Feel Real

Nineteen

"Mamička," Ara cried once we walked into Rosemary's hospital room. Rose doesn't look well at all... I know the end is close... "Come here Ara and Ryan. I'm so glad you two are here." She wrasply says, weakly motioning us to her. Ara gently hugged Rose then I gently hugged the frail Rose. "I'm so sorry Rose." I said mournfully. Rose looked at me, frowning with her lips shaping into a smile, "It's okay, dear. My time is so close and I know and accept it. Til then I just want my favourite kids here." She responded in her thick Slovak accent. Wait, she accepts me as a family member? Holy damn my heart... Ara looked at me with a slightly big smile that soon dissipated. "Mama how much time do you have left?" Ara croaked nervously. I held onto Ara's hand firmly as well as Rose's. My heart is about to drop. I have a feeling what her answer will be. "A few days to a week. Damn doctors diagnosed me way too late." Rose sighed. I knew it. Ara and I both broke down crying. "Ryan and Samara, listen to me," She delicately urged. "Live the best life as individuals and a couple. Live for the small experiences with each other and by yourselves; live for experience—not fulfillment," she paused for a moment then looked at me. "My daughter is no different than me. The woman she is now is kinda no different than what I was at her age. Except she's more of a badass than I ever was. I don't want her to fill my legacy; she's everything I hoped to see her become. I'm happy as can be that you two crossed paths. She's a perfect woman for you. Thank you for taking care of her and being an outstanding man. I know this is the second time we've met though I'm grateful to have met you and consider you a son. I'm proud of the man you are. Be sure to thank your mom, sweet boy. And on my behalf, tell your mom I say she did an outstanding job. And I know your dad did just as much of a fantastic job raising the gentleman you are today. I hope someday you and Samara jump the broom. I may not be here when that happens though, I know both of you aren't religious in the same way I am, just know I'll be looking down, happy crying. So if it rains on that day, it's my happy tears; not rain." Rose urged us. Ara and I calmed down a little bit and looked at each other with a heartbroken frown yet I can see the gears turning in her head. "Mama, Ryan a ja vrátime." Samara quick said before dragging me out into the hallway. "I knew we'd end up out here. I can see when you're thinking. What's your idea?" I laughed. "Obviously I don't want to get married now or anything like that. What if we could have a small "reception" for her to be apart of for now? Fly down John and Mere for it. Could have a couple of my old friends from here come." Samara asked me. I do want to get us promise rings which could be perfect for this. I'm keeping that secret from her, obviously. I love her idea. "Lets do it, babe. Speak to mom's nurses about it to get clearance for this." I encouraged her. Ara smiled brightly then standing on her toes and quick kissed me, "On it now. Don't say anything to Mama about it." She gleamed. I smiled back and nodded before Ara went to speak to her nurses then I headed in to Rose. "What chaos did you two plot?" Rose teased. I sat next to her again, holding her delicate and frail hand. I chuckled, "Surprisingly nothing. For once." Rose laughed a bit and smiled at me. Rose sighed then with a somber voice says "Thank you for being here, Ryan and for supporting Samara during this hard time." I gently squeezed her hand, "No need to thank me. I know how it is. Lost my dad to it a few years back. I know how important love and comfort is for loved ones that are sick and their family." Rosemary's pale blue eyes met mine with the saddest frown "Oh honey I'm deeply sorry." Then tried to lean and give me a hug, "He's painfree now and that's all I want. And mom, just lay down. You need rest." I cooed warmly. The frail woman smiled so brightly that I returned. "You are one helluva sweetheart." She chirped then kissing my hand. Now I know exactly why Ara is the biggest sweetheart. "Tell me about yourself, Ryan. Wish I got to know you when you first saw me. Stephen is an ass with his business and I apologise for that." She laughed nervosuly at the end. "No worries. Well, this might disappoint you but I'm a guitarist in a touring band from Chicago. I'm 27. I did go to law school though withdrew to focus on music as it's more interesting and appealing to me. Also do some painting every once in awhile; kind of an artist." "VCTMS?" She asks me. Surprised by her knowledge I kinda jerked back, "How in the hell?" I laughed, making her laugh too. "All of Ara's VCTMS collection. And the posts she saw on the band page she'd show me and say 'Mama, on je ten pravý. Nejako len viem. On je taký pekný.' Somehow she knew you two would cross paths. She's always thought you're handsome." I looked down at my lap, smiling so brightly and blushing bad. My phone vibrated with a text from Ara. Our idea got okayed!!! Ara came back in all poker-faced about it. God this girl is too good. "Where have you been Samara?" Rose asks worriedly. "Business stuff. Music industry always gets ya." She sighed of 'annoyance'. I tried containing my laughter. Rose yawned, "Hate to kick you two lovebirds out but I need sleep. I love both of you very much. Thank you for coming." I stood up and hugged her and kissed her cheek, "No worries mom. Glad to be here for you." I assured her. "Si vítaná mama. Velímí t'a milujem." Ara cooed before hugging Rose and kissing her cheek then hand. "Milujem t'a rovnako Samara." Rose yawned. "We'll be back in a couple days. Sleep well." Samara added. Rose smiled then we left.