When I got back to New York I drove back to the hospital to see how my mother is doing. As I walk down the hallway, I see Dr. Roberts ending a conversation with a nurse, so I take this opportunity to ask him where I should go from here.
"Hello Dr. Roberts."
"Oh, hello Christina what can I do for you?"
"Well I was wondering whether or not you could give me some advice. I don't really know what I should do when my mother checks out of the hospital."
"Well she could always move back home with you. You did say she had to quit her job right."
"That's the thing I went down to her employer today, and since she was a live-in maid, if I were to replace her, I would have to move down there."
"I see then the only thing you can do is find a place to live near your employer and hire in an in house health aid for your mother. You can also find a nursing home if it inconvenient. I'm just trying to give you options." Dr. Roberts gives me a slight smile, and I can see he truly wants to help.
"I see thanks for your help. When will the biopsy be completed? "
"Within the next four days or so we should have the full results of the test back. We'll know more then and decide the best course of treatment for your mother. In the meantime try not to stress too much about it."
"Thank you Dr. Roberts, and I'll try."
"Anytime." Dr. Roberts nods his head and walks down the hall to a nurse waiting for him to see his next patient. I sigh and try to put on a brave face before I enter my mothers room. The last thing I need her to do is worry about what I'm thinking, so I have to be strong for her.
As I open the door, I find my mother chatting with Stacy. She had brought my mother chicken empanadas for lunch.
"Hey Mom, how are you feeling?" I place my bag on an open chair and give her a kiss on her forehead.
"Tired dear, did you see Mrs. Anderson?"
"Yeah I did," I say with a sigh sitting down. "She said that I would have to move into her house if I am to work for her, but that would mean leaving school."
"Oh no," Stacy says as a frown forms on her face.
"Christina I'm sorry you have to go through all of this."
"Mama I told you to stop beating yourself up. It's not your fault remember."
"Well did you make a decision?"
I took a deep breath before sharing my news. "I have decided to leave NYU and work for Mrs. Anderson for the time being while you recover."
Stacy and my mother looked surprised as I sat there fidgeting with fingers.
"Are you sure about this Christina? This is a big decision which ultimately impacts your future, I just want you to be 100% sure about it."
"Yes, mama I have to support myself, even if that means putting school on hold. When you are better I can always go back the next semester."
"Dear I'm sorry, maybe you can find another school near Mrs. Anderson's."
"Yeah I guess you're right." What my mother doesn't know is that NYU is my dream school, and when I finally got into it, I was beyond happy. Just the thought of leaving saddens me to no end.
As we continue to talk, a nurse comes into the room to check my mothers vital signs. After recording some information down we watch as the nurse leaves.
My mother sighs and I can tell she wants nothing more than to leave the hospital.
"How much longer do I have to stay here."
"Four days give or take, at least we'll know what's going on with you by then."
"I'm scared Christina." My mother turns to face me before taking my hands in her hers.
"What if it is Cancer? What if I can't be treated?"
"Mama don't say that, you will be fine...you have to be. All we can do is have faith that you will be alright." I have to be strong for her, but on the inside I feel like I'm breaking. I pray everything will be alright and the results come back negative.
*******
Today was the day, It was the day I'd been dreading yet waiting to come. Today we find out if my mother is sick or not. I pray that she isn't but deep down I have an unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach.
Stacy and I wait in the room for Dr. Roberts with my mother and the silence filling the room is suffocating.
"You'll be fine Maria don't worry," Stacy rubs my mothers shoulders trying to comfort her and I smile knowing my best friend truly cares for my mother.
The door opens and Dr. Roberts comes in with a somber look on his face. The weird feeling in my stomach comes back full force as I take in the wrinkle on Dr. Roberts forehead.
"Ladies I have the results of the biopsy."
"Well Dr. Roberts..." I rub my hands together nervously as he tilts his glasses up.
"I'm very sorry Ms. Munoz, but the results of the biopsy show that you have metastatic breast cancer or simply stage four terminal cancer." The room fell silent as my hands began to shake. I held myself as I began to rock in my chair upon hearing the news.
"The cancer has spread beyond your breast to your lymphatic system, lungs, and brain. I'm very sorry but a viable treatment plan does not seem feasible."
I turned to look at my mother who had turned pale and began weeping as Stacy pulled her into a hug to comfort her.
"Please Dr. Roberts, there has to be something that can be done. I can't lose my mother, she is the only family I have left."
"I'm very sorry Ms. Munoz, even if we were to begin chemotherapy, I'm afraid it would be too taxing on your mothers already weakened body. The cancer is spreading far to aggressively and I'm afraid it would only cause her more pain to go through that when we know the condition is terminal. I suggest you consider pain management and spend as much of the remaining time that you have left with your mother. Again I'm very sorry. I'll leave you ladies alone for now."
Dr. Roberts leaves the room and I sink to the floor. This is happening, this is actually reality. My mother would soon join my father in paradise and leave me here by myself. I began to weep uncontrollably as Stacy pulled me up and into her arms. I ran to my mother's bedside and wrapped her in the tightest bear hug.
