Chapter 10: The Air is So Thick
Author's Note: It's certainly been a long time since I've updated... Long story short, real life caught up with me.
This will be the final chapter.
In this chapter, several varying time sequences will occur. The amount of time passed will be marked at the start of each section. The first time sequence is very long and the rest are fairly short. I'm not completely satisified with it but I felt that it needed to be uploaded because sitting on it isn't going to make it improve.
Chapter Notes: Things happened the same as in the show, but Ty's 'cheating' was with another army girl on base and not Aida (who, as you know, is his half-sister in this fic).
Some vague Season 3 spoilers but nothing overt so if you haven't been watching, you're safe to read this chapter.
This really is a B/T fic, so don't give up halfway through.
Chapter Warnings: Mild violence and swearing , character death(s), and non-graphic sexual content.
Chapter Title Inspired by: Hometown Glory by Adele (Extended Version)
About 6 Months Later (End of February)
My severely sunburnt skin sizzles in agony as I slowly march forward towards an abandoned Humvee that's several hundred feet away from me. I am not looking forward to my scheduled auto detail shift today. Squid- who'd inspected and cleared the vehicle a couple of hours ago- told me how badly damaged this one was. He figured that it would require at least a solid four hours of work just to make it stable enough to drive it back to base.
I flex my shoulders to release some of the tension in my back, wincing as I irritate my sunburn even further. I hitch the collar of my dirty shirt up higher to try and cover my neck in an attempt to block the suns strong rays. My shirt does little to help shade my neck and I am regretting leaving my sunscreen and baseball cap in the Humvee that's two hundred feet behind me. I can't walk back to it now- not only would I be breaking company policy, but I would be placing myself and my fellow platoon members at risk.
Just as I had started to think wistfully of the cool lake back home, a slight whizzing sound catches my attention. Immediately on alert, I scan the surrounding terrain. As far as I can tell, there is no one out here except for me, Aida and a few other soldiers. I also appear to be the only one that's noticed the sound. Shaking my head, I continue pressing forward.
I am only ten feet away from the abandoned Humvee when I hear that whizzing sound again. I steady my gun and get into defensive position, scanning the horizon. Before I can signal the others about my suspicions of unfriendly company, I am greeted with an enormous boom that propels me back several feet where I land with a heavy thud onto the compacted earth. For a brief moment I lay on my back, completely stunned as I try to slow my hammering heart and catch my breath. Before I can even manage to do that, my world erupts into excruciatingly painful flames and everything around me turns black.
"Stay steady Private Mendosa," a faraway voice calls out.
"Ty, it'll be ok! I've got you."
"Please don't die- I... I need you. You're my brother."
"Male, age twenty-two. Brought in from area eighteen, section three, subsection B with severe burns to the chest and legs, fractured ribs and vertebrae, and suspected head trauma. Will be airlifting him to Kabul and evacuating him to Heidelberg. Over."
"Heart rate is 149, blood pressure is 98 over 46."
"Commencing airlift evacuation in t-minus 2 minutes."
"...will be contacting Mary-Beth Tiberio who is Private Mendosa's medical contact. Regina Vasquez is his secondary contact should Ms. Tiberio be unreachable."
"Two injured and one killed in firebomb attack in Afghanistan. Stay tuned for more details as they become available."
Eventually the voices all blend together and I am unable to hear or follow any of what is happening around me. I feel a sharp pinch and any pain I was feeling melts away as I am once again greeted by blackness.
Bay sits before me as she slowly crafts a crown made out of dandelions. Smiling broadly, she stands and carefully drops it onto the head of a redheaded girl wearing bright green hearing aids. The girl kisses her cheek and runs off into the sunset only to be replaced by Emmett who appears from out of nowhere. He and Bay embrace, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss. My heart twinges painfully at the sight of the tender act. I want to turn away but I find that my neck can't move. I feel myself panicking as I try everything and anything just to turn my head away. I open my mouth to scream but find myself unable to even do that simple action. My heart rate accelerates alongside my breathing as I try to reassure myself that everything will be ok and that I can move and that I can talk; I am certain that I am not paralyzed. There are no other options. I can't live in a world where I'll be dependent on others to survive.
Everything around me steadily turns brighter, making my head pound. I whimper slightly and a cool hand starts to gently stroke my forehead. I lean into the touch, signing in content.
"Ty?" The voice probs. "Are you awake?"
I manage a subtle nod. The lights are too bright and painful for me to even think of trying to open my eyes. Before I attempt to ask my caregiver to dim the lights, they've already stood up and turned them off.
I turn my head towards the person seated at my bedside and I slowly ease my eyes open. Regina is looking at me with a soft smile, but I know she's not happy- her expression is grim and there are dark circles under her eyes. What in the hell has happened?
"Hey there," she gently coos. "Nice to see you awake."
"Wha-" My voice cracks from disuse before I can even formulate a question.
"I got you some water," Regina informs me softly. She inclines my bed and my ribs scream in protest. I manage to hid a grimace as I gratefully accept the small cup of ice water.
After several heavy moments, I finally work up the courage to question why I'm here.
"Regina, what exactly happened?"
She begins chewing her lip in thought.
"You were attacked and severely injured. They brought you here to Germany for long-term treatment," she answers simply.
"But how?" I ask, still very confused.
Regina sighs deeply and glances up and down my bed, her eyes welling with tears.
"Just give me a moment," she croaks, dashing out of the room.
