Those Who Wait

Part IV

Jo was nervous when she arrived at the hospital. She just found out that her mother had been sick for a while and kept it a secret from Jo, but now it was time for the truth and Jo felt like crying. All of a sudden, the thought of losing her mom was too much to bear. Jay felt the uneasiness of his usually stoic friend and put his hand on her shoulder

-"Hey calm down girl it's ok, you're not alone."-Jay was nearly whispering but Jo heard him clearly.

-"Am I that transparent?"- This made Jay smile.

-"No, but I can say that I am one of few people who knows you so well."-

-"Have you seen her recently?"- Asked Jo, with unshed tears in her eyes.

-"Of course, honey, I come here every day to keep her company. She is very thin Jo, and she's always tired. But her mind is clear, she can talk to you about anything and her sense of humor is still intact, my friend. You're going to be teased about almost anything you can imagine, I don't know why but since she's been in here she speaks her mind, no matter what it is or how it sounds. Get ready for no filter Beth."- He said with a chuckle.

They had stopped in front of the room, Jo felt a little better. She wiped her face, took a deep breath and on the count of three she entered the room. The sight that greeted her, broke her heart; her mom was just skin and bones. Her breathing was like she had the weight of the world bearing down on her chest. Jo approached the bed and gently passed her fingers through the few hairs that were still on her mother's head. Beth felt the touch and opened her eyes to see the beautiful sight she'd been dreaming of, her daughter was with her.

-"Hey sweet pea, I've missed you."- Beth greeted her only daughter

With voice thick from emotion Jo said;-"Same here mom, how are you feeling?"-

-"Now that I have my favorite daughter here with me, I'm just peachy."- A soft smile graced Beth's face.

–"I'm your ONLY daughter mom."- Jo couldn't help but laugh, it was a common joke between them.

-"How did you got here?"-

-"Jay brought me, he's outside you want me to ask him in?"-She was looking for an excuse to go out of the room if only for a minute to regain her composure. She felt like screaming but she had to be strong for her mother, crying wasn't allowed right now.

-"No it's ok, we talk every day, I just want to be with you."-That comment made Jo smile.

"Ok then, you've got me until you're tired because I don't plan on moving from this room until you throw me out yourself."

-"We have so much to talk about, sweet pea. I didn't want you to come here, but I am not allowed to fly anymore. How are things in Dallas?"- Beth was finding it hard to breathe and talk, but she needed to say so much to her daughter.

-"Everything is fine, mom. I have many clients now and as you know, I can work from almost anywhere as long as I have my laptop. Back at the house I've finished the new cabinets for the kitchen at long last and they're great."- She tried to sound enthusiastic.

-"And what happened to that sweet little girl you had living with you the last time I was there?"- Beth smiled at the surprised look on her little girl's face.

-"Who? I don't know what you're talking about."- Jo was surprised.

-" Honey, I'm talking about your girlfriend, the short girl with blonde hair and green eyes that was living with you."- Beth was laughing inside and if her health condition had allowed it she would have laughed on the outside as well. The look on Jo's face was so funny.