IN TOO DEEP

*SAM*

We entered the house and it was just as I had left it. Everyone was present except dad. Chase and mom hugged me and I carried Joe up in the air before pulling him into a hug. He complained a bit about being a big boy now and that I should not be caring him up in the air. Cute! He’s just seven and will always be my baby even when he is 20.

Everyone gave me quizzed looks and I remembered I had not introduced Hunter to the family. I quickly pull Hunter to me and we bumped bodies causing Hayley to mutter an Awwn. I rolled my eyes before speaking.

“Mom, chase, Joey bear, meet Hunter.... he’s my boyfriend “ I introduced.

My mom quirked an eyebrow at me before throwing a fake laugh “when did you get a new boyfriend? You didn’t even think to tell me".

I rolled my eyes “well I’m telling you now “

She looked at Hunter and gave a warm smile "Hello dear. Nice having you over. You are staying over for dinner right?"
She asked

Hunter looked a bit nervous but before I could cut in he nodded his head "Yes ma'am, I will, I look forward to enjoying your cooking" he said

My mom chuckled a bit before speaking "Oh no. I'm not the one making dinner, Sammantha is"

I look at her "I am?" I asked before letting out an exasperated sigh "fine. But you all are eating what I cook not what you want" I said earning a nod from everyone and my mom rolled her eyes

Chase just stood there with his arms folded as he just quietly inspected Hunter. Joe walked up to Hunter before speaking.

“Do you play video games and do you like chocolate?” Hunter squatted to meet his eye level.

“I love chocolates and I love video games. I think we’ll get along pretty well” he replied earning a fist bump from Joe.
Smooth Hunter, smooth.

I saw my mom quietly leave the gathering and move into the living room. I followed her quietly and entered the living room. I saw her sitting on the sofa and as she saw me she tried looking very cheerful and lively but I saw past her. I sat down beside her and reached for her hands, I held her hands in mine and looked in her eyes, they were a bit worn out and filled with tiredness.

“Mom, I know you are going through a very rough time right now but... I just want you to know that you are not alone, okay? I’m here for you, Nate and Joe and Hayley. We are all here for you.” I said giving her hands a slight squeeze.

She looked at me and I could see tears gathering in her eyes and so I pulled her into a hug and she broke down, she cried quietly on my shoulders for about 5 minutes before pulling back and wiping her eyes with the tissue paper on the table. After she blew her nose and was now composed better, she took my hands in hers again and inhaled deeply.

“Your dad and I... we are getting a divorce honey “ she said trying not to break down again.

I reached for her back and stroked it softly to comfort her just like Hunter did me. She nodded as if telling herself to get it together.

“And... I’m sick honey. The doctor said I... that I have cancer" she cried again collapsing in my arms and I could not hold it any more and I burst into tears too. We cried for about 5 minutes again before she looked up at me, she sniffed as she continued “he said its... cancer of the bo..bone marrow honey and I have about a year or a year and a half at most and... and that’s it" she cried again.

I could not think straight anymore as my mind started wondering... where did this come from? Isn’t there anything that can be done? I wanted her to give me her blessing before I get married, I wanted her to see my kids and be called grandma! Hell she wont even be at my graduation?