Betray The Ill

Ruckus had been very curious about Mama's giddy nature since she got home the previous night, but her energy was infectious. Roma relayed her entire date to her little dog and could not stop herself from laughing and harassing Ruckus in her glee. Of course, Ruckus loved the exciting attention.

The morning sun was inviting and warm. Roma tried to dress herself as casual as possible without looking lazy. A faded red plaid shirt with long sleeves and some nicely fitting jeans seemed to do the trick, after many outfit changes. With her hair set in a high ponytail, she eagerly left her apartment and headed to the station.

The usual suspects on her walk greeted or barked at her like they did, but they each seemed to notice a change in her. The happy glow that emanated from Roma put a smile on anyone who she happened to pass by. Nothing could dampen her joy.

The train ride felt more pleasant than usual. Strangers nearby all looked like funny characters to Roma as she imagined what wonderful adventures they had in store for the day. She was being quite silly and she enjoyed every second of it.

The very moment Roma reached the station of the meetup, she was out of her seat and through the doors before they were completely open. She made her way towards the benches where Colleen was to be and like a beacon of life and warmth; there she was.

Dressed with a blue, buttoned and collared shirt with short sleeves and black leggings, Roma's little target of attention sat patiently. Colleen was tying her pink sneaker while she sat on one of the benches, humming away and bobbing her head from side to side. Seemingly coming out of a stupor, she realized that the trains had come by and she raised her head hurriedly to find her date.

With several yards of distance left to cover, their eyes met and they smiled big. Roma had forgotten to move when she spotted Colleen and instead stood in place and admired her from afar. Driven to meet her, Colleen stood and closed the distance.

Roma stepped forward, but a ringing in her pocket grabbed her attention.

"Hello?" Roma answered the unknown number.

"Hi Roma, sorry to call you like this, but I think this is important," the caller said. "This is Alli."

"Oh," Roma said, her mind being pulled into a panic. "What's happened? You guys never call me."

"Yes, I know," Allie replied. "We're not supposed to call family. It's against company policy, you know. We're supposed to be providing a worry-free safe haven and medical care and all that, but your mother is behaving strangely. She's refusing to eat and take any medication."

"Well, she's done that a lot, right?" Roma questioned.

"Yeah, but this time she's actually given us a reason why she won't," Alli explained. "She says she'll only take anything if her daughter gives it to her."

Roma was stunned. Tess remembered her. Her mother knew that she existed.

"Is everything all right?" Colleen asked, reaching Roma. "You looked really concerned but then really, relieved?"

"Um, well, there's been an emergency with my mother and I need to go to her," Roma explained.

"Oh no," Colleen said. "Can I come with you? I'd like to be there to help if I can."

"Oh my god, are you on a date?" Alli questioned. "I heard a girl's voice. Bring her with you. I'll make sure she's clear to be here."

Given pleasant company and the news about her mother, the ride out of the city was much more enjoyable than it had been. The anxiety of what she would find at the mountain home made Roma restless and she often tapped her fingers against the arm rest or rocked back and forth in her seat. Colleen did her best to be supportive with a few kind words but what really calmed Roma down was physical.

Colleen grabbed hold of Roma's hand and interlocked their fingers while she leaned against her. Roma was taken by surprise and felt her heart race for a different reason.

"There's no need to worry now," Colleen comforted her. "Whatever needs to be done, you won't know about it until we get there. Just relax. It might be nothing bad at all."

Roma let out a deep sigh and found the strength to smile. With Colleen's slouch in the seat, Roma was able to rest her head atop of hers and she rubbed her face against her hair affectionately.

"You're right," Roma said. "I should be enjoying this train ride with you while I can. They didn't sound worried on the phone. I'm sure everything is okay."

Feeling comfortable, Roma relayed the details about her mother that she had chosen not to share the previous day. With every recalled memory that put a downward tone to Roma's voice, Colleen made sure to keep her from falling into sadness.