Unique

Pepper

*Sanji*

"I think I made some real progress with her Mother." I chatter happily to my mom as I unpack her breakfast from my insulated bag, "After our moment on the rooftop a few days ago, she has been texting me on and off. It hasn't been anything serious, mostly cute cat photos and asking how my day is, but progress none the less."

I didn't get to visit my mother as much as I would like but when I was able too, we sat and caught up for hours.

Hours that were filled today with me yammering about Rosaline.

"You seem very fond of her dear." The beautiful blonde smiles as she drapes her thin legs off the side of her bed.

"Wait I'll help you." I urge mildly panicking, putting down the covered Pyrex container.

I hover over her thin fame holding out a hand to help her up. She sighs and gives me a weary smile, "Honey you need to let me do some things by myself."

I recoil and bite the inside of my cheek.

I wanted to help her as much as I could but if I didn't let her do things herself, she would grow weaker and be stripped of her dignity.

A boney hand ghosts my cheek, "Don't hang your head. I know you are just trying to be a perfect gentleman." She pulls me closer and kisses my forehead, "But I am a stubborn old lady."

My mom winks a sapphire eye shut before she shakily gets up and uses her walker to make her way to her recliner by the window.

I give myself a private smile.

Strongest woman I will ever know.

I dish her food out on a clean white plate before I serve it to her.

"For breakfast today with have an apple risotto with a side of turkey bacon." I present to, her setting it down on her rolling table with a set of silverware wrapped in a ruby napkin.

My mother's eyes sparkle as she looks at the plate, "This smells absolutely amazing Sanji!"

The frail woman wastes no time and takes a bite. Her pale cheeks become rosy from the pleasurable tastes, "This is so delicious! It is so nice to taste something rather than the bland food they serve here."

My heart breaks from the statement.

The hospital food actually wasn't that awful. My mom lost most of her sense of taste and smell from various cancer treatments.

I already had to add a mound of extra spices to my meals for her to taste anything. I wasn't even sure if the food tasted good at this point.

My mom blissfully ate it regardless. That was enough for me.

"So, what are your intentions with your new friend Rosaline?" My mom asks chuckling to what seemed like her own private joke.

I raise a questioning eyebrow but she just waves me off.

I sit on the navy couch next to her and run a hand through my hair, "It was hard not to be enamored by her when we first met. She is just so gorgeous mother. I have never seen such a porcelain beauty."

I bite my thumb and think about tears streaming down her pearl cheeks, "But there is more to it than that. There is something haunting her and something deep down pulling me toward her. I feel like it was fated for me to become her friend and help her."