-CHAPTER TEN-
REUNITED
Friday 20th November 2009
CHRISTIAN
SMEARING MY SWEATY PALMS along my thighs, my hands started to turn a slight hint of blue from my dark denim jeans. Feeling my nerves playing havoc with my body sweaty palms, flushed cheeks, racing heart there was no concentrating today.
My Ana.
I turned to admire my older brother who had a smile equal to my own. This situation is surreal, how is it possible that she has been under my nose the whole time.
It's happening, it's actually happening. I'm going to see her.
Keep it together Christian, don't fuck this up!
Viewing my cell wallpaper for the umpteenth time, whispering under my breath two simple words of appreciation - thank you.
"Bro. You're doing that weird smiley shit again," he chuckled.
"I could say the same about you," rolling my eyes at my older brother.
I can't help it. My Ana. I'm going to see my Ana.
"Aaaand…I can't believe you bought flowers!" Elliot signalling at my bouquet.
"I can't believe you didn't. I'm sure you are going to lose your balls now," smiling showing my pearly whites.
Elliot flicked his eyes around and panic dripped from his disheartened face. I could see each individual cog moving within his thick skull, his balls are a goner.
"Fuck. Chicks dig flowers don't they? Fuck…um… Can you wait here for a bit," looking at his watch, "thank god you're high on pussy and we got here really early. I'm getting some flowers. Do you have any—" he said while rubbing his thumb and fingers together.
Rolling my eyes, he will never change. I'm not going to be his cash machine anymore. Elliot cracked the bones within his head preparing for the opening of his wallet. Yep empty. I swear I saw moths fly out, as always he tries his hardest and began to drop his bottom lip like a sad puppy.
"No, no, no. Don't use that face on me. Use your own fucking money to buy something. You're tighter than a cats ass Ell," my hand immediately slapping my forehead.
Within seconds Elliot almost tripped over his size twelve feet unsure which direction to take. I pointed to his left but he rushed to the right like a mad man knowing his girl will be arriving soon. He yelped out the odd 'I need flowers stat,' and 'fuck, flowers, chocolate, Fuck Fuck Fuck!' I was amazed he wasn't removed from the terminal by airport security under the influence of pure stupidity.
With his constant breathing over my shoulder gone, I was alone at last. I couldn't help myself but rehearse through my head how I'm going to introduce myself to Ana. On repeat I was imagining exactly her thoughts, "I'm an asshole for not calling."
I may have only spent twelve hours with this breathtaking girl but I know I like her; I will appreciate any interaction with her and something deeper will be a bonus.
Stay calm Christian, it will be ok!
Gazing at her photos on my cell, I can't believe how beautiful she is. My fingers, toes, if I could I would cross my fucking dick if it guarantees Ana wanting me as much as I want her.
My cell buzzed in my hand, causing me to slightly jump. A message popped up.
A message from Ana.
Ana!
ANA!
Breathe.
ANA: Thanks for the heads up, C. Also don't call me Anastasia, everyone calls me Ana except for Elliot then it would be Banana. Don't call me Banana.
She's here? Trying not to rush, I awkwardly power-walked to the arrival screen.
DL 0462 landed gate 22
Feeling my cheeks grow tight due to a fucking excited grin form over my face, I have no idea how this girl makes me so happy. I've never smiled so much in my life. Shit! There goes my surprise; I must have ended my last message with C.
Fuck!
I need to reply. My large fingers and thumbs were fumbling over my iPhone's screen.
It's not hard Christian just type a fucking message.
Composing myself, shaking my hands to rid my nerves I tried for the second time to type a message to Ana.
CHRISTIAN: Well thank you Ana, but I have a surprise for you. Christian.
Impatiently looking for Elliot around baggage claim, I began pacing. I'm fucking pacing around a baggage carousel! Shit is she going to recognize me, my hair is shorter and a completely different color. What will she say when she sees me? Am I rambling? Oh my God I think I need to go to the bathroom.
Suddenly a large heavy hand started to pat my head.
"There, there."
"Jesus Christ! Elliot, you scared the sh…. Holy shit, you've gone all out; roses, chocolates and a … bunny card?" smirking a smile at my older brother.
"I did have a magazine but thought it was too much, but I'm not risking losing my balls," he contorted his smile.
