I spotted my mother outside talking on her phone. I groaned as I stepped out of the car. I really didn’t want to deal with her right now.
“I see you finally decided to grace us with your presence,” she said as she ended her call and walked over to us.
“Yeah, I’m here. But that doesn’t mean you have to speak to me. Actually, it would be great if you just ignored me.”
“Not a chance, at least not when we’re around Jen. You play the loving daughter and I’ll keep my end of the deal. You’ll never have to see me again,” she said in a low voice so that none of the guys could hear.
“Hey Chloe, I’m going to see if mom’s awake. If so, I’ll come back to get you so she can see you.” Danny said as he walked inside the house. Jordan, Drake, and I quickly followed him in hopes of avoiding my mother.
Danny made his way up the stairs as Jordan led us to the living room and sat down in a chair. Drake and I sat down together on the couch across from him as my mother entered the room behind us. I ignored her as she took the only empty seat left and started talking on her phone again.
I tried not to listen in, but with only a few feet separating us, it was hard not to. She was talking to one of her friends about some party they were going to tonight. My temper flared as I listened to her speak; her only sister was dying upstairs and she was more worried about partying. My determination to make sure she left with nothing tripled.
Danny entered the room and motioned for me to follow him. I stood and walked to him as my mother ended her call and followed me.
“She’s awake now and wants to see you. Try to keep it brief though, she’s tired and needs to rest.”
I nodded as he took my hand and led me up the stairs to my aunt’s room. He opened the door and we stepped inside. The blinds were drawn tight, leaving the room in almost complete darkness. The only light came from a bedside lamp, and I sucked in my breath as I caught sight of my aunt lying in her bed. It had been years since I had last seen her and the frail woman lying here didn’t even resemble the woman I once knew.
My aunt had always been so bright, radiating her happiness and vibrancy like the sun. The woman before me had none of that; her frail body had deteriorated into almost nothing. Her beautiful blonde hair was gone from the chemo treatments; her skin was an ashy gray and hung from her body.
Tears filled my eyes at the sight and I leaned into Danny, barely able to stand. “I know Chloe, I know. But we have to be strong for her ok?” He said as he led me closer to the bed.
I glanced back at the door and noticed my mother standing there watching us. There was no way I could talk to my aunt if she was in the room. I cast another glance at my aunt, unsure if I would even be able to discuss anything with her in this bad of a condition. I had to try though, there was no way I was going to let my mother hurt her.
“Mom,” Danny whispered from beside me, “You have a visitor. Chloe is here to see you.”
At the sound of his voice, my aunt opened her eyes and gave us a weak smile. “Chloe, I wasn’t sure you were going to make it in time. Come here baby girl and give me a hug.”
I leaned down and gave her a light hug, afraid that I would break her. “Hi Aunt Jen, I’ve missed you.” I said as the tears I had tried to hold in started flowing freely down my cheeks.
“Danny, can you give us a moment? I want to talk to Chloe.”
“Sure mom, I’ll be back to check on you in a few. Your day nurse should be here shortly as well,” he said as he bent down and kissed her on the cheek. His gaze found mine. “Remember, try to keep it short.”
I nodded as I pulled a chair up to the bed and sat down. My mother drifted over to stand beside me and wrapped her arm around my shoulders. I cringed at the touch, remembering how