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Today in class Tommy’s teacher, Ms. Clara gave them an assignment to do for mother’s day. Write something about their mother’s and draw a picture of what she looks like. Everyone in his class were excited to do what Ms. Clara told them to do it and got started right away. The whole room was loud with chatter and laughter.
Not him. Not Tommy.
He didn’t have a mother. Only his papa. That’s all he needs anyways. Tommy isn’t a stupid kid, he’s 11 now. His dad never liked talking about his mom, can he even call her that? His family didn’t like it either, especially Techno. Tommy doesn’t know what went down between all of them and he doesn’t think he wants to know. He’s fine staying in the dark.
So he was writing about his papa and nonna. Drawing a picture of them both. It was going well until Johnathan said something.
“Why are you writing about your dad?”
Tommy looked away from his picture and looked at Johnathan. “Why do you need to know?”
Jonathan scowled. He isn’t getting the answer he wants. “Because you should be writing about your mom! Not your dad!”
Tommy raised his eyebrow and asked, “Hey Johnathan? Have you ever heard of minding your own business? Cause I think you need to start doing that. You don’t see me questioning your every move and what you’re doing, do you?” Tommy had a big attitude. His nonna says he gets it from his dad. His Uncle Tech taught him a lot of things when he reached the age where he could defend himself. He’s punched a man where it hurts before cause he wouldn’t leave his nonna alone. Maybe that’s why his dad doesn’t let him go out now.
Johnathan sputtered before stomping his foot and whining to their teacher. “Ms. Clara Tommy isn’t writing about his mom!”
Ms. Clara sighed and walked over. Johnathan was the troublemaker in her class and she fully knew Tommy’s family situation. The little boy told her all about it. Tommy trusted Ms. Clara.
“John, you remember that talk I gave to the class before we started this? Some people don’t have mommies and daddy’s. Toms only has his daddy and family. That’s perfectly okay. Why don’t you go sit down and finish yours, hm?”
John huffed and walked back to his seat. Tommy looked at his teacher and smiled back when she smiled at him. “It’s a very beautiful drawing, Tommy. I’m sure your father and nonna will love it.” He watched her walk away to another student and went back to his drawing.
He picked at his monitor and wished he could take it off for a bit but knew his father would freak out if his phone went off saying he had no heartbeat.
Fuck this heart monitor.
---
When Tommy got home he straight away ran to his nonna. If there was anyone that would be willing to talk to him about his mother it would be her. He ignored everyone's worried calls and shut Kristins office door. He leaned against the door catching his breath. He knew he wasn’t supposed to run but Tommy was on a mission.
“Dearheart, is everything okay?” Kristin asked as she moved to the couch where she sat and conversed with her grandson many times.
“Today Ms. Clara told us to write something about our mothers and draw a picture of her.” Tommy spit out.
Kristin nodded her head in understanding and patted the empty seat next to her. Tommy welcomed the invitation and snuggled in close to her. “And you want to know why Sally isn’t here correct?”
“Is that her name?”
Kristin hummed and played with his hair. “Her name is Sally Fisher. Your father and her were together for maybe two and half years before she ended things. It was bound to happen. I don’t think she was ready for something real with your father while he was and left. I don’t know if she loved him or not but in my opinion, she didn’t.”
“Oh.”
“Sally told your father she was pregnant with you a couple weeks after she found out, I think. He was so elated and full with love for you right away. Sally wasn’t ready for children so she gave you to Wilbur after you were born. Wilbur loved you with all his heart and more at the first sight of you. I remember he cried when he came and told us you were born and your name. He was so scared too.”
“Why was he scared nonna?” Tommy didn’t think his father ever got scared. His papa was brave. But he was also really silly.
“Well dearheart you know how you’re sick? Your heart is a little sick. You were born with that and you had to go into surgery right away after you were born. Wilbur was so scared but he knew you’d be okay. He knew right from the beginning how strong you are.”
“And Sally?”
Kristin scrunched her face and looked away for a second. “Sally left a couple hours after you were born to another hospital and never asked about you. That’s what made WIlbur so upset in the start.”