I take this small moment of privacy to evaluate my injuries. The skin on my arms is shiny, pink and tender, and my chest is wrapped in thick white bandages. My face and head feel fine, but my back aches miserably. I slowly inspect the rest of my body, pausing at my legs. The blankets look unusual but I can't quite place why that is. I ease my blanket up and off, and what I see makes me scream in horror. My left leg -from the knee down- is missing.
I blearily open my eyes only to come face to face with a white haired man tightly clutching a clipboard.
"Private Mendosa, how are you?" He questions, flipping through my papers.
I shrug my shoulders. I think it's fairly obvious how I feel.
The doctor is looking at me expectantly and heaves a deep sigh when I don't say anything.
"We had to sedate you yesterday," he starts awkwardly.
I nod slightly. I still remember the prick of the needle that was hastily jabbed into my left thigh. The very thigh that no longer attaches to a lower leg. The doctor looks at me sadly and scribbles something down onto a notepad.
"I'll be prescribing you a few medications for the next month. Your status will be revaluated at that point."
I don't bother replying. It's not like he asked me anything with that statement. Besides, just because they're giving me the pills doesn't mean that I'll be taking them.
The doctor remains standing awkwardly at the foot of my bed for a minute. He sighs several times as he looks at me and down at my papers.
"Your surgeon will be in to speak with you and Ms. Vasquez at 1pm. After that you'll be headed meet with your physical therapist and will discuss your treatments."
I chew on my lip. I really don't want to do this but do I have any choice in the matter?
"When's the surgery?" I question slowly.
The doctor heaves another sigh.
"In three days time- you'll be meeting with the anesthesiologist tomorrow."
"And the therapy?"
"It will start ten to twelve days after your surgery, of course depending upon how you fare."
I nod slowly. I have nothing else to say to the doctor and make it clear by lowering my bed and yanking my blankets up to my chin, intent on feigning sleep.
The next several weeks pass in a blur- therapy, surgery, sleeping, and mindless television watching. Regina left for home a several days ago and I miss her silent presence. She never probed about what happened to me that fateful day several weeks ago and for that I am thankful. The nurses here don't seem to think the same. It's a good thing that their English is heavily accented and I can pretend that I don't understand them when they ask how I'm feeling or if I'm having nightmares.
I remove my gaze from the television when I hear a soft knock on the door frame.
"Hi Ty," Bay gently calls out, edging herself into my room.
I'm not sure if what I'm seeing is real. Why is she here? If she'd done to me what I did to her, I most certainly wouldn't have come all this way to see her.
Bay gingerly perches herself on the edge of the lone chair in the room and roams her gaze up and down my body several times. A range of emotions flicker across her eyes but the most notable ones are pity and something akin to disgust. Suddenly I want nothing more than for her to leave so I can stare at the ceiling in peace.
"Why are you here?" I ask, my question not coming across as forceful as I had hoped it would.
"I... needed to see you," she whispers, reaching out to hold my hand. I quickly pull it under the covers. I'm so tired of being touched that even the idea of her wanting to comfort me is revolting. I pretend not notice that she's near tears. What good would mentioning it do anyway?
Bay sighs several times as I stare at the television, only vaguely aware of what is occurring on-screen. I'm about to ask her to leave when the nursing attendant enters the room, proclaiming that it is time for physiotherapy. The relief I feel is paramount and I eagerly sit up and slide into my wheelchair. I usually hate therapy but I'd give anything to get away from this room and all of the awkwardness. I know I need to tell Bay about what really happened at the end of summer but find myself unable to form the words to do so.
Bay mumbles that she'll be back next weekend and I try not to glare at her as she slowly exits the room. A week isn't enough time for me to figure out how to say the things that she needs to know.
I spend the next few days trying to figure out about how to tell Bay the truth; that I hadn't cheated on her but that I'd purposefully made it seem that I had. I know she'll hate me when I tell her. How could she not? After all, she had confided in me about Emmett's actions and I'd cruelly used the opportunity to have her break up with me.
I glance up at the clock and flinch slightly when I realize that Bay will be here soon. I still don't know what to say to her.
A knock on the door startles me from my thoughts. Inclining my bed, I call out and tell the person to come in, my heart pounding when I realize that my visitor is actually Bay.
Clutching a cup of coffee, Bay shyly perches herself on the edge of the leather chair at my bedside.
"Hi Ty," she says simply. Her expression is void of emotion and I find that odd. Bay isn't one to hide her feelings.
"Bay," I respond simply, clicking the television off. "How are you?"
She quickly shakes her head, instead asking me, "How are you doing?"
I shrug my shoulders. I think I'm still sort of numb when it comes to the attack and my resulting injuries.
Bay sighs at my lack of response. I want to talk to her, I really do, but things are just so awkward between us.
Bay takes several deep breathes before shifting her chair to face me directly. "I know what you did at the end of summer," she whispers softly.
My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. I didn't expect her to know. Now I understand her desire to visit me even less than before.
"Mary Beth told me after the... incident," Bay continues, her voice rising slightly.
I swallow back a wave of anger that had risen to the surface after Bay revealed that Mary Beth had broken my trust. I know that feeling angry with her is irrational considering I could have died, but I can't help but feel that way anyway.
"Why?" Bay manages to keep her voice steady but I can still detect the furious undertone of her question.
"Why what?" I stupidly ask.
"Why'd you cheat on me? Why? Was it because I didn't say I love you back?" Her voice cracks on the last question and I can't help but flinch. I might have been hurt that she hadn't said it back but I would never hold that against her. The same thing had happened to me with my first serious girlfriend.
