13 Monday

"Ugghh, I still feel hungover from Friday!" Janet complained, clutching her head after ending a call with one of the insurance companies.

I can't help the grin that catches my lips as Teresa scoffs, "Well, maybe you should not have had that 'hair of the dog' Saturday and Sunday!"

We all share a giggle knowing that Teresa and Janet went out to lunch yesterday and ended up calling Kim and I to join them. Janet was already feeling no pan when we arrived, but knew that she would feel it today.

"Don't worry, Janet. There's only one more hour to go." I pat her back motherly and shift my chair back to my cubicle desk to finish my claims for processing.

"That's the problem, it's not over yet!" Whining into her hands, before getting up for another bottle of water.

We all turn and share looks from our cubicles before holding back our giggles.

The sound of a door opening has us all turning back around as Mr. Henderson steps out of his office.

He has not said a word other than 'good morning' which was to all of us when he came in. I was feeling grateful for that. Maybe I would get lucky and he'd leave it alone.

"Lirael, if I could talk to you before you leave today, I'd appreciate it."

Fuck I thought too soon!

Gathering myself, I reply, "Of course, Mr. Henderson. " I give him a forced smile as he nods and leaves the room with folders in hand.

The second he's gone Kim quickly slides her chair over to my cubicle and in a hushed voice she quickly asks me, "Do you think he's going to talk to you about what I think he is?"

I whisper back, "I hope not."

"What are you two whispering about?" Teresa rolls closer to us.

"Nothing." We both says together.

"Bullshit!" Janet calls us out. "What's going on? Is he hitting on you? We will so back you up if we need to take this to HR." She quickly states.

My heart warms at her offer to defend me, but I shake my head.

"No it's not like. Don't worry about it." I quickly tell them not knowing when he'll be coming back.

"No, don't think you're going to get away with not telling us!" Teresa exclaims.

Noticing my hesitancy, Kim quickly states, " You know they will not quit until you tell them. I'm not saying a word!"

I take a deep breath and consider what I can say.

"I slept with his nephew this weekend, and he showed up while I was in the shower and I didn't realize anyone was there." I say in a rushed tone.

"HIS NEPHEW!" Janet exclaims outloyd for us all to 'shhsh' her angrily.

"Sorry!" She whispers as we look to the door.

I quickly turn back to them adding, " I didn't know!"

Teresa and Janet chuckle when we hear the door knob turning and hurry back to looking at computers and seeming busy.

He walks back to his office and shuts the door. I was dreading the time to talk to him, going over everything Lance had told me he said to him.

I swear that clock sped up on purpose as five struck on the clock and we all prepared to leave.

I nervously chewed my lip as I waved bye to the girls as they left, each one giving me a comforting pat on the back or hug before they left the office.

Kim gave me the call me gesture before closing the door to our office and I walked over to knock on Mr. Henderson's door.

"Come on in, Lirael." He tells me as I gently open the door after knocking.

"You wanted to speak to me, sir?" I ask taking the seat in front of him, placing my purse in my lap.

"Yes, I really am sorry about this past weekend." He starts sheepishly as my face turns red with embarrassment.

"It's okay, Mr. Henderson. People make mistakes.." I quickly look away, unable to meet his eyes at this moment.

Damn it! Why?!

"Yes they do, but I wish my actions had not caused an end in your relationship with Lance. He's been hurt in the past and the simple fact he's even been interested in a woman like you, says alot about who you are as a person to have that effect on him."

What?

Taken aback, I look back to his face, " I'm sorry? A woman like me?"

He quickly waves a hand dismissively, "Please don't misunderstand me. He told me how amazing and beautiful you are to him, and about your fight after I left."

I swallow visibly, shaking my head and in a high pitched voice mumble, "He did?"

Mr. Henderson nods, "I feel horrible about it. Obviously to me, my nephew cares for you deeply. I can not take back what I said, nor should I because you have the right to know, but it should have been him that told you and not I. Me and my sister, his mother, really would appreciate it if you'd think about giving him another chance. If anything, please come with me to meet my sister, she would love to meet you."

