Home Away From Home

Chapter 14

Nick and Zack walked in Nick's house. They heard music from the kitchen. They walked in the kitchen to find Valerie swaying her hips back and forth, cooking and singing. Nick smiled and walked up to her. As she turned around she asked,

"So how'd it go with Zack?"

"He won't be causing any trouble any time soon."

"You're like a miracle worker." She was happy to hear that Zack will be safe now.

"What can I say? I have a gift." They both smiled and went to get Zack.

"Zack, let's go. We're going to see Sally." Zack jumped off the couch and ran to the car. Valerie and Nick looked at each other. "I've never seen him that excited."

"My mom has that affect on people."

"Let's go." They drove to the hospital. When they got there, the nurse stopped them.

"Are you Nick Conan?" She asked.

"Yes, is something wrong?"

"They moved your mother to a private room."

"What? I never asked to do that." His body leaned forward in confusion.

"She did. She would like to speak to you, alone. She was moved from the second floor to the third. She's now in room 346."

"Okay, thank you." The nurse nodded and walked away. Nick looked at Valerie.

"Go, we'll wait for you in the cafeteria." Nick nodded and they went their separate ways. Nick walked into his mother's new room.

"Mom?"

"Nick, you're here." Sally smiled.

"Yeah, and what are you doing here?"

"What do you mean? I'm supposed to be in the hospital."

"You know what I mean, mom. Why did you request to move to a private room?"

"Because I get privacy and more help."

"It costs more money." He knew they couldn't afford it.

"So what? I'm paying for it."

"Why? You don't need it."

"Nick. Pull up a chair and sit down." He obeyed. Nick put his hands on Sally's bed. She grabbed one. "I know you don't want to hear this, but I am going to die."

"Mom!" He didn't want to hear that. He can't even watch her lay in the hospital bed without wanting to cry.

"Nick, it's true. I'm not going to lie to you." She was tired of lying to herself as well.

"Don't say these kinds of things!"

"I know Dr. Scott told you."

"He said you might die, not for sure. I'm rooting for the chance of you living. Which is a higher chance than dying! Don't tell me you're going to die; I don't want to hear it!" His mom was going to live, he knew it.

"Well, you're going to. The percentage of me living has decreased. The cancer is spreading, fast." She tried her best to keep her voice strong.

"So you want to waste everything because you're going to die?" His eyebrows scrunched together.

"No, I'm wasting the money I was saving for my trip to Paris. You know I always wanted to go there, and I am using my plane ticket, not yours."

"Mine?" He was in awe.

"You think I'd go without you? If I could, I'd staple your ass to mine." She laughed at her words. "Anyways, back to what I was meaning to say. You love Valerie, right?"

"Of course." He sat up straight, confident of his feelings.

"I mean are you in love with her? It's okay, you can tell me."

"Yes." He blushed.

"Does she know?"

"Yes, and she loves me back, mom. She loves me." His smile was wide.

"Of course she does. Anyway, would you ever want to marry her?"

"In a heartbeat." He didn't hesitate to answer.

"What about at this age?"

"I would love to, but I'm scared Val will think we're too young."

"If I asked you to marry her, would you?"

"Mom.."

"Just yes or no? But it's not just a favor for me, only if you love her and really love her, I want you to do it. It's just that I know I'm dying, and I want to know. Yes or no?"

Valerie and Zack sat at the table, Zack picking his cookie.

"Either you eat it or I throw it out." Valerie said, annoyed.

"It just looks .. weird." He shook his head in disgust.

"It's hospital food, Zack."

"I'd rather play with it." Valerie rolled her eyes. She quickly stood up when she saw Nick.

"How'd it go?" She asked.

"Good. Zack, go see her. I need to talk to Val."

"Okay, what room is she in again?" Zack asked.

"346." Zack nodded and walked to the elevator.

"What's up?" She was curious about what they could possibly talk about.

"Since we know we love each other, but haven't been on one date. Let's go out tonight." He smiled.

"Is that your way of asking me out on a date?" She smirked.

"'I'm sorry. Valerie, will you please do me the honor of going on a date with me?"

"I'd love to, Nick." She blushed as she spoke, amazed that that he could make her feel like that.

"Oh, and will you be my girlfriend?" He took her hands in his.

"Doesn't that happen after a few dates?" She raised her eyebrows.

"Well I'm different. And I know how you are, and I know I love you. So will you?" He hoped that she would say yes, be he knew she would.

"I'd love to, boyfriend." Nick put his hands around her waist and pulled her closer.

"I like the sound of that, girlfriend." He kissed her and finally felt happy that she was officially his.