I take a deep breath as I sort through my feelings. "I did what I did because... because you were making things too difficult for me to handle." I immediately know that my words were the wrong ones when Bay visibly tenses. Why was it so easy to talk to Mary Beth about this and so difficult with Bay?
"So you're blaming me?" Bay yells, slamming her coffee down. "How exactly is your 'cheating' my fault?"
"I'm not saying that it is," I protest weakly.
"I think that you meant exactly what you said- that it was all my fault," Bay viciously spits.
I twist my fingers in my lap and try to recall the explanation that I gave to Mary Beth.
"No it wasn't Bay," I gingerly start. "I meant... I meant that I was just so unsure of the future- not like you were. They posted me to an extremely dangerous assignment and I thought I was going to die. I didn't want you dealing with that."
Bay's expression softens ever so slightly. "But why do that? I could've helped you or something."
I sigh deeply. "If I died, I was so sure that you'd react like Mary Beth did after Justin died. I knew you'd want to help but I didn't want you to. I tried to do it the right way -the normal way- but I just couldn't. So I did what I did so that you'd break things off and end up permanently angry with me."
I take a deep breath and calm my racing heart. I haven't talked so much since the last good conversation I had with Bay months ago. Stealing myself, I glance up at Bay and expect her to be near tears. Only she isn't. She's angrier than I've ever seen her.
"So you made my choices for me then. You had so little faith in us and in me, that you decided to break up with me, through me! I could've handled it! I'm not the little girl you seem to think I am. Instead of being a man, you tore my heart apart like it was nothing just so you could make things easier for yourself!" Bay pauses, choking on a breath.
"I'm sorry," I whisper. "I know it doesn't make things better but I really am sorry."
"Why didn't you ever email me? You emailed Mary Beth"
The abrupt change in topic leaves me reeling. Suddenly I am angrier that I have been in a long time. "I was fighting in a damn war Bay! How many emails did you expect me to send around? Besides, we weren't together and I didn't plan on trying to get back with you either! Why should I have even bothered? That is just so you- Princess Bay expects everyone to drop everything for her."
As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I want to take them back. I am angry that she expected me to email her and I have thought some of those things before but she didn't need to hear them. I open my mouth to apologize but I never get the chance.
Swiping at the tears that have started to drip down her face, Bay knocks her coffee to the floor and storms across the room. "Have a fucking fantastic life Ty," Bay snarls when she pauses in the doorway. Shooting me one last vicious glare, she sprints out of the room and slams the door shut so loudly that it makes the room vibrate.
I sigh several times, swallowing back an irrational wave of angry tears. I'd never expected things to end so badly between us.
About 1 1/2 Years Later (Middle of September)
I fiddle with the pen in my hand as I wait for my commander to show up, elated that today is my last day in the army, as well as my final sessions for both physical and psychological therapy. While I've meet some pretty cool people in therapy, one in particular, I can't wait to have my private thoughts remain exclusively private.
I quickly sign the forms and hand them to my commanding officer, making sure to get conformation that my release papers will be mailed to my apartment in Hartford. I firmly shake his hand and exist the army barracks for the last time in my life.
Several hours of flying and train rides later, I am finally home. Fingering the small key in my pocket, I pause in the apartment lobby and try to soak up the moment. For the first time in my life I finally have a place that is truly my own- personally selected, funded, and furnished by me and Eva, my girlfriend of the last eight months.
I can't help the smile that graces my face when I think of Eva and how we'd met in therapy, the last place I expected meet someone that I would end up falling for. I'd never expected to love someone after what happened with Bay but Eva just sort of snuck up on me.
Sliding the key into the lock, I am immediately covered in a thick wave of soft blonde hair.
"Welcome home Ty!" Eva exclaims, pressing a short but passionate kiss to my lips.
I can't but let out a jubilant laugh. For the first time in a very long time, I can say that I am happy. Eva's played a large part in that, but for once most of my happiness comes from within me.
I gently pull her out of the apartment and then sweep her into my arms, slowly carrying her into our home. I kick the door shut and Eva giggles brightly, twisting her body in my arms to give me another kiss. I return it with fervour, tangling my fingers into the hair at the nape of her neck.
Pulling away from my lips, Eva begins to press feverish kisses down my neck. "Want to Christian the bedroom?" She whispers seductively in my ear.
I shiver at her words and quickly carry her to our small, sparsely furnished bedroom. "I was hoping you'd ask that," I tell her, my voice impossibly thick with desire.
About 6 months later (Middle of March)
I nervously finger the small velvet box in my pocket. Today is Eva's birthday and I hope to make it extra special by proposing to her in the small diner that we go to every Thursday night. I'd told Aida my intentions and she gave me the best gift I could ever ask for- my grandmother's ring to propose with. I have no idea how she got a hold of it but I will forever remain grateful. While working as a mechanic is what I've wanted to do since I was a small child, it doesn't pay the best and I'd been trying to save up enough money for a small diamond ring. Now that the worries about the ring are behind me, I can put the money towards something else. Perhaps into a college fund for our future children or towards a larger apartment.
Smiling nervously, I meet Eva downstairs and hand her the roses that I bought earlier. I'm so anxious about this that I'm sweating through my suit jacket. I really hope she doesn't notice. Eva knows me so well and it's hard to hide anything from her.
