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“Um,” mom says, now looking as devious as the other two. “If you say so, Joy.”
“Now you need to tell us about this other guy, J,” Sophia says, still prying.
“Or maybe I don’t,” I snap, and stick my tongue out at her.
“Oh, comeon,” Sophia insists. “Is he a billionaire too?”
“Sophia!” Mom jumps to my defense, “I’m sure Joy will talk more about this subject when she’s ready.”
Nurse Roberts opens the door and pokes her head inside. She has a kind face. “Visiting hours are over folks,” she says softly, “Just the night’s company stays.”
“That’d be me,” I say, raising a hand.
I bid Gabby and Sophia goodbye, as does mom.
Once we’re alone in the room, I turn on the TV and take a seat by the tough chair near the bed.
“How are you feeling today, mom?” I ask, reaching for her hand and bringing it close to my face.
“Eh,” she clears her throat, “I was barely able to eat today, Joy.”
“You do look a little weak,” I lean just a little closer.
“The fact is, I’m starving, but too afraid to eat. If I do, I’m worried I'll just puke again,” she says.
“Oh, mom,” I stand and lean in close to her. “Do you want me to call the doctor?”
“No, no,” she strokes my hand gently. “They’ve been here all day. It’s just my body giving up!”
She releases that last statement into the air as if it were no big deal.
“Mom, don’t say that!” I beg, “You are attracting bad things.”
My mom just shrugs, “Joy, God forbid you from ever being in my situation, but if someday you are, you’ll learn quickly that things sometimes just quit working. And the sooner you bid them goodbye, the better!”
Her words send shivers down my spine. But she seems to be content with them, so who am I to go against her opinions.
I sit back in the chair, my back complaining. I’m not even five minutes in and already my butt is falling asleep.
On TV, some show about teenagers being teenagers is on. It is barely more than a soap opera, and I don’t like it, but Sophia and mom love it and always watch it together.
“Mom?” I begin, measuring my words.
“Yes, honey?”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” I’m not looking at her, but I felt her shrug. “What is it?”
I wrap my arms around my knees, and I tap my foot nervously. My eyes look up, and then look at mom. Then finally I just look down, at which point I manage to spit out my question.
“Mom, what do you do when the person you like is out of your league?”
“Um,” she says, her interest peaked. “Is he a billionaire?”
“Mom!” I shake my head, “Okay yes. He’s a… neighbor of the Bardin’s.”
“Alright,” she sighs, looking tired. “Tell me more about this story. Has anything happened yet, or is it just a crush?”
