Chapter Fifty Nine - She needs you...

Asher

“Good morning, Grandma.” I smile as I enter the kitchen.

I was exhausted because I hadn’t been sleeping great since my talk with Farrah a few days ago. I hated that with every day that passed was a day closer to her leaving.

“Good morning, sit, we need to talk….” Grandma replies firmly.

I look at her with a confused look; she isn’t usually the firm time.

“Is everything OK?” I asked worriedly.

“No, not really...” she sighed.

She sat some breakfast down on the table for us, and I poured us both a coffee.

“Grandma, what is going on?”

“I want you to go to Chicago with Farrah.” She replies.

I don’t know why she wants to talk about this. I have made it clear many times that I am staying here.

“We have been through this,” I said softly.

“I know, but I have been doing a lot of thinking. You go, I will be fine. I will get some extra care in, the neighbours can help, and you can come back any time you can.” She said, “I do not want to be the reason you stay in this town; stay away from Farrah.”

“But….” I started.

“But nothing. And maybe I can put the house up for sale, go into assisted living or find somewhere closer to where you are.”

“That is too much. You shouldn’t have to leave your home.”

“And you shouldn’t have to put your life on hold because of me,” she said.

“I can’t leave you….”

“Yes, you can. I will be fine! I will make sure everything is in place before you leave.” She smiles.

I don’t know if I can do that, leave her here. Yes, I would find a way to come back every weekend, but what about during the week? I would need to make sure she has someone that will take care of her properly. Yes, she is still very able, and her health is OK too, but she still needs help with certain things.

“I don’t know….” I trail off.

“Go with Farrah, my boy. She will need you more than me, starting in a new place, surrounded by new people and a life away from home. Your place for the moment is with her.”

“Are you sure you would be OK? You aren’t just telling me this so that I will go?” I asked sternly.

“I promise I will be fine, my sweet boy. As long as you call me every few nights and come visit when you can.” She smiles.

“I will call you every night. I will show you how to use video calls, and we can talk that way. And I will try my best to get home every weekend.”

I still wasn’t sure this was the best idea, but we talked through everything as we had breakfast. I knew my grandmother wouldn’t give up until I agreed to go.

“Everything will be fine.” She said, smiling brightly at me, “Now, go and pick Farrah up and tell her the good news.”

“I will agree to this, as long as you promise to let me know if things aren’t going as planned so I can home.”

I don’t want her struggling if things don’t work out. If they don’t, I will be on the next flight back.

“I will call you if things don’t work. I swear.” She grinned.

It would be hard to leave her behind, but anytime she needs me, I will be there for her. I will drop everything. It doesn’t matter what.

“OK, we can have a trial period.” I laughed.

“Deal….” She smiles.

I finish up breakfast, clean up our dishes and head out to pick up my girl to go to school. I can’t wait to tell her the good news. I knew she was sad that I wasn’t going with her, but she understood. She probably won’t like the idea of my grandma being alone, either, but we both know that she is stubborn and wouldn’t stop until I agreed to go with Farrah.

I arrived outside Farrah’s place, texting her to say I was outside. She came rushing out and got into my car. I didn’t even have a chance to say good morning because her lips covered mine softly. I smile into the kiss.

“Good morning.” She gushes, pulling back.
“Good morning, my love.” I beamed, “So, I have some good news.”

“Then please share.” She laughed.

“I had a long talk with my grandma this morning, and after a lot of back and forth, I have decided to come to Chicago with you.” I blurted out.

“What? How? But grandma?” she questioned.

I told her about our talk, explained we had come up with a plan.

“Are you sure this is what you want, Asher?”

“Yes. I want to be with you, love.” I smiled and kissed her.

“Ahh, this is so exciting! I am so happy you are coming with me! And we will try to get back every weekend to visit.” She gushes, “This is going to be incredible….”

Farrah kisses me repeatedly.

“I don’t know what I would have done only seeing on the weekend, baby girl. It would have broken my heart.” I said, stroking her face.

“Me too! I hated the thought of being apart five days out of seven, sometimes longer.”

“Now, I will be right there with you. We can start this new chapter together.” I grinned.

We stole another few kisses before getting on the road to school. If we settle in Chicago, then I will help move my grandma there to be close by. I don’t know the exact plans, but we will work them out.

Farrah rested her head on my shoulder, and I slipped my free arm around her. I kissed the top of her head, and she looked up at me, flashing her beautiful smile my way.

“I love you, sweetness.”

“I love you too, baby.” She replies, kissing my cheek.

It would be a fresh start for me, somewhere away from the bad memories, from my past self. I just wish I didn’t have to leave grandma behind. It will all work out.

I am determined to do everything I can so my two favourite people in the world get what they need. I will find a perfect balance that makes everyone happy, that lets everyone get what they need and deserve.