Marie was doing far better than two days ago. The doctors said the sudden cut in the blood flow to the brain caused the seizure and it was alright now. Kade and I took turns to accompany Marie and I was a bit eager to get my job. Whatever happened to Marie was clear indication of the complexity of her health and I was not going to sit around seeing her die day by day.

"So how is my cute daughter doing in college?", Marie's weak voice asked. I chuckled at her subtle way of asking if I had a boyfriend. Life was enough drama as such and bringing a new character into it was too much for me.

"College is fine. One more year and to answer your question no I don't have a boyfriend nor I am dating anyone".

A frown took upon her features. She started talking about how I should experience different things in my life and I should let someone in. Apparently she was a party animal in her days and nothing stopped her. She did what she wanted and judgements and opinion were a flying shit. She finally settled after getting married with her husband and had Kade. She did a 180 flip in her life dedicating her time to Kade. She was a free spirited soul and always asked us try different things until it didn't result us in jail or dead.

"I am jealous, mom", I turned to see Kade learning against the door with takeout. There was glint in his eyes which only present around his mom. 

"No son. I am jealous that I gave birth to a dutiful and hot son like you. Not to mention you have a friend like Amy", she wiggled her eyebrows at his son. He shook his head and sat next to me.

"Not to break the love bond between you guys but I have work", I said and munched the sandwich quickly. Kade pouted and looked between me and his mom.

"Restaurant?", I nodded. He stood up and gathered his keys "I'll drop you"

"No. I can go myself and I am sure Marie is waiting to be alone with her handsome hot son"

Despite his reasoning of how it was late and unsafe for me to go alone, I shut him off and started walking to the entrance. Luckily the restaurant was only 15 minutes walk from the hospital. The restaurant was in a bit rundown area but  had been there for 40 years and was favorite for the locals. The restaurant had a mini bar were most people in their fifties come in order to never let the habit go. Other than that, the restaurant around the block was doing pretty good. I applied to that as well but since it was a branch they took employees from the main hotel and was not intended on adding anyone now.

As I walked along the road, my thoughts drifted to my dad. My dad was a veteran, as much I missed my childhood with him, I always loved him. He used to send gifts for any reason of celebrating and was the approachable man. When he lost his legs during a fight at border they cold heartedly threw him out. The pension we got went straight to the rent. Anger pent up when I thought about my bitch of mother who threw us out of our house and had us live in a single bedroom apartment.

I pushed open the door and went to the kitchen. The place was considered doing decent on a Thursday.  Windy, my coworker was pouring in the drinks for two elder men. She waved at me when I came back after changing my dress and pointed to the table where a couple were waiting.

I was on action immediately. I took orders from two more tables and ran around with wine and food. People who come here were remotely rowdy regardless of gender and I knew better than pissing them off.

"There's my girl", Blade bellowed loudly. I rolled my eyes at the man and continued working. He was a regular at the bar and was a jovial old man. He was known for his ear bleeding jokes and thunderous voice. First time I saw him I almost peed myself. As much sweetheart he was, he was intimidating as hell.

"So, what's the angle Blade?", Windy leaned over the counter. He leaned in and continue talking about the story he was writing. Last time I heard it was some super fictional romcom and stopped hearing after he changed the genre each week. This time I think I heard the word mafia. Unlike his books, he was good at narrating the story.

When the clock hit 10, I put the mop aside and plopped on the seat. "My back was going to snap any second", Windy groaned. 

"You know, the fact that you are wearing that super giant heels is the reason for your back pain"

"I am working at bar, Amy. I have to attract people with my cute ass and professional attitude"

"I suppose gossiping comes under professional attitude". She rolled her eyes. 

"If your life is boring listen to others have interesting ones. Atleast spice it up".

I laughed at her crooked theory. Windy was my friend since I joined here as soon as my mom left. The owner Rudolph gave me the job without a word after Windy put in a word. Of course he was not going against his daughter's words.

Windy dropped me at the hospital. Kade was sleeping in his chair while Marie was ruffling his hair softly. The scene was aching since I didn't have one to share the bond and also warmth spread through me looking at the love Kade was receiving.

"He grew up real fast", Marie murmured when I sat next to him. In the silent room, his snores were clearly heard.

"No shit, I was teasing him for being shorter than me and then one day I woke up he was hitting my room ceiling. I was mortified"

Marie's eyes crinkled as she let out a silent laugh. "I don't know what I would've done without him and you"

"Well you would've missed an amazing person like me. I mean look at me. You definitely would've regretted not being with me.", I said to ease the rising tension. I knew what Marie meant and I was not ready for the end talk and I never would be. "And him, I don't know. But I would've been a great replacement. You still have time to think about -"

"Over my dead body", Kade grunted next to me. He peeked open his eyes and glared at me.

"Oh please, Marie loves me more Kade. I am sorry but its time you face the bitter truth", I raised my eyebrows and folded my hands before my chest and leaned back into the chair.

"For your information, she is my mom. I come first", he pulled her hands into his chest and gave me a possessive glare.

"That doesn't change the truth sweetheart", I gave him a proud grin when his face fell

"Mom?", he called his mom still looking at me.

Marie let out a giggle and shook her head at out childish behavior. 

"I love you both equally ", I wiggled my eyebrows at Kade for her answer.

"But Kade came out of my belly, so a little thread more for him"

I gasped at her, "Birth privilege is not allowed"

"It time to face the bitter truth", Kade mocked me.

I huffed in defeat. Soon, Kade left for his night shift at factory. I called my dad and informed him that I would be staying the night with Marie.

 "I love you more", Marie said quietly lying down. "I love you too", I kissed her head and pulled her blanket up to her waist.