Kade's pov "Don't stare at me," She whispered wiping the vomit dripping down her chin with her bony hand. Her fingers shook and the paleness in her complexion was very alarming. She clears her throat cringing. She must've taken the bitter taste of the vomit she just spewed out. She sags on the cold tiles, her knees underneath her weight. And as she bends over to rest her head on her arm on the toilet seat, her spine and ribs poke out visibly. I nearly wince but I had gotten used to the sight of her like this for a while now. "Need some water?" I asked, leaning against the doorframe. She'd most likely decline my offer to help like she always did. Probably spur out harmful words that always fuck with my head too. But she was my mother and I couldn't for the life of me not try to help her. "Just get the fuck out of here Kade. You don't need to see how much of a mess up I am. " She grumbles, gagging then coughs. It's loud and it shakes her whole body. This one must've been painful. Too late for that, I've seen all your mess-ups. My tongue tempted to lash out but I said instead..... "How long have you been vomiting for?" I took a step in, pausing the air in my lungs for a bit because of the stench of vomit. It is pungent and very disgusting. Sighing, I walked in further despite the cry of my lungs to not go in closer. "What is this twenty questions?" She grumbles, coughing loudly again. My fingers tingle to reach for my phone in my pocket and call nine one one. But knowing that I could go back into the system didn't let me. I know selfish. I clenched my fists at my sides and stopped beside her. "Mom, how long have you been vomiting for?" I asked again, this time my voice tight. "Found out I'm pregnant today." She whispered another cough rocking her fragile body.Her words had me stumbling back in shock and the scent of vomit faded suddenly as I only seem to focus on her words. I'm pregnant. Pregnant. She chuckles, her glassy eyes turning to face me. "Another baby who would despise me. " She croaks. I shook my head in disbelief. How could she have been so careless as to want to bring an innocent child into her toxicity? I felt bile rise inside my own throat and fight it with all I had to keep it at bay. "Another Reece who wouldn't know their father." She laughs but it lacks any form of humor. "He or she would grow up asking about their daddy. Just like you did all those years ago." She turned her voice into that of a mimicking baby. "Mom when will dad come to visit?" "Mom, what color hair does dad have? Do I have the same hair color as daddy does?" "And the famous one. What's Daddy's name?" She laughs again but it's dry and cracky. "Oh and let's not forget about that one. What does daddy do? Is he a teacher, a professor, a wizard?" Her voice go high pitched which perhaps she shouldn't have done since another hack of coughs racked her viciously. She wheezes in some air into her lungs before chuckling. "Guess what Kade. Mommy finally has an answer for you." Her eyes lift to mine as she whispers. "Mommy doesn't know what your daddy's name is because she doesn't care to know anything about the men she sleeps with. Or maybe she was too damn high at that point to remember his name if he slipped it out of his mouth." She shifts a little. "And Mommy doesn't know what color hair daddy has because she doesn't even know which of the men she has slept with who impregnated her." A tired stiff smile curled on her mouth. "And Mommy doesn't know what job daddy has but she knows one thing for sure is that she sleeps with scumbags that aren't worth much." With a shaky breath, she murmurs. " And since Mommy and Daddy aren't worth a dime and are definitely fuck ups, little Kade will eventually be the same. It's in our blood Kade. But guess what," She whispered and then pointed a finger at my chest. "You might just be way worst than I am." I shook my head. "I won't be anything like you." She rolls her eyes. "Word of advice kid, don't get any girl pregnant you'll just end up ruining their life. Especially when they find out what a monster they'll give birth to." - I woke with my heart pounding in my chest. I shift around, my eyes peeling open and falling on the beauty that was fast asleep in my arms. She sighs wiggling to get closer. I smile when her nose twitched and lift my hand to move a lock of the hair that was troubling her nose. She shifts a little but doesn't wake up. Swallowing, I tear my gaze from her and looked at the ceiling. My mother's last words to me before I left her in the bathroom alone still haunted me in my dreams. Her words were cruel and harsh and they had branded me unknowingly. I knew I wouldn't be able to fall asleep again like I always couldn't when I dreamed of the memories I had with her. They were not good memories, they never were. I slowly shift around until I successfully moved away from Mia without having her wake up. I leaned forward to shut off her laptop. The movie had finished, maybe for a long while now but we must've fallen asleep halfway through. I move off the bed and pad my way to the door. My plan was to go to the kitchen and drink a glass of orange juice or fresh milk. But when I did get to the kitchen, I'm surprised to see Mrs. Cross already there with the faint light coming from the small lights underneath the shelves. Her head was down, her hands wringing together tightly but when she hears me approaching she lifts her head and our eyes connected. She had the expression of a troubled woman. "Couldn't sleep?" She whispered eyeing me strangely.I cleared my throat to rid myself of the lump in my throat. It was awkward to be here alone with her. We've never been alone in a room before, especially when everyone was asleep. "Yeah had a....nightmare." I nod. Well, that was one way to put that memory. She nods, sighing as she moves her weight off the counter and walks to the fridge. She takes out the carton of milk and then takes two glasses while asking. "Need some too?" I walked in further and awkwardly mumble. "Yes please." She places the glasses on the flat surface of the counter and starts pouring the milk. When both glasses are full she passes me one. It nearly spills as my fingers are unsteady and shaky. I mumble a quick thank you and rake a hand through my hair. Why was this awkward? I cleared my throat. " Couldn't sleep either?" I asked trying to make conversation to rid the air of awkwardness. Mrs. Cross's eyes lift from the rim of the glass and she places it down. She shrug. "You can say that. I woke up to relieve myself but my thoughts are keeping me up." I awkwardly lift the glass to my lips and took a sip of the milk. The chill of the milk race down my throat. I didn't know how to answer her anymore or what to ask so I drop my gaze to the countertop and keep it there until she spoke again. "How long has this been going on?" I lift my gaze, my eyes connecting with her troubled gaze and my heart sinks. "What?" I whispered, gulping as my throat felt tight all of a sudden. She pushes the glass of milk away from her and sighs. "How long have you two been sleeping together Kade? And please don't lie to me."