AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You don’t like seeing your mother?” she asks.
“I’ve got a big operation to do today. It’s the most important operation of my life.”
“That’s good news,” Mother replies. “That will definitely help your career.”
“It isn’t good news, Mother. A boy’s life is on the line. A boy I’ve grown fond of. Life and death aren’t good news for my career, it’s what I have to do.”
“Well, take your mind off that Tucker girl.”
I sigh.
“I want you to leave, Mother.”
“I’ve only just arrived,” she replies casually. “We could get breakfast together before your big operation.”
“If you’re not going to let me live my life, then you can go,” I say.
“Come on, August. Don’t be so petulant.”
I point at the parked helicopter.
“Leave, Mother. Now.”
69
EMMA
Diana opens the door before I even get the chance to knock. She’s been waiting for me to arrive ever since I sent her the text message on the train over here to her place.
“Hello Diana,” I say with every reserve of strength I have remaining. “Thanks for letting me come over with such short notice. I bet you’re busy running around getting ready for the day.”
“Come in, Emma,” she says with a sympathetic voice. “We’re never too busy for you.”
I walk into her apartment. Faith is sitting at the small kitchen table, eating her breakfast and simultaneously packing for school. She glances up at me with her cheeky little smile. How can I not smile back, even when I’m feeling like total shit?
“Hello, Faith.”
“Hi, Emma.”
Diana rubs my back and points at the couch.
“Please take a seat, Emma, and make yourself comfortable. Just ignore us getting set up for the day.”
I do so with a sigh.
“Sorry to barge in like this,” I whisper. “I really don’t want to spoil your morning.”
“Not at all,” Diana replies, taking a seat beside me on the couch.
“I just need some support,” I whisper.
“We always love having you here, Emma, you know that. Please tell me what’s wrong. Your message was pretty rushed, and I don’t think I fully understand what you were trying to say.”
Before I can speak, I’m tapped on the shoulder by Faith, who offers me a mug of coffee. It’s such a kind gesture that it makes me want to cry. I thank her with a kiss on her cheek and take a sip. It’s much better coffee than the crap they have at the hospital.
And then I turn back to Diana.
And I tell hereverything.