Guilt builds up in my stomach, " I don't know if that's a good idea though, Mr. Henderson..."

He cuts me off, "Please, she's only right upstairs in the cancer ward."

I want to say 'no, I'm sorry', but the way he's pleading with his eyes, I don't think I can.

"I guess I will." I say feeling like a deflated balloon. "I can't promise anything else!" I quickly add.

"That's fine! Wouldn't expect anything else. Come on, follow me." He stands from his chair, grabbing his blazer from the back of his seat.

I follow him to the elevator, standing quietly and awkwardly the whole ride as he turns and smiles at me, as if checking to make sure I did not disappear. We get off on the cancer wards floor and I follow him to the long term patient care wing.

My heart drops.

I thought she was supposed to be getting out from what he said just Saturday?

He waits in front of one of door rooms that's closed for me to catch up. Smiling he opens the door announcing our arrival jovially, "Hey sis! I've got a surprise for you!" He says ushering me in quickly.

I'm greeted by the sound of her vital monitors steady beeping and the low volume of her television speakers on the bed that she quickly turns down more.

"Oh! A surprise!" I can hear the weak feminine voice from behind the curtain.

Mr Henderson pulls back the curtain and presents me to Lances mother. I'm greeted by a shocked but smiling, silver streaked blonde, frail woman.

Her tiny figure is hidden beneath blankets, but her thin arms move as she covers her mouth that opens in surprise.

"Jim? Is this??" She drops her hands as she questions her brother.

I smile awkwardly, "Hello, I'm Lirael. Lance's.... Friend." I hesitate how to label him and I, but give her the truth, we are friends, after all.

She turns her attention to her brother, "Jim..." In a disapproval, before her attention goes back to me but with a warm smile that makes her look absolutely beautiful.

"Lirael! Please come! Take a seat! I'm so sorry if this feels so awkward to come meet me when I recently became privy to your .... Recent situation. Do not worry though, I hold no judgement, I was young once too."

I flame up in embarrassment again, hesitating before sitting in the chair next to her bed that faces her and the window.

"Thank you, Mrs..." She cuts me off.

"You don't have to be formal with me, dear. Just call me Beth."

"Thank you, Beth." I smile tightly, still feeling extremely out of place.

"Now, I've heard quite a few great things about you the last two days." She starts, surprising me.

"You have?!" I glance to Mr. Henderson who sheepishly pulls the curtain closed, blocking the view of the open doorway.

Beth pulls back my attention as Mr. Henderson sits in the other available seat.

"Yes, my brother has told me that you're an attractive young woman, who has a good work ethic, and no complaints to be had from your co workers as well."

I blush and throw a glance at Mr. Henderson before returning my attention back to Beth, "That was awfully kind of him to say that."

"Yes, Jim has his moments, but I must say, it was reassuring to hear Lance, speak so highly of you too." Beth smiles warmly at me, even though you can tell her body is weary, her spirit is still strong.

"Oh, yes. Well, Lance and I are still friends, so I would hope he would still defend me." I push my hair behind my ear, curiosity getting the better of me. "So what did Lance say?"

Beth tapped the end of her nose and pointed it at me, letting me know she knew I would ask.

"He was quick to defend you dear, saying you are a better person than most people he knows. I'm sorry that you found out about his... club and lifestyle choices the way you did." She flashes her brother another glare, one that wounded Jim as he looked away.

I could do nothing as my lips thinned, not knowing how to respond to that.

"You say you and Lance are still friends though?" Beth cocks an ear my way, as though she'd miss my next words if she didn't.

"Yes, we are." I nod in confirmation.

"Could I be so bold as to ask you to consider possibly... giving my son another chance?" Her voice softens but she quickly continues, gathering her volume back up, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked that. It's just... I love my son and I have not seen him look the way he had the other day when he spoke about you, well, ever. I'm sorry, there I go again." She shakes her head in frustration.

"It's alright, Mrs... sorry, Beth." I lean forward and pat her hand.

Lance is lucky he has a mom that cares the way she does.

I sigh and without much thought try to put her mind at ease.

"I'll take what you have asked into consideration, Beth. I can't promise you anything though."