Unprivileged

Chapter 7.

In front of the hospital's big entrance I stand watching Ace's bicycle disappear around the corner, and sigh. I kind of wish he hanged around with me a little bit more, but no, that awkwardness of his is unbearable, and even contagious sometimes. I had to nope out of it.

There must be a way I can show him that the world is not so scary after all. Out there isn't all that bad, I know that for a fact, and I'm determined to teach him a lesson about it.

Ace has to know.

I let out an exaggerated sigh and make my way back inside. Before heading to my mum's room, I ask a receptionist if it's okay to use the telephone. 

"Do you have a relative here?"

"Yes. My mother."

"You are welcome to use the one in her room."

"I kind of want to have a private conversation, if that's okay."

"Oh, sure, then. You can use this one."

 I dial Rose's number. She answers right away.

"Carrie?"

"Yeah, it's me."

"How is she?"

"Better. Do you want to come and see..?"

"Yes yes yes. Is she awake?"

"Of course she's not. Why would I be asking you to come if she's awake?"

"Right. Okay. I'm coming."

"Okay. And Rose, before you hang up, there's a book that I left somewhere in the house, if you could find it and bring it to me I'd be grateful."

"What's it called?"

"The Mayor."

"I still can't comprehend your obsession with books, but fine. I will."

I put the phone back down to its place, ending the phone call, and thank the lovely receptionist for giving me access to use it. 

Rose and mum don't go along very well. Put the two of them together in a closed room and watch the third World War begin. Things don't tend to work out between them because Rose is reckless and insurgent while on the other hand mum is overprotective and bossy. It all started when Rose broke down to the family the fact that she wanted to become a singer. She had a punk rock band and everything was sorted out until mum disapproved and stood her in the way. Then Rose got all brave and rebellious and moved out of the house. A little while afterwards my parents started to fight, but that's another story for another time. I kept in contact with Rose because I could still see that slight string of hope that maybe one day my family would come back together. I'm never giving up on any of them. I'm their hope, and I will bind them together sooner or later, no matter what it will take.

Rose arrives in a little while. She finds me waiting for her by the door.

"Is she there?"

"Yeah."

"Okay.."

"Wait a second..where's Grace?"

"I left her with Tony."

"Really? Are you serious? You left a four year old girl with your hardcore druggy emo boyfriend?"

"She's fine. And Tony is not an emo. We're punk rock."

"Yeah right."

Rose's visit at the hospital did not last more than ten minutes. She stood over mum and looked at her. Didn't sit. Didn't say a word. Didn't even touch her nor hold her hand. From where I was sitting I could see her eyes twinkle with tears but she blinked them away quickly before they could fall. I told myself that she just did not want her heavy hardcore eyeliner to smudge.