Always, I'll care - Jeremy Zucker
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I opened the front door and rushed out the moment I heard the car, mom following right behind me. It was six in the morning and the sky was covered with clouds. The weather perfect like a picture. Like a family

I stepped on the driveway but before I could see anyone or do anything three bodies collided into me. The familiarity of it made me light, like all the troubles of mine had evaporated in the air. A smile stretched on my face.

I had missed this. I had missed them.

"EVAAAA" Squealed Millie hugging my legs.

"I missed you a lot" whispered Alex in my ear.

Daniel just silently hugged me, tighter than the rest.

"Its good to see you all" I said, closing my eyes to take in all of the moment.

I felt so happy to see them again. Never have I been away from them this long before and I have never missed them like this before either. To have them in my arms right now felt amazing.

"Is no one going to hug me?" Came our mother's voice from behind us.

Mom had woken up earlier than even me, waiting for the rest of her children to arrive. She couldn't wait, watching the clock every five seconds. The kids rushed from me to her, hugged her tighter than ever and bombarding her with questions. I could see the concern in Alex and Daniel's eyes but mom was radiating. She was the happiest person here.

I couldn't stop looking at them but I didn't step in their small shell either. It looked like they were in a bubble of their own and I wanted to protect it with all my life.

Millie was wearing her favorite red dress and the twins looked taller than before. I must have missed so many moments in the past weeks.

"And what about me?" Came another voice.

I froze in my spot not believing my ears. It can't be, there is absolutely no way. After a moment of bewilderment, I spin around on my heels to see Leigh standing in the driveway wearing a yellow shirt and white trousers. A smirk on her face as she took my reaction in.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I whispered, my eyes wide open as I stared at her.

She really can't be here.

"Oh really? That's all you have to say? I thought you'd at least rush over to me and-"

I didn't let her complete her sentence. I rushed over and engulfed her in a hug. She really was here, I couldn't believe it.

"Oh God- I am so happy to see you!!!" I said, my arms wrapped around her in a tight embrace.

"Me too Eva, me too" she replied, hugging me back.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

"I wanted to surprise you, duh" she chuckled.

It took us a few more minutes to finally break away from each other. A smile gracing both of our faces.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, confused to see her here although extremely happy.

"I missed you and wanted to see you. Then I heard that the kids were coming, so I decided to come along" she said casually. "Besides I thought I could be of help"

My heart swell up at her words.

"Thank you for this but you really didn't have to-"

"I also wanted to get a break from work. Constant office screaming was becoming to much for me. This is my holiday and not everything is about you. Now, will you please introduce me to your mom?" She cut me off, looking over to where mom, Millie and the twins were standing.

I chuckled at her and nodded. Grabbing her hand I walked towards mom who still engrossed in her children was joined by Henry.

Everyone looked happy today and I was grateful for that.

...............................

I was in the kitchen making tea for everyone. Today was Thursday, in a few hours we were leaving for the hospital. They would keep mom under observation for the night and if everything went well they would carry out the surgery tomorrow.

My heart was constantly racing, my stomach in knots. I was scared and hadn't been able to sleep well for the past two days. I had been dreading going to the hospital, just thinking of the place gave me anxiety.

Pouring the tea in the cups I prayed once again that everything goes well. I wanted to see my mom healthy again, the surgery had to be a success.

From across the hall a high pitched laugh traveled to the kitchen. A smile spread over my face once again. With Millie and twins coming everything has been better, mom was feeling a lot better. She was more energetic and talkative, just like her old self.

Having Leigh here was also a blessing, she told me every chance she got that everything will be alright, that I don't have to worry too much. It was nice to have someone to rely on, someone in front of whome I didn't have to pretend to he strong all the time. She also got along quite well with mom, making her laugh with her stupid nonsense talks.

As I was about to pick up the tray and carry it to the living room my phone ringed, drawing my attention to it. I picked it up and saw a message sent by Carter. Surprised I unlocked my phone to read it.

'Your mom's surgery will be successful. Don't worry too much, she is a strong women. Take care of her and yourself. Call me if you need anything.'

I read the message again and again. Each time my heart flipping like it did in high school. This was the second message Carter had sent me, first being that Ally was okay. I didn't reply then because I was angry.

I was still angry at him for telling Kaisey about my mom when I preferred not to. I didn't need his help with anything especially Kaisey. I was also angry at him for giving me reasons to think about him, to realize more and more that I still liked him very much.

I stared at the screen for a few more second wondering if I should reply. Before I could decided anything my phone started ringing in my hand. The name 'Blake' flashing on the screen.

Why was he calling?

I was still ignoring Blake but surprisingly he was still being nice. Not a lot nice cause I dont think he has it in himself to be that but enough for me to see the difference between now and before. I guess he really did feel guilty about what happened that day.

"What do you want?" I asked picking up the call.

