Joe-
I watched as she sat there. The iv pumping the chemo into her arm.
"You never told me how your game went Joe", she said softly.
"We won, it was tough one. They're a really good team", I said.
"I bet. Anything about the college scouts?", she asked.
"No, they probably won't come till the last few games, but you never know", I said.
She nodded. She looked at me, her eyes searching my body for something.
"You know you can sit down, right", she said.
I chuckled. I didn't want to let her know I was in pain. It was hard enough getting in and out of my car, hiding it from her.
"Maybe I want to stand", smirk on my face.
"Joe", she said.
I waited for her to say something else. She raised her eyebrows.
"Sit down", she said.
"Babe", she interrupted me.
"Joe, sit", she ordered.
I sighed. Gritting my teeth.
"Joe", she sounded angry now.
I looked back at her.
"Your hurt aren't you?", she asked.
"Its nothing baby, just sore", I said.
"Why didn't you just tell me? I could have gotten my mom to bring me", she said.
I moved closer to her. Kissing her forehead.
"No, as long as I can drive, I will be bringing you. Don't worry about me", I said.
"Joe, you need to take care of yourself too, please", she said.
"Ok. I'm gonna go get a juice. Want something?", I said.
She shook her head. I nodded and moved towards the door.
"Joe", she said, stopping me.
I turned to look back at her.
"Lie to me again and I'm kicking your ass. Got it?", she said serious.
I chuckled.
"Yes ma'am", I said, winking at her.
Walking down the hall to a vending machine. Her nurse saw me.
"Hi. Back again I see", she said.
"Yes ma'am, gotta stick by my girl", I said.
"It's nice to see she has company. Her mood is so much happier than her first go around. You're good for her", she said.
She walked away and I smiled to myself. Getting my juice and walking back into the room. She was talking to an older woman who had just arrived.
"Your back. Mrs. Jones, this is Joe, my boyfriend. Joe this is Mrs. Jones, she's getting chemo treatment too", she said.
"He's good looking", the woman said.
I smiled at her.
"It's nice to meet you ma'am", I said.
I kissed the top of Chris's head.
"Almost done", Chris said.
"Wanna grab something to eat after?", I asked.
"Sure, something small for me though. I dont think I'll be able to keep it down", she said.
"Got it babe", I said.
After, we decided on Taco Bell. Taking it home.
"Mrs. Jones was nice", she said.
"She was, can't believe this is her fourth time", I looked over at her.
I squeezed her hand.
"That won't be you baby", I said.
"Anyways, I can't believe her kids don't even come to visit her. That's why I scheduled my chemo around her's so I could spend time with her", she said.
I noticed how she changed the subject, so I dropped it. Getting our food and going to her house to eat.
"Cora", I called for her sister.
She came skipping into the living room.
"You called, oh food", she said.
We sat, eating and watching The Sandlot. Half way through the movie Chris had fallen asleep. Looking towards her sister, she had fallen asleep too. I lifted Chris in my arms and took her to her room. Laying her down.
"Goodnight baby girl", I whispered.
Walking out of her room, I saw Cora going into her own room.
"Hey where's your mom?", I asked.
She shrugged.
"She left a little after you guys did", she said.
I nodded. I texted my mom that I would be a little late going home. Telling her why. I went and laid down with Chris. She sighed. It was around three in the morning when I heard a noise at the front door. I shifted Chris off of me and went to see what it was. I opened the door to see their mom trying to open the door.
"Joe", she slurred my name.
I sighed. I could smell the alcohol on her. She stumbled in, catching her before she fell.
"Let me help", I said, throwing her arm over my shoulder.
Taking her to her room and laying her down. She laughed.
"Thank you", she said.
I walked out of her room. Closing her door and seeing Chris leaning against the wall.
"It's not the first time and it won't be her last. Even if she tells you it is, its not", she said, wiping her tears.
I didn't know what to say.
"That's how she coped last time. My dad and my brothers were the ones taking care of me because she was too drunk to do it", she sounded angry now.
"You have to understand her baby", I said.
"Why? She doesn't understand me, not even when she's sober", she said.
I moved closer to her and held her tight. She was shaking, trying not to break down.
"I'm taking care of you now. You're my responsibility", I said.
She pushed me away and ran to the bathroom. Before I could knock, I heard a noise.
"Don't come in", she yelled.
"Let me get you some water", I said.
I went to the kitchen and got a glass of water. Opening the bathroom door, she was leaning against the tub and her head resting in her hands.
"Baby", I sat down next to her, handing her the water.
Her hand was shaking, but she took it and drank it. I rubbed her back softly. I kissed the side of her head.
"Lets get you to bed", I said.
I didn't let her stand, picking her up in my arms. I was slightly angry at her mom for getting drunk, but also understanding the stress she was under. I laid her down. I stood and went to lock the front door.
Going back into Chris's room, I stripped my shirt off and sitting down on the edge of the bed I kicked off my shoes and took my pants off, moving under the covers close to Chris, pulling her into my chest. I heard her sigh.
"I'm here baby girl and I'll never leave you", I whispered.