As I traveled the labyrinth of hallways in the hospital to the psyche ward my nerves were on edge. I tried my best to dampen my expectations but this was the last place I ever expected to visit, let alone to visit my own mother. When I entered I was told the billing had been straightened out but I already knew that. I really wished they could tell me what to expect, when I see her again. That would be far more useful.

I had purchased a journal for her knowing my mother liked to write and thought it may give her something to do but they confiscated my book at the front desk because it was spiral bound and my mother or another patient could use the wire to harm themselves. If that's not a reality check I'm not entirely sure what is. I made a mental note however to try again and get a bound book next time, or maybe I won't have too because she will be allowed back home.

Home? Still had to figure out if what was the best course of action to take in regards to my mother.

"She's in the common room," the nurse told me as she points the way.

"Thank you."

I found her sitting in room filled with light and a few potted plants. My mother always loved to garden so I guess she'd feel the most comfort here. Her face is turned away from me but I can see her brows are creased. She appears deep in thought.

"Mom?"

She slowly turns and smiles at me. I'm so relieved. I don't know why but I feared she would be mad at me for leaving her here.

She pats the chair next to her and I take a seat.

"I'm sorry, Mom. I didn't want to leave. I didn't have a choice."

My mom reached out and stroke the side of my cheek. "It's okay, Alex. I understand why you had to."

This surprised me. "You know what happened?"

"Some things I remember. I hate this disease. It's slowly robbing me of everything that I love, well everything that death hasn't already stolen."

Tears fill her eyes and I gather her to me. "I love you, Mom. So much! I'm so sorry for staying away. I've missed so much time."

"Shh!," she soothed, stroking my hair. "None of this is your fault, baby. Not what's happening to me, what happened to your brother, or your Dad. You can't take all this on yourself. Some things just can't be fixed."

She held me away and we dried each other's eyes and laughed a little that we had the same idea at the same time.

"How is Tina?"

"She's doing well. She'll be staying at the house until I know she's okay to be on her own."

My mom's eyes widened in surprise. "I hurt her that badly? Oh Alex!"

"No, no!" I was quick to reassure her. "You didn't hurt Tina. She stumbled and fell but she hit her head, which caused a mild concussion. I just don't want her to be left alone."

My mother gave my hand a squeeze. "I'm so glad she has you."

"Well, both me and my fiancé," I informed her wanting to take this lucid moment to tell her about Cat.

"You... you're engaged?"

My mother looked stunned and then her face fell into sadness. "Did you tell me already and I forgot?"

"No, Mom. I wasn't sure if we were still together when I first arrived. You see Cat is pregnant and..."

"Pregnant?!"

Again I shocked my Mom. I really need to find a better way of breaking news to her.

"The baby isn't mine. It's someone else's but she was in a bad situation so she moved in with me."

"You're living together?! Before you're married? And she pregnant with another man's child?," my Mom recapped trying I guess to be certain she was keeping it all straight, but she had that motherly disapproval tone to her voice at the same time.

"It's difficult situation to explain."

"I have nowhere to go," she reminds me and I know it was meant as a joke but I couldn't bring myself to laugh.

I spend the next 30 minutes filling her in on how Cat and I met. The confusion over her thinking I was gay because of the pictures I had in the apartment of Aidan. She had quite a good giggle over that one. When I got to my feelings on Liam and the threat he made my mother's look turned fierce.

"There is no way that boy deserves to be anywhere near that child. You have to protect them, Alex. You have the resources. This Liam is no threat to you, not anymore."

"I know, Mom, but Cat is still trying to keep him in her life. Liam is the baby's father and if there is a chance for her child to have a relationship with him then she wants that chance. I want to protect them but I feel my hands are tied."

"Stay vigilant, Alex. A man like that Liam seldom changes."

I nodded in understanding. Then she smiled.

"Will I get to meet her?"

I returned her smile.

"The moment I can get you out of here. She wanted to come with me now but you are only allowed one person here at the time."

"It's for the best. Not exactly the best impression. Meeting your future in-law in the loony bin."

"Mom, it's not like that."

"Still I would prefer to be home, but Alex. You must promise me. Should I show signs like I have recently of being a burden or a threat to anyone, please promise you'll send my away. I know your father has made arrangements for me. I will be well taken care of and you can visit me as often as you like, but please don't take this burden on your own. I don't want that."

I hug her again. "I wish I could keep you safe. I wish I could keep you all safe. I hate feeling this powerless."

"Power is just an illusion. We all want to believe we have control but..." She shrugs.

I can't imagine how powerless, how out of control she must feel, dealing with this disease. One moment of lucidity can then be stripped away to leave you alone and scared even when those that you love surround you.

"I promise to do as you asked," I told her and relief flooded her features. I guess this is the one last gift I can give her. She made the choice. That it wasn't made for her. Even if she may forget that she made it, she knows I will not forget, I will always remember her sacrifice. 

"Have any of the doctor's talked to you about when you can go home?"

"No," she informs me. "I've seen many of them, they've asked a ton of questions but no one has given me any answers."

"I'll do my best to find out before I leave. The moment I can bring you home, Mom. I will be standing right outside that door at the earliest they will let me in."

My mother's smile is filled with love for me. "I know you will and I can't wait to meet the girl that stole your heart. She must be something special."

"She is. I can't imagine my life without her."

My mother gives me a sad smile. "I know how you feel."