Tommy made a face, “Little inhumane don’t ‘ou think?” Kristin chuckled and kissed his head. Those lessons with Wilbur really paid off didn’t they. “I don’t know dearheart. I do think it was wrong of her to not ask but she is her own person my love.”
“Why don’t the rest like her now?”
Kristin hated this. She hates talking about this. “Sally tried taking you away from Wilbur. From us. A year later she came to the house and wanted full custody. Wilbur slammed the door in her face and cried. She took him to court, you know what that is right? Okay, good. She took him to court but was immediately granted nothing because Wilbur had a pretty good lawyer, plus other things. She never came back after that. She tried holding you once, but you cried right away and reached for your father.”
Well he and his father are attached at the hip. Even though he acts annoyed and bothered by it deep down he really isn’t. Tommy loves his father so much, he can’t even explain how much he loves him. All Tommy has ever known is his father, Wilbur. Wilbur is his mom and dad. Wilbur has taken him to the hospital for everything, gone to each one of the doctor’s appointments, been to plays he joins, concerts his school holds and so much more.
That’s why he feels so guilty when he wishes he had a mom like the other kids. He wonders how different his life would be if Sally had just stayed.
Tommy likes his life. He wouldn’t trade it for the world but it’s nice to think about how it would be with his mother around.
---
“Sunshine, is everything okay?” Wilbur was laying with his son for their nightly cuddle before Tommy goes to bed. He usually falls asleep during the cuddle but Wilbur never minds.
Tommy mumbles something into his chest but Wilbur can’t make out what he's saying. “What was that? I couldn’t quite hear you, dear.”
“I said you’re gonna be upset.”
Wilbur scrunched his nose. “Now why would I be upset?”
“I asked nonna about Sally. Ms. Clara gave us something to do for mother’s day but I wrote about you and nonna and Johnathan said something.”
Wilbur didn’t say anything for a minute before he sighed. “I’m not upset, baby. It’s okay to be curious about Sally. Also, I’m very excited to see this assignment you made.” Wilbur whispered the last part making Tommy giggle. “You’re really not upset?”
“No my love I’m not. Do I not like talking about her? No I don’t. But if you are curious about her then you can ask me all the questions you want baby and I will try to answer them all. You have a right to be curious.”
He has a lot of questions.
Why didn't he have a mother like everyone else?
Why didn't she stay? Want him?
Didn't she love him?
Why wasn’t he enough for her to stay?
Like he said, he had a lot of questions.
“Why didn’t she want me papa?”
Wilbur sadly looked at him and tightened his arms around him. “I think Sally was never ready for any type of commitment even though I was honest from the beginning that I wanted commitment. I was ready to settle down and she told me she was as well. I know I may not be enough for you baby but you are always enough for me. I love you so, so much words can not express my love for you.”
Tommy shot up away from his hold and shook his head. “No papa! You are always there for me and you love me and care for me. You’ve done more than she has. I love you a lot too, papa.”
Wilbur teared up and wrapped him back in his arms, kissing his head. “Go to sleep sunshine.”
When Tommy finally fell asleep he slowly got out of his room making sure his nightlight was still on and closed his door. He went to the living room where his family should be, it was only 9 so everyone should still be up. When he made it to his destination only his mom was there. He narrowed his eyes in suspicion but sat down nonetheless. His mother was reading a book. It wasn’t an actual book she was looking at Tommy’s baby book Wilbur made. He didn’t know if he was happy with Tommy questioning about Sally but Tommy does have a right to know who Sally is. “What’d you tell him?”
Kristin answered without even looking up at him. “I told him what he wanted to hear. He asked me questions and I answered those questions to the best of my ability.”
Wilbur said nothing for a while. He just sat there collecting his thoughts. “How did he react?”
“He loves you, songbird.”
“I love him too.”
“Then do not doubt him. He would never leave you for her. I don’t even think he wants to meet her.”
“I’m not doubting!”
“Songbird. I know you. He loves you a lot. Maybe even more than you love him.”
“Impossible.”