Smelling the aroma of the fifteen white roses in my hand I nervously twisted and turned the bouquet. The perfume was fresh and crisp, not too overwhelming. I hope she loves them.
Of course she's going to love them you fool!
Looking at my watch, then looking at the arrival door, looking at my watch, then looking at the arrival door my anxious ticks were playing havoc.
"Bro you're going to do your shoulder if you keep checking your watch. They will be here soon," he lightly rubbed my neck.
"How can you tell?" replying soft and unconfident, while kicking my shoes.
"That you're nervous, anxious and excited. Ohhhhh, I don't know?" I sensed the sarcasm when he smirked.
Glancing at my watch, hopefully for the final time, I lifted my head I caught a glimpse of her. Instantly my jeans tightened and I was thankful I didn't wear my button fly. Ana looked flushed but overall far paler from when we first met. Her hair is a little longer and wild; it must have been a rough flight. As she dragged her feet along the floor, our eyes locked.
Oh baby, I've missed you.
Smiling at her, all I wanted her to do was smile back.
Please smile baby. Smile.
She didn't.
Within seconds Kate blocked her view by sprinting in front of her jumping into the arms of Elliot. Unsure why I was watching him catch Kate around his waist and dropping his gifts to the floor, I flicked my head back to admire my girl.
Still hoping she would give me a glimmer of hope, there was nothing. Her face looked blank, almost vacant. Without warning Ana became unsteady on her feet and began to wobble.
Fuck.
"ANA!" I dropped her bouquet and ran. I was too slow; her tiny body fell to the ground.
…..
"ELLIOT! KATE! QUICK!" I yelled but neither moved away from each other's face.
"Fuck… Elliot. ELLIOT!" I was so loud the force scared commuters walking by.
Kneeling on the floor, stroking her messy hair, Ana was sweaty and she lost all color from her face.
"Pixie, please wake up. It's C," I whispered.
I couldn't help but run my fingers around her ear and over her dry lips.
"Fuck bro. Shit Banana!" Elliot said while catching his breath.
"Oh my God, Ana! Shit where's her bag?" Kate rummaged through her backpack and found a water bottle.
"Ana, sip some water. Don't you fucking dare ruin this awesome weekend. You're date is hot," she sniffled, "Sorry, but your brother is hot," she told Ell, ended in a sigh.
"Bro I'm calling Mom, I can't remember if she's working. She might be able to see Ana quickly. Honestly Christian she doesn't look good," all I could do was stare at my brother.
Almost in tears, I couldn't and wouldn't break in front of them. This wasn't supposed to happen. This wasn't the plan.
FUUUUCK!
"No. I'll call. Please Ell." Grabbing the cell from my back pocket, I began to blunder Mom's number too many times.
Fucking breathe Christian. She's going to be ok.
"Mom," I sniffled rubbing my nose over my hand, hoping she doesn't hear the fear in my voice.
"Christian what's wrong? Elliot? Did, did, did he have an accident?" Shaking my head, but realizing she can't tell while on the cell
"Mom. Are you at work?" I paused trying to calm myself, "I need you to check someone for me. She's collapsed, really clammy and not responding,"
"Oh dear. Bring her in now. I'm at work, in the maternity unit today. Enter via the main entrance of UWM on the third floor and catch the lift directly to labor and Delivery. I'll meet you there. Is she breathing? Did you find a pulse?"
Telling Elliot to talk to Mom, I put my hand on her chest and it was rising and falling quite slowly, tenderly handling her wrist I counted while looking at the seconds tick by on my watch.
Fuck, it's too fast.
"Elliot tell Mom her pulse is over 180," he nod and repeated my message to Mom.
Elliot's playful demeanor was gone and for once he was serious, "we need to go now Christian. Now!"
Lifting her with ease I ran to Elliot's truck.
...
"MOM I'M AT THE FRONT of the hospital, I need to get a wheelchair she's still not completely conscious. She did moan a little. That's good, right mom?" I could feel the tears building but I need to keep it together, not for Ana's sake but rather my own.
Letting out a small groan Ana's face contorted, and a small tear ran from her left eye.
"Baby, Pixie… it's ok" if she only knew how she was breaking my heart.
"I'll meet you at the front of labor and Delivery – level six," Mom curtly enforced.
