Tessa
It’s been raining for three days now. That’s like a world record in Southern California. The facility is always a little hectic when it rains. The patients are stuck in their rooms or the common areas, and they tend to get a bit stir crazy. I’m wiping down the wall, cleaning pudding on the white paint, the results of a rainy day. Most of the time they don’t care to be out, but it’s the issue of telling them they can’t that becomes a problem.
“Tessa?”
I turn my head and see Rose standing there. She’s done a one-eighty from the time she was brought in. So well, in fact, that Martha told me they had a meeting with her caseworker and the administration yesterday and they believe she’s ready to go home.
I drop the brush into the bucket, wiping my hands on the towel I have attached to my waist. “Hi, Rose, what can I do for you?”
She runs her hands over her brown hair. Her blue eyes, so much like her son’s, twinkle in delight. “I was wondering if you and I could have a chat.”
I can see that she’s trying with me. She’s trying to be more than a patient, and I commend her for trying to get her life back on track. I check my watch and see that it’s close to my break, so I could go to the cafeteria and sit down with her.
“Sure, why don’t I meet you in the lunchroom?”
“Sounds good, dear.” She places her hand on my shoulder and gives me a squeeze before making her way towards the cafeteria.
I finish cleaning the wall and push my cart towards the maintenance closet. Once everything is locked away, I head towards the lunchroom. When I enter the room, I see that Rose is already at a table in the corner. She sees me, and gives me a little wave, so I head in her direction.
“I ordered you the same as me, I hope that’s all right.”
“Thank you.” I take the napkin from the tray and place it on my lap. “What can I do for you?”
“I was hoping that we could talk about my son.”
I blink a few times before answering because I’m not sure how to proceed with this. “Okay…”
She laughs to herself. “I’m sorry, I don’t know where to begin.”
“Why don’t you start with what’s on your mind?”
“I know my son has feelings for you. I know that I’m not the only reason why he’s come here to Los Angeles or stayed for that matter. I see the way he looks at you. I know that you’re the one who called him when I showed up. I remember you, Tessa. From New Mexico, from when you were younger, and even back then you looked at my boy like he’d be the one to solve all your problems, and even today I can see it.”
“Okay, I’m not sure where this is coming from. Hawk and I have always been friends.”
“Is he planning on staying here, with you?”
“I can’t answer that because we haven’t discussed that.”
“Isn’t he happier here with you and me than he is back home?”
“I don’t know, Rose. He and I don’t discuss New Mexico very much.”
“Well, why not? You have to know what he’s thinking. You have to know if he’s planning on staying or leaving.” Her bottom lip trembles. “I need to know if he’s going to stay or if I’m going to lose him again.”
This poor woman.
“You won’t lose him again, Rose. I know what kind of man Hawk is, and there’s no way that he’s going to abandon his family.” She takes a deep breath, maybe one of relief. “But you have to realize that his family is also in New Mexico. You remember the loyalty and the brotherhood of the MC. You have to know that Hawk isn’t the type of man to turn his back on those who have never turned their back on him.”
“Then I guess I’m out of luck.” She’s beating herself up over how she left him when he was younger.
“I wouldn’t count yourself out, just yet. Your son might surprise you.” I know Hawk, and I can see that he’s forgiven her for leaving. She needs to forgive herself.
I sure as hell hope he surprises both of us.