"...I'm sick." That is all that kept running through my head. Those two words changed the course of my whole life forever. She was my mom, how are you supposed to get through life without your mom? My heart is breaking, and I don't think I can go on. It just hurts too much.
"Hales? Are you okay"
There it was, the voice of my always, my forever. The second I heard his voice, and the comfort in his words; I lost it. I can't do this. It is too hard.
"No. Not really. Mom, the reason she came..." I couldn't even bring myself to say it. "...she's dying"
I felt myself fading fast. I knew I wouldnt be able to hold it anymore. I pushed past Nathan and ran into the bathroom to hurl, but all that would come out were broken sobs. as I sat there gasping for breath I felt his hand gentle squeeze my arm.
"Haley, it will be okay."
"No, no it won't." I breathed as he carefully kissed my forehead.
A piece of me fell back into place, I wasn't fully put together, but with him there; it seemed a little better.
"I don't know what to do Nathan, this is all scary, and I'm lost without her." Sparing him the speech I gave my mom earlier, I broke down crying again.
I must have fallen asleep in his arms, because the next thing I remember was waking up in our bed the next morning curled up against his chest, with his arms wrapped around me...home.
I carefully unwound myself from his restraining arms, I made my way to the kitchen, even though my mom was all I could think about, I was still a Mom to someone else, and I needed to take care of my family.
"Good morning Momma."
Realization clouded my mind. Jamie. Who was going to tell Jamie, his grandma was a huge part of his life, even though we didn't get to see her as often as he'd like. My beautiful boy, he had already lost so many people in his life, now his Grandma. My Mom. My rock. I had to blink back tears thinking of what I was about to have to break to my innoncent son, When I felt a pair of strong arms wrap around my waist.
"Good Morning. How are you feeling?"
Without taking my eyes off our son, I said one word that put everything in perspective for my husband too, "Jamie."
"Don't worry about it, we will do it together. I wouldn't leave you alone right now baby, I promise."
It has been nine years, and Nathan still amazes me everyday, with all the stuff going on with my mom I still fall in love with him more everytime I see him.
"Are you okay Momma, your eyes are all red."
"Of course sweetie, of course I am fine. What do you want for breakfast"
"STEAK."
"...Jamie, you know we can't have steak for breakfast" I laugh as I say it. This is exactly what I needed, my family.