problems forever.

But now, it's time for her to go back to California, which is so far away. We're currently at the airport waiting for her flight to be called and if the person I'm here for is anyone other than my mother, I wouldn't be up this early.

"Braska, have you found a job yet?" Mom asks, holding a sleepy Jason close to her chest.

I totally forgot about that. "No, but-"

She sighs and checks her phone. "Maybe I can move my flight to a later date. At least until I'm sure you have a clear footing on-"

"Mom," I interrupt, "you don't have to worry about it. Besides, with Dad's medication and everything else...you need the money and to get that money you need to get back as soon as possible. The hospitals in California pays so much better than the ones here and I'd rather you get the money as soon as possible so we can pay for the chemo and all that."

Mom gives me a sad smile in return. "Honey, the doctors are saying that there's not a high chance of him getting better. He's not responding as well as they want to the chemo and they're saying he might not even..." Her voice starts cracking towards the end until she eventually breaks out, quietly letting a steady flow of tears run from her eyes.

Seeing her cry makes me want to sob so I give her a tight hug, making sure to not wake the sleeping child in her arms. "Mom, the medication will work, I promise. Slowly but surely he's getting better. You're his biggest rock and he needs you there. I want to do my part by getting the money to pay for Jason and myself."

"But what kind of a mother am I for doing that to do?" she argues. "I can't ask my daughter to fend for herself, not when I can help her! And honey, you don't even have a job right now. My first priority is always you two. Maybe I can make arrangements to have you guys stay over at Haley's-"

"No!" I cut off, aware of her family life. Haley confided in me earlier this week about problems that goes on in her house, making me regret the picture perfect photo I initially envisioned about her family.

Before Mom could say anything, the boarding for Flight 217 gets announced. She sniffles her tears and hands Jason over to me while I help her with the luggage and bags. "Promise to call me at least five times a day? If you call less than that, I will call Cassandra and-"

"Mom, calm down. You're going to miss your flight," I tell her. We exchange last goodbyes before she boards her plane and I sit back down on the seat, rubbing Jason's head.

***

"Where's Mommy?" Jason asks, tiredly rubbing his eyes. Thankfully he slept through my shower since I left him on my bed. My room is closest to the hall bathroom, which is where I decided to shower.

"She had to go back to Dad," I reply, brushing my hair.

"How come she never takes us?" he curiously asks, grabbing a book from my bookshelf.

Because she doesn't want you seeing Dad as he is now, hollow and half dead. "Because she doesn't want us to miss out on our schoolwork," I answer.

He grins up at me and stretches his tiny arms. "It's Sunday right?" he asks, and I nod in response. "So what are you doing today?"