The Pretender and The Prince novel Chapter 7

That afternoon, Ondine got a call from her best friend, Zaria.

“Ondine!” Zaria’s voice was buzzing with excitement. “I land at Riverdale North Airport on January fourth at nine p.m. Are you going to come pick me up? I’ve missed you so much!”

Ondine paused. “I don’t think I can, Zaria. I have to be at the hospital with my mom.”

The excitement in Zaria’s voice vanished instantly. “Your mom’s sick? Is it serious?”

Ondine didn’t try to hide it. “It’s stomach cancer,” she said, her voice thick. “It’s already mid-stage.”

“Oh, Ondine,” Zaria said, her tone sinking. After a moment of silence, she added, “I’m so sorry. I had no idea. And here I was asking you to come get me.”

“It’s not your fault,” Ondine said softly. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I’m going to contact the most experienced cancer specialist I can find,” Zaria said, her voice now full of determination. “Mid-stage is still treatable. Try not to worry too much.”

Easy for her to say. How could she not worry? The thought of her mother’s illness brought fresh tears to Ondine’s eyes. She sniffled quietly. “Okay. Thank you, Zaria.”

“I’m on it right now. And Ondine? Make sure you take care of yourself, too. You can’t afford to get sick. Got it?”

Ondine managed a soft, “Okay.”

After hanging up, Ondine walked to a small, deserted grove of trees on campus. She sat down on a stone bench, buried her face in her hands, and finally let go, sobbing uncontrollably.

…

As soon as Zaria got off the phone with Ondine, she dialed Seth.

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