"Boo!" I let out a shrill shriek, the cup I was holding clattering to the ground and splashing the floor with water.

"Mom!" I exclaimed, not sure whether out of surprise or annoyance. She laughed, and I shook my head, the frustration gone in an instant. I don't think I could ever be mad at her. "I didn't know you got off early."

"Well, that's the purpose of a surprise isn't it?" She pulled me into a hug and held me there, in her momma-bear grip. I had to endure not breathing on her shoulder for a few moments. Eventually she loosened her grip, her arms still remained around me. We made eye contact, so I could finally see her face. Her smile slowly died down, and her expression turned somber. I could make out the bags under her eyes before she ruffled my air. "When did my little boy get so big?"

I hugged her this time, not wanting to answer. I'll admit, it was nice. After going ways with texts and phone calls, it felt good to feel her embrace.

She's been working so hard for the both of us lately, taking early morning and all-day shifts. Leaving before I woke up for school and returning after I went to bed. A small sadness loomed over both of us like a storm.

"Now," she said, pulling away, "clean up this water and I'll set out our lunch on the table.."

"Ooh lunch?" I asked, my mouth watering. I could go for anything besides the overly bland sandwiches and soup I often made myself at home. She nodded and I went to sopping up the water with a few paper towels, eager to eat.

A few moments later we were sitting across from each other at the table, opening up the wrappers to our burgers and salting our fries. After thanking her, I bit into my cheeseburger and let out a heavenly sigh.

"You were pretty late today you know, I was hiding in the closet for a very long time." She chuckled, taking a sip of her drink.

"Sorry, I got caught up walking home with a friend." I replied, shrugging, after gulping down a bite.

"Oh, Gil?" I bit my tongue, wincing.

"Um, no, not him." I exclaimed, a bit uneasily. I haven't told her a lot. She's been so busy, I decided to keep all that to myself. Everything with Jesse, everything that's been happening, I didn't want to bother her. "We kind of had a fallout."

She gave me an apologetic look, shaking her head.

"It's all right though," I said quickly in order to reassure her, "we just need some space for now. I'm sure everything will be all right in a while."

"I'm glad you're handling this so maturely, but Lukas, please don't be afraid to talk about this kind of stuff to me. I know I get busy, but I'll always make time for you, alright?"

"Thanks Mom."

We finished our food, small talk, going back and forth. It was nice being able to catch up with her, I've definitely missed it. I was doing some dishes, not a lot, just two cups and a few plates, trying to think about something I've forgotten.

"Oh!" I perked up suddenly, grabbing her attention. "I was wondering, could I go to the pier on Friday?"

Her mouth set straight, and her expression turned still, thinking.

"Honey you know how far away that is right?"

"I'll be safe, I promise. I'll text you and make sure I'll call. And I won't be alone, I'm going to go with a friend."

She raised an eyebrow.

"This wouldn't happen to be the same friend you were walking with...right?" My mom teased, and I felt my cheeks grow warm.

"Maybe..."

"Alright, you can go." She exclaimed cheerfully, going back to organizing some papers. Wow. That was way too easy. And for some reason that made me feel uncomfortable.

"Really?"

"Yes." She turned to me. "You're responsible Lukas, I trust you. And I trust you to make the right decisions. Besides, you're a teenager, you should be able to hang out with your friends."

I couldn't help but smile, letting out a huge sigh of relief. Thank goodness.

RRRRRRRRR

We both turned towards the phone on the table, my Mom's, rotating slowly in a circle from the vibration. I dried my hands with the towel as she rushed to pick up the phone, running to her room before answering.

"Hi Jean, how are you? That's good, good. What can I do for you?"

I sat down on the couch, listening to her call that escaped the crack of the door.

"Oh, really? Goodness! That's horrible! I hope he's able to recover soon...tonight? Now? I'm not really sure..."

With a heavy heart, I leaned on my side and lied down on the couch, burying myself in the cushion. Work call.

Unfortunately, nothing new.

"Double? Well, if you guys need me then I'll be right over...give me thirty." And with that, she ended the call with a small beep.

She ran over to me, peeking from the side of the wall.

"I'm sorry honey, I have to head back over to work, if I take this shift I'll be able to earn a little bit extra." I didn't respond. "If you don't want me to go, I won't go. Just say the word."

I sat up from the couch and looked at her, trying to seem happy. Of course I wouldn't keep her. I'd just feel guilty, and she should be able to take this chance without me holding her back.

"No, it's okay. You should go." I forced a smile. "Thank you for lunch."

She let out a short breath and bent down to kiss my forehead.

"I love you Lukas." With that she ran back to her room to get ready.

"Love you too..." my voice trailed off as I sunk into the couch again.

I couldn't be angry, it felt wrong. And it felt wrong because I was so used to it. All the time. Never getting to spend time with her, barely seeing her before she headed off to work. Even at home, when she was taking calls or writing papers, working on her laptop. Of course, she never meant it. She never meant to neglect me.

I closed my eyes, attempting in vain to sleep.

Alone again.

Hi everyone! Thanks for your patience and incredible support <3 here's an update for now, I'm going to enjoy my holidays and I hope you do too! So I'll probably be back up writing after then. Love you all <33