Someone To Watch Over You

Chapter 45

Tina worked hard at her Physical Therapy. Even with the progress she made, she still is not 100% and so her doctors refused to let her go to the viewing or the funeral. Tina was distraught but agreed she needed to focus on getting better.

I reassure Tina by letting her know it may be for the best. For my mother to see Tina in such a condition may cause a breakdown. Right now my mom is well enough that I can bring her to the special viewing I had set up at the funeral home just for her, and Tina agreed.

I brought the dress my mother asked me to bring and waited for her to change.

"Is Cat and Tina with you?" my mother asks from inside the bathroom.

"Cat, yes, but Tina is sick and can't come. She didn't think it right to expose everyone," I lie.

"I hope it is nothing too serious," my mother says with concern.

"I'm sure with some rest she'll be fine."

"I hope you're right." My mother steps out of the bathroom. She looks beautiful. She looks at me shyly as she smooths her hands over the dress. "It was your father's favorite."

"I can see why," I tell her. "You look lovely."

She smiles and demurely tucks a strand of silver-blonde hair behind her ear. "Would you mind?" she asks handing me her makeup bag and I smile, reaching my hand out for it.

I take the bag from her, and she sits beside me on the bed. I unzip it and get to work. She closes her eyes, giving me her complete trust. Her face is so peaceful, a slight smile graces her lips as I apply some color to them. The stress I've become used to seeing wrinkle her features has faded, and she looks so much younger as I sweep some blush over her cheeks.

It causes a piercing pain in my heart to see her this way, though. Her situation becomes incredibly unfair. She's too young to lose this battle with her mind. Where was her joy, her chance at the happiness she deserves?

She opened her eyes and stares into mine. Her hand lovingly caresses my cheek. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"

I swallow hard, the lump in my throat. "Nothing. All done," I tell her.

"Thank you."

She smiles at me. Two men come into the room. "All set, Mrs. Bragin?"

My mother glances from the men to me. "Alex?"

"Doctor's orders," I tell her. Although the thought of having these men escort her is upsetting, I see my mother put those feelings in their place. She's sharp enough to assess this is the only way she'll get to go to the viewing.

"I'm ready," she declares, and I stand and take her arm in mine. We leave with the escort behind us.

We get to the waiting room. Cat gives us both a warm smile. 

"Oh, is this Cat?" My mother asks of me.

"Yes." I turn to Cat and hold my hand out to her. She rises, looking lovely in her sweet floral print dress.

"So pleased to meet you!" Cat says holding out her hand, but my mother pulls her into a hug, and Cat peers at me with surprised eyes over my mother's shoulder.

She then holds Cat away from her for a moment. "Thank you," she says to Cat.

"What have I done?"

"You've made my son happy. Something I didn't believe I would ever see again."

Cat looks over at me and beams. "Well, your son makes me very happy. So, it seems only fair I return the favor."

"How long until the baby comes?" my mother asks.