"Hi, I'm fine, thankyou, hope you are doing well too" he replied.

I rolled my eyes at his words, leaning against the counter. The tea was getting cold.

"I had an idea about the next issue. I was thinking we could do the city library. Its a prestigious possession of the city and we can promote reading through our article. What do you think?"

I thought about it for a moment, taking a sip from my tea.

"Yeah, this is a good idea. I'm in." I replied finally.

"Okay great! I'll research on it tonight and give you the details tomorrow."

"I....I'm not coming tomorrow and on Saturday. Can you email me what you find?" I said hesitantly.

"What? Why?" He asked.

I sighed staring at the fridge in front of me, what do I say? Do I tell him the truth? But me and Blake aren't exactly friends.

"Just some personal stuff. I will be back on monday" I replied.

He doesn't need to know.

"Is everything okay?"

My eyebrows twitched together at his tone, it sounded like he was concerned.

"Yea, yes everything is fine. Listen, I need to go, send me the details and I'll start working on it"

I closed the call hurriedly after that, not wanting to answer any further questions. Placing the phone back on the counter, I picked up the tray and walked towards the living room. Hoping the tea wasn't too cold.

I did text a 'Thankyou' to Carter a few hours later.

..........................................

"Oh My God. EVA CALM DOWN" said Leigh in a high rattling voice.

"Miss mind keeping your voice down? This is not a public park" said the nurse standing behind the nurse's station.

Leigh gave her a look and then turned to give me a look. Her calm-the-hell-down-or-I-will-flip look. I avoided it and kept pacing up and down the room.

We were at the hospital, they had taken mom in for the surgery about three hours ago. I was fine at first but as time went by my fear and anxiety took the best of me.

I was restless, constantly pacing the room for the past forty minutes. There was no way I could stand still. What was happening inside? Was she okay? Was everything going smoothly? Millions of questions bombarded me demanding an answer. I was utterly exhausted by my thinking.

Henry and Leigh were sitting on a bench in the waiting area. There weren't many people here. Henry looked relax but I could see worry and fear plastered on his face like a colour on a wall. I wanted to assure him but I couldn't even assure myself.

Leigh was doing her best to calm us and convince us that we don't need to worry too much. But it wasn't working and now she sat with crossed arms, pretending she was angry at us.

"Its been more than three hours. What's taking them so long?" I finally said, unable to keep my concern to myself.

I felt like my heart was going to drop any second, at this rate I was going to have a panic attack.

"Eva, it can take time. Its fine, she is fine. I promise" said Leigh getting up and walking over to me.

Before she could reach me the door to the operation theater opened and doctor Mathew stepped out. Me and Henry rushed over to him, Leigh following right behind us. 

"So? How....what? Is she......" stuttered Henry, unable to form a coherent sentence.

Doctor Mathew placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled.

"The surgery was successful. We removed the tumor, your wife will be okay soon. She is still unconscious due to the anesthesia and under observation. We will shift her back to her room in an hour or so."

I released a breath I didn't know I was holding. My body washed over with relief, the kind I had never experienced before. I felt weak suddenly, like I was going to collapse. Leaning against the wall for support I took in a deep breath. It felt like everything in the world was okay or was going to be okay.

"Can we see her?" I asked.

"Not now but soon" replied the doctor.

"Thankyou very much for..." said Henry but I stopped listening.

I was grateful and happy. Mom was okay, she was going to be okay. I looked down and saw my hands were shaking, they were cold as if they had been placed in a freezer.

I tried to calm my nerves down, closing my eyes to stop myself from shivering.

Relax, Eva Relax

I said to myself repeatedly.

Suddenly I felt a sharp sting on my arm. Opening my eyes I saw Leigh standing next to me with her fist in the air.

"Did you just hit me?" I asked bewildered, rubbing my arm with my hand to numb the pain.

"This is for you being paranoid and making me paranoid too" she said and then hugged me.

"I told you she was going to be fine. You should have just listened to me" she whispered in my ear.

I nodded looking at her apologetically. I really should have listened to her instead of expecting the worst.

"I'm going to go bring something for us to drink okay?" she said with a small smile.

As she walked away I turned back to where Henry was standing, he was looking at me with a smile. The doctor had gone and I saw the same relief on his face as I felt on mine. I walked over to him and he engulfed me in a hug.

The tears I was holding finally dropped. But this time they were happy tears.

.....................................

"Just one more bite mom" I said, holding up the spoon filled with soup. 

"You have literally said that six times before." Said Leigh, I couldn't see her but I could hear her eyes rolling.

They had shifted mom back in the room yesterday, everything was fine according to the doctors, she was weak and drowsy but overall she was doing great. If everything kept going well like this they would discharge her by Sunday. 

"She needs to eat to get better" I replied to Leigh's comment as mom took in the bite.

"I think that is enough" Said mom weakly, lightly pushing my hand away from her. Before I could respond Leigh grabbed the bowl of soup away from me. 

