The single mom and her boss

Chapter twenty - She will survive

Adam's POV:

Everything was going well. I don't know what happened. Jasmine might die. She didn't look well at all. I took Chloe with me. I have been staying at her house. I still haven't told Jasmine's parents. She asked me not to do it. I can't keep this a secret for long. They have to know what is going on. Also, they can take proper care of their granddaughter. I'm not doing it that well. Mostly, that is because I can't make Chloe stop crying. I drive her to school every day. She doesn't want to go. That's why I can't let her stay at home. Someone has to take care of her. Of course, I explained to her teacher the situation. She understood everything without asking questions. I'm sure she will do whatever is necessary. I don't feel better, either. What I have to do is keep it calm. Mom said she would help me with everything. I can't make her do that. I will tell Jasmine's parents. They can tell me what I should do. I mean, they know their daughter better than I do. She still hasn't woken up. I don't know when this will happen. The doctors didn't tell me anything. She had an operation. That's all I know. I never thought something like this would happen. Maybe it's a challenge for me. I have to pass it. The most important thing is Chloe. I have to keep her busy so she doesn't think about Jasmine. I hope that she won't be upset about this.

I didn't tell Jasmine's parents about what happened. They would've wanted to take Chloe. She wanted to stay at her home. I offered my help. I can take care of her. We'll do something together. I'm not the best cook, but I can think of something. Bonding with Chloe wasn't part of my plans, but I won't deny it. No kid should go through this. Chloe is a good kid. She doesn't do much. I know she is upset, but I have to distract her. Jasmine will be fine. I'm sure about this. We'll go to see her. I want to know about her state.

It's the weekend. I stayed with Chloe for the night. I prefer my place, but I won't leave her alone. I offered to come home with me, but she didn't want that. Now it's time to take over Jasmine's chores. I called my mom for help. I won't be able to do everything alone. First, we'll go to see Jasmine in the hospital. I promised Chloe that we'll go after breakfast. Mom was here in an hour. I woke up Chloe and made her eat. I don't know what else I can do for her. She doesn't talk much.

- Chloe, what do you want us to do today? We can go out.

- Can we see my mommy in the hospital? You promised me.

- Yes, I did. We'll see her after breakfast. Later, we'll come here for lunch. Do you have activities for the afternoon?

- I have to practice.

- Practice what?

- You can do my mommy's chores.

- Sure thing. What does she do in the afternoon?

- After lunch, I have to practice solving math problems and reading. I have to read out loud. While I do that, she cooks and takes care of the clothes. She makes at least two meals. If she has time until dinner, she cleans the house. I can play until dinnertime.

- She does all this in one afternoon.

- Yes.

- What about Sunday?

- I practice again for an hour. Mommy gets ready for the next week. I have to shower. She helps me dry my hair. One of her favorite things is to play with my hair. - she said, ready to cry

- I think I can do this. I'm bad at hairstyles, so your hair will be let down.

- I'll take care of this. Chloe, will you let me do this? - my mom asked

- Yes.

- You should read to me while I cook.

- I can't read well, so you have to correct me.

- But I have to watch over the food.

- Mommy is cutting all the food next to me. That's how she checks if I read correctly.

- Your mom is working a lot.

- She is a superhero.

- Yes, she is. I'll try my best to do the same things as her.

- Don't worry. You don't have to be like her.

- I can't do it, even if you want to.

- Can we go now? I finished with my food.

- Do you want me to take snacks?

- No, thanks. Mommy doesn't have friends. Will you find her some?

- She doesn't have friends?

- No one has come here. Well, before you.

- This is something she has to decide.

Chloe and I went to the hospital after breakfast. Mom wanted to come with us as well. I don't mind it. I might need her help in the afternoon. I don't think I can multitask the way Jasmine does. We stayed there for a while. I left my mom with Chloe while I talked with the doctor. He said that she would wake up, but didn't know when. At least her life is not at risk. That is the good news. I went back to the room to check on Chloe. She is not crying, but I know she is upset. No matter how hard I try, I'll never be like Jasmine.

- Chloe, are you ok?

- When will she wake up?

- I don't know. The doctor didn't tell me, but I think it will be soon. Don't worry. You will see her.

- Can we stay here the whole day?

- We have tasks to do. You told me to do what your mom does.

- I don't want to leave her alone.

- You won't leave her alone. Here, many people take care of her. She will be ok.

- When?

- When the time comes. Do you want us to go for lunch? I'll make you something at home. Pizza?

- I eat pizza only on Friday night. That is when we are watching Disney movies.

