Faith
Walking into my Moms’ room I check on her one more time before I leave for the day. She had a rough night last night not getting much sleep with her being in pain. She has stage four cancer, which has now spread throughout her whole body. There is not much else they can do for her at this point except try and make her comfortable. It hasn't been easy watching her waste away. It shouldn't be like this. She should still be able to live her life doing all the things she's always wanted to do. It just isn't fair. She won't get to see me get married or have my first baby. I don't know what I'm going to do without her. She's my best friend. I've always been able to tell her anything. We would stay up on the weekends and watch movies, do our nails and just talk. I think that's what I'm going to miss the most. My dad left when I was just a baby and said this wasn't the life he wanted and he never looked back, so it's always been just mom and me. She worked damn hard to provide for me. She's the best mom a child could ask for. She always sacrificed so I could have what I needed and never once complained. She taught me to love myself and never let anyone push me around. I definitely got my sassy side from her and I let it show when I need to. Mom always said to stand up for what I believe in. I try to hold it together to be strong for her but some days are really hard. She didn't want to be stuck in a hospital; she wanted to die in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by the people she loves. So I set up what I had to and got a nurse to come in when I can't be there. I just want her to be as comfortable as possible. Most of the time, she's passed out from all the drugs that help her ease the pain but those times that she's lucid are what I'm going to cherish most when she's gone. We stay up as late as she can, which isn't long. Just talking, remembering the happy times we've had together. The last time we got to talking I still remember her words.
Walking into her room when I got home from work, wanting to say goodnight. I was surprised to find mom awake. Patting the bed beside her, I sat down and she grabbed my hands in hers and said:
“Baby girl, I'm not going to be here much longer. I know my time is coming soon and I've made peace with that. But I don’t want you to be sad. I want you to go out there and live the life you're meant to have. I’m so proud of the woman you've become. I want you to remember all the fun we had, not the sad parts, and lean on those that love you. Don't try and take on everything by yourself. I don't want you to go at it alone. I want you to find the happiness that you deserve to live and be free. Trust in your heart because it won’t steer you wrong. I know that you're in love with Mason and don’t try to tell me any different. Moms always know when their child is in love. I've seen the way you look at him when you think he isn’t watching you, but baby girl that boy has seen you and I know he feels the same way. Don’t waste time not going after what you want in life. Take the chance because you just might find your happily ever after. Promise me baby that you won’t hold back from what you want. I love you baby girl to the moon and back. Promise me, Faith.”At that mom's eyes close and she falls into a peaceful sleep that night. Bending down I kiss mom on the forehead whispering I love you to the moon and back and walk back towards my room. It took me a while to fall asleep after my talk with mom. But when I do I dream of what could be with Mason. Can we really have a future together, is it really that simple to follow my dreams? Or is it just wishful thinking that Mason Callahan loves me back just as much as I love him?
Wiping the tears from my eyes I back out of the room and run right into mom's nurse Henry. How long has he been standing there for? Henry is someone I can’t stand. He gives me major creepy vibes. I've tried getting someone else in here but they don’t have anyone available at the moment. I’m pretty sure he walked into my bathroom this morning while I was taking a shower because someone opened the door and I knew it wasn't my mom, but I didn’t see anyone standing there. Maybe I'm just exhausted and I'm just seeing things now. He grabs my upper arms to steady me and I give an involuntary shiver at the disgust I feel when he puts his hands on me. “Henry, how long have you been standing here?” I ask because I know he was there the whole time. Every time I’m somewhere at home he finds a way to stand so close to me it's starting to freak me out.
“I was just coming to check on your mom to see if she needed anything, I didn't realize you were still here.”
His smile is so creepy. I pull myself out of his arms and take a wide step back and to the side because he has a habit of brushing past me. He knows I haven't left yet. My car is still in the driveway. Not wanting to stand around any longer than I have to, I start to walk away.