Kristin laughed and shut the scrapbook. She got up and went over to him cradling his face in her hands. She gave him a kiss on his forehead. “I love you songbird. Goodnight my love.” Wilbur gave her a goodnight as she walked away. He hasn’t seen or heard from Sally since Tommy was one. That’s when she tried to fight for full custody. He absolutely hates thinking about that time. He was terrified that he would lose his precious sunshine. But he didn’t and that’s all that matters.
He looked at the time and thought it wasn’t too late to do a stream. He just wouldn’t have to be loud so Tommy doesn’t wake up. Maybe he’ll finally play that game chat has been telling him too.
---
“Who did you write about for the mother’s day thing?”
Tommy looked at Purpled and scowled at him when he stopped playing with his hair. Purpled smiled and went back to it. Tommy relaxed and answered him, “I wrote about my dad and nonna. Who did you write about?”
“I wrote about Punz.”
“Oh that was nice of you.”
“No! That’s wrong you’re supposed to write about your moms!” Jonathan yelled. When the fuck did he get over here? Purpled glared at the red faced boy and tapped his other half face telling him to get up.
“Is there a problem Johnny?”
Johnathan faltered at the sight of Purpled. Purpled had beaten him up once when he wouldn’t stop bothering Tommy. After that Johnathan steered away from the purple clad boy. “You’re supposed to write about your mom! Not Punz or whoever.”
Purpled took a step forward but stopped when Tommy started talking. “Purpled you know he doesn’t like being called Johnny.” Purpled smirked and smiled sweetly at his husband. “Oh I know that’s why I do it.” Tommy rolled his eyes and looked at Johnathan.
“John what did Ms. Clara tell you the other fucking day?”
“I don’t care what she said!”
“I’m over your bullshit. Do us all a favor and get the fuck away from us. Go bother someone else.” Tommy said. He was over with this bullshit Johnathan kept doing. For some reason Johnathan had something out for him. It was very annoying.
“Maybe you don’t have a mom cause she doesn’t love you.” Johnathan said proudly. But he made a very bad mistake. When he looked at Tommy the blond boy had tears in his eyes and was sniffling. Purpled looked one second from beating his ass.
“The fuck did you just say to him?” Purpled said. Johnathan opened his mouth to say something but before he could Purpled punched him and knocked him down. One minute he was up and now he was on the ground with an angry Purpled on top of him beating the ever living shit out of him.
The rest of the kids created a circle around the two boys yelling ‘fight, fight, fight’ over and over again while Tubbo and Ranboo were consoling the crying boy. Teachers came out running over to the circle of kids and pushed their way through to separate the two boys. Next thing Tommy knows he’s in the office with a smug Purpled holding him and a beat up Johnathan next to them. Punz and Wilbur burst into the room and ran to them. Wilbur pulled him away from Purpled and held him, asking question after question while Punz was asking Purpled if he won. When he said yes Punz gave him a high five and told him good job.
Purpled was suspended for the rest of the week and Johnathan got detention. Wilbur took Tommy out for the rest of the week and coddled him. Purpled was allowed to go over to his house and hung out with Tommy.
---
It was Sunday. Mother’s Day.
Tommy gave his dad and nonna his presents and things he made in class and they loved it. Right now his family and him were at the mall shopping and he was bored out of his mind. He was sitting in the cafeteria while his family was ordering food. He had a balloon tied to his wrist in case he wandered away. They would find him easily and his dad wouldn’t have a heart attack.
Did he have a tendency to walk away from his family while they were out? Yes.
Did he mean to? No. Well sometimes he did.
Does he like giving his dad a heart attack? Yes. The face he makes is very funny.
“Tommy?”
A red haired woman stood away from him. She was pregnant and was pushing a stroller. He has no idea who this woman is. He gave the woman a weird look and looked away from her. What? His dad taught him stranger danger. He is in no mood to get kidnapped today. Check back with him tomorrow.
The woman walked over to him with a big smile on her face. She sat in the seat across from him. Oh, lovely now he had no choice but to talk to this woman.
“No offence but who the fuck are you?”
The woman's smile faltered, “It’s me Sally. Your mother.”
“Oh fuck.” Isn’t this just handy fucking dandy. Tommy made the decision he never wanted to meet his mother the other day after he had a long talk with his dad. He fucking jinxed himself didn’t he.
