CHAPTER 5
A/N: Thanks to writersblock1000, elisemiller67, Mariu4, Supergirl2121, Itsskik, Santana is my satan, Tishamay, pacumeme57, and the Guest for their reviews! Special thanks to Whit Walk for proofreading this chapter.
Please allow me to remind you that Fanfiction changed the notification system and unless you enable the opt-in feature in your account settings, you will no longer receive emails when the stories you follow are updated! (I'm sorry I repeat this all the time but not everyone knows about this yet!).
This chapter alternates between Britt and Santana POV, starting with Brittany's. For those who read my other fanfic, "Tell our story", I need to specify that in this universe, Melissa and Santana only met a few years ago, they didn't grow up together.
SATURDAY NIGHT (TWINS' BIRTHDAY PARTY) – AT BRITTANY'S HOUSE – BRITTANY POV
I'm in the kitchen, refilling bowls and platters with snacks, when I hear someone knocking on the window of the back door. I smile when I see it's Santana.
"Hey!" I say, opening the door for her.
"Hi! I'm sorry for going through the backyard but I figured Diego would be embarrassed if I went through the front door and ran into his friends."
"It's ok!" I say, to reassure her. "And you did well because he already confined me to the kitchen! I can 'watch them from afar' but 'I cannot make myself visible, under any circumstances'!" I add, using air quotes. "I cannot even bring them snacks, he said he will come get them himself!" I say in an offended tone, making her chuckle.
"What about Gabriel?" She asks. "I suppose Stella is here by now… How is he doing?"
"Well… look for yourself…" I smile, nodding towards the open door.
"Oh, he's dancing with her?" She opens her mouth in surprise and excitement.
"He is! And I've seen them talking together most of the night so… it's looking good!" I smirk. "I feel like I'm watching a romantic movie, I keep wondering if they're going to kiss!"
"It's hard to know… Our boy is pretty shy." She whispers, still spying on them.
"I know… unlike his brother!" I reply. "Because Diego has already kissed a girl tonight!" I laugh and she rolls her eyes.
"Blondie, I assume?" She asks.
"Um… no, it was a brunette…" I correct her.
"What?! But I saw him kissing a blonde the other day! How many girls is he dating?!" She frowns.
"Well, you know… He's young and exploring… but maybe we should have a discussion wi-…" I trail off, pausing for a second. "Oh my God, San, look!" I whisper, grabbing her arm. "Gabriel and Stella are kissing!"
"What, seriously?" She says in a surprised tone, turning her head towards them. "Oh my…" She lets out.
"What are you doing?" Sofia suddenly asks right behind us, startling us.
"Oh, God! You almost gave me a heart attack!" Santana complains, her hand on her chest. "Where did you even come from?"
"From outside… I just got back from dance practice!" Sofia shrugs. "How come you're here?" She asks her mama.
"What do you mean 'how come I'm here'?" Santana frowns, crossing her arms. "Im here to wish my sons a happy birthday! And eat some cake." She shrugs, as if that was obvious.
"Ah right, the 'birthday rule'." Sofia comments, using air quotes.
After our divorce, Santana and I agreed that the kids' birthdays were too special and none of us could miss them. That's how we came up with "the birthday rule": whoever has the kids that day hosts celebrations and the other drops by when it's time for cake.
A LITTLE WHILE LATER – AT BRITTANY'S HOUSE
"Where's Nick?" Santana asks while helping me with the cakes.
"He's napping upstairs. He's got the night shift this week…" I reply. "He will probably get up in an hour or so."
"Really? He can sleep with all this noise?"
"Well, he's just like me, he can sleep through anything!" I shrug.
"Right, how could I forget…" She rolls her eyes. "You know, I still can't believe you would sleep like a baby on the couch even though my dad was screaming his head off at the TV right next to you!" She adds, chuckling.
"Well, since you snored when we were married, I was used to ignoring loud noises." I tease her.
"I do NOT snore!" She objects, offended.
"Sure…" I say sarcastically.
"Melissa never told me I snored!"
"I asked her once actually, and she confirmed that you still do, so…"
"What?! I don't! And when did you guys talk about me?!" She asks, crossing her arms.
"I don't remember exactly… We just talk about you every now and then."
"What?! Okay, that has to stop!" She says, raising her index finger.
"Why?" I frown in confusion.
"Because I can't have my ex-wife and my girlfriend talking about me, Brittany! It's weird! Especially when it's about bed stuff!"
"Bed stuff? Woah, woah, woah… It was just an innocent talk about snoring, San! We didn't discuss sex stuff! I wouldn't want to know anything about that!"
