16. Jerome

Chapter 16

Jerome

A s we ran through the park, the early morning sun peeked through the canopy of trees, casting dappled shadows on the path before us. The crisp air filled my lungs, invigorating me as my feet rhythmically pounded against the pavement. I stole a sidelong glance at Raven, her long brown hair flowing behind her like a shimmering veil, her green eyes fixed ahead with determination.

It was moments like these, when the world seemed to fade away and all that existed, was the sound of our breaths mingling with the symphony of nature around us, that I couldn't help but be captivated by Raven. She exuded a sense of strength and vulnerability in equal measure, a complexity that drew me in like a moth to a flame. Moments like this proved there was so much more to her than met the eye.

As we rounded a bend in the path, Raven glanced over at me, a smile playing on her lips. What was it about her that left me spellbound? It wasn't just about her physical beauty or her unwavering drive for success; it was something deeper, something that called to me on a primal level.

Just as I was about to ask if she wanted to stop and grab something to eat before heading back, my phone rang. With a quick, apologetic look, I slowed my pace and answered.

"Hello?"

"This is Jace, with your mother's facility. Do you have time to come this morning? She is very distraught."

"Of course. I'll be there in twenty minutes."

Raven's expression softened as she heard the urgency in my voice, her concern evident in the crease of her brow. Without a word, she slowed down, matching my pace as I tried to process the sudden change in plans. The tranquility of our morning run was shattered by the news of my mother's distress.

Guilt gnawed at me for cutting our run short, knowing how much she valued these moments of escape from her tumultuous world. But duty called, pulling me back into the harsh realities.

Raven reached out a hand, her touch grounding me in the midst of my turmoil. Her eyes held a silent understanding, a reassurance that we were in this together. Despite the chaos that threatened to consume us.

"Is everything okay?"

"It's my mother. She's not doing well at the facility. I need to go check on my mother. Would you... would you be okay with coming with me? You shouldn't be alone right now, and it shouldn't take too long."

Without hesitation, Raven nodded, her unwavering support bolstering my resolve. With a grateful smile, I gestured in the direction of her house. "Let's head back quickly, then."

As one, we turned on our heels and took off running towards Raven's home. The rhythmic pounding of our footsteps echoed in sync with the racing of my heart, propelling us forward with urgency.

Once we reached Raven's house, I dashed inside, the familiar surroundings a blur as I grabbed my keys from the small table by the door. My mind was consumed with worry for my mother.

As I turned back to Raven, standing in the doorway, I took a deep breath to steady myself. With a heavy heart, I began to explain the situation to her, the words tumbling out in a rush.

"My mother... she has Alzheimer's," I started, watching as Raven's expression shifted from curiosity to understanding. "She gets confused sometimes, lost in memories that aren't there. Today must be one of those bad days."

Raven's eyes softened with empathy, a silent understanding passing between us. Without a word, she stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on my arm, her touch grounding me in the midst of my turmoil. It was moments like these that reminded me why Raven was more than just a friend.

"I'm so sorry, Jerome," Raven said softly, her voice a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves. "You shouldn't have to face this alone. Your mom is a wonderful woman."

She took my hand, and we walked to the car. "I just wanted to prepare you for what we are walking into. I never know what I am going to met with. Sometimes she's herself and sometimes she thinks she is just a teenager."

Raven settled into the passenger seat. "We can handle this. Let's go."

The drive to the facility was a quiet one, the weight of the impending visit hanging heavy in the air between us. Raven's hand rested on mine, a silent gesture that spoke volumes more than words ever could. As we pulled into the parking lot, my stomach churned with a mix of anxiety and sadness. Stepping out of the car, I felt Raven's hand slip into mine, offering a silent reassurance that I wasn't alone in this.

The facility loomed before us, its sterile walls and imposing structure a stark contrast to the vibrant world left behind at Raven's house. I led the way, my grip tightening on Raven's hand as we made our way to my mother's room.

Swallowing hard, I pushed open the door, steeling myself for whatever version of my mother I would find today. The room was bathed in soft sunlight filtering through sheer curtains, casting a warm glow over the familiar space. My mother sat in her favorite armchair by the window, her gaze distant as she absently played with a threadbare blanket.

"Mom?" I called softly, a voice tinged with both trepidation and longing.

She turned towards us slowly, her eyes clouded with confusion before recognition flickered in them. A small smile curved her lips as she struggled to place my face. "Jerome... is that you, sweetheart?"

A lump formed in my throat as I crossed the room in quick strides, dropping to my knees in front of her. "Yes, Mom, it's me. I'm here."

Raven stood back, giving us space.

My mother reached out a trembling hand, her fingers brushing against my cheek as if to confirm my presence. Her gaze shifted to Raven, who stood at a respectful distance, watching the scene unfold with a gentle expression. "And who is this lovely lady?" she asked, her voice laced with fragility.

I glanced back at Raven, silently urging her to introduce herself. With a warm smile, Raven stepped forward, her presence calming the air. "I'm Raven. It's a pleasure to meet you."

My mother's eyes brightened with recognition as she nodded slowly. "Raven... what a beautiful name." Her words held a flicker of the sharp wit and charm that I remembered—a glimmer of the woman she used to be.

Tears gathered in my mother's eyes, a mix of joy and sadness swirling in their depths. Her voice trembled as she reached out a fragile hand to touch my face, as if making sure I was real. "Oh, Jerome, it's been so long since I've seen you. You've grown into such a fine young man."

Her words pierced through me, a bittersweet reminder of the cruel passage of time and the fleeting nature of memories. I held her hand gently.

"They said you weren't having a good day. You seem okay… do you need anything?"

Her eyes locked on mine. "No, I'm about to take a nap before my soap operas come on. Then I'll lunch."

It was only a matter of time before her memory would fade and the woman I was talking to right now would be gone. "Okay, Mom. Well, I love you. We'll leave, but call me next week and I'll come by and we can play some Monopoly for old times' sake, okay?"

"That would be wonderful, dear."

She had moved from the chair to her bed now. I hated leaving her, but when she was diagnosed she made me promise not to come visit her every day. The doctor advised that her memory would go back and forth, and the last thing she wanted was for me to watch her slip away. However, it wasn't that easy to just leave her there.

Raven followed me out to the car and then settled inside. I needed to take a second to compose myself. I was not going to let her see me cry.

"It's none of my business, but we can find somewhere nicer for your mother to stay."

"This is what I can afford."

"You're doing your best for your mother, and that's what truly matters." Her voice was a soothing presence in the midst of my internal turmoil.

Taking a deep breath, I started the car and pulled out of the facility's parking lot, the weight of the visit still heavy on my shoulders.

The streets passed by in a blur as I navigated towards Raven's house, my mind still replaying moments from the visit with my mother. Despite the pain and heartache that Alzheimer's brought, there were fleeting moments of connection that I treasured, like pieces of a puzzle that slowly fit together to form a fragile picture of who my mother once was.

As we arrived back at Raven's house, I turned off the engine and sat in silence for a moment, collecting my thoughts before facing the reality of the day once more.