Mia Lake

I sit beside my mother hospital bed. Feeling the weight of her fragile state pressing down on me. Her skin pale, veins visible. It's hard to look at her like this. So weak and vulnerable.

Austin sits across from me in a chair beside her. Pretending to be a perfect boyfriend. He's smiling and laughing at my moms jokes as if he really cares. I have to say, he's doing a pretty good job. I guess I didn't expect him to be so convincing.

"My daughters lucky to have you, Austin" My mom says, grabbing his hand. I can almost feel the relief in her tone. She's so desperate to see me happy, so sure that a man like Austin can fix everything.

"Mia means the world to me, I'll always take care of her." He says.

It takes all my self control to stop myself from rolling my eyes. Taking care of me? The guy who barley calls, and is busy sleeping with other girls? Sure, he'll take care of me.

I glance at my mom, she's admiring Austin. I know she wants to see me settle down. She wants to know I have someone to lean on when she's gone, and I can't take that away from her. So I do what I've been doing for weeks now. I keep smiling, nodding and pretending.

"I'm glad you two are getting along so well. Such a good match." She says grabbing my hand too.

She pulls my and Austin's hands and connects them from over her bed. Forcing us to hold hands.
Austin smirks before locking his fingers between mine. Just like couples do.

I'm actually going to throw up.

I force another smile at him. "Yeah mom. We're good together." I say.

"I'm just glad I can make her happy, Mrs.Lake. I'll take care of everything you don't have to worry." Austin says.

If she only knew how wrong he was. He's not the one I need. I don't need a man to take care of me. Especially someone who can't even take care of himself.

But I let it slide, because what's the point in arguing? What's the point of ruining the last bit of hope she has?

Finally the nurse comes back to check on mom. I take this opportunity to slip away for a moment. I just need to breathe.

I lean against a wall outside the room, staring at the floor.
Then I hear footsteps.

Austin.

He leans on the wall right beside me. "You're doing a great job. She really believes this." He says.

"Someone has to keep her happy." I say crossing my arms. I'm so exhausted from it all. It's just a lot right now.

"I think she's happy with me." He says smiling, stepping a bit closer. What's he doing?

"She adores you." I admit knowing my mom too well.

"Good. I'm glad to be of service." He says.

"Thank you for...you know...pretending." I say since I haven't thanked him yet.

"Don't worry about it. It's actually kind of fun. I get to have a hot girlfriend for a few hours a week...I can't say no to that." He says teasingly.

I laugh pushing him lightly away from me. "Stop being an idiot." I say rolling my eyes.

"It's true though." He says as my mom calls for me.

I shake my head smiling as I head back into her room.

"Everything okay, sweetie?" She asks and I nod.

"Yeah mom. Everything's great." I say.

And I can't stop thinking about why Austin would say something like that. He finds me attractive?
I hope he was joking because there's no way I'm falling for that.

***

I work my night shift again, feeling so exhausted already.

Amelia has tried to help, of course. Insisting on giving me money, or covering some of my expenses. But I couldn't accept it. I'd promised her I didn't need it. I told her I liked working, that I enjoyed staying busy.

What a lie that was.

I'm already out of breath by the time I make it to the restaurant. Tying my apron around my waist as I push the back door open. My boss Marco spots me immediately. He's not so pleased.

"You're late." He says, his eyes narrowing.

"I know, I know, I'm sorry. Traffic was crazy." I say because it's easier than telling him I was visiting my dying mother.

"Table five has been waiting for you. Move it!" Marco barks before disappearing into the kitchen.

I take a deep breath and rush over to table five. I plaster on my fake smile and approach them. Preparing for whatever complaints I'll be hearing today.

"Hi, I'm Mia. I'll be taking care of you tonight. Sorry for the wait...what can I get..."

I get cut off by the elderly woman. "We've been waiting for twenty minutes."

"I really apologise for that" I say my heart sinking. "It's been a busy night. But I'll make sure to get your order in right away." I add.

The man grunts, clearly annoyed. "I'll have the filet mignon. Medium rare."

The woman orders the same thing.

"Of course, I'll get that for you as quickly as possible." I say before jogging down to the kitchen and placing the order on the wall.

As soon as I step into the kitchen I'm yelled at.

"Mia! Where's the order for table seven?"

"I'm working on it!" I say before running back out.

"Work faster!" Marco yells after me.

The whole night is like that. Running back and forth, getting yelled at from every direction. By the time the rush dies down, I'm drenched in sweat, my legs are shaking, and I can barley think straight.

I find a moment to lean against the counter. Wiping my brown with the back of my hand. I'm exhausted. But there's still a couple of hours left, I can't afford to slack off.

Because if I don't take care of this, who will?

What would you like to see in this story? I would love to hear your thoughts...