“No, Mom, I think I'm just gonna stay in tonight. I'm real tired from the game. I'm just gonna have a bath here and then go back to my place, maybe watch some television, then get an early night.”
“Did you call the man from Stanford yet?”
Oh no, now she was getting on my case about that, as well.
“Not yet, Mom. And before you say anything, don't worry, I will call him. I'm just real tired, all right?”
“All right, don't worry; I wasn't going to nag you. But really, my dear, don't leave it too long. You heard what your coach said – it's a time-sensitive issue. He's such a nice man, that coach of yours, Mr. Vinson. Good Lord, he's
a handsome one, too, isn't he!”
I couldn't help but chuckle. Oh, Mom, what would you say if you knew the truth about the two of us!
“He's a great-looking guy, yeah. And probably the best coach I've ever had.”
“I'm sure whatever coach you get at Stanford will be just as good. After all, it is one of the most prestigious colleges in the country.”
“I know, Mom, and I'm sure that whoever is coaching the team there will be amazing.”
“I think they will be. All right, well I'm feeling pretty bushed myself, dear. I think I need to get into bed.”
“Have you taken your meds, Mom?”
She smiled. “I have, yes. Such a caring daughter. I'm happy you and your sister are both here together. It's just like the old days. I'm such a lucky mother.”
I gave her a hug and squeezed her tightly. “Get some rest, Mom. I love you.”
“I love you, too, Eryn. Goodnight. Make sure you lock the front door on your way out, all right? Mrs. Haxton's apartment got robbed last week, you know. She left the door unlocked, and they just walked right in and took her TV and stereo while she was cooking. Terrible, really terrible.”
“Don't worry, Mom, I'll make double sure that I lock up. You get some rest now.”
“Goodnight, dear.”
“Night, Mom.”
I helped her up off the sofa and then watched her as she shuffled off to her bedroom. As I did, tears began to sting the corners of my eyes. I stifled a sob and then hurried off to my place.
*****
I walked in just as Leena was about to leave. “Hey, I didn't think you'd be back so early,” she said.
“Early? It's almost eight.”
“You know what I mean. I thought you'd be going out for drinks with your sister.”
“Nah, I'm just too tired.”
“But, Eryn, aren't you like totally excited about the scholarships we've been offered?! I'm still in shock!”
I gave her a hug. “Of course, I am! Jeez, it's like the best news ever! But I just need a quiet, restful night. We'll celebrate tomorrow night, okay?”
“Sounds good. I'm off to dance the night away with Simon,” Leena said as she grabbed a few things.
“Oh, Simon, huh?” I said with a grin and a wink. “So things are getting serious between you two?”
“I'm gonna be staying over at his place tonight after clubbing, so I guess you could say that,” she replied with a smile.
“Well, you two have yourselves a good time, and I'll see you tomorrow,” I replied.