Happiness Doesn't Wait

Blake

I excitedly go to my mother's hospital room to give her the big news.

I was going to tell her a few days ago, but last week was one of those hard weeks for her. Yet, when I called her today in the morning she seemed better. On Thanksgiving night, I decided to make her a special dinner once we closed the restaurant early. She didn't eat much, but at least she smiled. By the time she fell asleep, I packed what was left over and went over to Abi's place. She told me that she was going to be alone because her sister was working late. The moment she saw me, her face brighten up; especially with the smell of my food. Their smiles were enough for me on Thanksgiving.

Apart from that, I went to this WIC meeting with Abi. I thought this was to see my baby, but it was only to talk about the mother and the way she needs to eat. Abi and I were surprised at a few facts we learned on that day. Especially when the lady said to Abi that sometimes her hunger pangs can just be mistaken with dehydration.

"What?!" Abi said with wide eyes. "So you're saying I'm not really hungry? I'm just thirsty?"

The lady nodded at her. "That's right. Do you work?"

"Yes," Abi responded to her. "I'm a waitress."

"Oof. Then those kinds of jobs is when you have to stay very hydrated. Try to take it easy if you want to continue on working. But if you can, maybe it's better if you quit your job for now."

Abi's eyes showed a hint of sadness and she just gave her a small smile. "Thank you. So when do I know when it's hunger or not?" They continued talking, but my mind raced at a way I can help her out so she doesn't make it so hard on herself.

Once we stepped out with the coupons for her grocery list, I said, "I think you should quit. I'll take care of the place and help you with your debts--"

"No," Abi said to me. Her soft face firm as she said, "Don't. I can do it. I know you want to help, but I will not just sit down and do nothing."

"But you're not sitting down and doing nothing," I said with a gentle chuckle. "You're literally growing a baby inside of you."

"No, Blake," she said as she started towards her car again. "We are going to do this together. Plus. You have your mother to worry about. It's enough with her and I'll take care of my college debts."

"But--"

"Blake." I stopped by her car door and she sighed when she saw my worry. She came to give me a soft kiss and smiled sweetly at me. "Thank you for worrying, but I'm going to be okay. We're going to be okay. Trust me. If I find myself in a situation where I'm going to need your help, I will tell you."

"Promise?" I said as I pointed a finger at her and raised my brows. Abi crossed her heart and playfully said, "Pinky promise." Then I pulled her closer and gave her a long kiss.

She's right about one thing. I am worrying about my mother. Not because of all those medical bills, but by the way she slowly seems to degenerate. I shiver whenever I see her walk become more wobbly. She has a cane now and she barely likes to stand. I have to keep on pushing her to go on a walk with me, but she uses the excuse that I'm too tired from work to stay put. I don't know what else to do. But I hope that the news will give her an urge to run up to Abi.

I do a soft knock before entering and walk in to see her reading a book. She has her reading glasses on and she looks up with a smile. "I thought you were the nurse," she says playfully. "I was going to tell her that I beat her at reading chapter ten already."

"What are you reading, mom?" I sit by her side and look over at the book cover.

"Oh. Just a book I found the last time I was home. You will think that I'm so old if I tell you the title."