It's Monday, and I don't plan to go to school, for I want to be on my mom's side even if she's pushing me not to skip class. I told her I'd have a different learning mode if my teachers allow me, which mom seems not convinced about. I made up my mind, so the only thing left is to call my teacher Jerselle.
"Angel, are you sure about this mode of class you're telling me?"
"Yes, mom. Look, I'm calling my class adviser to ask her about it."
I dialed teacher Jerselle's number and put it on speaker mode to have mom listen to our conversation. Ms. Jerselle picks up the call on the second ring.
"Hello, Ms. Jerselle, thanks for answering. I hope I'm not disturbing you at this time." Ms. Jerselle is probably on her way to school; it is almost 7 on the wall clock in the morning.
"No, Angel, I'm close to school. We can talk if you're already there. Do you have some concerns?"
"No, ma'am, I can't be in school now and for the days to come. That's the reason I'm calling you."
Ms. Jerselle gasps on the side of the line; what I said shocked her a bit. "Angel, how serious are you? Did you have an accident?"
"No, no. It's my mom; I have to take care of her. She's in the hospital right now, and she'll be confined for more days, so I have to skip my classes. I want to ask if I can get a module type of lessons from you and the other teachers."
"Sorry to hear about your mother, Angel. I'll have to ask the principal about this regarding the module class. I'll contact you as soon as I get the answer."
"Thank you, ma'am, you're the best."
"Alright, send my regards to your mom. I have to go; I'm getting out of the taxi."
The call ends while mom listens to our entire conversation. Mom heaves a sigh as she shakes her head. It seems it wasn't enough to convince her about the module lessons as an alternative way of learning.
At noon, I got a text from Maddox.
Open the door; I'm here outside waiting for you.
I waste no time and open the door, excited to see Maddox.
"Baby, why are you here?" I whisper as I pull him in.
"Baby, you didn't go to school. What do you expect me to do?" Maddox said in a whisper.
"Oh, Maddox, I have to stay with mom. You know that."
"I know. I was just worried since you didn't inform me you'll be absent for today."
"No, not just today. Baby, I ask the teachers to give me a module class so I can take care of mom while continuing my lessons. I forgot to text you about this. I'm sorry."
"Maddox, you're here."
Maddox walks up close to mom.
"How are you, ma'am? I'm here to check on you and Angel."
"I'm fine. Maddox, don't call me ma'am; you can call me aunt Athena."
"Okay, I'll try."
Mom just had her lunch, and she didn't eat even half of her food as I checked.
"Mom, you didn't finish your food. Do you want me to feed you?"
"Angel, I'm full enough." Mom is holding her head as he leans back on the bed's headdress.
"Mommy, are you having a headache again?"
"A little throb but bearable. Not so serious, Angel. Don't worry."
I remain silent and refuse to reply as I walk to the other side of the bed. I pour a small amount of essential oil in the tips of my fingers and rub them on mom's forehead to her temple.
"That feels nice, sweetheart."
"I told you. I've watched some videos on how to ease headaches, so you have to trust me on this, mom."
"Aunt Athena, Angel is kind of a massage expert now. Maybe I can try it sometimes as well." Maddox said it like he was ridiculing me.
I replied, rolling my eyes at him.
"No, I'm expensive. I only do this for mom."
Mommy only laughs at us.
"You're doing great, Angel. Maddox, please sit down. This may take a while."
Maddox sits on the chair near mom's bed.
"Do you need some help?" He asked me the question.
"How about you put some oil in my fingertips?"
As soon as my fingers have oil again, I gently massage mom's temple to ease her pain on that side.
"Mom, do you mind if I eat lunch with Maddox in the cafeteria after this?"
"No, Angel, you two can go now. Enough with the massage, I feel well."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, you may go. I will lean here for a while and rest."
"Thank you, mom. If you need anything, you can call the nurse or me."
Mom nods in agreement.
Maddox and I walk hand in hand as we go to the cafeteria. I feel energized having him beside me, and I thank him for that.
"Baby, what are you grinning for?"
I catch myself smiling like a fool.
"Nothing, I'm happy you are here for mom and me."
Maddox pinches my cheek a little bit. "I feel the same way. I can't let the day pass without seeing you. Every weekday I always look forward to spending time with you. Today is different; it's kind of sad in the room."
"Uh, baby, don't be too emotional; you know I never miss a class when it's not this urgent."
"I know, I only want to share how I feel. But seriously, I envy you. You get to take care of your mommy. I never experienced that with my mom."
Sadness crossed Maddox's face as he said it. I know how much he loves his mom, as he told me before. My heart cries for him.
With all the things happening with my mom and me, I don't feel like eating anymore. The only reason I agreed on having lunch is to spend time with Maddox.
"Mad, there's something I wanted to get out of my chest, and for now, I will only share this with you," I asked after we had our meal.
"Sure. What is it?"
I glance up as I heave a sigh and then look back at Maddox. He is patiently waiting for me to speak up. Maddox gathers my hands and entwines them with his.
"Baby, you seem so tense. What's the matter?"
"Mommy has big C, lung cancer," I said, squeezing Maddox's hands to stop myself from crying. We're in a public place, and I don't want to end up sobbing.
"Baby, I didn't expect it to be that bad. When did your mom have her diagnosis? Did she have a second opinion?"
"Yes, baby, we are sure about the diagnosis. Angelo recommended a second opinion, and it's the same. They found out a few months back, and they chose to keep it from me."
"You are a strong girl. I am confident you'll get through this. I know your mom will do as well; she's a strong woman like you. Baby, let's hope for the best."
"Yeah, I'm not giving up and will keep fighting for mom. Thanks for being with me when I need strength."
"Here you go. I'll be with you in a heartbeat whenever you need me."
I remain silent and rest my head in Maddox's chest. My tears refuse to escape. I'm tired of crying. I only want a haven that is in Maddox's arms. Maddox gently strokes my back, giving me little kisses on my forehead as I wrap my arms around him. It is my happy place for the moment, and I don't want it to end.
"Baby, I have a secret to share." Maddox opens up as he continues stroking my back.
I raise an eyebrow at the word secret. Why do people these days have secrets? Are they plotting something behind my back?