We reach the diner and I nod slightly at the manager who smiles in return. He knows about my plans for the evening and made sure to save 'our' corner table that overlooks the river. I pull out Eva's chair and place a soft kiss on the back of her neck. She smiles softly at my affections and laces her fingers with mine once I've sat down.
We both order our usual orders -green apple salads, fried chicken for her and roast beef for me, and a thick slice of chocolate cake. I discretely slip the ring (wrapped in plastic) to our server, knowing that she'll gently place it into the cake where the frosting -Eva's favourite part- is the thickest.
When the cake is brought out, my heart kicks into overdrive. Eva digs in, shooting me an odd look when I don't join in like I normally do. Her expression quickly shifts to one of shock when her fork scoops out the small square of plastic. She unwraps it slowly and gingerly picks up the ring.
"Is this what I think it is?" She questions softly.
I nod and ease myself down on one knee as best I can considering my prosthetic limb. "Eva Streen, will you marry me?"
In the second that it takes her to answer, I think my heart has stopped beating.
"Yes!" She answer jubilantly. "I would love to marry you Ty!"
I slip the ring on her finger and our lips join in a passionate kiss.
About 9 Months Later (Middle of December)
Eva looks so beautiful in her dark grey dress and red trench coat with her long blonde hair in a simple braid. Smiling softly, I gently stroke her wedding band and look down at the world that's passing us by. Instead of a traditional wedding we'd opted for a simple ceremony followed by a dinner with her family, Aida, and as many of our friends as possible. Now we were headed off on our honeymoon- a beachfront resort in the Dominican Republic.
I'd had a such a nice time at the dinner and it was great being able to see Daphne and Regina in person again. I'd extended an invitation to Bay but it was returned unopened. I pushed down the hurt that came from her rejection. I deserved it anyway considering how poorly I'd been treating her, before prior to the lie and long after it.
Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I press a kiss to Eva's temple. I shouldn't be thinking about my ex-girlfriend when the beautiful Ms. Mendosa is sitting right next to me.
4 Months Later (Middle of April)
"I'm pregnant," Eva whispers to me when I find her on the floor of our tiny washroom.
I feel my mouth drop open. While we'd both wanted kids, we had decided to wait a few years so we could enjoy each other's company without the added stress of children. Obviously something had gone wrong.
"I thought you were on birth control," I finally manage to sputter after several heavy moments where I could do nothing but look at the pregnancy test on the counter.
"So you're blaming me then!?" Eva suddenly yells, tears dripping down her face.
Her words remind me of the last conversation that I'd had with Bay. I can't react like I did back then- not to the best person in my life and the mother of my first child.
"No," I tell her gently as I help her off the floor. "Just trying to figure out what happened." I pause slightly, thinking about our last few months. "It was probably those antibiotics you took back in February," I finally tell her once I am able to recall the horrible illness she'd contracted 8 weeks ago.
Eva nods, obviously already having thought of this, and offers me a watery smile which I shyly return. I'm finally going to have the family I always dreamed of having and I can't wait to meet my son or daughter in seven months time.
7 Months Later (Early November)
I am handed a small pink bundle which I immediately cradle to my chest. I can't believe that humans can be so tiny and delicate. I gently run my fingers over the fine brown hair that covers the top of her head. It's softer than anything I'd ever felt in my life.
It had taken over 13 hours of labour but my daughter finally entered the world, right on time for the first real snowfall of the year.
Eva smiles tiredly up at me, curling her fingers around my wrist. "I still can't believe that we made someone that's so beautiful," she whispers. I nod in agreement, not looking forward to the years where I'll be chasing Yuri's suitors out of the apartment with a baseball bat.
"I love you, Yuri Madeline Mendosa," I tell my daughter softly once Eva has fallen asleep. "I promise to be the best dad that I can be and that no matter what, I'll never leave you."
I deliberately selected the middle name Madeline so that Yuri would share something with Bay, who I now deeply respect and admire. I hope that somewhere, somehow, Bay knows I gave my daughter the same middle name as her and understands why I did it.
About 2 1/2 Years Later (Early June)
"Ree ta me daddy!" Yuri calls out the moment I enter the apartment, covered in grime from work.
Smiling broadly, I swoop down and toss her onto my shoulders, quickly scooping up the book she dropped and heading out onto the sunny balcony.
I crack open the book and a small picture slips out.
"Who's dat?" Yuri questions immediately, pointing at the group containing Daphne, Regina and Bay.
"My friends from a looonnnggggg time ago," I playfully answer.
Yuri smiles and points at Bay. "Her hair is prewtty!"
"It is," I softly agree. Yuri snuggles deeper into my embrace once I begin to read her the story.
About 8 Months Later (Early February)
"I'm very sorry Ms and Mr. Mendosa. Your son went into cardiac arrest soon after the caesarean and passed away. However your daughter is completely healthy and is in the nursery if you'd like to visit her," the doctor tells us softly, pressing a box of tissues into my hands.
On the bed beside me, Eva bursts into a fresh round of tears. I want to join her but I know that I need to be strong for the both of us. Plus if I started crying, I'm not sure I could ever stop.
I still can't believe it. My little baby boy- my little Justin Everly Mendosa- is no longer alive. How am I supposed to explain this to Yuri? She was so excited to learn that she was going to get a brother and a sister.
Swallowing back a wave of sorrow, I press the tissues into Eva's trembling hand and leave the room, headed towards the nursery. I scoop up my newborn daughter, offering the attending nurse a grim smile before returning to the room.
Eva is sleeping fitfully and I amazed that she fell asleep so quickly. I suppose with all the medication and the crying, she probably just dropped right off.
