Taking Chances

13. Serious

Hair drying in its natural waves with the bangs drying to the side and a fresh face, Stevie was redressed in, all in black; some wide legged yoga pants---a fitted, regular black long sleeved blouse that was just a tad sheer that the definition between her skin and bra were prominent, but she was getting ready to cover up with a zip-up sweatshirt.

In the process of putting her tennis back on, there was a ring from the doorbell.

Creasing her brows, she set her shoes to the side and she walked on the balls of her feet, a natural form for her since she wore high heels so often. Opening the door, she rose her brows lightly. "Oh, Ben," she smiled brightly, unsure of how to react.

"Hi," he smiled, really taken by her natural beauty---it was different than her made up self, though just as gorgeous.

"Hey..." she lingered, mostly surprised that he was there.

He was dressed quite casual than usual; a crisp work button down tucked into jeans and simple sneakers.

"I just um," he scratched the back of his head nervously. "I was just coming by to check on you and see... if you needed anything?" he lingered. "I'm not bothering you, am I?" taking notice of how her hair was damp.

"No, not at all... I'm sorry, come in," she shook her head as she stepped aside. "I was just getting ready to go, but I'm also waiting for my kids to pick something to eat," she chuckled, shaking her head.

"I could come back," he mentioned. "I just wanted to make sure you were good and see how your mother was."

"I appreciate it and you're fine... I was getting ready to make another cup of coffee as well. Can I offer you anything?" she asked as she took a seat to slide her dainty feet into the slightly platformed tennis shoes.

"Uh, sure... Whatever you're having---I don't want to be of trouble," he dusted it off.

"Don't apologize, I really appreciate your coming by," she stood up to make her way to the kitchen. "You can sit wherever you'd like," she mentioned.

He followed her into the kitchen and he took a seat at the small table for two since he could see what she was doing and talk to her without shouting. "So, how was your mother doing?"

"Um, she had a small stroke, so they have her in a coma induced sleep. She's expected to wake up, but it really depends on her when that will be."

"Oh... I'm sorry to hear that."

"It's alright," she came forward with a ceramic mug and she went into the fridge for the pitcher of cream and the sugar from the cabinet. "My daughter's taking it really hard," she didn't mean to add.

"I bet... How about your son?"

"He's holding it together better... Maybe it's 'cause he's younger, maybe it's 'cause his dad's here..." she shrugged. "He's a tough boy---always has been. But I know it's bothering him that he can't do anything. He spends the most time with his grandmother and they're little soulmates," she grinned.

"I get it, grandchildren and grandparents are so bonded, almost more than a child and a parent," he explained.

"It's a parent's greatest creation making their greatest creation," she added. "I think it's pride of accomplishment and just pure love."

"Right... My grandparents raised me," he simply replied. "I didn't spend a lot of my time with my parents."

"Wow," she nodded. "But I get it, I adored my granddad---I didn't see my grandmother as often mostly because they were divorced. But my mother's father was like my best friend and he taught me how to sing," she smiled mindlessly as she scooped a couple teaspoons of sugar into her coffee.