Before you knew

181. I'll protect.

On the flight to my mom, my belly aches and cramps.
I try to keep my breathing under control, the woman next to me looking concerned.

When I land I try to walk up straight.
'Amelia.'
I turn around to find Micheal behind me.
He looks tired as he places his hand on my back.
'You alright?' He asks as he looks at my tiny belly.

'Mmm, hurts a little.' I lean back a little, him supporting my back.
'Want to take a seat first?' He asks, but I shake my head.

'I just want to go see them.'

In the car I wait for the call to be answered.
'Amelia?'
Clay sounds sleepy.
'Hey, did I wake you up?'
He huffs and the sound of sheets going against the phone makes me pull it back a little.
'No, no. I just nearly fell asleep. Did you land?'

I flinch as the sharp ache, and grab Micheals arm.
'Yeah, I landed.' My voice is a little strained.

'What's wrong?'
I sigh 'not feeling to well.'

We leave the building, and head to the car outside.
'Take it easy, okay? Call if you need me.'
I nod my head even though he can't see me 'I will.'

I hang up when we reach the car, and Micheal opens it for me.
I drop down in the seat, happy to sit.

When I walk in I see mom and Kim drinking coffee.
Everything seems normal, besides the news that made me fly out.
Kim jumps up and hugs me, before letting me move to mom and hug her.
'Hey mom.' I say as I pull her closer. 'Hey Hunny.'

I pull back and look at her.
'How are you feeling?'
She gives me a weak smile.
'I'm alright.' She says.

Her eyes land on the slight belly, and her expression saddens.
'How is the pregnancy?' She asks as I take a seat.
'Hell.' I say with a chuckle, and mom laughs a little too.

My hand gets grabbed by Kim, so I turn to her.
She eyes the ring around my finger.
Her eyes move up to mine, asking a silent question.

'I'm engaged to Clay.'

Both mom and Kim's face light up.
'Really?! Congratulations!' Kim says excitedly.

I smile 'Thanks. But the pregnancy first.'
She nods and mom looks at me with her head tilted slightly.
'Why is the pregnancy so bad?' She asks. I lower my gaze, remembering the near miscarriage, and the pain.

'I nearly had a miscarriage. Everything is alright, but it's all just a bit more painful then usual.' I explain as both Kim and mom look worried.

'But everything's fine, right?'
I nod my head. 'Yeah.'

I lay awake.
Something about seeing mom while knowing she's going to pass away soon, is haunting. I don't want to loose her. Especially not now with everything going on.
My eyes move to the white door as it creaks open just a little.
It's Tyler, Kim's son.

'Aunt Amelia?'
He rubs his eyes and waddles over to the bed.
'Yes bud? Everything alright?'
He climbs onto the bed as I sit up.

He stays quiet as he scoots over and plops down next to me, leaning against me.
'I can't sleep, and mommy is upset and talking to daddy.'
I wrap my arm around him and pull him closer.
'Why can't you sleep then?'

He holds onto two of my fingers with his tiny hand.
'Why is mommy so upset?'

I sigh and move to lay back down, having Tyler shuffle under the sheets next to me.
'Grandma is not doing too well, bub.'
His big blue eyes look at mine.
'Why not?'

His voice is small.
'We don't really know.'

He sniffles and rubs his eyes with his small hands.
'But daddy will take care of mom, and of you. It'll be okay.'
He looks up at me 'but who will take care of you?'

My heart melts, and I give him a sad smile.
'I'll take care of myself.'

'But- but somebody else should!'
I chuckle and move to ruffle his brown hair.
'Then I will take care of you aunt Amelia!'

'Alright big guy. You can look after me.'
He nods and grabs my arm.
'I'll protect you.'

I chuckle as he, way to quickly, falls asleep.