I slowly lower myself into the bedside reclining chair and heave a deep sigh. On top of my chest, my daughter stirs slightly, but quickly calms when I cover her back with my hand.
I can feel the tears prickling from behind my eyes and blink rapidly to keep them from falling. I pull my baby up closer to my head, pressing a kiss to the tip of her nose and breathing in her newborn smell.
"I love you Karina Abigail Mendosa. I promise that I'll never forget your twin brother," I begin softly. "And I promise not to let you forget him either."
About 5 1/2 Years Later (Late August)
The sun is shining brightly as I walk both Yuri and Karina across the street to the small, redbrick school that they both attend. Despite Yuri's protests, I give them both big kisses on the cheek and wave goodbye to them, promising that I'll be back at the end of the day.
During my short walk back to the apartment, I can feel my rage towards Eva growing with each step. She's sitting at home right now instead of sending the girls off to their first day of school. I know she wanted to send them to the private school across the neighbourhood but we just couldn't afford it. Not with Yuri's figure skating lessons and Karina's newfound interest in soccer and piano. I'd rather spend money on that than on some fancy school.
Shaking my head, I unlock the door and immediately head to the bedroom where Eva is now sleeping. I am still angry when I reach over to shake her awake.
Groggily she rolls over and glares at me in irritation. "What?" She slurs, tugging the blankets over her head.
"Yuri and Karina were sad that you didn't come with us to school today," I tell her simply. While Yuri and Karina take after me with their private personalities and difficulty with emotions, they both inherited Eva's clear expressions and it was easy to tell that they were both sad this morning despite the excitement of the first day of school.
"I don't even want them to go to that school," Eva spits, jolting out of bed. "So why should I bother dragging myself to that hell hole?"
"Because we're a family," I reply simply. My words seem to enrage her even more.
"How are we a family if all you do is work, work, work?"
I try to resist the urge to roll my eyes. I usually work the same 40 hour week that most other working adults in the country do. The rest of the time away is spent out with the children; taking them to various practices and appointments as well as little fun things like visiting the library and the zoo and Auntie Aida. Of course Eva fails to notice this as she's been too wrapped up in her own head to give a damn about any of us.
"You don't love any of us Ty! Not one bit!" Eva shrieks when I don't verbally respond to her.
"You know that's not true," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.
I've clearly caused her anger to flare yet again although I'm not exactly sure why or how. Eva opens her mouth to say something but quickly changes her mind, shoving me forcefully into the wall instead.
"I hate you!" She wails as she runs and locks herself in the bathroom.
About 6 Months Later (Early February)
"Happy birthday, Justin!" Karina chimes in her high-pitched voice, bending down to place a small teddy bear at the foot of the grave. "I reallyyyy hope you like heaven and that all the angels sang you happy birthday and gave you presents and cake. Is it nice up there? Daddy says that it is and that you're happy and stuff. Is it cold? It must be cold way up there. I hope you have a nice hat an' jacket and boots. Mine are purple and sparkly! I bet you'd like thems! I really misses and loves you Justy!"
I glance down at my golden-haired daughter as she presses one last kiss to the headstone before reaching out to hold my hand.
"Ready to go?" I ask her gently.
She nods slightly, a small smile blossoming on her face.
"Daddy?" Karina asks once I have her buckled up in her booster seat.
"Yes angel?" I ask as I slide into the front seat.
"Why didn' mommy come? I know Yuri is sick today but Auntie Aida coulda taken care of her so that mommy coulda came and visited Justin with us!"
I sigh deeply. Eva isn't here because she's nursing a nasty hangover. But I obviously can't tell my 6 year old that. I still can't believe she's drinking so much now, no matter what I say or do. She most certainly isn't taking care of our poor flu-stricken Yuri. That's being done by Greta, the kind elderly lady who lives across the hall.
"Because it makes her too sad," I finally mange to answer, reaching back to pat Karina's knee when I see her face fall.
"Ready to go and have a super special lunch with Auntie Aida?" I ask in an attempt to lighten the mood and garner a smile from my youngest child. My attempt obviously works because Karina smiles widely at me.
"Yes!" She shouts, clapping her hands together happily.
About 5 Months Later (Early July)
This is most certainly the last straw. I could forgive Eva's mood swings, complaining, laziness, and even her general disregard for our family. What I cannot forgive is her clear attempt to drive with them while she is incredibly intoxicated. Thankfully I'd managed to intervene and wrestle the car keys out of her hand before driving us all home from the 4th of July celebrations that we'd been attending downtown.
Pressing a kiss to the crowns of both Yuri and Karina's heads, I usher them over next door to visit with 'Grandma' Greta. They don't need to see or hear any of this. Closing the door behind me, I pause to contemplate my next words. When I turn to face Eva, I find her profusely vomiting into the sink. I stand a few feet behind her with my arms crossed, not bothering to hold her hair back or fetch a facecloth.
When I'm sure that she's done puking, I reach to grab her shoulders and turn her around.
"What the fuck was that!?" I yell, stepping back when Eva flinches at my tone. "What in the world was going through your head when you tried to drive our children home drunk?
Eva shrugs indifferently, her eyes glassy and bloodshot.
This response enrages me further and I take several deep breathes so I don't react like I did with Bay all those years ago.
Finally I manager to seethe, "Get. Out."
"Whaaaat?" Eva slurs, her eyes wide with shock.
