Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

A/N: Okay, here's the next one, hope you enjoy.

Matt's POV

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

The only sound in Mom's room was the machine and my tired breaths. After getting over the fear of seeing her in the hospital bed, I never left her side. Well, I'd like to say I never left her side but I was forced to go to school and between that, visiting her, and soccer, I didn't have time to do anything else. I wanted to be alone with her for a while, and at the current time her health wasn't getting any better and I was about to pass out from lack of sleep.

"She can hear you." A voice came from behind me. I jumped and turned to see Mom's nurse, Raven, standing in the doorway. Raven is a heavy set African American lady with a sweet smile and soft eyes filled with love. "If you talk to her, she can hear you."

"Really? I mean, I thought that's just something that's said on TV." She smiled and walked over to the bed, checking Mom's blood pressure.

"Well, that's one of the things they got right. She's one lucky lady, your Mama is. What a big family. How are you and your father holding up?"

"Excuse me?" I choked on my words.

"Oh Sugar, it's easy to see that Blondie is your Daddy." My heart stopped at her words. DNA was the only thing Brian and I had in common.

"It's not what you think." I assured her with the shake of a head. Raven stopped what she was doing and pulled up a chair next to me.

"I know it's not. Been working with your Mama for nearly 11 years now and not once has she mentioned him. But you know what?" I shrugged. "She talked about you. But why wouldn't she? You're her pride and joy, her baby." Tears came to my eyes and guilt filled my heart with those words. "I'm guessing he just came into your life a short time ago. You're not too happy about it either. Are you?"

I shook my head, not knowing what to say. How did she know all of this? "Things were just fine without him. I didn't need a Dad." And all at once the dam of emotions and thoughts broke and my guard fell. It was so easy to talk with Raven about these things.

"Are you saying that you never wanted a Father?" She asked, digging deeper into my mind.

"Maybe when I was younger I did. But now I'm so angry. Angry that he left. Angry stayed away, that he never came back, and why now? Why did he come back now? Things are so good. I wanted him when I was 5 and didn't have a Dad to play with or show things to."

"Well, he's here now isn't he?" She pointed out. "I have to finish my rounds Sugar, we'll talk more another time." I nodded and she gave my arm a squeeze before she got up to leave.

"Maybe you should give him a chance. He may surprise you." Raven tossed over her shoulder as she walked out.

"Okay Mom, I'll make a deal with you. I did the whole praying thing and hoping thing, two things I'm not good at. If you wake up and get better, all the way better, I'll give him another chance. In my opinion, he doesn't deserve another shot but if it'll make you happy I'll do it." I whispered in the dark room, to someone who either couldn't or wouldn't answer.

Later that night, I got my answer when Uncle Dom called with some news.

A/N: A little bit of a cliffhanger, I'm terrible when it comes to updating. I have to be in the mood and it hasn't been there lately. I'm sorry. Thanks to the great reviewers!

LizzyB22: I'll work in a ton of Sydney time soon. I hope you liked the chapter! Thank you for reviewing!

Tallyz: I guess you'll have to wait and see what's going to happen. Lol Thanks for the review.

SkylineO'Connorbabe: THANKS!

Allie Jo: Thanks for the review! You'll find out whether Mia lives or dies soon.

Roses-for-u: Sorry, another cliffhanger! Thanks for the review!