One week later...
It's been a week since Joey cleared the issues with Taylor and Eleanor. He was glad that it didn't change anything between him and Eleanor, since they are still talking. Yet, his apology to Taylor didn't really make things better between them. She is still ignoring him, but he didn't seem to expect much. Even though he missed hanging out with her at some points, he didn't expect her to forgive him after what he did. Other than that, he hadn't been socialising much outside of school since he had been balancing his time with school work and taking care of his mother. As for the twins, they had been going on with their days normally with only focusing on their school works.
Monday...
After school...
Eleanor and Joey are walking through the hallway as they talk about Joey's mom current condition, which he stated isn't too well.
"I hope she gets better soon," Eleanor says.
"Thanks," Joey says.
"Just don't get too tired, Joe. Remember that exams are coming up, so you also need to study and have plenty of rest," Eleanor says.
"Don't worry, El. I'm fine," Joey says as the two finally reach the school exit.
"By the way, where's Taylor?" Joey ask.
"She said she's going to study with Lillian at her place," Eleanor says.
"And you're not joining them?" Joey ask, a bit confused since he thought the twins always sticks together.
Eleanor smiles shyly, "Fred invited me to his apartment. He said he's gonna help me study for the exams."
Joey raise one of his eyebrow while staring at Eleanor, feeling a bit confused. He didn't remember Fred asking Eleanor for her number at Tim's party. He had his reason when he dragged Eleanor away from him, since Joey doesn't think Fred looks trusted.
"Oh, ok," Joey says. From the sound of his voice, Eleanor knew that he probably wasn't ok with the idea.
"You don't sound ok though," Eleanor teases him.
Joey gaze to the right, knowing well that he couldn't hide from Eleanor that he doesn't trust Fred. Eleanor knew him too well for him to think about lying to her.
"Just be careful, El," Joey says. "You barely know this guy."
"Sure, Joe. And don't worry, we talked a few times already," Eleanor says.
"Like, really?" Joey ask with a confused look.
"Yeah, Joe," Eleanor says.
It didn't took long for Eleanor's phone to start ringing. She grabs her phone to see that Fred is calling.
"Hey, Fred," Eleanor says through the phone.
"Yup. Outside and already waiting," Fred says.
"Ok. I'm coming there," Eleanor says, before she hangs up the phone.
"Fred's here. I gotta go," Eleanor states.
"Sure. Just be safe ok," Joey says, again he still felt worried of Eleanor.
"Don't worry, Joe. I'll be fine," Eleanor says, her lips curved into a smile. "Bye!"
With that final word, Eleanor walked away from Joey, leaving him to stood in front of the school exit. His chauffeur should probably arrive in a few minutes, he thought.
5:15 PM...
At Lillian's house...
"No way," Taylor says in disbelief as she closes her science book.
"Not a joke, so yeah," Lillian says. "Oli and I are official."
Taylor sighs, "I still can't believe I'm hearing this right now."
Lillian giggles, much to Taylor's confusion. She starts to stare at her friend with a confused look, not really getting any point on why would she laugh after she stated to her that she's official with Oliver. Not like it's a big thing. Other than that, she's a bit wondering why did she felt irritated and confused at the same time when she heard Lillian was official with Oliver. It really wasn't something to be surprise at since it had always been obvious that the two have mutual attractions to one another.
"Sometimes you gotta believe what is presented in reality," Lillian says. "Besides, Tay. You've looked pretty down since a week ago. Is something wrong?"
"Me? No. I'm totally fine," Taylor says, not really wanting to talk about her foul mood.
"Well, your words doesn't seem to match your look," Lillian states. "Not that I'm judging though."
"I'm fine, Lillian. Let's just not talk about this," Taylor says. Ever since her talk with Joey on the phone and their encounter at the library, she had been behaving differently. Her foul mood had been brought up for a week, which caused her to sometimes shut people out.
Lillian sighs. She thought after a week she could finally make her friend feel better. It turned out she was still in a foul mood, making Lillian thought to just give up, yet not before saying what's on her mind one last time.
"Don't be too upset that you forgot to be happy," Lillian says. "There's no point of being mad at something you can't change."
With that final word, Lillian walks out of her room, leaving Taylor sitting on the floor alone. She starts to think about Lillian's words for a moment. Deep down she knew that Lillian was right, that there's no point of her to stay mad at what she can't change. She hated the feeling of shutting people out, but fear that trying to be fine when she's not will only hurt her more. Right now, she only wished for her relationship with Joey to return to normal. She wished to talk to him again like usual, and spend time together without having to worry about anything, or even be mad at everything.
Joey...I miss you. I know I haven't been the best version of myself lately, but don't you know that what you did broke my heart? Taylor thought, tear slowly slide down her left eye.
8:58 PM...
At the hospital...
Joey is watching his mom sleeping peacefully on the hospital bed. He had planned to return home an hour ago, but since his dad told him that he still hasn't finish work, Joey decided to wait for his dad to return to the hospital to look after his mom.
Suddenly, his mother starts to open her eyes. She yawns after some hours of slumber, before turning her head to see her son still sitting on the chair while still watching her.
"Still here, Son?" she ask.
"Yeah. Dad said he still has some things to do," Joey says.
"Well, you should go home now. I'm sure he'll finish soon," his mom says.
"It's ok, Mom. I can wait longer," Joey says.
"I am fine, Son. Besides, I'm sure your dad will be here soon. You have school work to do at home," his mom says.
"Mom, I already finished my homework here. It's fine," Joey says. He had done his homework at the hospital while looking after his mom.
"That's good, Son. But you also need some rest," she says. "Go home. I'll be fine."
With that, Joey only nodded at his mom's statement. He then turns his vision from the ground to look at her blue eyes. Even at her weak state, the woman who had took care of him since he was born still has a shinning smile on her face. A smile that never fails to make Joey's heart felt warm.
"Ok, Mom," Joey says. "I shall go. Goodbye."
"Goodbye, Son," she says.
To be continue...