What Happened to Daddy's Little Girl?
Troy's Pov:
My leg bounced up and down as I watched him. I couldn't stand to see him like this – so helpless. I had two girls I needed to be strong for, so crying was not an option. Though Vanessa lay sleeping for over two hours now, I knew that any minute she would wake up. If it wasn't for my best friend by my side, I wouldn't have been able to keep it together. Right now she was my rock.
Carlos' body wasn't taking the medicine too well. Nurses kept coming in and out to switch the bucket he used when he got sick. Not being able to do anything for him killed me. As I looked at my watch, I was shocked. It was already two o'clock. The truth was I was more surprised that Vanessa didn't wake up from being hungry. Her lunch time was three hours ago.
I was worried about Gabriella. She hasn't said a thing since we came into the room two hours ago. Not knowing what was running through her mind caused me distress. Was she feeling ok from last night? Was she scared to death for Carlos? Her expression was unreadable.
Unwrapping one of my arms that was supporting Vanessa, I rested the back of my hand on her cheek. I stayed silent as he closed her eyes and leaned into my hand. A tear slipped from her eyes. The only think I wanted to do at this moment was taking her into my arms and holding her. The pad of my thumb caught the falling tears as she silently cried to herself. Gabriella rested her head on my chest, while trying not to wake Vanessa by her crying. The most I could do at the moment is wrap my arm around her, comfort her, and occasionally kiss her head.
High heals were heard outside the room, another nurse no doubt. I was proved corrected when a tall nurse came in holding a clip board.
For the first time since we arrived in this room, Carlos opened his eyes. He looked far from happy.
"Please, can I go home yet?" His voice was soft and tired and I knew the second I went over there, I would disturb Gabriella and wake Vanessa. The only thing Carlos asked was to make sure Vanessa didn't see him with wires attached to him, and I was going to make sure to keep his promise.
"I'm sorry, but you won't be able to go home until your cancer is gone. We need to complete the treatments. Most patients stay for about two months." As soon as those words flew out of the nurse's mouth my stomach dropped.
How was I supposed to take care of his daughter without him? This new obstacle will be a challenge for both of us. Even though it will be hard, I want to visit Carlos everyday while he's here. I can't have Vanessa forgetting him again. He doesn't deserve that. He doesn't deserve this.
"You two might as well go. No use sitting around here all day until they kick you out. Go home, get some lunch and take care of Vanessa. Thank you for staying with me as long as you did. I really appreciate it." He gave us an assuring smile, but I was debating on whether or not to leave him. Part of me wanted to get my girls home, while the other wanted to be there for Carlos.
"Are you sure? It can get pretty lonely here. We can stay a few more hours." I wasn't going to leave until I was absolutely sure he wanted us to leave.
"Yes. Go home Troy and take care of Gabriella and our daughter." That sentence made me stop in my tracks. This was the first time he ever called Vanessa our daughter.
Nodding my head, I kissed Gabriella's head one more time before she took her head off my shoulder. As soon as I got the chance, I would make sure to find out what was wrong.
Trying not to jostle Vanessa too much, I stood up. She gave a little whimper, but soon went back to sucking her thumb in her deep sleep. She must have not slept very well last night after Carlos took her to sleep with him.
Taking Gabriella's hand in mine, I walked over to Carlos.
"Call us if you need anything. We'll be back first thing tomorrow morning." I said reassuringly.
"Don't worry about me. Take some time for yourselves." Carlos was such a giving person. I let him place a kiss on Vanessa's forehead before Gabriella and I placed a kiss on his cheek.
We both loved this man like our own father. We wanted what was best for him and it hurt us to walk out of that room with him still in it.
Gabriella and I walked down the same hallway we came from to find the door leading to the parking lot. As the cool breeze hit our skins and as the sun shone down on us, Vanessa began to stir. Before opening her eyes, she stretched her tiny body and gave a yawn. Her big brown eyes looked up at me causing me to smile down at her.
"Did you have a nice nap?" I asked her as I switched her position so she wasn't laying down anymore.
"Tummy making noisies." She exclaimed as she held her stomach.
"We're going to go home and eat." I told her as we walked to the car. During the walk, Gabriella was still as quiet as ever. I was worried.
"You were tired, huh?" I whispered to her. My fingers brushed the hair out of her face. I felt her nod her head against my chest. Unlocking the car, I opened door and placed Vanessa on the floor.
Gabriella stayed by my side the whole time. "She needs to be changed." I said quietly to Gabriella.
"How is she going to be ready for preschool?" Gabriella whispered back.
"We have a couple of months to work on her." I finished buckling Vanessa before closing the door.
Gabriella was getting ready to open the door. I couldn't find the smile on her face that I saw this morning and that worried me.
"Hey, come here." I pulled my girl into my and held her. It was almost as if time stopped. Here the two of us were, in the middle of the parking lot. To me right now the only thing important to me was her. Well, her and my other girl in the car.
The brunette girl broke down in my arms. Her sobs were silent for the most part, but out of the corner of my eye I saw the onlookers stopped and gave me a pity look. I certainly didn't need their pity. They probably thought one of our loved ones passed away.
"What happened baby girl? Are you feeling ok?" I made sure she was the only one that heard me. It wasn't anyone else's business what was going on. Gabriella shrugged her shoulders.
"Are you worried about Carlos?" I was trying to get some answer out of her, but no such luck. She shrugged her shoulders again.
"Talk to my baby girl." My voice came out husky. I kissed her forehead as I waited patiently for her to calm down. My hand slipped underneath her shirt and gently scratched her back.
Picking my head up from laying on hers, my eyes wandered over to the car to check on Vanessa. I smiled when I saw her sitting happily,
"I guess it's a little of both. I'm still a little sore from last night, but it's a good kind of sore. Just all the emotions from the day are getting to me. I mean don't get me wrong, last night was amazing, but at the same time I feel like I shouldn't be happy. How can we be happy when Carlos is in the hospital? It makes me feel selfish. I just don't know if I can take it all. Of course there's Vanessa where I have to put on a smile for her, but that just makes me even more upset about it." I held her tighter in hopes to give her a more secure feeling.
"Sweetheart, who says you have to put on a show for anyone? Everyone is entitled to be upset sometimes. You're not the only one feeling like this. I think we all are. You are the least selfish person I know. Carlos wouldn't want you to be moping around. I'm always here for you babe. Is there anything I can do?" It's understandable that she's feeling like this. All I wanted to do was help her.
"This is helping." I held her in my arms for another ten minutes before we both got into the car. Never once did I unclasp my hand from hers the whole ride home.
I took a deep breath before getting out of the car. Other than the time when Carlos was in a coma, we never had to care for Vanessa by ourselves. We never had to step up and be actual parents for her without Carlos being right there behind every step we do. This would definitely be a challenge and we weren't sure whether or not we were ready to take it.
I'm so sorry guys that it took so long. I hope you are enjoying this story. Please leave suggestions for the next chapter. The more suggestions the faster that chapters come out. Thanks!
