Page 112 of Love Unavoidable
I can’t focus.
Mama?
Nothing ever happens to my mama.
“Why is she in the hospital?”
Ethan leads me into the living room and settles me on the couch, my mind still in a fog. “I’ll get you some water. Aaron, maybe you can explain what happened with a little more detail?”
“She’s hurt, Sadie. She’s in the hospital,” Aaron starts. “She’s asking for you. She may not have long.”
“I don’t understand,” I say. “Was there an accident? Is she hurt? How is she sick?”
“I don’t know all the details, I’m sorry,” Aaron says. “All I know is she’s lost a lot of blood and she’s weak. She asked me to come and bring you home.”
“Oh my god. I’ve been so horrible to her. She’s so disappointed in me.” I turn to Ethan. “What do I do? I need to do something.” I grab my phone and turn to Aaron. “Can I call her?”
“I don’t think she’s able to talk,” Aaron says.
I call my dad, but it goes to voicemail.
“Do my brothers know?”
Aaron nods in response.
“Why didn’t any of them call me?”
“I don’t know, Sadie,” Aaron says, his voice low. “All I know is she may not have long.”
“Let’s get you a ticket to go see your mom, okay?” Ethan’s voice is calm and soothing.
“I need to see my mom,” I parrot.
“She’s not disappointed in you, Sadie. You are a wonderful daughter.” Ethan runs his hands up and down my upper arms, relaxing me at once. “How about you put some clothes together and I’ll check on a flight for you.”
“Okay.” I nod dumbly. “Right. Shit. I need to pack.”
“Uh, I’ve already got two tickets for us to return at nine thirty tonight,” Aaron says.
Ethan and I look at each other, the surprise on his face I’m sure mirroring mine, then we look at Aaron. Who has the decency to look ashamed.
“Oh,” I start. “Why . . .”
How did he know I’d want to go back?
Of course, I’d go back, it’s my mother.
But, how did he . . . it doesn’t matter. All that matters now is getting to my mom before something unthinkable happens.I shake my head to clear it. Then stand and head to my room to pack.
Aaron follows me. “I’m glad to see you still have your own room,” he says.
“Aaron. Not now.”
“Are you with him, Sadie?” he asks.
“It’s . . .” I almost say it’s complicated. But then I think of the last week and today and realize it’s not complicated at all.
“Yes, I am,” I say. I look up and see Ethan in the doorway and give him a small smile. He winks in return. He heard me.