LATER THAT NIGHT – AT BRITTANY'S HOUSE
"Alright, I said goodbye to the boys… although they made me stay outside the room." She rolls her eyes. "When did I stop being cool?" She asks, making me chuckle.
"You're still very cool, San!" I reassure her. "But being embarrassed by their parents is just part of the teenager package."
"I guess…" She sighs. "I know I said it many times before – and I will say it again – but… sometimes, I really miss the years they were little and I would get thousands of free kisses, for no reason!"
"I know…" I nod in understanding. "I miss that time too..."
"Well, I better go…" She says, after checking her watch.
"You're sure you don't want to stay a little more?" I ask.
"Thanks, but… Mel is waiting for me at home and even if she's very patient, I shouldn't abuse that!" She replies. "But I'll see you tomorrow anyway, when I pick up the kids?" She asks and I nod in approval.
"Okay, have a good night, Britt!" She says, kissing me goodbye on the cheek, before heading out.
THE NEXT DAY – AT BRITTANY'S HOUSE – DIEGO'S BEDROOM - SANTANA POV
"So…" Brittany says, looking at Diego. "The reason why mama and I wanted to talk to you is… um… because… um…" She trails off, obviously struggling to formulate her point.
"It's because you seem to kiss a different girl every two days." I'm quick to add.
"So?" He shrugs.
"So, I know you're young and it's exciting times but… you may want to slow down a little, mijo."
"Why?" He asks, frowning.
"Because I'm not raising a womanizer!" I reply, raising my arms. "So instead of kissing all the girls from school, why don't you try to know them first and only date one you really like?"
"That sounds like a lot of work just for a kiss." He says, making me drop my jaw in shock.
"Well… kissing is much better when it's with someone you really like." Brittany argues.
"Maybe." He shrugs. "But what if it doesn't last?" Diego asks. "At least, by kissing girls I'm not in love with, I don't risk getting my heart broken!"
"And what if it does last?" Britt asks, using the same logic. "Look at your sister! She met Liam when she was a toddler and they are still together now! And your mama and I were your age when we met."
"Yeah and look how well it turned out!" He replies. "You guys were divorced before you were even 40!" He adds, leaving us both stunned. "Even if no one in this world thought you would ever break up! Not me, nor Gabriel, nor Sofia! Not even Aunt Quinn, Uncle Mike or any of you friends!" He says. "Grandpa and Grandma didn't even believe you would go through with the divorce because you were 'too much in love' and Nana Alma said that 'God wouldn't let it happen'!And yet, you did get a divorce! So if it doesn't work for you, why should it be any different for me?" He shrugs, before leaving the room.
"Wow…" Brittany says, turning to me with open eyes.
"I know…" I add, trying to process what just happened.
"Did we actually fuck up our kids?" I eventually ask with a frown.
"Well… our son doesn't believe in love, and that's clearly on us." She replies with concerned eyes.
A FEW MINUTES LATER – IN DIEGO'S ROOM
"Okay, look…" I tell Diego, after we convinced him to continue our conversation. "I know it was tough on you when your mom and I split up but… sometimes it's for the best, mijo."
"If you say so…" He replies, jaded. "All I know is that I don't want to be like you and waste 20 years of my life on someone I end up divorcing."
"Okay, hold on!" I reply in an offended voice, raising my index finger. But Brittany is quick to place her hand on my arm and I know that's the sign I should let her do the talking.
"Listen, bud…" She says, in a soft voice. "I know that a divorce sounds like a huge failure and in some ways, it is…" She admits. "But we didn't waste time! The way I see it is that for 20 years, your mama and I were very happy together! And when I look back to that period of my life, all I remember is how much love there was in this house so… I don't have any regrets!" She shrugs.
"Me neither!" I add, proudly. "And even if we're no longer together, mom and I still care very much about each other."
"Exactly!" Britt confirms. "And the most amazing blessing came out of our marriage: you, your brother, and your sister! Just for that, I would do it all over again! Right, San?"
"Isn't the word 'blessing' a little strong?" I question but Britt immediately sends me a death glare.
"Um… I mean…" I mumble as her reproachful eyes are still set on me. "The point is that just like mom said, I wouldn't take anything back." I admit.
"Being in love is such a wonderful feeling, bud…" Brittany tells our son. "I don't want you to miss out on that just because you're afraid it may not work! It's always worth giving it a try! And it's not because our marriage didn't work that it will be the same for you."
