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Maybe both women were just projecting their fears.
“I still remember that chat she had with me a day after you were born. She told me I could never make Noah happy, andthat I was merely a passing fancy to him. She had laid out this horribly descriptive scenario about how he would meet the girl of his dreams at college and dump me; how he would inevitably cheat on me even if we got married.”
“And you believed her?”
“I was sixteen, pregnant, and extremely insecure.” Mom took a breath. “I’m glad you’re far more responsible than I was at your age.”
Reflecting on her words, I asked, “If you could turn back the clock, what would you do differently?”
“I wouldn’t have got married so young.”
“You don’t regret keeping me?”
“Of course not, Aria! Never think that way. I am so proud of you! You’re a bright young lady with your whole life ahead of you.”
It was a relief to know that I wasn’t on her long list of regrets.
“I wish I could get out of this hospital,” I said. “I can’t believe I’ve been bedbound this long.”
“You’re gonna have to take it easy for a while, especially after the transplant.”
“I’m anxious about it.”
“It’s gonna be all right, sweetheart. Just keep a positive attitude.”
Forcing a smile, I glanced at the clock that hung above the door; it was almost six in the evening.
“Mom, you must be starving. You should get out of here and get something to eat.”
“Rob will arrive in half an hour with some sandwiches,” she said, opening the blinds. “I love the sunshine.”
“That’s sunny California for you.”
“How are things with you and your father? I’m sure you two have bonded.” She walked back to my bed and sat in an armchair.
“Noah and I are close.”
We’ve bonded in more ways than one.
“Your life is so different here, huh?” Mom said.
“Well, it’s nothing like New York, that’s for sure.”
“Are you happy living with your dad?”
“Mom, can you stop calling him that? I’m not exactly comfortable calling Noah my father yet.”
“Oh. Sure, sweetheart. I just thought… never mind.”
“I’m not ready to call him ‘Daddy,’ you know? It’s a little late for that. It makes me cringe.”
“I completely understand.”
Addressing Noah as my father felt so awkward because it never felt like he was.
“He honestly looks more handsome than when he was a teen.” Mom giggled. “I feel so old in comparison.”
“You’re still a stunner, Mom. All you need is a makeover. Once I’m out of the hospital, we should go shopping and stop by at the salon.”