“Well, I’m off. I have a full day at the cafe. Mom’s sleeping right now, but if anything comes up please call me.” As I rush down the hall and out the front door I can feel his eyes tracking my every move. I happen to look up and he’s watching from mom's window like the creeper he is. Maybe I should take Rhylie’s offer and have Mason look into him. Something isn’t right with Henry. Jumping in my car, I take off for the Cafe, which I’m now part-owner of. I cannot believe Rhylie did that. I was so shocked when she handed me the envelope, that it took me a while to process what I was actually reading. Both of us had tears running down our faces. After that, I was just so happy it was the pick-me-up I needed. Rhylie and I have been best friends since grade one. I was the new girl at the school and she sat beside me and introduced herself and that was it, we were inseparable ever since. So when she decided to open up Naughty Beans Cafe I stood beside her and helped with anything that she needed. I went to school, took some business courses, and haven't looked back. I love what I do. When we found out mom was sick she was there for me every step of the way. She even hired a cleaning company to come in and clean the house when she saw just how run down I was becoming doing everything. She's the sister I never had and I would be lost without her in my life. If she has a day off she will come to sit with mom and read to her, even bringing her cookies. It's come to the point mom can't stomach most things lately. Traffic is light and it doesn’t take me long to pull into the parking lot of the cafe and I happen to notice a certain police cruiser in the parking lot. Maybe today’s the day I stop being a chicken and finally go after what I want. God Mason Callahan is the sexiest man I’ve ever seen. Even in my awkward teenage years, I found him to be attractive. I'm pretty sure Ry knew I’ve always had a crush on him but as the years went by it’s turned into more. I’m just not sure if he feels the same about me. Anytime I spent at their house growing up I would blush anytime Mason said hi to me. It was so embarrassing, my preteen years weren't pretty so he's seen me in all stages of life. I remember in high school a boy was picking on me. He even pushed me into the lockers because I wouldn't go out with him. Somehow Mason found out and gave the kid a black eye and he stayed away from me after that. He’s 6’3, 200 lbs of pure muscle, green eyes to die for and brown hair he keeps short. With a full sleeve on one arm that I want an up-close and personal view of. He went from joining the Army to becoming a cop just like his dad was. The day he left for boot camp I cried the whole night. I was in hysterics until mom walked into my room and held me and told me everything was going to be okay and that he was going to come back safe. I prayed every night after that for God to protect him and to make sure he comes home to us. Now with him being a police officer, I pray every night to watch over him and that will never change. One Christmas I gave him a necklace of Saint Michael who is the Patron Saint of police officers and to this day he still wears it everywhere, it gives me peace of mind to know he wears it. When he opened it he stared at it for a good five minutes making me squirm thinking he doesn't like it. He got up and gave me the biggest hug I’ve ever had. It was our first time touching and the electrical shock that traveled throughout my whole body I got from it was amazing. That was the day I knew I really did love Mason. He held on tight whispering how much he loved the necklace and would wear it every day until we heard Rhylie clearing her throat giving her brother a weird look, we jumped apart right after that. I know as soon as I go in there I’m going to become the mute I turn into whenever he’s around. He makes butterflies take route in my belly. Blowing out a breath I check myself in the mirror one last time and open my door walking towards the door. I stop short because looking back at me through the window is Mason and he's giving me a look of wanting. Let’s pray today isn’t the day I blurt everything I’m feeling.
Mason
I came to my sister's cafe early before my shift started with Victor hoping more coffee is going to wake my ass up. I didn't get much sleep last night because I had a certain blond-haired blue-eyed woman starring in my dreams and let me tell you those were vivid ones. The dirty things I want to do to her might scare her off. I know she's innocent and I'm going to have to take my time with her because Faith Anderson is mine and always has been. She just doesn't know it yet, but she will realize it soon. Faith is 5 feet tall and I tower over her with my 6’3 frame. She has the sweetest smile, short blond hair, and ice-blue eyes that I could get lost in. Lately, though, the happiness I normally see reflecting back has dimmed a lot. She’s there but she isn’t. I know her mom dying is taking its toll on her and I just want to protect her from all that, to be able to put that smile back on her face. Anything she needs I would drop and come running. I would be down on my knees all day if that is what she wanted, there's nothing I wouldn't do for her. I've loved her from afar. I never thought I was good enough for her. I’m dark to her light. I thought I was protecting her from me and all the fucked up shit I’ve seen and did while being in the Army. That day when Frankie Jones decided to bring a gun into the cafe, pointed at my sister and Faith intending to kill them both, took years off my life. I've watched the security tape and each time I did I wanted