Like Strawberry Wine (completed)

15.

Scarlett
It's been nice with Bucky again and it's like old times. We've been bowling, eating at the diner and seeing movies. Everything we used to do.

It was nearing my birthday and Bucky's hair was starting to get longer and I loved it. I loved running my hands through it.

I loved how he cuddled into me when I did play with his hair.

"Hey, I've been thinking". I said getting his attention.

"About what doll?"

"We should be official again".

"Really?"

"Yeah, I missed that most, calling you mine and you calling me yours.".

"I've missed that too".

I kissed him sweetly and he pressed his forehead against mine.

"We should probably get out of bed and I need to head home. It's Sunday. I have church and dinner with the family tonight".

"Sweetheart, can't you at least skip church. I'd rather have you in my bed as long as I can. Kissing and cuddling you".

"You know my folks would kill me if I missed church."

"I know doll".

"I'll see you tommorow okay?"

I kissed him and he kissed me back.

"Alright doll. Text me when you get home".

"I will".

I grabbed my purse and I kissed him once more and I locked the house door on my way out. I got into my truck and backed out of the drive way.

I waved to the people on my way home and as I pull up I see an ambulance. I quickly turn the truck off and I run inside the house.

"What happened?"

"You're mother just passed out", said my dad.

The paramedics pick her up on the stretcher and put her in the ambulance. My dad is in his truck and drives to the hospital.

I grab my phone and call Bucky already crying and shaking.

"Doll, are you okay?"

"My m-mom went to the hospital. My dad found her passed out on the floor in the kitchen".

"Fuck, baby. I'll be over there with Steve okay."

"Alright".

"Will you watch the kids Scar?" Asked my brother Scott.

"Yeah Bucky and Steve are coming over".

"Alright. We'll let you know okay".

Then my brothers and wives left and it was me and the kids.

I put on some kiddie program for them to watch while I made them food. I heard the screen door open and I look up and see Steve and Bucky and I turn the stove top off and Steve hugs me.

"I'll feed them okay Scar. I'm so sorry. I really good she's okay", says Steve taking bowls for the kids's Mac and cheese.

Me and Bucky walk outside and we sit on the edge of the porch facing the barn.

He takes me into his arms and I cry against his chest.

"I'm so sorry baby doll."

"Stay with me tonight. I don't think I can be here with just the kids. They don't really even know what's going on. They just know their grandma isn't feeling good".

"Course doll. I'll stay as long as you what me to".

"I wish you were staying in my bed on better terms".

"Me too sweetheart".

"Let's go in and I guess watch a movie with the kids".

"I don't know what I'd do without her".

"I know sweetheart".

We went inside and Steve was on the couch and the kids were quiet. We sat next to Steve and I laid my head on Bucky's shoulder and I closed my eyes.

I heard the house phone ring and I got up to answer it.

"How's mom?"

"Scarlett, mom's got cancer. And it's stage 4".

"What's she have?"

"Liver cancer".

"Can we get her chemo?"

"The doctor said it probably won't help".

"Can we at least try?"

"We're going to ask mom when she wakes up. We'll talk later okay".

"Alright".

I hung the phone up and slid down the wall.

Cancer. Stage 4. My mom was going to die and soon. Fuck.

"Fuck". I scream and I feel Bucky pick me up.

"My mom's got stage 4 liver cancer".

"I'm sorry. I wish I could do something".

"We need to get the kids to bed".

"Me and Steve will do that. Okay? You just head upstairs".

"Okay".

I walk upstairs and lay in bed and before long I see Bucky and he kisses my forehead.

"I'll run you a bath okay?"

"Okay".

I wait while he makes me a bath.

"Doll, it's ready".

"Join me?"

"Are you sure doll?"

"Yes".

"Okay".

Bucky gets in first and then me and I breathe a sigh of relief. Bucky being here helps a lot. I lay back against his chest and he kisses my shoulders.

"I'll always be here Scarlett. I'm not leaving you again".

"I love you James Buchanan Barnes."

"I love you too Scarlett Rosie Harrison".

I turned in his arms and he kissed me.

"I'll always love you doll".

"Me too".

I ran my hands through his hair and he pressed me against him harder.

"Scarlett, I know this isn't the right time but-".

"It's okay Bucky. I need you too. It's been way too long".