Mia Lake

I cry the whole way to the airport. I can't stop. It's like I'm realising that my mom might not get better. After everything we've done, after hours and hours at the hospital, after all the surgeries she had to go through, she might not get better. It feels like running in a circle.

Alex comes back with a lot of tissues and two cups of coffee. Mine with a lot of milk, just how I like it.

I wipe the tears from my face, but there's no point, they just keep coming.

"Here." He says handing me the tissues as he sits down beside me. I haven't even had the chance to talk to Amelia yet. I'm guessing Alex took care of it since he's been on a call for a few minutes now.

I'm so mad. Not at him. At myself. For even taking this trip. I should've been with her, I should've known something could've happened. If I had been there maybe...just maybe I could've helped. Shes probably so scared, all alone.

A gentle hand lands on my back. Moving up and down. His touch warm. "She'll be fine, Mia. If she's anything like you, she's tougher than you think." He says.

I can't look at him right now. The guilt still claws at my insides.

I nod slowly.

***

When we land, I don't waste a single second. My legs move on their own, rushing through the airport, to a taxi. Alex is quiet beside me the whole way.

By the time we arrive at the hospital, I'm practically sprinting through the doors.

I spot Austin before I've even fully processed where I am. I'm so relieved to see him that I barley think before I run toward him.

Austin is the only one who actually knows how much I care about my mom. How much I'm doing for her. He's seen it ever since we were kids. If anyone understands me right now, it's him.

"Austin!" My voice cracks, the panic finally breaking loose.

He turns toward me, eyes wide with concern, and without a word I fling myself into his arms. It's like a dam breaks inside of me, and suddenly I'm sobbing into his chest.

"Is...is she..." I can't even talk.

"She's in surgery, Mia." He whispers into my hair. His voice soft and steady, just like I need it to be right now. "The doctors are doing everything they can."

His arms wrap tightly around me. I nod, unable to speak for a moment, choking on my sobs. How could I leave her alone like that?

"If I'd been here, maybe...maybe I could've..." I try to say, my voice shaking.
Austin cuts me off.

"No. There's nothing you could've done. You know that. Stop blaming yourself." He says.

I nod again, trying to breathe.
Trying to calm down.

Then I remember...Alex. I let go of Austin and turn back to where Alex is standing. Near the entrance, hands in his pockets, his gaze fixed on us.
There's something in his eyes, something dark and unreadable. For a moment I wonder if he's angry. But that wouldn't be right, why would he be angry?

I walk over to him, wiping my tears with the back of my hand.
"You don't have to wait, I'll stay here with Austin." I say, my voice quiet.

Alex doesn't move at first, his jaw tight. Then he takes a step forward, and I immediately back up. Not wanting people to see. "I can stay. I want to..." he says so genuine it's crushing me. Because I know, I have to stay away from him.

After what happened at the hotel...I can't. We can't be that close again. He's not someone I'm supposed to like in that way. "No. You have to go." I say this time more sure.

"We...we almost crossed a line, Alex. It's better to stay away from each other." I admit looking down, I can't meet his eyes.

He nods this time. Once, short and quick. He turns on his heel and walks out, without another word.

This is best for both of us, I try to convince myself as I head back to Austin.

***

By the time the doctors finally come out, I'm a wreck. My hands are shaking and my head pounding. When they tell me my moms stable but needs to be monitored, I feel a flood of relief so strong I almost collapse into the chair.

"She's in recovery now. You'll be able to see her soon." The doctor says.

I thank the doctor, then turn to Austin.

"She's okay," I murmur. "She's really okay."

Austin smiles and pulls me in for another hug. "I knew she would be." He says.

I can finally breathe. My body relaxing. My moms going to be fine.
She's alive.