“Do you mind, maybe waiting out here?” Avalon asks, turning toward me. “I don’t want you to meet her like this. I guess you technically met her when she was in worse condition, but Idon’t—”
“No.” I shake my head. “I get it, of course I get it. I’m gonna go see my mom, okay? If you need me, just call.”
She grabs my hand and pulls me toward her, kissing my cheek before giving me a small smile, “Thank you.”
I watch her and Jay walk into her mom’s room, and I can feel the tension in the hall. I can’t imagine what she’s going through right now. That love/hate feeling she has toward her mom.
I brush away the tear on my cheek and then head back through the hospital to my mom’s room.
I tap on her door frame to get her attention before walking inside.
“Hey, baby.” Her smile is bright, and she seems in better spirits than usual. “I didn’t know you were coming by today. Did you get your car fixed?”
“No, actually. I go a ride.”
“Is Ember with you again?” She sits up a little higher.
“No.” I chuckle. “She’s not here this time, but there’s actually something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.”
“What’s her name?” She folds her arms, and I freeze.
“What?”
“Oh honey, I’m not stupid,” she continues. “I’ve known something was going on with you for months; I just didn’t want to push it untilyouwanted to talk about it. Why do you think I assumed Ember was your girlfriend?”
“I don’t know. I just thought you were hoping that I’d finally met someone.”
“Of course, I’ve wanted you to meet someone. All I’ve ever wanted is for you to be happy. I know why you’ve been so scared to give someone your heart.” She reaches for my hands,causing me to move closer. “But all I’ve ever wanted is to see my baby boy fall in love.”
I sit on the edge of her bed as she caresses my face.
“And I can tell you have.”
“What?”
“You’re in love.” She grins. “A mother knows.”
“How do I know?” I rub my hands together. “The last time I was in love, or thought I was, I was sixteen. I haven’t even thought about being in love for so long; how do I know if I am?”
“Who’s the first person you think of when you wake up?”
“Avalon.”
I’ve always been so focused on my mom that she was always the first person I thought of; I never imagined someone else would take that place. But the second I open my eyes, I see Avalon lying next to me, and all I can think about is how lucky I am to have her.
“When you picture your first pro game, is she there?”
“Yeah.” I feel the heat in my cheeks. “She told me I’m stuck with her.”
“And how did you feel when she told you that?”
“Happy.”
“I could go on, but I think you’re getting my point, sweet boy.” She pats my hands. “You’re in love. I never thought I’d see the day.”
“Yeah, yeah.” I grin, pulling away from her. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Maybe,” she replies. “Now, when do I get to meet this, Avalon?”