“You got bigger.”
“No shit that’s what happens. People grow.” He needs to calm down. His heart is beating too fast and if he doesn’t calm himself his dad will get a notification and make his way over to them and freak out that Sally is here and Tommy will pass out.
Sally’s smile disappeared and she scowled at him. “Where did you learn that language? You shouldn’t talk to people like that, especially your mother.”
Tommy scowled at her, “Okay. First off, you’re not my mother so.. Second off I learned how to speak from my dad. Family too.”
Sally looked sad when Tommy told her she wasn’t his mother. Oh well.
“Tommy, I am your mother. I don’t know what Wilbur told you but-”
“Shut up. You’re not my mom. You were never there. Never sent a card, a letter or anything. Just silence. You never even asked how I was doing with my heart conditions and health. You tried taking me away from my dad, the only parent I have. That’s really fucking messed up. So don’t call yourself my mother cause I don’t view you as that. Looks like to me you forgot about me anyways cause you have your own kids. If I remember correctly you didn’t want to have kids or any type of commitment so that’s why you left.”
“Tommy!” The minute Wilbur got an alert on his phone about Tommy he dropped everything and ran to where he left his son.
Oh shit, his dad.
“Toms, you need to calm down! Your heart rate is way too high and you’re gonna need the hospital soon. What’s got you so worked up- Oh.” Wilbur stopped rambling the minute he saw Sally. He looked at his son who looked annoyed and pale. He needed to give Tommy his meds now.
He took the bookbag off and rummaged through it while Tommy sipped the water his dad gave to him. Wilbur found the meds and inhaler and took out what he needed. He handed them to Tommy who was too shaky to grab them so Wilbur helped him. When Tommy took everything it was too late because Tommy was even paler and he tapped the table twice before he passed out. Wilbur placed his hand quickly where Tommy’s head was going to slam on the table cushioning the fall.
“Is he alright?”
Wilbur glanced at his ex, “He will be. He just needs a minute.”
“You should take care of him better.”
Wilbur looked up at her. “Excuse me?”
“He is obviously not well and you aren’t doing anything. I thought the surgery was supposed to fix him, make him normal.”
Wilbur could not believe what he was hearing. “Did you not just see me freaking the fuck out trying to get his medication out? This is the first step of Tommy’s procedure to make sure he doesn’t need to make a hospital trip. You wouldn’t know jack shit cause you never cared. The surgery wasn’t supposed to fix him. It was supposed to help and lessen the symptoms and pain. You would know that if you fucking bothered to stay when he was born and make sure he was okay. Don’t fucking tell me how to parent Sally.”
“Mom!”
Both Wilbur and Sally looked over and saw two red headed teens standing there calling for her. “I think you should leave Miss. Fisher.”
“I want to get to know Tommy and be there for him.”
Wilbur shook his head. “No. Tommy doesn’t want to be near you or stay with you. He already told me he never wanted to meet you.”
Sally scowled and got up from the seat. She walked away with her stroller to her two other kids and walked out of the cafeteria. Tommy still hasn’t woken up. They had to go home.
He texted his family in their group chat letting them know they had to cut their trip short and go back home for Tommy.
---
When Tommy woke up he didn’t recognize his surroundings. It took him a little bit when he realized he was home and in the family room. His dad was next to him sleeping and Techno was in his usual spot reading.
“Uncle Tech?”
Techno looked up from his book and smiled at his nephew. “Sup gremlin. How you feel?”
“Like I’m underwater.”
“Oh that’s nice.”
Tommy grumbled and shoved his face into the pillow below him. His head was lifted up away from his pillow. “No suffocating yourself today sunshine.”
“Dang”
Wilbur laughed and smiled at him. “Long day wasn’t it sunshine.”
Tommy nodded and yawned.
“Early bedtime for you.”
Wilbur picked up Tommy and brought him to his room. Wilbur already changed him into pajamas earlier in case Tommy just continued sleeping. He tucked him in and kissed his forehead. “Goodnight, my love.”
“Goodnight papa. I love you.”
Wilbur chuckled and smiled even wider. “I love you too sunshine.”