Chapter 10
The next few months passed by in a blur of utter peace and happiness. Having my mother back was a dream come true. She was everything I needed, everything I missed growing up.
In those months, I found myself moving in with Hannah. It was pure bliss having her at my side all the time, even with Aileen lurking around. But, even she couldn't ruin my happiness.
Unfortunately, though, she didn't have to. My mothers diminishing health was enough to bring my entire mood down. She was admitted to the hospital a couple weeks ago and the doctors told me she didn't have much longer...
I laid in bed, staring at the ceiling, Hannah sleeping peacefully next to me.
With a sigh, I rolled out of bed and got dressed, heading into the kitchen afterwards.
Aileen sat at the table, a stack of waffles in front of her.
"Hey, got anymore of those?" I asked.
She just snapped her fingers, a second plate appearing instantly.
I sat down across from her. "You wouldn't happen to have any liquor hiding in those fingers, would you?"
She spoke through a mouth full of waffles. "It's a little early for that, kid."
I let out a sigh. "I was afraid you'd say that..."
I picked at my food for a few minutes, my mind wandering to my mother. We were supposed to be visiting her in a few hours, but I couldn't get over this feeling in my gut. Like, if I didn't go today, I'd miss my chance to see her one last time.
Aileen seemed to feel it to. She was so adamant about us going... It made me feel uneasy...
Aileen rested her hand on mine then, pulling me from my thoughts. "How're you holding up, kid?"
I shook my head, fighting the urge to cry. "I don't know..."
She gave me a sad look before Hannah joined us.
"Good morning." She greeted, pouring herself a cup of coffee.
I returned Aileen's look before greeting Hannah...
After breakfast, we all got ready and headed down to the hospital.
My mind raced the entire time, that uneasy feeling growing.
We walked through the doors, Hannah and I heading down to my mothers room after we checked in.
I opened the door, seeing Aileen already inside, my mother still sleeping.
I took a seat next to her bed, Hannah joining Aileen in the back of the room.
My mothers eyes opened when I took her hand gently in mine. "Hey, sweetie..."
"Hey, mom, sorry to wake you."
She gave me a small smile. "It's ok..."
Her voice sounded weak, her breathing slow, her skin pale. It broke my heart to see her this way.
I felt a couple tears leak down my cheeks as I looked away from her.
She gave my hand a light squeeze. "Look at me, sweetie..."
I hesitantly did so, tears still running down my cheeks.
She wiped at them with her free hand. "You don't need to cry, my beautiful girl...No matter what, I'll always be with you... And I'll always love you..."
I closed my eyes, taking in a shaky breath. "I'll always love you to..."
We stayed late into the night, Aileen and Hannah giving me some space so my mother and I could talk.
It was nice to be with her for her final moments... Her eyes eventually closing for the last time...
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Two Weeks Later...
I stood over my mothers casket, looking down at her still frame, a small smile seemingly tugging at her lips.
"I'm gonna miss you, mom." I said, placing a kiss to her forehead before setting an old family photo next to her...
After the ceremony, Hannah and I stood next to her freshly buried grave.
Hannah took my hand in hers then. "I'm so sorry, Mikayla."
I gave her hand a slight squeeze. "Thank you..."
She kissed my cheek softly before resting her head on my shoulder.
Then, I felt a hand on my other shoulder.
I looked over, seeing Aileen standing next to me.
"How're you holding up, kid?" She asked.
I looked down, swallowing hard. "Not to great... But, I'll be ok."
She gave me a small smile, patting my shoulder. "Then, I guess my work here is done."
Hannah and I glanced at her. "Wait, you're leaving?" I asked.
She nodded. "Unfortunately yes... I have other lost souls to look after..."
She started to cry, wiping her eyes quickly. "But, it's been one hell of a good time hanging out with you guys... and I'll miss you."
I smiled, tears flowing down my cheeks, before pulling her into a tight hug. "Thank you for everything. It wasn't always easy, but I owe you my life and I'll never be able to repay you for that..."
She pulled back, holding me at arms length. "Don't mention it, kid."
Then, she turned her attention to Hannah. "Look after this one, I won't be able to save her if she fucks up again."
We all shared a small laugh before Aileen turned her attention back to me.
I rubbed my arm. "Well, I guess this is goodbye..."
She rested her hand on my shoulder. "I've always preferred 'see you later.'"
I gave her a small smile. "Alright, I'll see you later then."
She returned it. "Hopefully much later..."
I nodded. "Hopefully..."
She smiled a little wider as she took a few steps back, giving us one last wave before disappearing for good.
Hannah and I stood in silence for a minute before she spoke up. "You think she's really gone?"
I took her hand in mine, leading her down the small concrete path towards the exit. "Let's hope so, she drove me crazy."
Hannah let out a small laugh. "You're telling me."
I chuckled a little before looking up at the sky. 'Good luck out there, Aileen. And try not to piss anyone off to bad, huh?..'
The sun started to set as Hannah and I headed home, ready to see where this new lease on life would take us...
Wether it was fate that brought us together or some kind of divine intervention, Aileen saved my life in more ways than one. She gave my mother and I a few extra months of happiness. She gave me a loving wife in Hannah and the beginnings of a family. But, most of all, she gave me a new outlook on life itself. Not everything will be easy, but you just have to hang in there, because you never know what might be waiting for you around the next turn...
The End
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