"Mom. It's… it's, Ana."
She gasped, "you found her?" she went silent.
"Mom?"
"Sorry honey. Get here quick."
The orderlies were slow, and finally gave me a wheelchair after explaining the situation. Sprinting towards the elevator, Ana started to wake.
"Baby, it's ok you're in the hospital, my Mom is going to check you over."
The elevator doors rattled open on the sixth floor and as Mom stated, she was already waiting.
"Mom." I'm sure I look like shit.
"Christian come. Take her this way…" she started to jog throughout the floor.
I wheeled her into the maternity unit, it was surreal hearing all the newborns and experiencing the screams, grunts and groans of labor and delivery.
"Christian focus," she snapped, "in here," Mom pointed.
"What, huh, my head…." Groaning, Ana rubbed her crown.
"Ana, it's ok…" I gripped her hand.
"Lift her on the bed," Mom was stern and straight to the point.
She was slightly floppy as a rag doll so it wasn't much of a struggle. Gently I laid her down, her top crawled past her navel and I saw her pale unblemished skin of her stomach and noticed the rubber band holding her pants together.
What the fuck? Can't she afford pants?
"Christian I need you to wait outside, Ana needs her privacy,"
"But, Mom. It's Ana. I've only just found her, I'm not leaving her…" refusing to let her hand go.
"I know what you are feeling, but you are not a spouse and I'm sure she is unaware of where she is. Now as her physician, I need to assess her. As your mother I need you to leave the room," shocked with my mother's orders I couldn't move.
No!
"NOW Christian!" I woke from my daze.
"Ok. I'll be right outside. Please tell her I'm here." My head sunk, I would have preferred to be slapped by Ana than this.
…..
WITHIN THE HOUR, Kate and Elliot arrived. I gave him his keys, I noticed he was holding my gift for Ana.
"Bro, is she ok? I thought you might need these, you were so excited." Elliot handed over her bouquet.
"I don't know, Mom won't let me in. I know she's taken bloods and she has an IV," I held my head back on the wall, sliding down knowing if I leaned forward I may break in front of my brother.
"Don't stress, whoa what a first date…"
"Don't Ell," my head dropped pinching my eyes with my thumb and index finger.
"Christian do you think I could see her?" Kate whispered in my ear.
"Knock on the door first, I'm sure you'll have more of a chance seeing her than me," dropping my head again.
Watching Kate slowly walking to Ana's door and entering, I knew it was going to be some time before I could see my girl.
"Christian it's alright," Elliot sit on the floor next to me.
"No, Elliot… it's Ana," looking him straight in the eye.
"Yeah I know Anastasia or as I like to call her Banana," he chuckled.
"No…" I gritted my teeth, "Ana."
I looked around the hallway, focusing on a small poster across the hall 'I'm close to very few people, but those few people mean everything to me.'
Pixie, Ana my everything.
"Holy fucking shit… the chick... virgin chick, you… no!"
"Yes," unable to blink.
"My Banana is your Pixie? Whoa! I'm so sorry bro, I wish I had shown pictures of her sooner. I know how much she means to you."
…..
"CHRISTIAN. DARLING," I could hear my mom's soft voice.
"Ana's awake. She said it's ok for you go in," I could finally feel my smile return.
"Mom what's wrong with her?" the words fell out of my mouth.
"Darling slow down, you know as her physician I can't disclose this. It's up to Ana if she wishes to tell you."
Taking a breath I pulled my head up as I ran my fingers through my scalp. Grabbing her bouquet of roses my heart started to race.
Let's try again. Ana is beyond this door. Breathe.
I strolled into her room. She was lying peacefully on the bed. Mom had removed her clothes and put her into a hospital gown. Her head pointed towards the ceiling, and I noticed she had tears falling down her face. She would swallow every few seconds causing her to make a little moan.
"Pixie" I murmured.
She didn't move other than holding her head back awkwardly continuing to look at the ceiling. My poor Ana let her tears fall.
"Baby…"
A/N:
Thank you for reading the new reworked/beta-ed "Misplaced & Found." I am blown away reaching over 700 followers for this story, it truly does tell me you do like it. Aaaaand, if you haven't already done so, please favourite, follow, review and PM me regarding any M&F questions or concerns. See you soon for chapter 11.
missmusicteach
