At First Hate (Coastal Chronicles)

I couldn’t even believe we were here again. That, on the eve of Lila’s wedding, I’d be waiting to find out how long Gran had left to live. I had to be back in a few hours for the dress rehearsal. Lila had told me that I could skip if need be, but I wanted to be there for my best friend. But I also needed to be here for Gran.

Maddox was asleep in the other chair in the small room. He’d been in LA for the last couple weeks, working on a new movie. He did most of his animation work from with own company in Savannah, but every now and then, he’d disappear to LA. He’d taken a red-eye in for Lila’s wedding, and when he found out about Gran’s health, he’d come straight to the hospital.

“It’ll be fine, chickadee. We’ve been here before, and we came out ahead.”

We had. I wanted to guarantee that we’d be that lucky again. Gran wasn’t a spry, young chick anymore. She had always seemed so strong and healthy. But the last two years after her diagnosis had really taken it out of her.

“We want that again, Gran,” I told her. “It’ll help that I’ll be back here next semester.”

“Are you sure that you want to put your research on hold for that long?”

“Yes,” I said confidently. “I can still manage my lab from a distance, and I won’t have any teaching obligations while I’m on sabbatical. It’s more important to me to be with you for six straight months. I’ll be able to help around the house. You need someone to take care of you.”

Gran waved at me. “Don’t mother me, Marley Sue.”

I laughed. “Are you saying you don’t want me home?”

“Of course not. I’d love your company. I just don’t want you to give up your career to be with me. I can take care of myself.”

“Good. Then, I’ll be there. It’s not giving up my career anyway. It’s just a semester.” I hitched my thumb at Maddox. “He’s clearly not around enough to help.”

She laughed fondly at Maddox. “I’m so proud of both of you. Following your dreams and changing the world.”

Tears stung my eyes at Gran’s words. She always knew the right thing to say to make me tear up. It was both wonderful and obnoxious.

“I love you, Gran.”

“I love you too.”

We sat in silence, listening to the beeping of the machines and waiting.

Finally, the door opened. I jumped to my feet, anxiety cresting through me. I wanted to act like I was ready to deal with this all over again even if I could never, ever be ready for what was about to happen.

Then, my mom stepped into the hospital room. “Hi.”

I froze, fear replacing my anxiety. This was never a good sign. I should have been glad that the adult was here to take care of the situation, but I knew better. I knew exactly who my mother was.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“Marley Sue,” Gran said, “be kind to your mother.”

My mom shot Gran a reassuring smile. “It’s okay, Mom.”

Maddox stirred from his chair. He blinked blearily up at the situation in the room. “Fuck, I need coffee.”

“Language, Maddox,” Gran said.

“You want some too?” He pointed at me.

I stared back at him helplessly. Despite the years, we still had our twin ESP. He sighed and straightened in his chair, massaging a crick in his neck. I didn’t want him to go. I couldn’t be alone in this room with our mother, but I couldn’t leave Gran to deal with her either.

“I’d like a cup,” our mom said.

Maddox snorted. “I guess coffee can wait.”

“I got your message that you were in the hospital,” Mom said.

Gran smiled tentatively. She’d at least learned enough over the years to be cautious. Even if she couldn’t quite move to pessimism. If it were me, I’d never have let my mom know about this shit.

“I’m glad you came.”

“Of course. Ruth should be here after work.”

Gran smiled at knowing that her daughters were both going to be here. For a second, I saw the light in my Gran’s eyes. As if everything would be all right again.

Mom stepped up to Gran’s side. She wrinkled her nose slightly at the hospital bed and all the equipment. It wasn’t exactly her aesthetic. Her hair had been bleached an unnatural blonde. So bright that it was nearly white. I’d never seen that color on the woman who I sometimes thought looked like me. Everything was blown out and painted on and fake. Her dress was a mint-green number with lots of frills and high, high heels. Her skin was bronze. She was stunning regardless of age, and at the same time, she was absolutely hideous.

“How are you feeling?” she asked.

“I’ve been better, but I’m sure they’re going to let me out of here soon.”