Live my last years

Bailey needs help

Bailey received a call from the doctor and broke down in tears.

Bailey was sick and had limited time. Although she didn't know exactly how many years she had left, she knew she didn't have enough time to spend with her family. That was why she was so determined to make things right with Gabby.

The kids had gone to school, and Isabel had already left for work. Gabby was the only one at home. Bailey didn't expect Gabby to walk in, but Gabby found her sitting on the floor close to the bed. Bailey was weeping uncontrollably when Gabby saw her.

*Gabby*: "Bailey, are you okay?"

Bailey quickly composed herself and wiped her eyes. "I'm okay."

For the first time, Gabby sat down close to her. "I know I’m not always on my best behavior, but you can actually talk to me."

After much persuasion, Bailey agreed to tell her. "Gabby, your mom has cancer. I am battling a brain tumor. You might never accept me as your mom, but I love you," she said as she broke down, laying her head in Gabby's lap. Gabby was dumbfounded. She sat in silence, caressing Bailey's head.

**_

After recess, Noah and Mika returned to their seats.

They had a free period and decided to talk about their project.

Mika picked up the paper and read aloud, "Eliana, Maya, Sandra, Noah, Phina, Paxton, and Anna."

The students whose names were called gathered at Mika's table, except Paxton.

*Mika*: "So, we will be in this group together. I'll look for something for us to do."

After the orientation, Mika asked, "Does anyone have a suggestion?"

Anna stood up and mentioned Paxton’s absence. "I'll deal with him. Don't worry."

She dismissed them and went back to Aviva's seat.

While she was chatting with Aviva, she received a call from her dad.

Mika stared at the phone before answering. "This is unlike Dad."

*Dad*: "Mika, you have to go home alone right now. Tell Viva to take David home. Bailey needs you."

Before Mika could ask any questions, he hung up.

Mika explained everything to Aviva. "Sweetie, just keep me updated. David is fine with me. You need to hurry. I'll call you."

Aviva rushed out with her bag and bumped into Paxton, then kept running. Paxton ran after her. Mika was frustrated, but he kept following her.

*Paxton*: "I know that you might not like me, but I need your help with our project."

Mika didn't look back. She got into the next available taxi.

In less than 5 minutes, she was home. Gabby and Bailey were already dressed. Gabby was holding onto Bailey, which felt strange, but Mika didn't dwell on it.

She hugged Bailey and Gabby. Mika started asking questions, but they didn't give her a clear answer, so she just accompanied them to the car.

At the hospital, Bailey went inside while Gabby and Mika waited outside.

Gabby finally opened up to Mika. For a while, Mika couldn't process it. Then she panicked and lashed out at Gabby. "You can see how mean you are. You treated Bailey like trash, and now you're rushing to her when she's about to die."

*Gabby*: "She's not going to die."

*Mika*: "I hate you, Gabby."

Gabby slapped Mika. Angry, Mika walked out for a while to cool off.

That was when Isabel drove into the compound. She found Mika and Mika hugged her while crying. Isabel consoled her, and then they walked back into the hospital.

_*_

### *At Aviva's House*

Pragya was setting the dining table when Aviva walked in with David.

David had been asking her a lot of questions, but Aviva snapped at him. He tried calling his mom, but none of them answered. He was worried, but Aviva managed to calm him down.

*Aviva*: "Hey sis."

Pragya smiled at her and handed her a plate of pancakes. She greeted David warmly and offered him a seat.

Aviva rushed to her room to change her clothes.

She came down the stairs in a hurry, and that was when she saw the message. Mika had already texted her about Bailey. Aviva was shocked, but she stayed calm so David wouldn't find out.

She asked David to spend the night at her place until they returned from the hospital.

The next day, Aviva didn't go to school. She wore a blue singlet, jeans, a denim jacket, and flat shoes. She took the first cab and headed to the hospital without telling David.

When she got to the hospital, she found Mika dozing off in a chair. She tapped her gently, and Mika jumped up to hug her. They held each other for a while before Mika let go. Mika pointed toward the door, unable to speak.

"Bailey is all we have. Aside from Dad, she has always been there for us. Dad comes home every summer, but she stays with us during winter, spring, and even summer. I don't want her to die. She means a lot to me."

*Aviva*: "She's not going to die. Pull yourself together. We'll get through this together." She said, holding her gently.

Aviva and Mika went back to their seats. Aviva brought food for her and her sisters and told her funny stories from when she was away. That helped lighten Mika's mood.

Aviva came back every day to check on them because Bailey had to stay in the hospital for proper checkups.

On Saturday, Mika got home and found David in the kitchen trying to cook. She quickly rushed to help him. David looked at her, then walked upstairs. He didn't know what was going on, but he was upset that they had left him for a whole week without telling him where they were.

Mika wasn't in the mood to explain, so she turned off the gas and went to her room.

She made her bed neatly, then jumped onto it and picked up her phone. That was when she saw several messages from people—some asking if she was okay, some talking about the project, and some even offering to come over. She noticed a message from an unknown number that said, "I know the problem and I'll be happy to help." Mika was surprised. She wanted help, but she ignored it and took a long nap.

She woke up later in the evening to the sound of noise from Aviva, Lucy, and Shayla.

They barged into her room, and she pulled the blanket over her face. "Privacy, guys," she said, and they all burst out laughing.

Shayla sat on the soft pillow at her desk like it was a chair. Lucy sat on the bed, and Aviva came to sit beside her.

*Shayla*: "I got a message from Paxton. He said I should send you greetings, and I gave him your contact."

*Mika*: "You did what?" she asked, annoyed.

Shayla laughed. "What's the worst that could happen?"

Mika wanted to respond, but Aviva cut in. "How are you handling your project?"

*Mika*: "I haven't decided yet. I haven't had time, and I really hope we figure it out. I'll call one of the girls to come over after service tomorrow, and we'll figure something out."

Aviva smiled at her. "That's my Mika. Always figuring things out, even when you're not emotionally stable."

Mika smiled gently.

After they left, Mika started getting calls from everyone. She got tired and dozed off.