“But they removed your breast, Mom. They said they got it all.” Tears well in my eyes. Five years ago, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in her right breast. They checked them both, and only the right one had the tumor, so they removed it and all her lymph nodes too. She has been wearing a fake one that she stuffs in her bra ever since. She did chemo then, and they confirmed they had gotten all the cancer.
“I know, honey. Four years ago, it was gone, but we all knew it could come back.”
“Where is it?” I ask, tears streaming down my cheeks.
“In my other breast.” She hesitates for a minute and then says, “They are gonna try to save the breast and do a harsh round of chemo and radiation this time. Hopefully that will kill it all.”
“Are they hopeful?”
She smiles. “Yes, honey, the doctors are hopeful, and so are your dad and me.”
I get out of the car and open her door to give my mom a hug. “I love you, Mom. I’m sorry I get so caught up in me and what I have going on. I should have known you were sick again and should have been there for you.”
She rubs my back. “Nonsense, you are only a senior in high school once in your life. Well, unless you fail miserably and are held back and then you would be a senior again.” She laughs. “But not my straight-A girl.”
Dad and I both laugh. “We’ll see you on the field,” my dad says.
I grab my bag and pompoms from the back seat and head to the field. I think about my mom being sick again, and I feel like a spoiled brat. We were always so close and talked about everything, but I have been so wrapped up in being a senior, cheerleading captain, and hopefully prom queen that I have totally neglected my parents. I will be better from now on. From now on, my mom will need me, and I will make her a priority. Hopefully, my other activities will understand.
The homecoming game was the best. Our guys played better than I’ve ever seen them play, and we killed Barber High thirty-two to nothing. It was really cool walking across the field with my mom and dad. I am so proud of them both and am proud to be their daughter. Mom looked so pretty and my dad as handsome as ever, and they got all dressed up for me. It is truly an honor to be their daughter, and I hope someday I live up to that honor and make them proud.
Mom and Dad went home after the game, and the gang was heading to DeeDee’s for snacks and to hang out. Yeah, we still go to DeeDee’s. They love us and are great fans. They always cut the team and cheerleaders a deal on our purchases, but I am sure it is because we bring them a lot of business. Not to mention, we’re their favorite high school football team.
We get a bunch of tables together, and everyone is having a great time. I’m trying, but I can’t get my mom out of my head. I’m worried, and although she puts on a brave face, I think she is worried too.
“Hey, JJ, penny for your thoughts?”
I look up, and Jake is standing next to my chair. He pulls out the empty chair beside me and sits. “Hi, great game tonight,” I say.
“Thanks,” he says. “What’s wrong? You’re not your usual jovial self.”
I shake my head. “It’s nothing. Just something Mom and Dad told me before the game.”
“What?” he asks.
“I really don’t want to talk about it tonight—maybe the next time we hang out. Besides…” I gesture toward the girl sitting at a two-person table by the window. “Susie looks pretty ticked off that you are over here talking to me.”
“Yeah, well that is Susie’s problem. She knows we are friends.”
“Jake, go back to Susie. I don’t want to talk about it.” I grab my bag. “I think I’m just gonna go anyway.”
“Here, let me take you home. I have my car,” he says and reaches in his pocket for his keys.
“Jake, I live three blocks from here. I can walk.”
“But, JJ…”
“Jake, I am fine, and frankly, I could really use the alone time.”
I get up from the table and walk to the door. Just as I am about to open it, Dan walks in. “Hey, sorry I’m late. Got held up at work.”
“Oh, it’s okay, I was just leaving,” I reply.
“Can I take you home?”
I smile. “Sure.” Dan puts his arm around me, and we walk out of the restaurant together. I turn back toward the door and see Jake standing there looking like he lost his dog. I feel bad. I should have let him take me home, but I’m just not in the mood to answer questions. If I am quiet in the car, Dan will ask once, and if I say it is nothing, he won’t prod and get annoying.
Once we get in the car, Dan says, “You seem out of sorts. You okay?”
