Page 73 of Unraveled

“Can you text it to me?”

“I’ll do it now. You’re going to call him?”

“I don’t know yet. So, I’d appreciate your discretion.”

“Okay. It’s coming through.”

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome, and, Kellan?”

“Yes.”

“For the record, I really hope you do call him.”

Right. No pressure.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Layla

Sitting for chemo was less nerve wracking the second time around; however, having my mom here was leaving me on edge. But I went into the morning determined to see things from her perspective. Her daughter was battling cancer. She wanted to be a part of the fight. What mother wouldn’t? I hoped the thought would give me more patience. Russ helped in mitigating. Meanwhile, Kellan’s text messages to check on me were nicely distracting. But by the time the five hours were over, I was beyond exhausted, both mentally and physically. Once I returned to my apartment, all I wanted was to crawl into bed.

But my mother had other ideas for our day of chemo-bonding. “Why don’t you sit on the couch, and we’ll watch some movies?”

“No, thanks. I need to lie down.”

“What can I fix you to eat?”

The thought of food made me ill. “Nothing right now. Thank you. If you don’t mind waking me once Patty arrives, I’d appreciate it.”

“Why do you need her to come by today when we’re here?”

She almost sounded jealous. “She has to draw my blood and take my temperature.”

“Okay.” She glanced around the room. “I’ll clean while you’re sleeping.”

Ugh. “Sure. Or you don’t have to stay. Patty will be by, and she has a key. Then Kellan is coming tonight.”

“Of course we’re going to stay.”

Right. Of course. I gave my brother a small smile and a wave as if to say, I’m out.

I was on the edge of welcomed sleep when the sound of the vacuum started. Seriously? I waited a minute, hoping Russell would put an end to the horrific noise. But when it didn’t cease, I had no choice but to get out of bed. Nausea hit me. Along with a good dose of irritation. Why? Why now did she have to vacuum a perfectly clean apartment?

Opening the door, I spotted her straightaway, but I couldn’t see Russell. He must’ve stepped out. Deciding it was useless to try to shout over the noise while her back was to me, I simply reached down and pulled the plug out of the wall.

She whipped around. “Great. You’re awake. Do you want something to eat or drink?”

She was clueless about the noise. “No, thank you. But I’d love the vacuum to stop. Please.” My head was pounding, and my bones were already aching.

“I wanted to get these carpets cleaned real quick.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose, praying for patience. “I know. And I appreciate it, but I’m trying to sleep.”

“When do you think you’ll wake up? I can finish then.”

This. This was why it was hard to have loved ones take care of you. I didn’t have a timeframe. I simply wanted to rest when I needed it, eat when I felt like it, and be free of worry about anyone else’s feelings but my own.