"I said get out! This is my apartment and I don't want you here anymore! I've tried and tried to help you but nothing is working. I won't let our children grow up in a home like I did. They deserve more than this," I growl, venom dripping off my words.
Eva doesn't even react- just stands there with her green eyes glassy with tears. Frustrated beyond belief, I storm into what was once our bedroom and begin tossing everything that is Eva's onto the bed. Once her things are all in a heap, I bundle them up in the quilt and haul it back out into the living room.
"Whu- wha ya doinggg?" Eva asks thickly.
How has her voice gotten more slurred in the last thirty minutes? My eyes fall to the bottle of vodka in her hand, already half empty. Well that answers that question.
Sighing, I stride forward and pry the bottle out of her fingers. "Please don't do this Eva," I plead. "Think of our daughters and your sister and parents. Think of yourself, Eva! Think of... me," I whisper.
Eva ducks her head and ignores my probing gaze. Something inside me breaks when she does that. Gritting my teeth, I pick up the large bundle of Eva's things in one arm and use the other to toss her over my shoulder. Eva doesn't fight my actions and I can tell she is close to passing out. When we are outside the building, I gently place her on the ground and call her sister to have her come pick her up.
Pressing one last kiss to her forehead, I return to the front entrance. I hover in the doorway but decide not to look back at the person I once thought was the love of my life. Yuri and Karina are my first priorities now and I need to ensure their safety and happiness, and that involves only looking forward.
"The papers have been finalized and filed Mr. Mendosa. This includes the custody agreement granting you full parental rights to 9 year old Yuri Madeline Mendosa and 6 year old Karina Abigail Mendosa. Said custody agreement shall be revised at the time that Eva Janine Streen has been determined to be of healthy mind and body for a minimum period of 6 months." My lawyer pauses briefly. "Do you have any questions Mr. Mendosa?"
"Am I able to move to another state with my daughters?" I hesitantly ask. "I was offered a new job in Kansas City, Missouri and... I was considering taking it due to a significant pay increase."
Much to my relief my lawyer smiles and nods. "As long as you keep myself and the proper government agencies informed of your location and the school your daughters attend, there will be no current issues."
I stand up and shake his hand before quickly leaving the office. I have a busy few weeks ahead of me and I shouldn't waste another moment. The girls, Yuri in particular, are adventure seekers. I'm sure that they will enjoy this adventure even though they'll miss Eva terribly. Thankfully she'll be able to call them once per week and talk to each of them for ten minutes. I couldn't handle it if my children suffered from the same issues of abandonment that I had faced.
About 2 Months Later (Mid August)
"And this is our new home," I say as I lead Yuri and Karina up the stairs to the large porch. Their eyes widen in amazement as they take in the place that they will hopefully be residing in until they finish school.
"Daddy this place is the bestest!" Karina proclaims, giggling happily.
"Do guys wanna check out each of your bedrooms?"
"We don't have to share?" Yuri questions as she perches herself on the porch railing.
I shake my head. "Nope! You will have to share a bathroom though," I inform her. Yuri shrugs indifferently. The bathroom won't be much of an issue. Yuri is a morning person while Karina is most certainly a night-owl. Their paths will almost never cross.
I open the front door of our modest three bedroom bungalow. "Your names are hanging on your doors," I tell Yuri and Karina when they step inside. Excited smiles grace their faces as they both stampede through the house and down the hall to their rooms.
About 3 Months Later (Mid November)
"Please congratulate our new Missouri State Figure Skating Champion, Yurriiii Mednosaaaa!"
Karina and I both clap wildly as Yuri receives a shiny medal, a cheque, and a thick bundle of flowers. I wave to her from the front row and she blushes a brilliant shade of red. She turns even redder when Karina blows her kisses and keeps yelling about how her sister is the best skater in the entire world.
After a short twenty minute wait Yuri sprints out of the dressing room and launches herself into my arms.
"I did it dad! I won!" She proclaims jubilantly. "And look at my medal! It's the biggest one I've gotten yet!"
"It sure is something special sweetheart," I tell her, gently running my fingers over the shiny piece of brass. "Now, where do you want to go out to for our celebration dinner?"
About 7 Months Later (End of June)
As a treat for finishing and doing well in school, I'd decided to take Yuri and Karina to Maui, Kansas so that they can see the place that I grew up visiting. I'm still shocked that the place is open after all these years, and from the look of things, not much has changed.
"This place is so cool," Karina tells me as her head swivels back and forth so quickly that I'm afraid she'll end up with a concussion. Yuri seems to be quite a bit less impressed although I can tell that she's still enjoying herself.
"Can we go on the Ferris wheel?" Yuri suddenly asks me when we pass by it.
I push back the wave of Bay-based memories that remind me of all that was lost. "Of course," I answer as I guide them towards the lineup. "I always liked this ride too- particularly the pineapple shaped lights," I mention when I catch Yuri admiring the aforementioned lights.
Yuri is about to respond when her mouth snaps shut.
"What is it?" I worriedly question.
"Isn't that the lady with the pretty hair from the picture?" Yuri asks me, her finger pointing towards the woman that's five children ahead of us in the line. Did Bay really have five kids? I find myself fighting back a flare of jealousy.
Shaking my head, I whisper, "Let's find out," to Yuri who smiles shrewdly. If it really is Bay, then I'll never hear the end of it from Yuri.
I take a deep breath and call out, "Bay!"
The curly dark haired woman immediately turns around. The wind is knocked out of me when I set my eyes on Bay's face for the first time in over 14 years.