to bring him back just so I could beat him senseless. He was going to take the two most important people in my life away from me and that I wouldn't be able to live with. It's why I had the panic button installed in the cafe. Sure could I have told Rhylie what I was going to do before I did it? Yes, I could but she would have fought me on it, telling me I’m too overprotective of her which, let’s face it, I am. I would do anything for her or Faith and keeping them both safe is what I will always do. Now that Lucas got his head out of his ass he finally told my sister how he feels about her. I've always known how they both felt about each other but it wasn't my place to butt in. Do I think he's good enough for my baby sister? No, I don't think anyone is but he makes her happier than I've seen since my parents died and that's all I want for her. Seeing Faith at gunpoint gave me the push I needed to get my ass in gear to go after what I want and nothing and no one is going to be standing in my way. The day I drove her home she stayed silent the whole time looking out the window. I think I made her nervous because the whole time her face was red and she was sitting on her hands as if she was stopping herself from touching me. I found it cute but I let her have her space because she just went through something traumatic and I couldn't be selfish. She gave me a whispered goodbye and walked into her house. Every time after that something always came up and it didn't seem like the right time to make my move. Rhylie making her partner meant she had more responsibility and less time to go out between her mom and the cafe. She’s starting to show signs of being run down and I don’t fucking like it. It's time I stepped up and started taking care of her like I should have done from the start and I'll start tonight after shift. I'll bring her dinner because I know she hasn’t been taking care of herself properly. Oh, I know she will fight me on doing things for her. It's who she is. My little firecracker doesn't take shit from anyone. It's something I love about her and by this time tonight, she's going to know how I feel. Sipping my coffee, I happen to look out the window and see Faith about to walk in. I give her a look that makes her stop dead in her tracks. That's right baby you're going to be mine after tonight. That's when Victor decides to give his two cents which I didn't ask for.
“Are you going to stare all day at her or are you finally going to make your move? Because from where I'm sitting you're going to be ninety and still looking.”
That gets my sister laughing her ass off so I give them both the middle finger hoping what I'm about to tell them will have them finally staying out of my business. I’m hoping it works but knowing my sister it won’t. I know as soon as I leave she will be on the phone with Lucas telling him what happened. Then everyone is going to know, great just want I want. Rolling my eyes at the gossips I finally tell them.
“Tonight after shift I'm going to bring her dinner and tell her.'' That gets my sister squealing and clapping her hands like an overzealous seal looking like the spaz she is. At that Faith walks in and looks around wondering what has made my nut of sister so excited. Hopefully, she can keep what I just said to herself and not blurt it out like I know she wants to. I'm giving my sister a look to keep her mouth shut and she shakes her head knowing she won't say anything. She lies because Faith is giving us a look like we're crazy.
“What's got you so excited Ry? Did the new shipments of shirts come in? I can't wait to wear one!”
Ry is looking like a deer caught in the headlights and I can't help but chuckle under my breath, clearly not quietly enough if the death glare she's shooting at me is any indication. I love my sister but she can’t lie for shit, never could, so not wanting her to blurt out anything I jump in and save her.
“She's just excited about her date with Lucas tonight. He's surprising her with what they are doing. You know how she gets.” Waving my hand around as if that will explain everything. I know I’m going to hell for lying but there's no way I'm telling her everything in front of them, fuck that. I know after this I'm going to have to text Lucas and give him a heads up on what's going on and how he now has to take her out for a surprise. Victor is quietly laughing his ass off because he knows Lucas is going to kick my ass for that one. Oh well, I was saving Rhylie’s ass so I know he won't be too pissed off.
“Oh, how exciting. He's such a sweetheart for doing that for you.”
I realize everyone has stopped talking and is now looking at me strangely and it's because I'm growling like a bear at hearing Faith call another man a sweetheart. I know I shouldn't be pissed at that because she doesn’t see Lucas or any man that way but fuck I want that directed at me and only me. Does that make me sound like a caveman? Sure but who gives a fuck because after tonight Faith is going to know who she belongs to. My shithead of a sister gives me a smirk at almost getting caught and changes the subject before anyone could ask what happened.
“How's your mom doing today, Faith?”
We all watched what happiness that she had a minute ago leave her eyes. It's like a punch to the gut. I know what she's going to say next won't be good and that shit hurts. I know what it's like to lose your parents. Her mom is all she has but after tonight she's going to know that she will never be alone. That she will always have me to stand beside her. Rubbing my chest from the pain I'm feeling as if that's going to help, she says in a small voice.
