"What..?" I asked in disbelief.

   "Belle, moms awake!" Diana replied excitedly.

   A big smile formed on my face. "How is she?"

   "Get your ass down here and see for yourself."

   I let out a happy laugh. "Alright, we'll be right there."

   "Alright, hurry up. She's been asking about you since she woke up."

   "You got it." Then, I hung up and faced the group.

   Eve looked up at me. "What was all that about?"

   I grabbed her hand, pulling her up. "My mom's awake, we have to go see her."

   I said quick goodbyes to Violet and Stacy before leading Eve out of the bar.

   "Wow, I don't think I've ever seen you this... happy." Eve said once we got to my car.

   I smiled. "Me neither."

   She laughed as we got in the car and took off for the hospital...

I ran through the front doors, Eve barely keeping up.

I spotted Jeremy in the waiting area.

"Hey Belle, they moved her to room one-thirteen." He said.

"Thanks." I replied before making a beeline for her room, Eve still following me.

I finally found her room and stopped, staring at the closed door.

Eve took my hand in hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'll be right out here if you need me."

I smiled and pulled her into a quick kiss. "Thanks."

She nodded and I turned back to the door, taking a deep breath before pushing it open.

Diana and my mom both faced me as I walked in.

I shut the door behind me, a slight smile still plastered on my face. "... Hey, mom."

Diana stood up. "I'll leave you guys to it."

She squeezed my shoulder before walking out of the room and closing the door.

My mom smiled up at me. "Take a seat, sweetie."

I hesitantly sat down in the chair next to her bed.

We were silent at first, neither one of us sure how to start.

I took her hand in mine, letting out a big sigh. "Mom... I'm really sorry for running out on you guys that day... and for leaving you by yourself all those years ago."

She squeezed my hand. "Don't be. It was hard on all of us, but we didn't see what you saw. I understand why you left and I'm not mad at you... But, I should be the one to apologize. After what happened to your father, I shut down and shut you guys out. I turned to alcohol when I should've turned to you guys instead. We're a family and we're all in this together."

A small smile reappeared on my face. "Thanks... But, I promise, I'll never leave you by yourself again. It might have taken some time, but with the help of a very special person, I realized that I can't live without you guys. You're my family and I love you... I need you just as much as you need me."

She smiled. "I love you to, sweetie."

Then, it grew quiet again.

"... So, who is this special someone?" My mom asked, breaking the silence.

I looked down, my smile growing a little wider. "Her name's Eve."

"Where'd you meet her?"

"The college. She's one of Diana's students."

My mom chuckled. "At least she's smart."

I finally looked up. "She's more than just smart, she's funny and beautiful and... and I love her, mom."

My mom was silent for a minute, which worried me. But, then she smiled again, this time wider than before. "That's wonderful, sweetie. I'm so happy for you."

I smiled back. "Thanks, mom."

She patted my knee. "So, when do I get to meet her?"

"She's actually right outside." I replied.

"Well, what're you waiting for? Bring her in."

I stood up with a chuckle and walked over to the door, pulling it open.

"Hey, Eve?"

She looked up from her seat next to the door. "Yeah?"

"C'mon in, my mom wants to meet you."

She stood up and smoothed out the front of her shirt. For the first time since I've known her, she had a nervous look on her face.

"How do I look?"

I laughed. "Beautiful, now c'mon, she won't bite."

Eve let out a small breath and a laugh. "You're right, I can do this."

I took her hand in mine and led her into the room.

She nervously approached my moms bed. "Hi, Miss Archer, it's great to finally meet you."

My mom stuck her hand out. "Please, call me Terri."

Eve shook her hand. "Alright, Terri it is."

My mom looked her up and down. "So, I hear you've been helping my daughter out?"

Eve nodded, nervously picking at her fingernails. "You heard right, we may have gotten off to a rocky start, but I love your daughter very much and I'm happy to help her in anyway possible."

My mom smiled at us. "You better marry this one, Belle, she's a keeper."

I shook my head, but couldn't hide the smile. "I'm already regretting this."

They just laughed, Eve placing a hand on my shoulder. "Don't tell me you're afraid of commitment, Belle."

I sighed. "Alright, I definitely regret this... when are you supposed to be getting out, mom?" I asked, trying to change the subject.

Luckily she got the hint. "The doctors say I can leave in a week or two."

"Well, when you get out, we should have dinner." Eve said.

My mom nodded. "Consider it done."

After a few hours of talking to my mom, I could tell she really liked Eve. Not that I doubted it, but it was a huge relief. And, I was really excited to have everyone together for dinner.

After telling Diana and Jeremy about the dinner plans, we left the hospital and headed back to Eves house.

We got ready for the night and laid down on her bed.

"Do you think your mom liked me?" Eve asked.

I pulled her closer to me. "Of course she did, it's hard not to like you."

She smiled before leaning up for a soft kiss. "Thanks."

"No problem."

She rested her head on my chest. "Goodnight."

I let out a happy sigh. "Night."