Hard to Love

XII

Olive's pov

We ran all the way to the car. Once we got in the car River looked over at me astonished, I looked back at him and started laughing. Why you may ask? I don't even know why. Soon River joined in and we laughed until our stomachs were hurting.

"That was psychotic!" He laughed as he leaned his head back and sucked in a breath.
"I know." I laughed out as I looked back at the building. I stared at it for a few seconds before I started crying. "Hey hey! What's wrong?" River asked me as he faced me and turned my head to him. "I-I don't know." I cried out as I started wiping the tears off my cheeks. "Let's get you home." River comforted as he turned his car on.

•••

Once we got to the house River ran over to my side and opened the door for me helping me out.

Mentally Unstable check.

We walked into the house with Rivers arms wrapped around my shoulders as support.  "How it go?" Ainsley asked as she walked over to the door. River simply nodded as we walked up the stairs and to my room. He helped me to my bed. "Thank you." I mumbled as I pulled my knees to my chest.

"Dinner is suppose to be in a few minutes be sure you come down." She told me as he gave me a small smile. He closed the door as he left my room leaving me alone. I hug my knees closer to my chest trying to push out all the negative thoughts.

But I couldn't help but allow all the negativity to flood my mind. I remember his hands on my skin and the words as they left his mouth. I cringe as I remember the look on his face as he approached me. Come on Olive, think positive.

Mom! Think about your mom, and her getting better. Think about her.

River.

No. Mom. Not River think about mom. Soon we can go see her and see that she's getting better.I release my knees and allow myself to fall back on my bed. I let out a heavy sigh as I allow all the thoughts to flood my head. I hear a light knock on my door and then the door handle turns.

I sit up on my elbows as I look to see who it is, David gives me a small smile as he tells me dinner is ready. I nod as he turns to leave. I pull myself out of bed and grab my phone tucking it away in my back pocket.

I head out my room and down the stairs. Everyone turns their heads to me and they all give me their best, I'm sorry that this is happening to you, smile. I take a seat at the table and put my phone on the table next to my plate. Looking up to see River looking at me. He gives me a smile which I return.
He mimicked a punch which made me laugh.

Ainsley walked over to the table with a pan of  lasagna and a bowl of salad. "Bon appétit!" She smiled as she sat the food down. Everyone started to pass the food around taking what they wanted.

We were all talking and laughing, enjoying our food when my phone rang. I looked down and the number was unknown, my eyebrows furrowed together as I sat my napkin onto the table. "Let me take this real quick." I announced as I grabbed my phone and stood up walking over to the kitchen island. I pushed the accept button and brought the phone to my ear. Everyone went silent as they allowed me to hear who was on the other side.

"Hello, this is Serenity General Hospital is this Olive Quinn?" The receptionist asks from the other end of the line.

"Y-yes?" I choke out afraid of the news that comes next. That one word got every one at the tables attention, concerned looks on their face.

"What is this call about?" I ask as I start to play with the neck of my shirt.

"Let me get the doctor to talk to you." She said in a low voice as the line went quiet for a few seconds.

"Who is it?" Ainsley asked.

"The hospital." I answered quickly as I grasped the counter for support as I try to think positive.

"Hello Olive, this is Dr. Perriman, your mothers doctor." The Doctor on the opposite line told me.

"Okay.. what is wrong with my mom?" I asked barely upon a whisper.

"Miss Quinn, I regret to inform you but since your mom was an terminal case from the start and we knew that there wasn't a guaranteed chance to save her-"

"No." I sobbed out but the doctor continued,
"Woe still did all we could to give her a higher chance to live. At 7:46 pm Elizabeth Quinn passed away from HLH cancer. I am so-"

I dropped my phone and my hand went over my mouth to contain my sobs as I fell to the ground. Before I even touched the ground someone grabbed me and went to the ground with me comforting me. I gripped the persons shirt as I sobbed into them soaking their shirt.

She's really gone.

  "Hey, it's okay." I hear Rivers voice whisper. "What happened?" He asked as he lowered his head to hear me clearer. "M-my mother is de-" I tried to tell him but couldn't through the sobs.

River's pov

She dropped her phone as quickly as her hand went over her mouth and she began to fall. Me and Ainsley stood up but I was quicker as I ran around the table and grabbed her before she could fall. I lowered her down along with me as I held her. She griped my shirt and sobbed.

It hurt me to see her like this. This is the worst I have ever seen her. I rub her back in a soothing manner as she sobs even more. I look over at Ainsley as she hurries to pick up Olives phone. She places it her ear and walks away. I can hear her asking questions through the phone, I watch her as she too covers her mouth and tries not to cry.

  "Hey, it's okay." I tell her as I ask her the next question, "What happened?" I lowered my head to hear her as she spoke barely above a whisper. "M-my mother is de-" She doesn't finish the sentence as she begins to sob harder and clinches onto my shirt tighter. She didn't even have to finish the sentence for me to know what happened. I looked at Ainsley who had tears in her eyes.

Olive still in my arms I stood up and walked to the living room. I tried to sit her on the couch but she wouldn't let go, so I sat down and she sat on my lap. I hugged her as she continued to sob and Ainsley explained to everyone else what was going on.

My sweet Olive, my sweet broken Olive, It's gonna be okay. I kiss her head as she continues to sob never releasing me from her grip.

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Word Count: 1245

Special thanks to dreamcrushxr05 for all of the help on this new chapter. I couldn't have done it without you bud. 🤍