𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 | 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞

Chapter 6

Finn

When Josh said the frat guys were having a party, I was definitely down. Crashing pretty boy parties is always a good time. Plus, it's a good chance for me to make money. Frat boys are some of my best customers. Let's not forget I also get to meet girls—both things that are high on my list.

Before I head out I stop by Mom's house. She sounded like shit when I talked to her on the phone today. I get a knot in my gut every time I think about seeing her and then I feel like a pussy because I'm her son and she's dying. I should be able to handle it better than that. For her.

For some reason, my heart jackhammers when I step inside the apartment. I run a hand through my hair, which annoys the shit out of me. I hate nervous habits like that.

"She's sleeping, Finn," Maggie says from the kitchen.

I make a turn and head toward her.

"How's she doing? How'd her appointment go today?"

Maggie sighs. Her gray hair is tied back in a bun that disappears when she turns to face me.

"They've added another medication. It's stronger to help with the nausea and vomiting. Also more pain meds."

I lean against the table.

"Fuck."

"Do you kiss your mama with that mouth?"
I know she's trying to make me smile, but I can't right now.

"Not in the mood, Maggie."

She walks over to me, a sad look in her dark eyes. I know this is almost as hard on her as it is me. She's the best friend Mom's ever had.

"How much, Maggie?"

"You don't want to know, Finn."

"And the lease is up in two weeks. You know they always raise the rent when it's time to sign a new lease. Hospice will take care of the meds, I'm more worried about rent and bills."

Will she need a new lease? As soon as the thought crosses my mind, I feel like the world's biggest prick. She will. She has to.

"Fuck," I ground out again.

Does it ever stop? Jesus, she's done nothing but try her whole life. She's been there for me, worked her ass off and when she could have easily left me behind like Dad did. She didn't. Not when Dad was in and out of jail. Not when we ate Top Ramen every day.

This is the payment she gets?

"I'll pick up some more hours. Maybe do some odd jobs or something." Maggie touches my hand and I say, "I should have gone. I was wasting my time in a stupid classroom today and I should have been with her."

"You know she wants you in the classroom. You're going to live her dreams and that's what matters to her."

I don't reply to that, but say, "I'm gonna go in and see her."

I make my way to Mom's room. She's lying in bed so still, looking ghost white. My heart drops somewhere to my feet. Holy shit, she looks dead. She can't fucking be dead, can she?

"Didn't anyone ever tell you it's rude to stare?"

Mom's eyes flutter open.

I let out a heavy breath.

"My mom tried to teach me manners, but they didn't stick so well," I tease as I walk into the room.

"Yes they did. You just like to pretend they didn't."

I pull up a chair beside her bed. It's so different when they know you're dying and they can't do anything about it. No hospitals. All there is to do is wait. And medicate. Always medicate.