"Mama..."
"Shh...child calm down. We do not question why God has made it so, but rather we must accept it."
"I can't lose you Mama. There is still so much you need to see: my graduation, wedding, pregnancy, the birth of your grandchildren..."
"I wish that I could have had the chance to experience all of these beautiful moments yet to come in your life, but sweetheart this is my reality. The most we can do is enjoy what little time I have left on this Earth with you."
"Life isn't fair...why you Mama why." I began crying on her stomach as she ran her hands through my hair.
"I will always be with you mi amore (my love)."
After I had calmed down, a nurse came into the room with discharge papers. Stacy leaves with the nurse to handle the discharge while I help my mother get ready to go home.
When we get home, I immediately put down my keys and head to the kitchen.
Stacy helps my mother to the kitchen as I bring out the cake from the fridge.
"Oh, honey you got my favorite."
"Of course, mom."
"It's my favorite too," Stacy chimes in. I laugh and hold up a warning finger to her when she takes a piece of icing off the cake.
"Okay I'll behave," she says as she grabs a plate for herself.
We moved to the living-room to watch some television while we ate. Stacy ended up having two servings, before she had to leave.
"When are you moving to the Anderson's?"
"I figure tomorrow. The sooner the better before she thinks I'm not coming. I still have to call the school and my job."
Stacy begins to cry, "I guess this is it then."
"Stacy we're only three hours apart, we can still hang out."
She lets out a laugh, "I guess you're right."
I give her a hug and close the door. I walk back to my mother to tell her what I plan to do.
"Mom we have to pack your stuff. I found a hospice for you to stay at with the help of the hospital near the Anderson's, so we won't be far apart."
"Okay dear." She continues to watch TV, while I head upstairs to pack.
I pack my mother's belongings in boxes and call a moving company to assist me tomorrow. I also called my boss and let her know that I had to quit my job, before calling the school. After a few hours, I head back downstairs to prepare dinner for us. I end up making arroz con pollo since it's one of her favorite dishes. After dinner my mother falls asleep on the living room couch, so I grab a blanket and cover her. I also grab a blanket and place it on the floor, so that I can sleep too. I want to be as close to her as possible in the remaining time that we have.
I couldn't sleep all night, because I was thinking about what my life will be like now. The morning came just a quick as the night fell and I found myself packing the last of my belongings before the moving company arrives.
I pack up the car along with the movers who take my mother's belongings. My mother and I get in her car, and I begin our journey to Villa Marie Claire, the hospice near Mrs. Anderson's home. Mrs. Anderson had agreed to help pay for my mother's stay there, and for that I'm very grateful. My mother had fallen asleep from the car ride, so when we arrived, I had to wake her up.
"Mom we're here.'
"Oh, I'm sorry dear; it's the first time I didn't have to drive a long distance, so I just dozed off."
"It's okay you need your rest."
We get out of the car and head inside the building towards the receptionist's desk. The receptionist is busy typing away at her computer when she notices us.
"Hello welcome to Villa Marie Claire, how can I help you today?"
"Hi, I'd like to check my mother in."
"Very well can I have her name please?"
"Maria Munoz."
"Okay Mrs. Munoz you will be staying in room C35. Here is your room key if you need anything just use the pager and a nurse will be there to assist you."
"Thank you."
I take my mother to her room, and I'm in awe of how beautiful everything is.
"Wow this place is amazing mom. Mrs. Anderson has taken the liberty of making sure your stay here will be comfortable. She really is a nice woman, and here I thought she would be stuck up like the rest of the rich and famous."
"No dear she is quite kind, I'm sure you will enjoy working for her as I did."
"I hope so too."
Once we enter the room, I help my mother settle in. I unpacked her bags as she sat on the bed. Once she's settled, I tell her I have to leave to report for work. I kiss her on her forehead and wave her goodbye. Mrs. Anderson's home is only thirty minutes away from where my mother is staying so it's easy for me to go back and forth. I arrive at her home, and the gate keeper lets me in.
When I enter the house, Mrs. Anderson is waiting for me on the foyer.
"Hello again Christina I'm glad you decided to come."
"Thanks for having me."
"Oh no problem darling, how is your mother?"
"She's in high spirits. The place you reserved for her is amazing thank you so much."
"Oh, don't worry about it dear she deserves it. After twenty years of hard work and devotion to me how could I not help her in her time of need?"
"Okay so if you'll come with me, I will introduce you to everyone, and explain what exactly is required of you."
I follow her into the large dining hall, where I find the rest of the house staff waiting.
"Everyone, this is Christina, she is Maria's daughter who due to personal circumstances will be replacing her. Please give her guidance if she needs any help."
Everyone welcomes me, and I follow Mrs. Anderson to her office. She closes her door before walking over to her desk.
"Now Christina, you will be required to clean my office space at least twice a week. Please refrain from touching the important documents situated over there in that cabinet."
"Okay."
"Now if you'll come with me, I'll show you my design studio."