- Why didn't you tell me? We could've done it.

- You are not her.

- No, I'm not.

- I'm sorry.

- It's ok. Let's go home. If we finish our tasks early, we can go out.

- Can we go to the park?

- Of course. Maybe some of your friends from school will be there.

- I don't have friends.

- Why? Don't you talk to anyone?

- I don't like anyone. Mommy is my best friend.

- I understand, but don't you want to have friends at your age?

- No. Mommy is better.

- Jasmine did a great job. It won't be enough, even if you take Chloe to the moon. - my mom said

We were at Jasmine's house for lunch. If you ask how I go there, the answer is simple. I took her keys before she went to the hospital. Technically, she gave them to me. The girl gave me her whole wallet. I didn't use it. Since I have to care about Chloe, I'll use my money. When we finished with the food, she went to bring her books. We have to practice. I better start cooking. I have no idea how to do both things at the same time. That will be hard.

- Can I start with Math first?

- Sure. What will we do today?

- Mommy makes me do three pages from this book. Later, I should read her a story of my choice.

- Ok, good. I have to cook. Right?

- Yes, and to take care of the dirty clothes.

- Right. You can read the Math problems out loud. I'll tell you if they are right or wrong. What do you say?

- Twenty minus eleven equals nine.

- Correct.

- Nine plus eight equals seventeen.

- Good. Mom, can you help me with the washing machine? I don't know how to work with this one. Mine is different.

- Let me check. This button is for the program. That one is for the degrees.

- I get it. Thanks.

- Seven plus six equals thirteen.

- Good job, Chloe. What do you want me to cook?

- Mommy always makes something with chicken.

- We have potatoes, cabbage, mushrooms, and rice. Which one do you like the most?

- Rice and mushrooms.

- Oh, you want both. I'll try my best.

- If you want, I can cook. You will stay with her.

- Thanks, mom, but Jasmine does this alone. I have to try the same.

- Are you sure you can do it? You haven't tried it before.

- It can't be that hard. I'll figure it out.

- I finished the first page. - Chloe said

- Let me see it. You did all of them correctly. Go on to the next one.

I thought I would do both things at the same time. It didn't work for me. Mom helped with the cooking. Chloe can read very well. I can see she has been practicing. I mean, for a first-grader, it's the same as excellent. When we finished with the tasks, we went to the park. Mom left us alone. She will be at home. I don't think I'll need her for the rest of the day. She helped me a lot. For dinner, Chloe and I were at home. I'm glad she liked my mom's cooking. I left her to decide what we would do for the rest of the night.

- Can we go to the hospital tomorrow? Please.

- Yes, sure. You can see her every day.

- After school as well?

- Whenever you want. After I finish work, I'll come to take you.

- Thank you.

- What story do you want me to read to you?

- I want the one for the Ugly Duckling.

- No problem. Will you bring me the book?

- Here you go.

- Once upon a time.

- I have to read.

- We practiced today. I thought to give you a rest.

- I can read my own stories now. Once upon a time, a mother duck laid a clutch of six beautiful little eggs. One day, she looked into her nest in Ama. Ment.

- Amazement.

- Amazement. There were her six small eggs. Lying next to them was another egg. It was much, much bigger than the others.

- Good. What happened next? Hey, are you ok?

- When will she come home?

- I don't know, but I'm sure it will be soon. You don't have to worry about that.

- I want to see her.

- You will. Tomorrow, we'll go to the hospital. What do you want for breakfast?

- Can you make pancakes?

- Sure. How much will you eat? When the pancakes are cold, they don't taste that good.

- I'll eat no more than five.

- Good.

- Can we bring some to my mommy? Please.

- I'm not sure if she will eat it. I can make more.

- Grandma can come with us.

- Yes, we might call her. Should we continue with the story?

- No, I want to sleep. Will you stay until I fall asleep? Mommy does it.

- Yes, sure. Don't worry. Your mom will wake up. I promise you.

- Will you bring her home?

- I will. You will be the first one to see your mom.

- Really?

- Yes. Sleep now. We can talk tomorrow.

Jasmine and Chloe have something unique. I will never be able to get close to what Jasmine does for her. Now I know why she works so much. Chloe is one of the most educated kids I know. I'm not talking only about school. I mean, manners. She knows how to act in front of people. Jasmine has done a great job. Since I started caring about Chloe, my respect for Jasmine has risen. I got more tired in one day than in a week in the office. I can't imagine how she feels doing this every week and going to work. She is a real superhero. I hope that she will wake up soon.