"God, give her a break" she said placing the bowl on the side table.

I huffed and got off the bed. Leigh can be extremely irritating sometimes. I could hear Henry and mom chuckle. 

"How long till the kids come?" Asked mom as I cleaned up the mess which was spoons and plates and bowls. 

"They are on their way, Mary is bringing them" replied Henry.

He got up  from where he was sitting on the couch and sat next to mom on the chair, holding her hand delicately.

"I think you two should go back and rest for a while." Said mom.

"Yea, I was thinking the same. Mary will be here and she can take care of everything quite well" Added Henry.

"Mom, I'm not leaving okay? Stop suggesting that please" I sighed.

I knew Mary was a great housekeeper and had been taking really good care of mom. But I still wanted to be here with her. Even if I did go back home I will constantly be thinking about her.

"You should stop spoiling me like that, how will I survive when your gone" 

Throwing the waste in the dustbin I walked over to mom. Leaning down I kissed her on her forehead. 

"Mom I'm still here for a while. Your radiation and chemo and everything else is going to take months." I replied.

"Besides you can both come visit Canada after Eva comes back." Added Leigh, eating an apple.

"That is a great idea, once you get better  we can go on a vacation" suggested Henry looking at mom.

My lightly nodded to that, a small smile on her face.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door, Leigh being the nearest got up and opened it. There was a delivery man standing on the other side holding a huge bouquet of white flowers. 

"Delivery for Lindsey Smith" He said.

I walked over to him and took the flowers, placing them gently on the table nearby. All the while wondering who has send it. There was a small white card hidden inside the flowers. I took it out and opened it.

'Get well soon - Carter William'

My eyes widened at the name.

"Who is it from?" Asked mom from my right.

"Um...Carter" I said, clearing my throat.

I stared at the flowers, they looked beautiful and their smell was slowly filling up the room. They were jy favourite kind of flowers.

"This is also for you" said the delivery man.

I had completely forgotten he was still standing at the door. Turning around I saw a container holding three shakes from Sandy's cafe.

"Thankyou for delivery, have a great day" I said to the man with a smile while taking the shakes.

Closing the door behind me I stared down. They were all chocolate shakes, my favourite.

"That's so nice of him, Its great to know your still good friends" said mom.

My eyes shifted from the shakes to her.

"We're not friends mom, Ally told him about you." I replied placing the shakes next to the flowers.

"But your right, its really nice of him" I added.

I was still in a daze staring at the flowers and shakes. Why was he doing this? Why couldn't he just leave me alone? I felt a spectrum of emotions, it was becoming a habit now.

I don't want to make Carter a habit. I can't.

"He didn't send one for me" said Leigh, her voice so near I flinched.

"He doesn't know your here" I replied absent mindedly.

Leigh raised an eyebrow, telling me we need to talk. I had not shared with her anything about Carter, about what was happening. I wanted to sort my feelings out myself but with Carter, its so hard to do that.

I picked up my shake and took a sip.

......................................

It was sunday evening, everyone was gathered in mom and Henry's room. It was filled with laughter and non stop talking. Having Leigh and Millie in one room was actually disastrous.

I never imagined Millie would turn out so different from me. But I was glad she did.

Mom was recovering quite well, the doctors discharged her after making sure everything was okay. They were surprised by the sudden change in her. She was positive and strong, something she hasn't been in a while.

Henry credits me for the change, has thanked me a million times for leaving everything and coming. But it wasn't me, it was all her. She was the strongest person I knew and just needed some time to get back up.

Henry's constant love and support had to do with it too. I'm glad mom married him. Or as Leigh has stated ever since she came here:

"Your mom has really good taste in men"

I was sitting on the couch, leaned back and about to doze off when the bell of the house rang.

"I'll get it" screamed the twins and Millie at the same time while running out of the room.

I got up rubbing my eyes to get rid of my drowsiness.

"Are we expecting someone?" I asked Henry as I walked towards the door.

"Not today" he replied.

Nodding I stepped out of the room, closing it behind me. I heard the front door open and wondered who it was.

"ALLY!!!" came the loud gasped of the twins startling me awake.

I fastened my pace and reached the door, Millie was standing inside looking out. I opened the door wider and saw Ally reaching forward and hugging the twins. Beside them stood Carter William, wearing casual clothes, his hair a mess. He had one hand inside his jeans pocket and the other holding a bakery bag.

My eyes travelled to his, he was already looking at me.

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This is a really bad update I know and I'm so sorry. I wanted this chapter to be better but this is all I could come up with at this time. There is a lack of Carter since this is a filler but he will be present alot in the next ones.
Hope you like it, sorry for taking so long. I will try to update as quickly as I can but since I still have so many assignments to do it can take some time. (But not this long)

Please stay safe and happy.

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Love,
S. Maham Fatima