The Only Hope | Captain America

Chapter Seven : All You Need Is Love

 Being out of your profession has its perks. Every passing day, Sean longed for a time where he can grab his camera and notebook just so he can write a story. There he was, instead at work, he was grabbing groceries for himself. He didn't mind the break though. Throughout the days, he felt peaceful with himself. Of course, the break worried him; Grace might steal his top spot in the office. He hated the thought as it constantly drills into his mind. But, there was nothing Sean could do. He loved his mother and she was the only thing he loved more than his job.

 As he gathered all the food and snacks he needed, his phone vibrated in his pocket. Before answering, he checked the caller ID, seeing it to be a number he knew fairly well.

 "Hello?"

 "Hi, is this Sean Ross? Son of Rebecca Ross?"

 As they mentioned his mother's name, Sean's heart skipped a beat. He took in a deep breath before answering.

 "Yes. This is Sean."

 "Your mother is in critical condition right now, and was sent to the emergency room."

 Right in that moment, Sean dropped everything he had gathered and ran out the door. He didn't care about the groceries and the mess he had made, his mother was dying without him by her side. After he hanged up on the call, he bolted to his car. His mind and heart racing, to beat the clock his mother had left. It didn't make any sense to him, he knew his mother was doing fine since the last visit he had with her. The doctor predicted two weeks' time for her last days, why now?

 The hospital was only about fifteen minutes away as he drove. Sean wasn't the guy who prayed daily or went to church, but something in him urged him to pray.  But the thought seemed to fade as he arrived at the hospital. All that matter now that his mother was dying and Sean may not see her take her last breath. The receptionist at the hospital knew Sean well due to his frequent checkups with his mother. Memories of his mother replayed in his head, before she was diagnosed, Sean's mother was a cheery woman. The woman devoted her time in helping Sean in his school work, always attended his award ceremonies, and was always there for a shoulder to cry on. She was always there for Sean and supported him in his decisions and actions.

 As he reached the emergency room entrance, the doctors knew instantly he was looking for her.

 "I need to see my mom." Sean urged.

 The doctors blocked his way, trying their best to keep him away from the room. From the tone of their voices, Sean knew something wasn't right. As they continued to block his way, another doctor appeared through the doors. He motioned the other doctors to stop what they were doing and to step away from Sean. Then, the man loosened his surgical mask and cleared his throat. Sean was dreading the moment that this doctor was going to tell him the words he never wanted to hear.

 "Sean, your mother... lost her battle to cancer. I've been told that she was expected to live about two weeks more, since then the cancer grew worse and nearly took over her body. I'm sorry for your loss, time of death, 10:44 PM."

 Sean couldn't believe it; he was stunned by the fact that his mother was gone. The doctor gave him a light tap on the shoulder before walking away with the others. His eyes started to swell with uncontrollable tears as he walked around the area. Sean never liked crying, he thought the motion made him look weak or pathetic. This was the first time; Sean had ever shed a tear. He banged his fists against the wall as more and more memories of his mother came into mind. He was going to be alone, no one else but him. His mother was all he had in life. He remembered his mother's words about finding a woman to spend his time with. But to Sean, his mother was the woman he wanted to spend his life with. She was only one who understood his actions and decisions, the one who knew the real Sean Ross.

 At that time, Sean wanted comfort, he wanted someone to hold him close and let him pour out his tears and emotions. But, who could he turn to? The boy didn't have many friends around the city, and none of them wouldn't be available at this time. He was desperate, needed to feel comforted and loved by someone. A name came into mind as he walked out the hospital doors. It was risky choice, but Sean decided to take it. He wanted the comfort and was willing to do anything for it. To him, the decision of seeing this person was a life or death situation.

 As he drove, he grew nervous and scared. What if this person refuses to speak to him? Who would go to next if this person fails? It didn't matter; Sean wanted to show this person the real Sean, something that's been hidden away for a while. As he arrived at the place, he took in a deep breath. He looked at his car rearview mirror to check if his eyes were puffy and red. None of that mattered; this person would see what Sean was like. With a light knock on the door, he waited patiently for the response.

 The door opened, revealing Grace's little sister, Carly. She waved and smiled brightly before running off to get Grace. She then returned, along with Grace, he saw her angry expression as soon as her eye was on him. To remove the negativity between the two, Sean flashed a smile. That didn't seem to help; Grace rolled her eyes in response before speaking.

 "What are you doing here? I haven't seen you at all at work these days."

 His heart started to beat rapidly as he opened his mouth to respond.

 "I've been out of work to care for my sick mother. She's been diagnosed with stomach cancer and just died today."

 At the moment, Sean's eyes started to swell with tears again. Grace was taken aback by his comment. Her fiery mood faded and was replaced by a sincere and kind smile. Something Sean never seen from Grace. She reached out and pulled him close to her, then wrapped her arms around him. He felt the heat of her body colliding against him as she held him close. His body felt weak but comforted as he hid his face against her hair. He felt the tears flow through and pour onto her shirt. Grace did something Sean needed for a while now, ever since his mother was diagnosed with cancer.

 A hug. 

A/N : Kay guises , you guys are the best . Thank you for liking that horrible chapter I wrote two days ago , Here I reward you guys with a much better chapter , How you liking it ? Sean & Grace ? Hm , could be a match . . (: