Max

Chapter 9

 "Mom, for the last time, I don't want anything for Christmas," James asserted. It was about two weeks before Christmas, and Mom was decorating the hospital room with tinsel and garland. I rolled my eyes.

"Oh, why not? I'm sure we can afford it."

"It just doesn't feel the same having Christmas with a parasite growing in my brain." I laughed a little, until Mom glared at me and ushered me to stop. James didn't mind, though, we called his tumor "the parasite" all the time.

After a brief argument, Doctor Parker walked into the room. "Hey, James, I have some word on the parasite."

"See?" James glanced at Mom, who folded her arms across her chest. "What's up, Doc?"

"Well, it isn't what you want to hear, especially around Christmas, but--"

"The radiation isn't working, isn't it?" I interjected fearfully.

"Well... yes. I want to avoid surgery, so I'm suggesting chemotherapy." Doctor Parker sat down next to me. "I know I'm ruining Christmas, but it's our best option."

"Oh, don't worry, Christmas hasn't even begun," James scoffed. "I'll take the chemo, I need a haircut anyway."

"James, how many times have I told you not to joke about this?" Mom scolded. "Thank you, Doctor Parker." He nodded and left the room.

"God, every day you act more and more like Sidney," I laughed. James didn't answer me. I looked at him, and he wasn't even smiling. "I'm so sorry, Jamie, I didn't mean to--"

"You're good, Max. I just need to be left alone for a while."

"It's getting late, James, we should probably go home," Mom sighed. "It's a school night." I sighed and grabbed my jacket, giving James a hug.

"See you tomorrow," I told him. He nodded solemnly at me as I walked out of the room.

"Chemotherapy? Really?" Sidney quaked. I was in my bedroom talking to him on the phone. "I thought he was getting radiation."

"He was, it isn't working," I replied. "He really isn't the same, Sid, he can barely see anymore." I shuddered when I truly understood what those words meant.

I heard a sigh on the other line, then a pause. "I know he's getting worse, Max. I do." I didn't say anything. "But please don't lose hope, okay? At least it's not surgery." I could hear his voice shaking.

"I won't, I could never give up on him," I insisted. "Thanks for being here for us, Sidney."

"Are you kidding? I love you, and I'm always gonna be here for you." I smiled.

We talked for a little while longer, then I drifted off into sleep. I started dreaming, but it didn't feel like a dream. It was more of a flashback, a memory in the back of my mind.

Dad and I were driving home my sophomore dance, talking to each other about baseball and other things. He brought up gender after a couple of minutes on the road. Our house was pretty far from the school. "So, when are you gonna tell Mom?" he asked.

"Soon," I laughed. Dad always brought it up when she wasn't around. "I'm waiting for a good moment."

"You know I only ask because I want you to be happy, Max." He had a serious expression on his face. "It took you ages to convince Mom to buy you that suit."

"Yeah, I know," I agreed. "Will you help me tell her?"

He kissed my forehead, then looked back at the road. "Of course, kiddo, I'd be happy to." I grinned happily and looked out at the road. The streetlights illuminated the dark pavement in the night. I felt content looking up at the stars in the quiet car. I started to drift off, when I heard Dad yelling at me to wake up.