Page 7 of Luci’s Lullaby

“She’s gonna be fine, and I really hope you’ll listen and consider what she has to say.” He hits the button and the doors open immediately.

His words make me nervous, but I do my best not to show it; he has enough to worry about. “Oh, Uncle Bill. I’m logical if nothing else.”

“I’ll give you that.” He chuckles as he raps his knuckles on my mom’s door. “You decent?” He pushes the door open.

A nurse standing by my mom smiles. “We’re just finishing up, actually.”

“C’mere, baby girl.” Mom holds her arms out for me, and I rush to them. Her favorite violet scarf covers her head, helping to hide her hair loss.

I snuggle closely. “Are you alright? How are you feeling?”

“I’m good, baby. My blood count is low. I got a little dizzy and fell, but nothing’s broken.” She squeezes me tightly.

“Mom, you’ve got to slow down. I can do anything we need when I get home.”

She slides down so she can look me in the eyes. “Charlee Rae, I love you more than anything, but I think it’s time you have a life.”

“What do you mean?” My stomach begins to knot.

“Uncle Bill and I have been talking… I think we should move closer to them.” She watches my face for a sign that I disagree.

I lay my hand over hers. “How soon do I start packing?”

“You’ll go? You’ll move to North Carolina your junior year of high school?” A frown grows on her face as she thinks of what she’s asking of me.

“We’ll do what’s best for us, the rest will work out. Right?” I force a smile, doing my best to reassure her. “Will your doctor release you?”

“He suggested it since we’d be closer to Duke.” She stares into my eyes. “Are you positive?”

I hold up my hand, giving her our solemn swear. “Pinky promise.”

“Mermaid kisses and starfish wishes.” She wraps her finger with mine as she leans in to kiss me on my cheek.

“Now, I better get home and fix Theo some food.” I crawl from the bed, straightening my clothes. “I’ll have Uncle Bill drop me by the store for some boxes.”

Mom reaches for my hand, holding it close to her. “Are you absolutely sure this is okay? You agreed pretty fast.”

“I’d do anything to help you and make you feel better. You’ve given Theo and me so much; it’s the least we can do.” I shrug. “Besides, it’s for all of us.”

“Alrighty, I’ll do my best to break outta this place as soon as I can.” She smiles.

Uncle Bill leans in, kissing her on the head. “I’ll call Linda and we’ll get things moving down there.”

“The kids barely started school, I hate to uproot them so soon.” Mom chews her bottom lip.

“We’re fine, I can’t think of a thing I’m leaving behind.” Alden’s face flashes before me making my chest ache.

Mom forces a smile. “Alright, sweetheart.”

“I’ll call later, bye, Mom.” I wave as we leave the room. My breath hitches as I hold back a sob.

My uncle slides his arm around my shoulder. “You’re such a good girl, Charlee.” Then he kisses the top of my head as we wait on the elevator.

Once in the car, I make a mental checklist of everything I’ll need to get done. First, I’ll ask to have our records transferred to our new school. New school. It finally sinks in—I’ll never see Alden Beck again.

“Don’t forget to let me run in for boxes. If we stop now, they’ll save them for me.”

“Point me in the direction.” He cuts his eyes at me.