Page 34

Easton

“ C ome on, Isaac, Nana will be here soon,” I call out and laugh when Isaac mumbles in return. My early riser has suddenly decided he’s a threenager and prefers to sleep in, which makes things difficult when I have to be at the stadium by eight fifteen.

“I’ve got your favorite juice this morning.” I switch to bribery since it’s not often that I give him juice. It’s what we call a “sometimes drink.” But in reality, it’s rare. I know Mom could get him ready after I leave, but then I’ll barely see him and I’m already going to be late getting home tonight. “Should I count down?”

“I’m coming,” Isaac calls out as he races down the hall, running through the kitchen before sliding to a halt at his chair, his eyes on the empty cup in front of him. “Where is it?” He frowns, making me laugh.

“I had to make sure you were going to eat with me first. I’ll get it now. You can start on your breakfast.”

“Oatmeal again?”

“Yep. It’s good for you. Eat up. I’m on my way.”

My phone rings as I’m pouring the juice, so I grab it without checking the screen, wedging it between my shoulder and ear.

“Hello,” I say, noting the smile in my voice. That’s been happening a lot more lately.

“East. It’s me, Keeley.”

“Hey Keels.” I laugh at her tone. “Why are you speaking so formally?”

“Mom’s in the hospital.”

“What?” I drop the juice and it hits the edge of the sink before falling in, the contents emptying while I watch, unmoving. “What do you mean she’s…” I trail off so Isaac doesn't know what we're talking about.

“I got a call about five minutes ago. All they said was that she’d had a fall and a neighbor called for an ambulance. She’s at San Francisco General. I’m on my way there now, so I’ll fill you in as soon as I know anything.”

“I’m coming.” I snap back into action, taking Isaac’s juice over to the table before grabbing my breakfast to start clearing up until Keeley stops me.

“You can’t. What about Isaac?”

Dammit . I pace the kitchen, thankful that Isaac has his back turned. I can’t stay home. What if this is my fault? I’ve been asking so much of her. Pushing her too far. She’s always telling me she’s not getting any younger. Of course, she says it jokingly but she’s not wrong.

“I’ll… um…” Paige’s smiling face comes to mind as I watch Isaac eating, and a sudden wave of relief rolls over me. “I know someone that can help. Can you pick me up on the way?”

“Of course. I’ll be there soon.”

She hangs up and I immediately walk into another room to call Paige, my heart seizing in my chest, struggling to function.

Paige answers right away and I take a quiet breath while she speaks. “Hey you,” she says sleepily and I cringe. “I didn’t think I’d hear from you at this early hour, especially after yesterday. Did you miss me?” The smile in her voice makes me momentarily pause, wishing I was calling at a happier time.

“East?” She breaks through the silence.

“Sorry, yes, I’m here. I…ah…I need a favor. I know I shouldn’t put this on you but—”

“Hey, it’s okay. What’s going on?” I can hear her moving around, and I’ll put all my money on the fact that she was still in bed, but I have to ask.

“It’s my mom. She’s in the hospital and—”

“What can I do? How can I help?”

I knew she’d be there for me and yet hearing it out loud makes me sigh in relief.

“Is there any chance you could be here for Isaac? It’s a lot to ask since he doesn’t know you that well, but he at least knows you, and I don’t want to call a babysitting service or—”

“Of course I’ll do it. I’d be happy to. Just let me get changed and I’ll be on my way.” The phone rustles as though she’s moving around but she keeps talking. “Do you need anything? Is she okay?”

“I don’t know, Paige. I don’t know anything and I’m going crazy.”

“It’s going to be okay. That’s why you’re going to the hospital. To find out. Are you going by yourself?”

“With Keeley. She’s coming to pick me up.”

“Okay, good. Is she all right to drive?”

“Keeley? Yeah. She works best under pressure.”

Paige laughs softly and it makes me smile. “Good. Well, I’m heading to the elevator now, so it might cut off. I’ll be there in a minute.”

Paige arrives, and without me having to say a word, she doesn’t make a big deal out of it. She just knows. And God, am I grateful for her.

I hold the door as she walks past, and she subtly squeezes my hand before Isaac runs to meet us.

“Nana,” he calls out as he rounds the corner, coming to a stop when he sees Paige.

“Actually, it’s me.” She smiles, dropping her bag to the floor. “I came over to ask if you wanted to spend the day with me.”

Isaac’s face lights up before his wide eyes bounce to mine. “Can I?”

“Of course you can.” I force a smile of my own.

“What about Nana?”

“I’ll let Nana know.”

“Yes!” There’s a moment of quiet before Isaac runs forward and grabs Paige’s hand, dragging her away. “Let’s go to my room. Want to see my trucks?”

“You have to finish breakfast,” I call out and they both wave as they disappear.

I watch until they’re gone before I completely shatter, my body deflating as I fall into the wall, covering my face in my hands.

Mom has to be okay. She has to.

Because I don’t know what the hell I’ll do without her.