Thank you all for reviewing! Although I think I will insist on atleast 10 before I update next. You all are so encouraging.
So here it is!
Stand by Me
Chapter 9: One Step Forward
Little over a month had passed and it was confirmed that baby Natalia was hearing impaired. She was now scheduled in appointments every week. After talking to his parents, Troy found out hearing problems ran in his biological mother's family. Gabriella and Troy focused on their little girl now more than ever. Troy stayed at teh Montez home more often and as Natalia was alone with him, he would find himself just watching her sleep. He observedd the infant in every way. She had certain motions that she would use to gain attention or the way she looked at him with her beautiful brown eyes. It touched his heart in so many ways. Her gurgles were the cutest thing, Troy couldn't help but love her. But then again why wouldn't he want to? She was his own life.
"Hey Troy, can you do me a favor?" Maria asked as she walked into the room that held the now 19 year old sitting on the couch. Looking away from the television, Troy replied.
"Yeah. What's up?"
"Well, I need some groceries. Gabriella wants to take Natty to the park and I still have to continue to cook for tonight's gathering." She pointed to the kitchen with the spatula she carried in her right hand.
"I can go to the store for you if that' s what you're asking." He started to get up from the couch and pick up his soda bottles.
"Thank you sweetie. You are a lifesaver." Moving away from the couch, Troy heard a squeal from the kitchen and an angelic laugh that followed. "I hear my two favorite ladies." He crept into the kitchen infront of Maria.
Seeing the two women of his life mad him smile like never before. Natalia looked so much like her mother. She had Gabriella's eyes, hair (as of now), and beautiful smile. Although there was no way Troy could be denied of being her father, she mostly resembled Gabriella. She has the same chubby frame as he did when he was an infant.
Gabriella smiled up at Troy and pointed towards him. "Look! There's daddy." Natalia followed her hand, not understanding what was being said, but her attention being caught by the movement. A smile graced her chocolate covered face when her eyes landed on her father's. Another squeal errupted form her mouth as she squirmed to get out of Gabriella's hands. "Oh, I see how it is. I'm only good enough for you when daddy isn't around." Gabriella laughed as she led her to her daddy's arms.
"How's my little lady?" He chuckled as his eyes set sight of her face. "My very messy little lady," he poked her cheek.
"Say daddy, we're going to the park after mommy gets me cleaned up."
Troy went over to Gabriella and nuzzled his nose with hers. "Have I told you how beautiful you look today?"
Gabriella looked down at herself in Troy's old sweatpants and practice jersey. "Wha? Troy, I'm a mess. I've been looking after her all day."
"I know. I love how you look with no make up on and doing the work of a wonderful mother." He brought her closer by swooping her under her bottom. "You are gorgeous." He complimented earning a chaste kiss on his jaw.
"I love you."
Grocery shopping was one of his least favorite tasks. Everytime Troy went someone would notice him and then feel the need to talk to him for twenty minutes. He just wanted to get the items on the list and move on.
While Troy was trying to go unnoticed he swerved to the book section. Glancing at a few, here and there, one in particular caught his attention. He stopped and picked up the small book, Teach Your Baby Sign Language. He tried not to think about Natalia's condition, but in the end it was inevitable. He flipped through the book and saw a page that contained information on deaf infancy.
"Oh Troy!"
So caught up in thought his old neighbor scared him, and he dropped the book. "Mrs. Gavner, hi, how are you?" He said picking up the book.
"Oh just fine, dear." She saw him put the book in the basket. "I heard about your little one. I'm so sorry."
Nodding, "She's doing very well. I guess it just hit us harder, ya know." He looked at the ground before continuing. "She just seems no different."
"I'm sure. Jack showed me pictures the other day. She sure is a doll baby."
Troy chuckled at the old woman. "That she is. She looks just like her mother."
"How is she? Gabriella, I mean." The elder woman picked up a book and gave it a few glances. "I haven't seen her for some time."
"She's doing greath Mrs. Gavner. We're actually having a barbeque tonight. You're welcome to come. Maria sure misses you."
