Life saviour

Chapter three - Mom is getting worse

Zoe's POV:

I should focus on myself. I keep repeating this to myself, but it's not working. Mom is not getting better. She does the same thing every day. I don't even know where she finds so much alcohol. I don't buy it. The woman is drowning her depression in wine. It's not helping her, but she doesn't want to understand this. I have no idea what to do with her. Grandma came to talk with her. Nothing. I can see she is hurt, but I can't do anything. Mom is not listening to me. She needs therapy. The problem is that she won't go. That's why I can't make the therapist come home. I'm trying to keep it clean, but mom makes it messy after me. This is another reason why I don't invite people at home. I don't want anyone to see this. It's a little bit embarrassing. I can't let that happen. Also, I don't have close friends. I talk with people in school, but that's it. I don't want to let anyone close to me. My life is not perfect. I prefer to keep this for myself. If I trust someone enough, they can come into my life. The sad thing is I have talked with Zach more than with anyone else. He still doesn't like me but keeps bugging me. I wish he could forget that I exist. I don't know why he moved to this school, but it's not in my favor. I have never argued with someone before. I hope that it won't continue this year.

It's the weekend, and I don't have any plans. I might stay inside or convince my mom to see the sun. She doesn't go out anymore. If I manage to convince her, that will be my biggest win. First, she needs a shower. Mom doesn't stink, but she is at home all the time. I don't understand why she gave up on life. It was so colorful. Now, everything looks grey. I might call my grandma. She doesn't work on the weekend. All of us can go out. Grandpa will play cards with his friends.

I decided to clean the house. I don't expect my mom to do it. Grandma will come soon. She liked my idea. Both of us will convince my mom to go out. I gave up on the idea of a man. She doesn't need this. Well, friends are necessary. I'm sure she is not the only one in this situation. The difference is that other women found a way to deal with this. Grandma came and went to check on her. I finished with the floor. No one makes me do it, but I like it when it's clean.

- Mom, are you ready?

- For what? I'm going to watch Forced Love.

- You have watched this movie ten thousand times. Let's go outside.

- No, thanks. It's too far away.

- No, your job is too far away.

- I won't be outside.

- Please, mom. We can go for ice cream.

- No.

- Let me deal with this. We'll get you more wine. - my grandma said

- I have enough of it.

- Mom, you drank everything.

- No, I didn't.

- The cabinet is empty. Nothing has left.

- We'll go only to the grocery store. That's it.

- Let's go.

- Why the sun is so bright?

- The sun has always been so bright. I think you need to go out more often.

- Why?

- Because you need it.

- We are here. You are lucky that the grocery store is close to your house.

- I see the wine. We need this. That one is good. Also, this one. Maybe this.

- Grandma, are you sure this is a good idea?

- Don't worry. We won't buy anything. You will go with her around the store. I'll leave the wine.

- I get it. Mom, do you want snacks with the wine?

- Yes, but I can't carry this.

- I'll take it. You can go and look around. - my grandma said

- We can get popcorn. It goes well with my movies.

- Hey, didn't you work with the man over there? I have seen him.

- I don't know him. I'll take these things. Let's go home now. I spent too much time outside.

- Do you want us to go for lunch?

- No. Where is your grandma? I need the wine.

- She will come. Let's pay for these things.

- I'm not leaving without my wine.

- Grandma is over there. Can we go now?

- Not without my wine.

- Are we ready to go? - my grandma asked

- Where is the wine? You said you would take it.

- Let's go to pay.

- Not without my wine. I'll go and get it.

- We don't need this.

- But I do.

In the end, we bought her the wine she wanted. I didn't want her to make a scene in the store. Grandma gave her a glass when we went home and hid the rest. We talk about my mom. She will turn the whole house upside down until she finds it. The woman is desperate for it. I still believe this won't help her, but who am I to say? We had lunch together. Grandma said she would stay with my mom for the afternoon. I didn't plan to do it, but I'll use the opportunity. I went to a coffee shop.

- I want a large latte.

- For here or for home?

- Here.

- You can take it from there.

- Thanks.

- Look who is here.

- Will you always greet me like that? I'm not happy to see you.

- But I am.

- Why? We don't talk much.

- There is a chance you might not see me again.

- Who should I thank for this?

- My parents. I'm trying to convince them to transfer me to my old school.

- Why do you think they'll do it?

