Page 145 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

I stop and take her hands. “Have you ever…?” I shut my eyes. “Have you ever seen anyone in a coma before?”

She thinks for a second. “On TV…”

I swallow. “Maybe it’s different because she’s my mom, but the first time I saw her…it nearly killed me. I don’t want you to feel any pain.”

She raises her hand to my head, smoothing my hair. “It’s okay, Kade. I want to be here for you. And I want to meet the woman who raised you to be the wonderful person you are.”

My smile is small as I search her eyes. “Are you sure you want to do this? I won’t hold it against you if you want to leave. Ally can take you home and I’ll find another ride. Don’t wait for me.”

She shakes her head. “I’m not leaving you.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

With our hands clasped, we walk into Mom’s room. She looks the same as before and I’m a little disappointed that nothing has changed. Which is silly because I know there’s a high chance she’ll remain this way.

I bring Zoey toward my mom, smiling unsurely. Will she flee the first chance she gets?

But Zoey smiles at me, squeezing my hand as she looks at Mom with an expression I can only describe as respect.

“Hi, Mom,” I say softly as I place my other hand on hers. “There’s someone I want you to meet.” I gesture at the wonderful girl beside me. “This is Zoey Hastings. The girl I’ve been telling you about.”

My cheeks grow warm when Zoey looks at me with surprise. She has no idea just how much I’ve spoken to Mom about her.

Zoey waves with a kind smile. “Hi, Mrs. Sanders. It’s so nice to meet you. I’m sure you know what an amazing son you have.” As she goes on to praise me, I swear I can feel Mom smiling and is so happy to get to know Zoey.

We sit down on the chairs near Mom’s bed and update her on what’s going on in our lives.

“We’re going to the fall dance together,” I tell her. “I know, I know, dances aren’t my thing. Do you remember our cousin’s wedding when I was like nine and refused to dance? You and Dad had such a good time. I remember how happy you guys were.”

My heart feels heavy at the memory. Zoey gives my hand a squeeze.

“If she could talk, she’d tell me to have a good time,” I say to Zoey. “She’d be ecstatic that I’m going with a special girl like you.”

Her cheeks are red. “Special? Me? Are you sure?”

I bend close and smile. “Very sure.”

“Thanks. I love hearing stories about your parents. And I love talking to your mom. Do you think she can hear us, though?”

I lift my hands helplessly. “I’m not sure, but I hope she can. I want her…” I swallow. “I want her to know that I’m doing very well. That I’m taken care of and am happy and I’m going to have an amazing time at the dance with you.” I laugh lightly. “She’d be the kind of mom who takes so many photos…” My smile drops. “It’s too bad she didn’t get to experience things most moms experience. She won’t see me graduate high school or college or get married and have kids.”

“But you’ll tell her all about those experiences,” Zoey says. “It’ll be like she’s experiencing them with you, too. I think you’re right that she can hear us, and I know she’s listening to every word and she’s so happy you’re in a good place.”

It won’t be the same, but she’s right. No matter where I go or what I go through, I’ll always be there for Mom. I won’t ever leave her.

“So this dance…” I say. “Do I have to wear a suit?”

“Yep. And I have to wear a dress.”

I squint as I think. “You know, we could break the rules. Wouldn’t be so bad for Goody Two Shoes to fall to the dark side.”

She playfully shoves my shoulder. “Would it be so bad for Bad Boy to, for once in his life, follow the rules?”

“I follow the rules!”

She laughs. “I know. I’m just teasing. But if I have to wear a dress then you have to wear a suit.” She crosses her arms over her chest.

I bend close. “I guess I’ll see for myself if you look pretty in a dress. Though I already know that you do.”

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