"Ty?" Bay asks. "Is that really you?"
I nod slowly, pleased with her cheerful reaction. "In the flesh," I respond.
I can feel her eyes roaming my body and I allow myself to do the same. She's a fuller in the legs, there are small wrinkles in the corner of her eyes, and her hair is quite a bit shorter than it was back then. Other than that she looks the same and as beautiful as ever.
Bay quickly glances back at her brood before stepping closer to me. "And who might these beautiful ladies be?" Bay asks softly, tapping Karina lightly on the nose.
"These are my daughters," I tell her proudly. "Yuri and Karina."
Bay smiles fondly and says, "They look a lot like you."
I can't help but return the smile. While they both have Eva's green eyes, Yuri has her slight frame, and Karina has her blonde hair, most of their features come from me and I honestly couldn't be prouder.
"Are they all yours?" I ask Bay, gesturing to the kids behind her.
She lets out a hearty laugh. "Nope! These are Toby and Nikki's kids and Daphne's foster kids. The blondes are all Toby and Nikki's," she tells me. "The tall one is William Jonathan and he just turned 9. The one with glasses is Michael James who turns 6 in December. And the little blonde cutie is Hailey Joanne and she turned 4 in April."
"And the other two are...?"
"The twins- Tessa Marie and Scott Alexander. They turn 13 in January," Bay supplies.
I try to ignore the pang in my heart when she mentions that they're fraternal twins. Just like Karina and Justin would have been.
"Are you ok?" Bay hesitantly asks.
I shrug my shoulders. This is too much to talk about in an amusement park line. Despite our turbulent past, I find myself wanting to talk to Bay about what's been going on all these years.
"Would you like to go out to dinner- just the two of us?" I shyly question.
"How's tomorrow night sound?" Bay asks as she quickly scribbles her phone number on a scrap of paper.
"Sounds awesome to me," I reply, stepping on to the same Ferris wheel car as Bay, Karina, and Hailey.
After glancing back at the rest of the kids, I close my eyes and soak up the rays of the sun. This has been the best day I've had in a long, long time.
I sneak a peek at Bay across the table as she fiddles with her napkin after I told her about my past decade or so, including a swath of apologies for my cruel outburst. It felt so good finally talking to someone who can just sit and listen to me. It felt ever better getting a chance to apologise to her in person.
"So now that I've told you all about my life, tell me, what have you been up to all these years?" I playfully ask, trying to ease the tension between us.
Bay chews on her lip in concentration. "Well I graduated from Pratt with a bachelor's degree in fine arts. Then I took a year off to try the art scene in Europe out. I actually met up with Banksy in London and we sold a piece together for over $100,000!"
"That's mighty impressive," I tell her, allowing pride to tinge my voice. "Can I see it?"
She briefly fiddles with her phone and hands it to me, where the main screen is open to her collaborative piece. I don't really understand it but it's one of the most amazing things I've ever seen.
I hand Bay her phone back and she continues with her story.
"After that I decided that being an art teacher would be cool and that I wanted to return to teach at Carlton so that they can finally have a real teacher. So I applied to Gallaudet and miraculously got in. Emmett was there too..." Bay trails off, carefully contemplating her next words. "We dated again for quite a while and we sort of talked about getting married but it just didn't work out."
I let out a sigh of relief at that. "Anything else?" I question.
"I started up a weekend care facility in East Riverside with the gang," Bay tells me simply. "It's the greatest feeling- helping out all those kids and keeping them on the right path."
I wish something like that had been around when I was a troubled East Riverside kid. Bay really is the most selfless and caring person I've meet..
"Can I join the gang?" I sincerely ask.
Bay's smile widens. "I was hoping you'd say that. A lot of the kids are interested in auto mechanics and we could really use your expertise."
"It's a deal," I tell her, reaching across the table to shake her hand. There's a jolt of electricity when we touch. I wonder if she felt it too?
When we reach Bay's car, I find myself not wanting to leave without her. I still can't believe that after all these years and our horrible parting, we fell back into old routines so easily.
As if she could read my thoughts, Bay stretches up on her tip toes and gives me a short but passionate kiss.
"I'll see you around Ty," she tells me after we shared another passionate embrace.
I am over the moon with joy that we're getting another chance. This time I'll make sure that things will work out. They just have to.
About 1 Year Later (Early July)
Bay presses a series of hot open mouthed kisses down my naked chest, forcing me to suppress a loud moan. Giggling slightly, Bay continues her downward journey, pausing to yank off my boxers. Instead of doing what I wanted, Bay kisses her way back up my chest and curls her fingers into my hair.
"Bay!" I growl. "Come on!"
Her smile grows ever larger. "Tut tut, I'm not sure I can trust you to keep quiet Mr. Mendosa. And the girls most certainly don't want to hear this."
"You sure that you're not the one I should be worrying about?" I pant when her hand begins to trail lower.
She rolls her eyes. "It's not the first time I'd have to keep it down," she whispers.
"But it is the first time that you don't have to leave before the girls wake up," I supply. "So I suspect your walls may be lowered..."
Bay snorts playfully. "No, but I'm pretty sure yours have been."
Groaning, I quickly reach over Bay and grab a condom off what is now her nightstand. "I'm not so sure about that but we'll find out soon enough," I say as I press her firmly into our soft mattress.
About 6 Months Later (Early January)
"Ty... I'm pregnant," Bay tells me the moment she exits the doctor's office. "That's why I've been feeling so crappy lately. I don't... I'm too... It just doesn't make sense. We were being safe."
