Page 28 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

“Okay.” Mia puts on a brave smile. “I don’t care what she says. I know my worth and I won’t let her or anyone tell me I’m not good enough.”

I wrap my arm around her. “Exactly. Mason’s right—she’s just jealous of us. Because all our parents have had happily ever afters and have built great lives for themselves and for us. People like Tiffany can screw off.”

Mason smiles. “No truer words have been spoken.”

That seems to lift our spirits. Rylee turns on the music and we drive home singing at the top of our lungs.

Chapter Ten

Kade

“Are you sure you don’t want me to go in with you?” Ally asks as we sit in the car on Saturday afternoon. We’re in the next town, Silverton. In the parking lot of the long-term care facility building that’s been taking care of my mom for the last six years.

“No, thanks.”

She rests her hand on my shoulder. “Okay, but I’m here for you if you need me. I’ll wait right here. Please take as long as you need.”

I swallow the lump in my throat. “You don’t have to wait. I’ll be fine and I’ll call you when I’m ready to go home.”

“That’s okay, don’t worry about me. I have lots of quizzes and papers to mark.” She gives my shoulder a light squeeze and smiles encouragingly. “Remember, I’m right here if you need me.”

“Thanks.”

I get out of the car and make my way to the entrance of the building. I’ve been here a few times over the years and each time is harder than the last. Because it reminds me that nothing’s changing. She’s not getting better. I know doctors told me nothing would change, but I’ve been so hopeful.

Once in the building, I greet the people at the front desk, sign in, then head toward her room. Many nurses and doctors greet me as I pass them.

When I enter her room, I find her exactly as I left her. Lying on the bed with her eyes shut, her brown hair spilling over her pillow. She’s hooked up to machines and is just…existing.

“Hey, Mom,” I say, my voice scratchy as I force a smile that she can’t see. “I know it’s been a while since I last visited and I’m sorry. But I’m here now.”

I lower myself on the chair near her bed. “A lot’s happened since we last spoke. I’m in a new home now. It’s been good so far. Great, actually. But it’s only temporary, so I’m not letting myself get too comfortable.”

Bending forward, I place my hand on hers. For years, I’ve hoped and waited for her to move her fingers like I’ve seen coma patients do in movies. But Mom has never done that and from what the doctors tell me, she never will.

“School’s also okay,” I continue. “I’ve only been going there for a few days, but I think it’s better than my previous schools. Most of the kids look at me like there’s something wrong with me. I’m sorry I’m so far from the son you envisioned.” I swallow the rock in my throat. “Most days, I just get by. But I’m in a better place now, so I don’t want you to worry about me. My caseworker and his wife who are fostering me treat me well. More than well, actually. Ally’s waiting for me in the parking lot because she doesn’t want me to be alone. They’re nice people.”

I lean back and smile at her, though the corners of my lips tremble. “I want you to know that I’m okay. I’ll be fine. I mean, I’m really worried where they’ll put me next, but I don’t want you to worry.”

I have no idea if she can even hear me. Probably not, but it makes me feel close to her. I wonder if Dad’s looking down on us. If he feels part of us, too.

“There’s this girl who’s living in my new home,” I tell Mom. “Her name is Zoey and she’s Ally and Zack’s niece. We’re kind of…I don’t know. Things are weird. We don’t exactly get along. And that bothers me. It also bothers me that I’ve been rude to her.” I puff out my cheeks. “I have no idea what’s going on.”

I bend closer. “She’s the quarterback of my school’s football team and they had a game yesterday. I don’t like going to games anymore, not after Dad…” I swallow. “But I went last night. She’s really good. Like amazingly good.” I rub my forehead. “I don’t even know why I’m talking about her.” I never in my life talked to Mom about a girl.

“Anyway, want me to read to you?” I pull out my worn copy of Mom’s favorite book, Pride and Prejudice. I’ve read it to her many times over the years, maybe because I hoped it’d help her regain consciousness.

I start from the beginning, reading slowly and clearly so she can hear each word. Every so often, a doctor or nurse comes in to check on her and do other things.

One nurse, Heidi, smiles at Mom. “You have a very special boy, Violet,” she tells her. She pats my arm with a kind smile.

I stare at the open book. I wish that were true. I’m not special. Not at all. I’ve been angry and hurt and a jerk. An ungrateful jerk to the people who are trying their best to make me as comfortable as they can in their home.

As Heidi continues checking on Mom, my gaze wanders around the room. This is a very nice place and the care here is top-notch. I have no idea who’s paying for this, but I heard that a rich guy’s taking care of it. He’s taken it upon himself to make sure people in Mom’s condition are well cared for. I’m very grateful to him.

Heidi gives me another smile before leaving the room. I read and chat with Mom for another half hour before it’s time for me to go home.

Bending forward, I press a kiss on Mom’s forehead. “See you soon,” I say softly, patting her hand. She doesn’t get many visitors because, like I said, our distant relatives don’t care about us. I wish I could come more often but it’s kind of far from home and I wouldn’t want to inconvenience Ally or Zack.

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