All Better

“NO!!!”

You lurch up in your bed, sitting there drenched in sweat and out of breath. It takes you a moment to take in your surroundings. You were home, in your room, the morning light giving everything a warm glow. You wipe your face and whisper under your breath. “Jesus Christ.” You take a few moments to collect yourself, though the terrible feelings dredged up by your nightmare were not easy to shake.

As your aunt had directed you give your junk a thorough inspection first thing. By look and by feel all was well and healthy, the scar all but disappeared now. There was a slight itch but that was due to the stubble of your pubes beginning to grow back. There was no sign of morning wood, it was as soft and limp as always. Throwing on some boxers and your bathrobe you tighten the belt and head downstairs. Following your nose you soon find yourself wandering into the kitchen where Mom is frying up a breakfast scramble of eggs, sausage, green onions, diced peppers, potato, and cheese. Your mother was what you might call a hefty eater and didn’t stint on any meal.

Moving swiftly you walk straight up to her. She doesn’t even get a “good morning” out before you slip into her arms and lay your head down on her shoulder. Your arms around her thick waist you pull yourself tight in against her.

“Hey.” She says softly as she embraces you, gently stroking your hair. “What’s up my boy?”

“I had a bad dream.” You whisper.

“Ah.” She says sympathetically, tightening her hug and kissing your cheek. “Everything is okay now. Mom’s here.”

With just those few words she makes it all better. Like the plug coming out of a bathtub you immediately feel the fear and tension begin to drain from you. Mom’s warm, voluptuous, soft body felt so damn good in your arms. Her unwavering embrace a panacea to all of your troubles. With one great breath your body and spirit relaxes.

“You want to talk about it?” Mom asks.

You stand taller with a smile and shake your head. “No, I’m okay. I just needed a hug.”

Looking up at you she radiates motherly pride as she strokes your cheek. “Anytime Jesse, I am always here for you.”

Nodding you say. “I know.” You may have other problems, deep fucked up problems, but you were not alone. You never were and you never would be. Not in this family. “I love you Mum.”

“I love you too Jesse.” Rubbing your chin she giggles. “Stubble’s really coming in now. My boy is growing up.”

“Hmm?” You absently stroke your jaw with your thumb to feel the stiff stubble. “Yeah.”

With a big kiss she lets you go and turns back to the stove to stir the scramble. “Hungry?”

“Starving.” You go and slump down in your chair at the table. As if on cue your belly lets out a loud rumble.

Before you knew it a tall glass of orange juice had materialized in front of you and your Mom was serving out two plates of breakfast then scooping the rest into a Tupperware for the others when they woke up. She serves the plates of the steaming egg dish, which also included a side of sliced berries with whipped cream, and brings her coffee cup to sit at her place at the head of the table.

You shovel a couple of forkfuls in your mouth…delicious as always. “So…” You say still chewing. “…what’s happening with Zoey?”

Your mother’s rich brown eyes peer upward, as if she might see through the floor the girls still sleeping upstairs, her face a mask of concern. “That poor girl.” She sighs. “We’re going to try to convince her to stay with us for awhile.”

You nod. “Good idea.” Washing the breakfast down with some juice you add. “We could set her up in the basement. We have the old cot. Nobody is using the little gym room anyway.” You swallow. “Though I’m thinking I might start soon.”

“That’s a great idea hun.”

“Plus…” You grin. “…it’ll be easier to keep the family secret if she’s all the way down there.”

Your mother pauses and gives you a long look, this was not a topic you’d ever raised willingly before. “True.”

“Leave it to me.” You take her hand and squeeze it. “Me and Elsie. We’ll make sure she’s comfy.”

“She hasn’t agreed yet. She is dead set on going home today.”

“Going home!?” You say. “No way!”

“It’s her choice sweetie, not ours. All we can do is make her feel welcome here.” A cloud darkens your mother’s expression. “And with Fiona…well, you know how that’s likely to go.”

You wanted to defend your big sister…but what could you say? Mom was right. Fiona would want Zoey out of here by this afternoon never mind staying here for days or more. The pair of you eat as you turn the situation over in your mind.

“I’ll…I’ll talk to her.” You say at last.

“Good luck with that.” She retorts sarcastically. Shifting the topic her voice brightens. “So, what are you doing with your Saturday?”

“Dunno.” You shrug. One thing you knew you had to do is get together with El to figure out exactly how the pair of you were going to break the big news. Things were certainly not going to plan thus far. It wasn’t fun, like El wanted, but your big surprise might just have to be told to the others outright. “What about you?”

“Chloe and I are going shopping.” Hearing the excitement in your mother’s voice told you that this was going to be a bit of a spree.

You laugh. “Let me guess, her Sugar Daddy fucked up again and gave her a bunch of cash to make up for it.”

Your mother laughs along with you. “He missed their anniversary. I swear that man screws up on purpose just to have an excuse to spoil her.”

“She’s gotta get a regular boyfriend.” You say. “That situation is so messed up.”

“Oh, you leave her alone.” Mom playfully slaps your wrist. “She’s happy.”

With a laugh you lean back and nod. “You know what? You are absolutely right. Who am I to judge?”

“Oh my!” She says, looking at your plate. “Done already?”

You down the remainder of the juice in a single long pull, wipe your mouth, and let out a belch. “S’cuse me. I told you I was hungry.”

“Well there’s more in the fridge if you want seconds.” She smiles. “My growing boy needs his nourishment.”

You smack your lips, look down at your empty plate, then say. “I think I might.”