Is Everything Alright?

It was 4 p.m. when they arrived home. Carolina assisted her mom out of the car and into the cozy two-bedroom home. Once they were inside, she set her up in the family sitting room and made her comfortable.

She adjusted all of the pillows on the couch, including her mother's, and made sure she had enough covers. Once that was done, she turned on her favorite television show. She picked up her backpack from the side of the couch, unzipped it, and got her laptop out of it. She sat on the loveseat opposite her mother and began studying. When she was finished, it was 9 p.m. 

There was a knock on the door. 

She looked across the room. Her mother was asleep. She had been about to get up and make dinner. She got up and headed in the direction of the front door. She looked out the little glass window on the door and saw it was her best friend, Noel.

They had been best friends since they were small children and had gone to the same church and now attended the same college. They even had a few classes together. U.S. government and Business Applications. She quickly opened the door, Noel leaped happily inside. Smiling wide, and carefree.

She hugged Carolina tight. The gesture made Carolina laugh out loud. Her happy energy had always been infectious. She hugged her back. 

“What’s up with you? ” She asked Carolina, “I haven’t seen you on campus since you returned back home. You haven't returned my texts. Is everything alright?”

Carolina hadn't told anyone about her mother’s rapidly failing health, except for her school Counselor and Professors. She closed the door behind her friend and followed her into the kitchen. Noel immediately made a B-line to the fridge and pulled out two beers. She used her keychain to open them both. She gave one to Carolina.

Noel opened hers and took a sip of the cool beverage. 

A few minutes passed in silence.

“So...Carolina. What the hell is going on with you?”

"I have been taking care of my mother," she confessed. "She has been ill for quite some time. It is getting worse. She was managing on her own, or so I thought. Until she had an accident."

“Oh, my gosh! Lina, I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you tell me? I would have been here with you.”

“Because mom didn’t want me to. I love her, but that woman can be so stubborn sometimes.”

“I’m your best friend and I’ll always be here for you.”

“Thanks, Noel. You always make my life easier just by being in it.”

“That’s what friends are for.” She chirped back.

They spent the rest of the night laughing, talking, playing cards, and baking vegan cookies for a charity event Noel was co-hostessing. 

Carolina had just finished telling Noel about the operation her mother needed and the amount it would cost.

“Damn, 'Lina. That’s a lot of dough. Time to start your Queenpen empire.” Noel joked.

“That’s not a bad idea." Carolina Agreed. "My mother does have some medical marijuana. That she refuses to use. How much do you think that would go for ?”  

“I have no idea. My guess is as good as yours. I can ask around though. What about stripping?” Noel asked.

Carolina and Noel laughed loudly at that. They both knew Carolina had absolutely no rhythm. 

Carolina remembered her mother was asleep in the Living room nearby and shushed both of them. When they could both control their laughter Carolina Spoke.

“I don't have the rhythm or sex appeal for that. Did you forget about the time we went to the club and I was scaring men away with my bad dancing?”

“ohhh...I didn’t forget.” Noel chuckled.

They laughed again.

“What about webcamming? Girls these days can make $1,000.00 to $2,500.00 a week.” Noel whispered.

“If I wasn't still a virgin. Sure, but I don't see me losing it any time soon.”

“Wait a minute! I thought you weren't a virgin after dating Russ Evers. You two were always hugged up and making out.”

“That's one of the reasons why we broke up. Russ wanted more than I was comfortable giving. He was also cheating on me with Trish Goddard.”

“That skank!” Noel exclaimed, shocked at Carolina's admission.

“Exactly!” 

“Well, I’m fresh out of ideas.” Noel looked at her watch then. It was past midnight. "I gotta go to school tomorrow and drop these cookies off for the charity. Are you coming?”

“I’m not sure. It will depend on how mom is feeling tomorrow. Noel, thanks again for coming and checking up on me tonight. It really means a lot. 

“Oh, Lina. We’re besties. Next time no keeping secrets from me and no worrying. We will come up with something. I promise.” 

She hugged her once more and left.

Carolina felt a little better about everything. At least her friend was on her side now. She had someone to talk to about all of this. She cleaned the kitchen. Once she was done, she checked on her mother one last time, making sure to turn the television off. She was sleeping soundly. 

Carolina kissed the top of her head and went upstairs to her bedroom. Once there, she quickly got undressed and crawled into bed. She said a silent prayer hoping she would find a solution for the mess she and her mother were in. She closed her eyes and was welcomed dreamland…

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