Chapter 10

Louisa's point of view

I made eggs in the morning, a quick breakfast before leaving.

Damien was upset with me, and my mother was having a life-or-death surgery. Damien wasn't important and the least I could do was be with the one person who was.

The surgery started at 8 a.m. and was supposed to be done by 11 a.m.

I sat outside the door, trying to steady my racing heart, praying to a god I didn't believe in not to let my efforts go to waste.

"Louisa." Michelle called softly, taking the seat beside me. "I'm sorry about the things I said. I was just stressed and heartbroken. Liam cheated on me and I—" She choked on a sob.

I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close. "I'm always the one who shrinks from responsibility — there's nothing I can do for myself, and I genuinely appreciate having you here for me. I'd be nothing without you."

During times like this I wasn't sure if she was being genuine or just wanted something from me but regardless it felt good to hear.

"I'm always here for you," I promised her.

She sobbed a bit more in my arms, just like old times.

Michelle was a lover who never stopped loving. She was sweet, an angel when she wanted to be. Just confused, misguided, and occasionally selfish.

"Really though, how were you able to pay?" That was the question I'd been trying to avoid.

"I guess I struck gold."

She opened her mouth to say something, but I got there first. "I got you something. It's in my car. We'll go get it after Mom's surgery."

Her face lit up. "What is it?" She pulled back from the hug.

"Something you've always wanted."

"You got me a new phone!"

I smiled. "Bingo."

She screamed right into my ear. "Oh, I love, love, love you! Which is it?"

"The iPhone 15. That's the latest one, right?"

"Yes, yes, yes! That's it! Can I go pick it up?"

"After Mom's surgery." She nodded, calmer but still grinning.

"You're amazing." I know, right.

She updated me on her life through most of the wait. Halfway through, we grabbed an early lunch and made it back in time. She took her new phone to in the car on the way to lunch.

Michelle didn't ask a single question about me — not that I had anything I particularly wanted to share.

I wasn't complaining, I loved hearing her talk.

The surgery ended at 11:34 a.m. Successful, they said. Just waiting for her to wake up.

Damien called me frantically while we were out, asking where I was, like I hadn't already told him about the surgery yesterday.

She woke up around 3:20 p.m. "Elle?" Her voice came out dark and broken. I hadn't heard her speak in months and maybe I was a bit sad she called my sister first but at least she's up.

"Mom, how are you feeling?" I shot up, my overheating phone falling to the floor.

"Louisa." She covered my hand with hers. "Thank you, Louisa." A tear fell from my eyes. "Yes, Mommy."

Michelle walked in at that moment, running to hug her. "Mommy!"

I heard her small laugh.

It felt perfect. Like the last eight months hadn't happened.

She tried sitting up but wasn't strong enough, her back slid back down the bed.

“I'm so—” she chocked on her words, coughing hard.

I poured her a glass of water from the jog by her bedside.

She patted my hands, “I'm proud of you too.”

“We'd do anything for you mommy.” Michelle said.

My eyes twitched, maybe I wanted to get the praises since I was the one who actually did something.

It was childish.

“How did you manage to pay?” Of course that's what she asks.

"Louisa raised two million for your surgery." I almost slapped the girl again, right there.

Mom's eyes shot to me, alarmed. "Louisa. How did you—"

"I paid."