The Trouble with You (Rixon Raiders 1)

Not even a little bit.

“Oh God.” At the sound of Hailee’s voice, I sucked in sharply. “Is she okay?”

“Ailee,” Xander shrieked.

“Hi, buddy.” She went to him, stroking his hair.

“I know this is probably a lot to ask.” I met her concerned gaze. “But can you get him out of his chair and take him into the other room?”

“Of course. Should we call 911?” Her eyes motioned to Mom’s lifeless body.

“I don’t—”

“Cameron?” Dad entered the back door. “What happened?” He dropped the bag of groceries on the counter, stuff spilling everywhere, and rushed over to me.

“I don’t know, I heard Xander screaming and found her like this.”

Dad ushered me out of the way and checked Mom over. “Karen, darling, can you hear me?” His fingers gently traced her face and she began to stir, and relief like I’d never known before slammed into me.

“C- Clarke? What happened?” Mom tried to sit up but crumpled back to the floor. Dad slipped his arm under her neck cradling her head in his lap. “You passed out, sweetheart.”

“I- I did?” Tears collected in the corner of Mom’s eyes and I was vaguely aware of Hailee’s gaze burning into the back of my head. “Is Xander—”

“Xander’s fine, Mom,” I reassured her, sliding my eyes to Hailee. She gave me a small nod, my brother clinging onto her like a spider monkey.

“Why don’t you and Hailee take him into the den while I call Doctor Kravis?”

“Are you sure—”

“Cameron, now, Son.” Dad glanced down at Mom and I realized he wanted to protect Mom’s privacy and dignity.

“Sure, if you need me, just shout.” I went over to Hailee and Xander. “Come on, let’s show Hailee your toys.”

The second we stepped into the den, Xander wriggled out of Hailee’s arms and plopped to the floor. “Ome on, Ailee. You ike Aze?”

“Aze?” she mouthed at me.

“Blaze and the monster machines.”

“I, uh, I don’t know that one.”

I smiled, watching as Xander grabbed her hand and pulled her further into the room. And it occurred to me I wasn’t the only one smitten with Hailee Raine. She listened patiently as Xan got her up to speed on all things Blaze. When he was absorbed in the game, Hailee crept away, coming over to me. “Is your Mom going to be okay?” she asked.

Moving to the couch, I waited for her to join me. “Honestly,” I confessed. “I don’t know.”

“What’s wrong with her?”

“She has postpartum depression and anxiety.”

Hailee’s brow crinkled and I knew what she was thinking. “But I’m not sure that’s all there is to it,” I admitted. “Dad said she’s getting some tests.”

“What tests?”

“I’m not sure.” I buried my face in my hands, rubbing my eyes with the heel of my palms, letting out a shaky breath. I’d seen Mom lose it more times than I could count; I’d seen her in puddles of tears, sobbing about something as trivial as burning the dinner. I’d watched her unable to get out of bed for days on end, complaining she was too exhausted. But I’d never seen her unresponsive like that before.

“Hey.” Hailee’s fingers brushed my arm, coaxing me to meet her steady gaze. “If you need to talk, I’m here.”

I stared at her, lost for words. She’d offered to be there for me, just like that. No judgement. No questions or ulterior motive.