“I’m glad you’re here.” Dad held her at arm’s length, offering her a warm smile.
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”
My chest squeezed, remembering the conversation we’d been having as my dad called. The conversation we still needed to have.
The conversation that would have to take a backseat.
“Shall I get us some coffee?” Hailee suggested. It was late, but I wasn’t leaving until I got to see Mom.
“That’s a great idea,” Dad said, digging out his wallet. “Here, let me—”
“Don’t worry, I’ve got it.” She offered him a smile.
“Thank you,” I said, and Hailee took off down the hall.
“I’m so glad she came with you, Son. You’re lucky to have her.”
He was right, I was.
Hailee hadn’t given coming with me a second thought. She’d gotten on her phone the second I told her I needed to get to Rixon ASAP.
But I couldn’t stop thinking about what she’d said earlier.
I couldn’t stop wondering if she was right.
It was almost eleven when they finally let us in to see Mom. The doctor confirmed that she’d had a seizure due to a new glioma.
My mom had another brain tumor.
I didn’t know what the fuck to do with that.
“I’ll give the three of you some space,” Hailee said as we reached Mom's room.
“Thank you.” Dad slipped inside, but I stayed back.
“I’m not sure I can do this again,” I confessed, my heart numb from the news.
“Sure, you can.” Hailee enveloped me in her slim arms. “You’re so strong, Cam. And I’m here, I’m right here. Whatever you need.”
I wanted to tell her to take me away from here. To hold me tight and never let go. But my dad needed me, my mom too. And Xander.
Fuck… Xander.
“This will destroy Xander.” I swallowed hard, dropping my gaze to the floor.
“Look at me,” Hailee said, sliding her hand to my cheek. “You can do this, Cameron. They need you.”
Touching my head to hers, I tried to draw comfort from her. The girl who had stood up beside me through this once already.
“I can’t lose her, Hailee. I just can’t.”
“Ssh,” she whispered. “We don’t know the prognosis yet. Go be with her and your dad. We’ll worry about the rest later.” Hailee’s lips hovered over mine, touching but not kissing. I felt her uncertainty, and I knew I’d been the one to put it there.
But I couldn’t do this, not right now. Not when I didn’t know if my mom was going to make it or not.
“I won’t be long,” I said, pulling away.
“Okay, I’ll be right out here.” Hailee stepped back, wrapping her arms around her chest, barely able to meet my gaze.