Episode 9

Bill and Jason held each other in an embrace, wordless as Bill stroked Jason's hair, planting several kisses on his brow.

"My mother's running out of time, Bill," Jason whispered almost inaudibly.

"Don't worry, nothing bad's going to happen; I'm here with you."

"You don't understand. I need the money—I thought maybe if you and I... but time, it's worked against me. Her condition's getting worse, and I feel so powerless to help her," Jason burst into tears again, this time in Bill's solid embrace.

"Don't fret, I'll give you the money. Take it easy."

"What?!" Jason pulled back, looking upset. "I didn't ask for it. I'm not crying for your pity—I don't need—"

"Shut up, or I'm going to kiss you," Bill retorted, causing Jason to straighten up.

"I'm not giving you the money; I'm lending it. And when we win that damn game, you'll pay me back. It's just a matter of time—the damn time that your mother needs," Bill impulsively took Jason's face in his hands, seeing those striking sky-blue eyes brimming with tears, and kissed him.

Someone cleared their throat, and they broke apart to see the doctor that had attended to Shara.

"Jason Collins?"

"Yes, that's me," standing up.

"You can see your mother now."

"Thank you." The doctor left, giving a kind smile to the boys.

"Go on, I'll wait here. We’ll talk to the doctor when you come out."

"Bill, you don't have to—" Bill's hand gently caressed Jason's cheek, wiping away the tears.

"You shouldn't let her see you cry. Show her that beautiful smile of yours—I'll be waiting for you, sweetheart." Bill smiled warmly.

Jason touched his hands then walked into the room where Shara lay.

"Hey, my beautiful boy, sorry for scaring you."

"Mommy—" Jason rushed to the bed, hugging his mother, wishing he could freeze time to stave off what was coming. They sat in silence for several minutes.

"Don’t worry, baby, I'm strong. Can't you tell?"

"How? Who?" Jason's eyes scanned his mother's face.

"The neighbor helped me. I was getting some sun, next thing I knew, I was on the ground, but now I'm fine."

"Mom, I tried, I swear I tried," Jason said, tears flowing.

"I know, baby."

"Excuse me," a nurse interjected, with a small tray that held a syringe.

"What's that?" Jason asked.

"The doctor said your mother is one of the patients for a new drug trial. I need to administer an analgesic for her to rest before the treatment. You should be glad."

"Jason, what did you do, love?"

"Mom, I didn't—"

"The young man outside said he'd wait for you in the cafe. Take your time; he's so sweet, covered all the bases."

"Which young man?" Shara asked with a smile.

"Just a friend."

"Excuse me, what effect will this have?" he asked, concerned.

"No worries, she'll just sleep for a few hours, then we'll monitor her closely. Keep in mind that with the treatment starting, as it's an experimental drug, effects can vary. But we're using small doses. Surely she'll get better."

The nurse collected her things and left.

"It seems your friend really cares about you."

"Ma, you just sleep and get better, okay?" Jason avoided talking; he didn't want to lie to his mother.

"I want to meet him, Jason."

"Yes, when you’re back home, I'll bring him by, okay?"

Shara yawned and fell deeply asleep.

"A coffee, please," Jason said, and the waitress left.

As he left his mother, Jason walked to where Bill would wait and saw the handsome brunette playing with his phone, seated with a steaming cup.

"Want to order something to eat?" Bill asked.

"No, thanks." Jason's eyes were still red, but his grief had lifted, easing Bill's worry.

"Did you accept the game because you knew about my mom?" Jason asked, closely watching Bill, who shifted uncomfortably.

"Jason, I'm sorry—"

"Thank you, really, thank you," Jason smiled.

"You shouldn't have agreed to those thirty days with a guy, yet you did it to help me. That's something not just anyone would do," he paused as the waitress brought the coffee.

As he added sugar and stirred, he continued, "You shouldn't have to face this alone. Your dad, did he leave you?"

"My dad died when I was four. Mom took care of me. She worked three jobs but still sat down to help me with homework."

"When we found out about her illness," Jason halted, taking a deep breath. Bill reached over, holding his hand, thumb caressing the back.

"I vowed I'd do everything to take care of her, and today I realized my efforts were futile; I felt like dying, Bill."

"Hey, don't say that. Magy told me about all the jobs you've had. You still looked after your mother without neglecting your studies."

"If you think I'm useless, what does that make me—just a dumb, egocentric, but sexy football player." Bill half-closed his eyes and pursed his lips playfully.

Jason looked up, smiling, his tear-filled blue eyes a breathtaking sight for Bill.

"Today that dumb football player saved my mom's life. I promise to repay every penny."

"I know, or else you'll pay with your body." Bill flashed a lascivious grin and licked his lips.

"Bill, you pervert." Jason laughed, playfully slapping Bill's hand.

There was that laugh Bill so cherished, and this time, he was the reason Jason showed his beautiful teeth and let that melody escape his lips.

"He's simply beautiful."

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