- I tried to be a good boy for a whole week. It was hard for me.

- I wonder how this one went.

- Do you want to know?

- No. The less I know about you, the better.

- Come on. You are like the rest.

- How exactly?

- Everyone wants to be with me, but I choose only one.

- I don't know who everyone is, but I'm not part of this.

- Are you sure? I think it's true.

- You think much. Can I enjoy my latte without your talking? It's getting annoying.

- Mission complete.

- What mission?

- I like annoying people.

- At least you are good at something.

- Hey! I'm good at many things.

- School?

- Not everything.

- I can see it. If you are trying to impress me, try harder.

- I don't need to do it. You are already in.

- Yeah, sure.

I need to stop talking with this guy, but something makes me want to do it again. He can be annoying, but he is not hurting anyone. I won't miss him if he moves to his old school. Honestly, I will like it. We talked for a while. Later, I went for a walk. Usually, I don't go to stores, but I did it. I won't buy anything. Luckily, there were no familiar faces. I was about to go out when someone grabbed my hand. I swear he is stalking me. How the heck did he know I was here? I didn't tell him.

- Are you stalking me?

- Me or you?

- I decided this at the last moment. There is no way you knew I was here.

- I came here before you.

- Yeah, right. For once, be honest.

- I am.

- I don't think so.

- Fine. I followed you.

- Why would you do that? It's called stalking.

- I won't hurt you.

- How can I be sure? I believe you can do many things.

- I'm making the most of it. You won't see me again.

- It's not like I will miss you.

- Every girl misses me. They even beg me not to leave.

- I wonder what you have done to them.

- If you want, I can show you. I can be quick.

- No, thanks. I'll pass. I don't want to be grossed out.

- Who said that I would do it?

- You can be quick. What else can I think about? I'm not giving in.

- I don't do these things in public. How about a walk?

- I already had one.

- Another one?

- Let me think. No.

- How about now? - he asked and stepped closer

- No, and step away. Your breath stinks. Again. Do you even brush your teeth?

- Every day.

- Try harder. It's not working.

- Why are you so mean?

- Me? Mean? Oh, no. I'm myself. If you don't like it, leave.

This is what he did. I didn't expect it, but I'm not surprised. I finished my drink and went home. Grandpa was there as well. I think they will stay with us for dinner. At least my mom won't be alone. I went to take a quick shower and went downstairs. Grandma was setting the table. I helped to finish it. Mom finally came. She looks a bit better, but it's only temporary. I wish she could stay like that for a longer time. The wine was a must. I don't know how to make her stop drinking it.

- Mom, how are you?

- I have been worse.

- Are you sure? You don't need the wine. Look who is here.

- Who? No one is new here.

- Mom, not everything is about meeting someone new. Think about the people who care about you.

- You are here every day.

- Yes, because I care about you.

- Why? I don't.

- It's not true. I know you love me. You are going through something. That's it. Nothing has happened.

- Why don't you live with your grandparents? They care for you.

- Because this is your job. Also, I won't leave you alone.

- Nothing will happen.

- I won't let you drown in your depression.

- I'm not drowning. You are.

- In what? I'm fine. All I have to do is deal with school.

- Then do it.

- I'm trying. You are not helping me.

- I have other things to do.

- Zoe still needs your help.

- Grandma, leave her. I'll find a way to deal with her.

- Yes, but this is your life. Go out with friends and have fun.

- I'm having fun every day.

- When was the last time you went out with someone?

- I was out today.

- I said out with someone. You always go out alone.

- I don't see anything wrong with that.

- You are too young to stay at home. This is your time to be around people.

- Can I decide what I will do with my life?

- Will you do something?

- Maybe. I appreciate you care about me, but I'm old enough to do it alone.

- All I want is for you to be happy.

- I am happy. Look, I don't want to argue with you about this.

- I'm going to watch Forced Love. - my mom said

- At least watch something different.

- I'm good. Turn off the lights when you go to bed.

My grandparents stayed with us for an hour. They care a lot, and this is hurting them the most. Mom might not be better, but at least she is doing something. I have heard of people hitting the edge. I won't let her depression win, but it will take me time to figure out what to do. The problem with her is that she doesn't listen. Whatever goes in her head stays there until she completes it or gives up. I wish my dad had been here. He could've helped her. There is a reason why he left. He knows something that I don't. Even if I find him, he probably won't talk to me. I hope that my mom will get better.