“She’s not doing well. She hasn't really been awake the last few days and I just know the time is coming soon. She's going to go to sleep and won't wake up and I don't know what I’m going to do without her.”
At that, her voice cracks and Ry comes around the counter and just holds her. Letting her cry whispering words that I know aren't really getting through. She just shakes her head yes to what my sister is saying. I want to be the one that's holding her but she needs my sister right now and I won't be selfish. Ms. Anderson is like a second mom, especially to Ry when we lost our parents, she was there for us when we needed something. I remember her words to me after they died when I was scared of something happening to Ry, that somehow I wasn't going to be enough for her. She told me my love for my sister will carry her, that Ry has always looked up to me and how proud she is that I’m her brother. She gave me a tight hug and told me everything was going to be okay. I walked away that day feeling lighter than I ever did. Backing away she wipes her eyes and even crying she's still so beautiful to me.
“Sorry I didn't mean to break down like that, it's just a lot you know. I didn't get much sleep last night then I had a run-in with Henry this morning. I'm out of it.”
Now that gets my attention. Who the fuck is Henry and with the look of disgust on her face, I know it’s someone she doesn’t like. “Who's Henry and what did he do?” Okay fine that might have come out more of a growl. But I’m on edge here because if this Henry fucker has done something she doesn't like then he's going to have me to deal with. Faith gives me a wide eye look like she doesn't want to tell me. Well too damn bad, I'll be getting that information out of her one way or another. And by the look on my sister's face, she doesn't like him either and that just pisses me off that she's kept this from me, especially when it comes to Faith.
“He’s just my mom's home nurse. Hey, Ry do you mind if I headed home to be with mom? I just have a feeling I need to be there for her.”
“You don't even have to ask we've got the cafe covered for as long as you need. Kiss your mom for me”
“Thank you, bye guys.” With that she walks back and into her car, taking my heart with her. Scrubbing my hands down my face I give Victor a look because he knows what I'm about to do. Looking over at my sister who has a sad look on her face, I get up and give her a tight hug because I know she's thinking of mom and dad at this moment. That type of pain may lessen over time but it never goes away fully. At that moment Lucas and Damon walk in and I back away, giving them a moment so she can fill him in on what happened.
“Now tell me who the Fuck Henry really is and what has he done to Faith that gives her a scared look when she says his name.” My sister explains what's been happening. I'm ready to go kill him and judging by the looks on the guy’s faces they are right there with me, no one fucks with Faith and gets away with it.
Faith
Walking in the front door of my house feeling like I can drop on the floor and sleep for a week. I don't see or hear Henry and that gives me a sigh of relief. Hopefully, he's just sitting with mom and not going through my stuff, lately, he seems creepy enough to do something like that. Going into the kitchen I go about making a coffee, hoping the added caffeine perks me up before I go sit in mom's room to be with her. The urge to come home and be with her, as if this will be the last time that I’ll have with her, is still sitting heavy with me. It's like a dark cloud is hanging around and it doesn’t give me a good feeling. Looking out the kitchen window it's like the world knows how I'm feeling, the clouds have gone grey since being home. I just have to wonder why her, why does my mom have to die? The one person who's always there for me. Picked me up when I’ve fallen but encouraged me to always try again. Who always loved me for me, and never judged my decisions in life, and taught me to see the good in people when others don't even see it. I know she's in pain. I see it in her eyes when she is lucid but is it selfish of me just wanting my mom to be around for a long time. Sighing I wipe my face of the few tears that have fallen. I swear that's all I’ve done lately is cry. I now have dark circles under my eyes. I try to hide it with makeup before I go to work but Ry sees right through it, she knows exactly what I’m going through. She sees when I get lost in thought or I just need a moment to myself at work and she gives it to me being my silent support system. When Mason asked about Henry I hated lying to him but I know how he can be with stuff like that and me being Rhylie’s best friend he feels like he has to protect me as well. Not that I don't love it. I'm just not in the mood to get into the details of why he creeps me out because he will lose his mind. I know as soon as I left the cafe he got Ry to tell him so the next time I see him should be fun. Speaking of creepy Henry, I get that shiver of disgust I get whenever he's near me so I know he's standing behind me watching like he always does. I've been so lost in my thoughts so who knows how long he's been standing there. Wanting to get this over with I pick up my coffee and turn around because if he tries anything this coffee will be going in his face I’m not in the mood for this shit today.