My father. I know how much she loves him. I've been afraid to bring it up, as it was the conversation that landed her here.

"I'll be able to make the arrangements," I told her.

"Please don't let them bury him before I get the chance to say goodbye," my mom asked.

I wasn't sure how much control I had over that choice. "I will do what I can. You know he wishes to be cremated?"

"Yes, but a viewing first. So people can say their good byes. I must say goodbye," she said that last part in almost a whisper.

"I'll figure it all out, somehow, Mom. Don't worry," I tried to reassure her. She needed this. She needed this closure. My father's death being so sudden has really taken its toll on her mental state; still while she's in control she must participate.

A nurse came into the room. "Mrs. Bragin, I'm sorry to interrupt but you have an appointment with Dr. Dominico in about 5 minutes."

"Thank you," my mother said graciously. She stood up and I stood with her. She hugged me on last time.

"I love you, sweetheart."

"I love you too, Mom."

The nurse led my Mom away and I was left to find my own way out. I stopped at the front desk to ask my questions about my Mother's release of which they had no answers for me, just a promise to have her Doctor call me when he was free, so I double-checked they had my number and made my way back to Cat and Tina.

When I arrived, Cat was sitting on Tina's bed and they were giggling over something. Tina was dressed in the clothes Cat brought and waiting patiently to be released. She looked so much better than before.

"Any news?" I asked.

"The nurse just has to take her vitals one last time and she is good to go," Cat informs me.

I give her a kiss on her cheek.

"How's your, Mom?" Cat asked and I can see Tina perk up at this question too.

"She's having a good day today. So we got to talk. She feels bad about what happened to you," I said looking over at Tina.

"She didn't do anything. I stumbled and fell."

"I know. I told her," I tried to reassure Tina.

"She's looking forward to meeting you," I told Cat and her smile widened.

"Really?"

"She can't wait, but she would like to be home first. Something about making a better first impression," I said with a wry grin.

"I hope she likes me," Cat said vocalizing her concern.

"I know she will," I said putting my arm around her.

Just then Cat's phone rang.

"Hello? Oh my God, I almost forgot. Um... could I perhaps reschedule? I know. It's just something has come up in the family and it's important that I stay. Yes, you can call me back on this number. Thank you!"

"Reschedule?" I asked as Cat hung up the phone, then it dawned on me. Today was the day the baby was to be tested to be sure there wouldn't be further complications.

"You can't reschedule," I told her.

"It's okay. They'll probably just push it off a week. You need me here," Cat said.

"I do need you. I need you to take good care of this baby. Cat, I'll manage."

Cat looked down at her feet. "I know. I was hoping though if I did put it off, you could go with me."

There was nothing more I wanted to do in the world.

"Hello!" Tina waved her hand to get our attention. "If this has gotten complicated because of me. I'll be fine. You need to be with her," Tina said to me.

There was no way I was leaving Tina on her own but at the same time I really wanted to be at this appointment with Cat.

"Okay, this is what we will do. We wait to see if Cat can reschedule if she can and that won't cause any problems for the baby we'll do that. If she can't, perhaps I can find someone to sit with Tina until we get back just in case something happens so she isn't left alone."

"Sounds like a good plan to me, Boss," Tina said looking over to Cat.

"Sounds perfect. I'll call Liam to give him a heads up about what might be happening," Cat said as she hit a button on her phone to dial Liam's number not giving me a chance to react. Does she have him favorited or something?

"Liam. Cat...yeah it's about the appointment," Cat walked out of the room as the nurse entered, to check Tina's vitals and give her the information she needed to know about caring for her concussion at home.

I'd like to say I was paying attention to all that but I wasn't. My brain had left with Cat who walked out the door so she wasn't an interruption, I'm guessing. I know I said I wanted her to make sure someone would go with her but I thought she'd ask her mom or Olivia to go. Liam? Really?

"Are you okay?" Tina asked with her hand on my shoulder.

"Not exactly sure, at least not yet. I'll need to get back to you on that one," I said, "You all cleared to go?"

"Yep. Look if I'm a going to be a problem I can get an at-home nurse or something. I'm sure there has to be someone I can hire to watch over me for the next 24 hours."

"You're not a problem, Tina and I'd feel better knowing you're okay. I have enough worries on my plate at the moment."

"Thank you," Tina said with a shy smile.

"You're welcome, now lets get you out of here."

"You don't have to tell me twice," Tina said.

Tina follows me out into the hall. We both see Cat at the other end of it. It didn't look like the conversation was going well. I couldn't hear what was being said but it obvious Cat wasn't happy.

"Everything okay?" I asked as I reached Cat's side. She had already hung up the phone.

"Nothing I can't deal with," was her cryptic answer.

"Liam isn't giving you any trouble is he?"

"He doesn't think I should put off the appointment either," Cat informed me.

"Imagine that. Liam and I agree on something," I teased and it brought a faint smile to her lips.

"Yeah, wonder if hell froze over," Cat joked back.

"Possible, although I don't want to go there to check. Maybe Liam can go?" I suggested.

"Ha!Ha! You think you're so funny don't you?"

"Hilarious, actually," I said grinning.

Cat looked at Tina like she noticed her for the first time. "Ooh, does this mean we are ready to go home?"

"Yep," I replied. "All clear."

"Wonderful." Cat got between Tina and me and linked arms with us both. "Let's go home."