Chapter One:
It's been two months since my mom got cancer. I was so upset, more than she was probably. I mean, I don't really know what to do and I don't how to tell my brother that my mom is sick, and we just got our new house. My mom worked so hard for it all. Our dad moved on to somebody else. I'm only thirteen and I don't know how to take care of a four year old. I'm just a kid and... I gotta stay strong for her. I just need to find something to calm myself down.
The Next Day...
"Hey Raina," my friend said. "Nice to see ya'. You okay?" I sighed, "Yeah, just really tired." That was a bad lie. Anyone could tell from my voice that I was. "Mhm. You're a bad liar," my friend said. "What's really bothering you?" I sighed. "My mom has cancer." My friend was shocked, "WHAT?! Why didn't you tell me?" she asked. "Because I knew you would be upset," I answered. "Umm, yeah. Your mom is sick," my friend replied. "I'm sorry, really. I didn't mean to be rude."
Later that night, Austin walked over to mom's bed. "Mommy?" he asked. Mom didn't answer. "Why is mommy not talking?" Austin asked. "Hey!" I yelled. "Shouldn't you be in bed?!" My brother smiled, "Noo..." I interrupted him. "Yes, you should," I growled angrily. "But-" I cut Austin off once again, "No buts." Austin pouted. "Uhhh! Why can't you just tell me mommy is sicky?" Austin slammed the door in my face. "Whoa sweetie," Mom said quietly. "Huh? Yes mom?" I said. "It's okay, I know I'm a burden," Mom wheezed. "What, no!" I argued. "You're fine, it's not your fault." "You know what? I should tell you a story-" I cut mom off, "But mom, I'm too old for stories." Mom laughed. "Oh never," she insisted. "Before your brother was born, and you were still in my belly, your father was so caring-" I muttered, "Really, I find that hard to believe." Mom ignored me. "-When I was losing hope that you couldn't come into this world, he told me to never give up, and it was so worth it. I didn't give up and now you're here. I want you to know that if something were to happen to me you can't ever give up." I smiled. "Wow, he was nice at one point," I said. Mom nodded. "Yes, yes he was."
