Page 59 of Baja
“You know what.” Caroline waves her hands back and forth. “Forget I asked. It was incredibly rude of me to put you in that position. I mean, of course, he’s not all right.”
“Caroline,” I try to cut in, but she doesn’t hear me.
“Not only does he find out his uncle is his birth father, but Jax drops his pregnant sister off on his doorstep. It’s a lot to deal with all at once.”
“From one mother to another, I get it. And I don’t think it’s wrong of you to ask.”
Caroline’s shoulders slump. “I promise, I’m not always this crazy.”
I laugh. “It’s been a crazy week, so you’re allowed to be a little unraveled.” Once she’s calmed down, I continue, “I’m not going to lie and say Nash is okay because he’s not. But he is getting there. There’s a lot he’s trying to work out in his head. I can promise you that I will help him through this however he allows. For now, we both are going to have to be patient.” I touch Caroline’s shoulder. “You’re his mom. You were there to rock him to sleep as a baby, there for his first steps, word, and day of school. You were there through every illness, every bump and bruise. You saw him through his first heartache and when he learned how to drive. You cheered him on through every milestone in his life. Every bit of his life is wrapped up in you. Nash will never forget that.”
Caroline’s eyes flood with tears. “Nash is lucky to have such an amazing woman in his life.”
20
BAJA
The fluorescent lights of the pediatric oncology wing cast a pale glow on the stark white walls, but the sound of laughter and excitement turns the sterile atmosphere into something vibrant. I lean casually against the doorframe of one of the playrooms, arms crossed. Inside, kids in hospital gowns with IV poles crowd around Captain America, Spider-Man, and Wonder Woman. Their wide eyes and beaming smiles make doing the event worth it tenfold.
A tiny girl with a bald head and bright smile tugs on Spider-Man’s gloved hand. “Can you really shoot webs?”
The guy in the suit plays along like a fucking pro, aiming his wrist toward the ceiling in a web-shooting motion. “Only when there’s trouble or someone needs my help, kiddo. Can you help me keep an eye out?” The young girl nods and giggles when he crouches into the classic Spider-Man pose. I can’t help but grin.
These kids are tough as hell. Most grown-ass adults couldn’t take what these kids go through. They find joy in the smallest things, no matter what life throws at them, like a superhero pretending to shoot webs.
As a familiar ache settles into my chest, I shove my hands into my pockets. I can almost see my brother, Elliot, sitting cross-legged in his Batman suit. Like these kids, even when cancer was eating him alive, he still had a smile for everyone.
“You know what, Nash?”I can still hear Elliot’s voice, faint yet piercing in my mind. It was small and raspy, filled with bright dreams.“When I grow up, I’m gonna be just like Batman, only way cooler.”His words resonate through my heart, a bittersweet reminder of the innocence and hope we once had. My throat tightens. I swallow my emotions and focus on the kids in front of me.
“Hey, Baja,” a boy calls out. “You should dress up as Thor!”
I chuckle. “Thor, huh?” I step into the room. “I do have the hair for it.” I run a hand through it. “But I’m much better lookin’.”
“You could be the Hulk,” another kid chimes in, laughing.
I flex my arms. “Nah. I’m not green enough.”
The room fills with laughter, a sound that lifts my spirits. Even if it’s only for today, they’re more than just patients, they’re simply kids who are not being defined by their sickness.
“There you are.” Alice’s soft voice interrupts my thoughts.
I turn to see her standing outside the door, looking beautiful as ever. Her eyes sparkle as they dance between me and the kids, her lips curving into a smile.
“You stalkin’ me, woman?” I tease, raising a brow.
Alice tilts her head. “Nope. Just admiring the view.”
I chuckle and wave her over. “Come here. I want you to meet the real heroes.”
As she approaches me, the kids’ attention shifts to a new person entering the room. Once she’s within reach, I wrap my arm around her waist, pulling her to my side. “Hey, kids. This here’s my woman, Alice.”
“Ooooh.” A chorus of giggles rises from the group.
“Is she your girlfriend?” one of the boys asks, wrinkling his nose. “Girls are gross.”
I laugh. “One day, you’ll change your mind.” I let my hand slip down and rest on her ass, giving it a squeeze.
Alice smacks my chest playfully. “Stop.” She blushes.