We walked into the biggest room I have ever seen. The walls were white, and it looked like a miniature shopping mall. "This is where I design all my clothes. I usually have four to five assistants in here daily, but today is their off day. This room is to be cleaned up five times a week."
"Okay."
"Oh, and I have rules, do not by any means take a photo of the clothes, and do not even think about trying them on okay." I could tell that she was serious from the look in her eye.
"Yes ma'am."
"Good, next I will show you to my room. This is the master bedroom of this house. Only your mother has seen it and now you. You just have to clean it up every two days, but the bathroom must be cleaned every day."
"So basically, my mother did everything in the house that pertains to you personally."
"Yes, because she's the only one who I could fully trust with my belongings, and now I'm passing that trust on to you. Please do not disappoint me."
"I promise you I won't."
"Good, now let me take you to your room."
I followed her down the hallway where she stopped in front of two white double doors.
"This is your room dear."
When she opened the door, my mouth dropped. The room was gorgeous. I had never been in a room this big before. I loved how the curtains matched the furniture, and I got my own bathroom."
"Do you like it?"
"Yes Mrs. Anderson, thank you very much."
"Your stuff has been moved in already, so please take the day to unpack and rest tomorrow you start working at 8:30 AM sharp."
"Okay."
She leaves me alone to get situated. I jump and lie down on the bed. I can't believe this is my room. I grew up being used to a small four wall bedroom, but this room is as big as my living room, kitchen, and dining room combined. I sigh getting up to start unpacking my belongings not that I had much anyway. When I'm done, I decide to explore the rest of the house, so I grab my cellphone and lock my room. I walk down the stairs and head towards the kitchen only to find a man talking on the phone. If looks could kill I'd definitely be dead. He was beyond sexy, and I couldn't help but stare at the way his clothes fit his body. I could tell that he was the athletic type by the way his muscles shifted with every move under his shirt. I immediately hide behind the wall but twist my head to the side to get another look at him.
Once he's done with the phone, I see a maid which looks to be around my age serve him some food, "Will that be all Mr. Anderson?"
"Yes, thank you April."
I see her blush and walk away. Wait she said Mr. Anderson. That can't be Mrs. Anderson's husband he's far too young, unless she's into that whole cougar thing. I shake my head and walk in.
I see his eyes snap up to meet mine before I quickly avert my eyes and walk to the fridge. I take out some salad that has been prepared and make myself a plate. I put the remainder of the salad in the fridge and sit on the opposite side of the bench. As I eat, I see him continuing to stare at me before he breaks the silence.
"I've never seen you around here before. Are you a new model for my mother?"
I nearly choke on my salad as he stares at me with concern. Mrs. Anderson has a son? Of course, I wouldn't know that I was far too busy with school to pay attention to pop culture. After I drink some water and calm myself down, I turn to face him once more.
"You're Mrs. Anderson's son?"
'Yeah, you don't know who I am," he says getting up and making his way towards me.
"No, I never really watched celebrity gossip, so I thought."
"Let me guess, you thought I was her boyfriend or husband, didn't you?"
"Yes," I say shyly averting my eyes from him. A wicked smile forms on his mouth as he attempts to hide his amusement.
He bursts out laughing, and I can't help but give him a pointed look.
"What isn't that what the Hollywood elite are into? Dating men years younger than them?"
"It's a trend but not everyone does it, I'm Jason by the way." He extends his hand to shake mine and I reciprocate the gesture.
"Nice to meet you Jason."
"Now what's your name beautiful?"
"Christina Munoz, the daughter of Maria, your mother's personal maid."
"I didn't know Maria had a daughter, what happened to her did she go on vacation or something?" My face fell, and his smile immediately faded away.
"No, the other day when she came home to visit me, she collapsed. I took her to the hospital, and we found out that she has terminal breast cancer." The mood in the room immediately changed as I watched Jason's expression fall.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry Christina." The once playful expression he had on his face, was no replaced by sadness.
"It's okay you didn't know, so right now she's at a hospice nearby." I feel myself getting choked up, but I try my best retain my composure.
"Wow I can't believe this is happening, so you're here then..."
"To replace my mother."
"You wanted to be a maid?" He raises an eyebrow at me patiently waiting for my response.
"No, I was in school studying to be a doctor, but I have to put that on hold. I need to make sure I have the finances needed to live on my own and continue my education."
"I believe you can still do it. You seem like a smart girl I'm sure everything will work itself out," he said giving me a smile that could kill.
"Thanks." I feel my ears heat up and I'm sure I'm as red as a tomato.
"I'll see you around okay," he says as he begins to leave. He turns around before completely leaving catching my attention once more, "Oh and Christina..."
"Yeah," I say confused as to what he's about to say.
"I think you're way too beautiful to be a maid. That's just my opinion," he says throwing me a wink.
He leaves the kitchen and I sink into my chair. How can someone be that good looking? His voice, body, eyes everything about him screams player, but I'm strangely drawn to him. I mentally smack myself, no Christina he is the son of your boss you cannot by all means cross that line.
I thought my job would be easy and everything would be smooth sailing in this house, but with that man walking around my life is about to get a whole lot harder.