As my mom explained further, I took a shaky breath, focusing on Ben’s hands and the easy way they moved over the strings as he started to play again. Chords. Strumming. Melody.
“At least you two have each other,” Anne said to me after a moment. On cue, Jonathan, who was sitting beside her, slid an arm over her shoulders. “Support is really important with a diagnosis like this.”
“Telling me wasn’t her choice,” I told her. “I saw some papers.”
Ben looked up at me. “Wait. So you didn’t know either?”
“Not until we got here,” I said as Anne squeezed my hand. “She’s never shared much of herself with me, though. That’s always been our dynamic. Now that I do know something, I hate that it’s this.”
On the porch, the conversation was still going. “So you’re leaving tomorrow,” I heard Kasey say.
“For tests and to meet with the surgeon,” my mom said. “I’ll come back after to wrap things up here and do all the stuff with the notary.”
“What about Finley?” Liz asked.
It was like a jolt, hearing my name.
“I’m dropping her off on the way,” my mom said. “She can get back to her summer, which is the best thing for both of us.”
Again, Anne turned to face me. “You’re leaving tomorrow? You just got here!”
“I wasn’t supposed to come in the first place,” I pointed out.
“But you did. You can’t just vanish on us again. That’s not fair.”
“We’re talking about cancer,” Lana informed her. “Fair doesn’t come into it.”
“You’re right.” Anne flushed. “I’m being selfish. It’s just at times like this, when things get so hard, it feels like we should be bringing family closer. Not pushing them away.”
“Depends on the family,” Lana said quietly.
Things were wrapping up now inside. I heard chairs scraping, final words. Then Kasey was coming out the door.
“Oh, Finley. Your mom just told us her news.” She bent down, giving me a hug. Liz, behind her, was looking at me as well. “I know it’s a lot. If you need to talk, I’m here for you. Anytime.”
“Me too,” Liz added. She gave me a tight smile. “And we’ll get through this. Don’t worry.”
I wondered if things were reversed, my mom now listening to us. I could only imagine what she’d make of that “we.” I nodded.
“All right.” Kasey started down the stairs. “I’m going to bed. I’ll see you all at the Egg in the morning. Finley, be sure to come grab some breakfast for you and your mom on the way out.”
“I will,” I told her. “Thanks.”
As she slid her hands in the pockets, crossing the driveway, Liz yawned. “What aday. I’m exhausted. Hopefully tomorrow will be less dramatic.”
“What time are they starting?” Anne asked her.
“The truck is coming at eight sharp.”
“Which means they’ll be stuck in a hole at five of,” Lana predicted.
“Let’s hope not.” Liz stepped closer, pulling me in for a hug. “Love you, honey. I’m crossing my fingers you and Cat will come back for the wedding.”
“I’m invited?” I asked. It hadn’t even occurred to me.
“Of course!” Anne gave me one of her trademark squeezes. For such a thin person, she had serious grip. “In fact, I’m counting on it.”
I stood there, watching as they headed to their respective cars. Liz beeped as she followed the 4Runner into the trees.
