(bump?)
One-on-one (Closed, stalkers welcome)
(Hi, I am SOOOO sorry I disappeared , I've just been going through some rough stuff and that mixed with midterms meant I neglected my RPs. I'm back though! Again, sorry I ditched you like that)
"Um, are you sure? I mean, she needs her rest," she replied a bit hastily. Then she waved her hands a bit frantically. "I don't mean I don't want to meet her, I just don't know if she'll want to meet me, at least not at this very moment."
(That’s okay! Hope you find some stability, don’t worry about this take your time)
Theo blinked, but offered a comforting smile. “Believe me, she wants to meet you.” He carefully took Piper’s hand, pausing to make sure she didn’t mind.
(Thanks for understanding!)
When he reached for her hand, she jumped, then silently cursed at herself, since she probably made him think she was uncomfortable. She was actually happy he did it, although warning lights were flashing in her head. But, in any case, she squeezed his hand.
“Are you sure?”
That's it. Last night officially didn't mean anything. "Completely." He led her down the hall, towards the last door on the left marked Room 101. He knocked once, and slowly pushed it open.
Immediately, the tang of metal and medications took over the air. A woman was lying in the bed. She was sleeping, looking incredibly frail in an over-sized hospital gown and a thick blue blanket. The only sounds were the consistent beeping of the machines and her ragged breathing, magnified by the oxygen mask she wore. Theo let go of Piper and crept up to his mother's bedside, looking up at Piper to invite her in. Looking back down at this mother, he placed a soft hand on her forehead and gently pushed back the loose strands of hair sticking to her face.
She watched as he connected with his mother, smiling at how carefully he brushed her hair out of her face. He was so gentle with her, and it made her more comfortable with coming close to the bed. She stood a little distance away from the bed, behind Theo, and watched as she came to.
"Hello," Piper said, and gave a little wave; her voice was barely above a whisper.
The woman's eyes opened very slowly, and she turned her head to look at Piper. She smiled.
Despite her pale complexion and evident exhaustion, her eyes lit up and her smile brought such an enormous amount of life to her face that she didn't even seem sick.
"You must be Piper." Her gravelly voice broke the illusion, and Theo's gaze fell. The woman carefully sat up, with her son standing to hold her up as she settled.
"It's amazing to meet you. Theo's told me so much…"
He blushed, but looked up at Piper.
“Um, yep that’s me!” She laughed a bit nervously. “And he’s told me a lot about you too. You seem really close,” she said with a warm smile.
She nodded slowly. "Indeed," she started, looking at her son and placing her hand on his cheek. "Theo's a real treasure." Then, towards Piper. "Come sit down, sweetie, let's talk a little."
Piper made her way to a chair at the edge of the bed, per her request, shooting a smile in Theo's direction as she did so. The woman, although she was tired, was quite beautiful. Her hair was thick and brown, with streaks of whitish gray shooting through. Although her face had a few wrinkles, her eyes sparkled. Her smile was a knowing one, as if she knew what you were going to say before you said it.
(Omg lol i forgot about it but actually in the original story Theo was part of his mom’s name was Piper XD)
“I’m Evelyn.” She smiled again, pushing herself up further. “Have you always lived here?”
(his mom's name was Piper? Cool!)
"Nice to meet you," she replied. "No, I haven't actually. I'm basically a tourist, since I'm only visiting for a few months. Theo tells me he's lived here for most of his life, though. I'm actually from the US."
“How fascinating! I’d love to go to New York, see the theatres, the Guggenheim… What brings you to our neck of the woods?” she asked.
"I'm on sort of a sight seeing trip," she explained. "Except I'm staying long enough to experience normal life in the areas that I visit. This was actually the place I wanted to visit the most, since I've dreamed of coming here ever since I was little. I want to go to Te Mata Peak, but I haven't had a chance yet."
She smiled softly, eyes glazing with a memory. "I used to do work there, for some odd jobs. It's a truly special place, and I bet Theo can take you!" she told Piper, looking over at her son. Although her smile seemed sweet, her eyes twinkled with malice one only gets when setting two people up.
"Yeah, that would be fun," she replied, eyeing Theo, doing her best to restrain the blush that was creeping up her cheeks. "But I'm sure he's got plenty to do. Anyway, tell me about yourself! I've heard so many good things about you. What kind of jobs did you do there?"
« Oh! » she exclaimed softly. « Well it wasn’t anything interesting, I would just walk groups of people up to the top and then back down, like a guide, see? » she reminisced, biting her lip. « It really is a wonderful view. »
Theo intently stared at his mother, swearing a completely vulnerable expression that let his absolute love shine through.
“Ah,” Piper nodded in understanding, watching the other woman’s face. “You must have loved it. To be able to be in the mountains every day-“ she felt her voice catch at the prospect, then remembered where she was and attempted to whelve her emotions.
Evelyn’s expression softened exponentially, and she took one of Piper’s hands in hers. « Exploring is an admirable thing, and for you to be able to go along and do it so young is truly gift. Realise how lucky you are, honey, really. Many would kill to be able to leave and travel for years on end. »
She was speaking soft authentic, making sure Piper realised there was no bitterness in her words.
"You're right," she replied as she squeezed her hand. "I appreciate this trip so much, even if I am a little homesick," she giggled. "There are so many places that I've wanted to go since childhood, and seeing pictures on the internet is very different from seeing things in real life. Theo here tells me he has a whole lot of places he would like to visit too," she continued as she looked over at him. "Loutro, Amsterdam, Leadworth, and some other ones too. Sorry, I forgot most of them."
Theo looked up in surprise. « That’s three more than anyone else has ever remembered, so I’ll take it, » he grinned, meeting Piper’s eyes again.
With a cheeky glint in her eyes, Evelyn yawned conspicuously. « Well, children, time for me to rest. Do come back tomorrow though, » she told Piper, squeezing her hand back. « I love you, Theo, and good luck dear Piper. »
“Okay, well it was great to meet you,” she said softly as she gave a small wave. “But yes, I think we should let you rest. And I’m not sure if I’ll be able to come tomorrow, but I’ll do my best.” Then she turned to Theo. “Shall we go?” She asked him in a playful tone.
"Yes, let's," Theo agreed, squeezing his mother's hand one last time before getting to his feet. He made his way to the door, opening it for Piper while Evelyn winked at her son. Theo smiled at her, ducking his head to hide the blush colouring his tan face.
As soon as they were out the door, Piper turned to him. “Your mother is awesome,” she smiled. “She’s super sweet. I really do hope she gets better soon. And she probably will; she has so much life in her, ya know?”
(Oh gosh, I’m so sorry. Merry belated Christmas ❤️❤️)
Theo chuckled quietly. “I definitely know. She likes you, I think,” he said, trailing off.
(Lol I haven’t been on this whole time either so trust me nbd 😂)
At hearing those words, Piper beamed inwardly. “Well, I’m glad. And, Theo-“ she continued somewhat cautiously, “I was serious about that Te Mata peak thing. It would be really cool to go together, but if you’ve got too much on your plate, I understand.”
He looked over at her when she paused. Their eyes met and he smiled brilliantly, eyes glittering with excitement. “I’ll manage. We’ll make it work.”
He carefully reached down to graze her hand with his fingers, wanting to take her hand in his but letting her decide whether to do it.