“Neither is this.”
Matt crossed his arms over his chest, just like she’d seen Kieran do when she wasn’t being completely honest. She knew then that she must look even worse than she’d thought.
“All I’m going to do is have some soup and make it an early night. You’d give up an all-guys weekend at Jace’s cabin for that?”
Jace and Matt had become fast friends, and the former had invited Matt up to his family’s cabin for their annual “male retreat” over the extended Labor Day holiday. It was a great opportunity. The group consisted of Jace’s dad and a couple of his uncles, several of whom were members of the Pine Ridge police force as well as voluntary firemen, Jace’s two brothers, a few cousins, and two or three additional friends from school with whom Matt got along well. Up until about an hour ago, Matt had been very excited about the trip; it was practically all he’d talked about all week.
And, since it was to take place the weekend after Matt’s birthday, Faith had agreed to let him go as part of his “present”. They’d celebrated privately the night before with a special dinner and a small, homemade cake, but Faith knew this trip would be the best thing she could give him.
“You’re sick.” Matt shifted, caught between what he wanted to do and what he felt he should do. He was a good kid like that, and Faith felt a surge of motherly pride. But there was no way she wanted him to give up this weekend for her. The only way to get him to go was to convince him that she would be fine.
“So? Everybody gets sick sometimes. Like you said, it’s no big deal. It’s not even a bad one. A hot bath, extra rest, maybe some NyQuil, and I’ll be right as rain by the time you get back.”
“What if you need something?”
“I have everything I need,” she assured him. “A brand new box of tissues, chicken soup in the freezer, half a box of Calgon and my fleecy pj’s waiting for me. And if I do need anything, I’ll call Mrs. Campbell. But I won’t.”
Matt shifted again, and Faith knew he was close. He needed this, needed the chance to bond with guys his own age. And she needed to rest. If she knew Matt was away having a good time with his friends, she wouldn’t have to feel too guilty about not accomplishing anything around the house for a day or two.
“Go. Really. I’m fine.”
The sound of a truck crunching along the gravel drive, followed closely by the pound of heavy teenage feet on the porch and the subsequent knock signaled the moment of truth. Matt’s ride was here.
For good measure, Faith got up and walked to the door, though it took nearly every last bit of strength she had not to sway. She discreetly used the sturdy doorframe to keep her upright.
“Hi Jace,” she said in friendly greeting to the boy, offering a wave to Jace’s dad easing out of the massive King cab. She turned to Matt, who was appraising her carefully, looking for a reason to stay.
“Go,” she coaxed. Jace already had Matt’s bag and was loping back to the car. “Have a great time. And don’t worry so much. I’m a big girl.” She smiled. Matt exhaled, still not looking sure, but nodded. He was so close...
“You’ve got enough clothes? Underwear? Socks?”
“Mom.”
“Phone? Cash? Toothbrush?”
“Mom.”
“Right,” she grinned as Matt’s focus was taken off of her and he shot his friends a somewhat embarrassed smile. Mild humiliation in the form of an overprotective mom – a true classic - worked every time. Faith exhaled in triumph when Matt finally nodded, leaned in to give her a quick peck on the cheek, then jogged to the truck.
Karl, Jace’s dad, chuckled. “Don’t worry, Faith. He’s in good hands.”
She nodded. “I know. Mother’s privilege.”
“Hey, you okay?” he asked, his expression growing concerned when he noticed how pale she was.
“Yeah, I just picked up a little cold.”
“There’s some really nasty stuff going around.”
“Yeah, but this is nothing.”
Like Matt, Karl looked unconvinced. “If you need anything, give Carole a call, ok? She’ll be going stir crazy with an empty house all weekend.”
Somehow Faith doubted that. The woman was probably already pouring herself a glass of wine, sinking into a hot bubble bath, and picking up the latest romance novel. “I will, thanks.”
She leaned against the doorframe and waved as the car backed up and made its way back up the drive. The moment it was out of sight, Faith closed the door and slid down. With her back to the wall, Faith closed her eyes and fell promptly asleep.
*
Kieran turned away from the massive flat screen he wasn’t really watching anyway when his cell chimed, indicating a new text message. Picking it up, he checked the number and looked at the text.
K, u busy?
Thought u were away. Whats up?
Moms not answering.