Amabel POV
"Hey Mom," I said and came into the room. Mom used the little strength she had left to sit up straight.
"Hey, honey. My beautiful baby girl," she kissed me on the cheek.
"Hi, Mrs. Avery. I'm Trevor," he said and came into the room. This is awkward. How do I explain why he's here with me? Certainly not to see my mom. That's when I realized... He's nothing like how the media described him.
"Come on in, Trevor," she said and held out her hand. He came in and closed the door. I really wanted him to be here, but I also wanted some time alone with my mom. I only had ten minutes with her, thanks to Laurel.
"How are you feeling, Mom?" We both were very strong, hiding our tears from each other. I never let anyone see me cry. I hated that. I guess I got that from my mom. She never cried in front of anyone other than me.
"Well, I'm getting there. Slowly, but I'm getting there."
No, that's a lie. She's getting worse. I guess she wants to look strong because of Trevor. She wants to hide. And I don't blame her. I want to hide too, Mom.
I couldn't hold the tears forming in my eyes. "Do you want some tea, Mom?"
She nodded her head. "Would you like some coffee?" I asked Trevor.
"Uh, no thank you." I got up and went outside. I passed by Laurel and she said, "It's almost closing time. I can't give you more time. She needs rest and from the looks of it, so do you. Go home, Amabel. She's safe here. I promise."
Okay then. No tea for tonight. "Thanks, Laurel. For everything, you've done for me and my mom. I know it's a big risk. But you have no idea how much it means to me." I hugged her and walked back to my Mom's room.
I saw her lying in bed laughing with Trevor. I haven't seen her laugh like that in a long time. Suddenly, she took his hand in hers and said, "Don't break her heart... Don't break my daughter's heart. I can see what she feels for you. I know you don't know me very well, but will you promise to take care of her when I'm gone? I don't want her to be alone. No matter what happens between you two..." I wanted to hear more. Luckily she spoke loud enough so that I could hear on the other side of the door.
He looked her straight in the eyes and said, "I promise, Mrs. Avery. I'll take care of her."
Okay, I've heard enough. I opened the door and went inside. "Sorry, Mom. But it's closing time. Laurel pushed hard enough. I don't want her to lose her job."
"Oh no. I understand, honey. I'll see you some other time, right?"
"Of course, Mom. You're not getting rid of me that easily." Then she chuckled at my words. I made my mom laugh! I made my mom laugh! How can I leave her now?
"Good night, Mom," I said and kissed her on her forehead. She lied back and I pulled the blankets over her to keep her warm. Trevor took my hand in his as we walked to the door. Before we went outside, my mom called me back.
"Amabel?"
"Yes, Mom?"
"I love you, my beautiful baby girl."
"I love you more, Mom. Sleep well."
I closed the door and watched her close her eyes with a big smile.
When we got to the car, Jonathan opened the door like he always does. As we drove, I couldn't help but look away and let the tears fall on my cheek and roll down. Trevor slid closer to me and held my hand. Then he moved closer to hold me in his arms.
"It's okay, baby. It's okay to cry," he soothed. I snuggled into his chest and cried softly as I held his shirt in my fist. He rubbed my back and kissed my hair. After a few more tears that escaped my eyes, his thumb brushed them away, lifted my chin, and gave me a comforting kiss.
Trevor took my legs over his lap and held me closer. A big cloud of darkness filled my eyes once more.