Page 239 of Toxic Temptation
I want to ask her about Dad. About what Ihor told me. About the organ trafficking and the choices Dad made and whether she knew all along.
But I can’t form the words.
So I just hold on and cry.
Thirty minutes later, Waylen bursts through the front door. Mom must’ve texted and told him something, because his hands are clenched into fists. “If he hurt you, I swear to God?—”
“Waylen, enough,” Mom barks. “Your sister needs support right now, not more anger.”
He deflates, dropping down to a seat on my other side. “What happened?”
“You were right about him.” I wipe my nose with the back of my hand. “I should have listened.”
“What did he do?”
“I can’t talk about it yet.” I slump back against the couch cushions. “We’re over. And he won’t let me see Luka anymore.”
Waylen’s face darkens. “I’m going to kill him.”
“Don’t.” I close my eyes. “Just don’t. I wanted out, too. He’s not who I thought he was. But losing Luka…”
“Oh, honey.” Mom reaches for my hand.
When I look at her, really look, I notice how pale she is. How thin. When did she get so fragile?
“Mom? Are you okay?”
She tries to smile. Fails. “I’m fine, sweetheart. Just tired.”
But then she stands. Stands up too fast, actually. Sways.
“Mom—”
She collapses.
One second, she’s upright; the next she’s on the floor, her body seizing.
“Call 911!” I drop to my knees beside her, checking her pulse. “Mom, stay with me. You’re going to be okay.”
“No ambulance.” She can barely even whisper. “Call Dr. Nass. Her number’s in my phone.”
My skin prickles with goosebumps. “Dr. Erica Nass? Like, from St. Raphael’s?”
Mom nods weakly.
“She’s an oncologist,” I tell Waylen, who’s staring at us in confusion.
“I’m sorry.” Mom’s lips are turning blue. “I should have told you both sooner.”
“Told us what?” Waylen’s voice cracks. “Mom, what are you talking about?”
I already know. Before she says the words, I already know.
“I have cancer, my babies. Stage four.”
First, Kovan.
Then, Luka.