I gently kiss her on the cheek, trying to hide my elation as I say, "These things happen sometimes."
Bay nods, wringing her hands in her lap.
"Now, how far along are you?" I ask as I pull out of the parking lot.
"Almost 4 months they figure," Bay tells me with her brows crinkled together. "How didn't I know? Aren't women suppose to know right away?"
I find myself laughing lightly. "Am I woman that would know this?"
Bay rolls her eyes. "Ha ha," she chimes sarcastically.
"Everyone's body is different Bay. Eva knew right away... particularly with the twins." I swallow heavily on the last word.
Bay presses a soft kiss to the pulse point behind my jaw, pulling away to say, "When should we tell Yuri and Karina?"
I chew on my lip. "After your next ultrasound at the beginning of February?
Bay nods silently and leans against my arm, her hands folded over her mostly flat stomach.
About 1 Month Later (Early February)
"Yuri, Karina- Bay and I would like to talk to you," I say when we're all seated around the table for dinner.
Clutching my hand tightly, Bay swallows heavily. "We're going to have a baby," she says simply, stealing quick glances at the girls.
"Really!?" Yuri exclaims just as Karina squeals and asks if it's a boy or a girl.
"We really are!" I say happily. "And it's going to be a special surprise for everyone- We don't know if it's a boy or a girl."
Before I can say anything else, bother Yuri and Karina have jumped out of their chairs and into Bay's arms. Looking over their shoulders, Bay shoots me a look of relief. I still can't believe she was nervous to tell them. I knew that they'd react positively.
Later that night, I fold Bay into my arms and press a gentle kiss behind her ear. Beneath my palm I can feel the gentle flutters of our child as he or she moves around. I have a feeling that the child will inherit Bay's wild curls and artistic talents, and I simply can't wait to meet them.
About 4 Months Later (Mid May)
"Ty!" Bay howls from the bedroom.
Panicked, I drop the laundry basket to the floor and sprint across the house.
"Bay are you ok? What is it? Is it our baby?" I ask, my mind racing at the thought that our child might be in trouble.
Tears are pouring down Bay's face and she clutches her phone to her chest. Taking several deep breathes and placing a palm on her swollen stomach, she shakily says, "My dad just called and- and my mom and Daphne were in a really bad car accident because of the rain, and they... they're... neither of them lived."
My stomach drops. Kathryn and Daphne are both gone? That's impossible! I was talking to both of them last night about finishing the nursery addition to the house.
Not knowing what to say, I pull Bay into my arms and comfort her as best I can.
We've been home from the funeral for less than twenty minutes when Bay doubles over and emits a soft moan. That moan is quickly followed by a gasp when I see trickle of liquid dripping down her legs.
Gently grabbing Bay's shoulders, I look deeply into her eyes. "Bay," I start slowly, "You're in labour. We need to get to the hospital."
Still shocked, Bay numbly nods her head.
"Yuri, get Bay's hospital bag. Karina, please grab a clean towel and put it in the front seat of the car." Once the words are out of my mouth, Yuri and Karina scamper away.
"It hurts," Bay whimpers, leaning into my embrace.
I slowly stroke my hand up and down her back, whispering nonsensical things in her ear and wishing I could take her pain away.
After many hours of pushing and swearing, a screaming and wrinkly baby girl enters the world. I lean down to press a gentle kiss to Bay's lips, stroking her sweaty hair off her damp forehead.
"We have such a beautiful daughter," I say. "She already has your curly hair."
Bay smiles at that. "Looks like a tough few years of hair brushing ahead of us then," she quips tiredly. "Can I sleep now? I'm so tired that I think I might drop her if I try and hold her."
"You can do what you think is best," I say simply.
Bay nods and closes her eyes. "Thank you," she mumbles into the air.
Sitting in the wooden rocking chair by the window, I hoist my youngest daughter higher in my arms, smiling softly at the sleeping figures of my other three girls on the bed across from me.
"I'll love you forever, Laurel Kathryn-Renee Mendosa. I promise to teach you about the people you are named after and to make sure that you're always happy."
About 2 1/2 Years Later (Late October)
The last several years of my life have been both joyful and turbulent- my army accident, losing Bay, falling in love with Eva and have two beautiful daughters, having to divorce her to keep the children safe, moving back to KC and falling back in love with Bay and having a daughter with her- but I wouldn't change anything for the world.
Bay and I stand on the porch as we watch our three girls walk hand-in-hand down the street, all decked out in their Halloween costumes. Laurel toddles unsteadily on her short legs but Yuri and Karina make sure that she's fine.
Turning to Bay, I give her a short kiss. "Want to watch a movie?" I ask, gently pulling her inside once the girls have turned the corner.
Bay nods and quickly flips to some random horror movie. Curled up together under the afghan, I stroke my fingers up and down her bare arm. Despite her protests that Halloween was a pointless and over-commercialized holiday, Bay still dressed up. Unsurprisingly she is dressed as Frida Kahlo, much to the amusement of all of us but Laurel.
Bay notices my smile when she glances up at. "What?" She asks, biting back a laugh.
"I love you," I say simply.
Bay lightly taps her hand over my heart and says, "I love you too. Always."
The End.
So this is the end of my first ever fanfic! I hope you enjoyed it and please review!
Thanks for all the kind words and suggestions for each of the last 9 chapters. I really do appreciate it!
Random fact: Daphne means Laurel, hence the inspiration for the name!