A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER (LUNCH TIME)
I'm on my way to the restaurant, to meet my girl Mercedes, when my phone rings.
"Hi Abuelita!" I hurry to pick up.
"Santana, hello! How are you, mi cielito?"
"I'm great! How are you?"
"Not bad for an old woman…" She replies. "And how are my precious great grandchildren? Did the boys have a nice birthday party?"
"They're all doing just fine!" I say. "And yes, the twins did have a lot of fun at their birthday party! They pay a bit too much attention to girls for my liking but…" I trail off.
"Oh really?" She asks in an excited tone and I can picture her smirk all the way from here. "I can't wait to hear more about it when you guys come to Lima! Speaking of which… I wanted to talk to you about Christmas! I ran into Brittany's mom yesterday at the supermarket and she told me that Brittany changed her plans and is also spending the holidays in Lima this year?"
"Yes, she is." I confirm. "But that doesn't change much from the original plan, Abuelita… It's her turn to have the kids so… they will still spend Christmas day with her. The good news is that since we'll both be in Lima, I get them for Christmas eve!"
"I see…" She replies. "But I was thinking… Since I'm hosting the Christmas dinner at my house, I could also invite Brittany and her parents! That way we can all spend Christmas with the kids! What do you think?"
"What?" I frown in surprise. "No, Abuela, I don't think it's a good idea…"
"Why not? We were all together at Thanksgiving and everybody had a good time!"
"I know but it doesn't mean we have to spend all holidays together!" I argue. "Don't get me wrong, I love having Brittany around but we are divorced so… we have to set some boundaries! And it's not fair to Melissa to constantly impose my ex-wife on her!"
"Yeah, about that woman… Is she even feeding you, Santana? Because last time I saw you, you were all bones, like Jesus on the cross!"
"She doesn't have to feed me, Abuela! I'm perfectly capable of feeding myself!" I say, offended.
"Well, you should eat more then!"
"I thought this was a call about Christmas, not my food habits!" I complain.
"Fine… It is about Christmas!" She confirms. "Do you remember what I have always told you, mija? Family is the most important thing in the world! And I should be able to spend Christmas with my great grandchildren!" She argues. "Especially because who knows if I will still be there next year? I'm not getting any younger, you know!" She adds while I roll my eyes.
LATER THAT DAY - AT HOME
Even though I had a great time with Mercedes during our lunch and a pretty good afternoon at work, I'm still pissed by my conversation with Abuela when I get home.
"Hi…" I say, kissing Melissa's lips.
"Hi!" She replies. "Oh, what's that angry frown on your pretty face?" She asks, caressing my cheek.
"It's Abuela…" I sigh. "She called me earlier, to say that she's going to invite Brittany and her parents to her Christmas dinner!" I say, raising my arms in frustration.
"Oh…"
"I tried to talk her out of it but she didn't want to hear it! All she wants is having Sofia and the twins on Christmas day, no matter the consequences!" I say.
"I'm really, really sorry, honey…" I add, taking her hands in mine. "You shouldn't be forced to spend Christmas with Brittany."
"It's okay…" She says, bringing one of my hands to her lips. "I knew when we started our relationship that Brittany was part of the package… She's the mother of your children!" She shrugs. "And it could be worse… At least, she's a nice girl!"
"As long as I get you to myself, I'll be fine!" She smiles, placing another kiss on my lips.
"You're too good for me, you know that?" I say, wrapping my arms around her waist, before kissing her back.
I'm really lucky I found Melissa… She has always been so patient and understanding… Since day one, she made room in her life for my children and she has never complained about my co-parenting relationship with Brittany.
CHRISTMAS DAY – IN LIMA – AT ABUELA'S HOUSE
"Absolutely not!" I tell Abuela while I'm helping her in the kitchen. "I went along with it today but this is a one time thing only, okay? We're not spending Christmas with the Pierces next year!"
"But why not?" She shrugs. "If we celebrate all together, everybody gets what they want, Santana!"
"No, not everybody!" I complain, raising my arms.
I don't even know why I'm surprised… Just like she couldn't stay out of my marriage, Abuela can't stay out of my divorce! But now it's time for me to have a serious conversation with her.
"Can you take a seat, Abuela?" I suddenly ask, pointing at one of chairs around the kitchen table.
"What?" She frowns. "But we have to clean up this mess, Santana!" She says, pointing at the dishes in the sink.
"We will. I just need five minutes." I reply. "Please." I insist, pointing at the chair once more.
"Fine…" She sighs in defeat, taking a seat while I sit in front of her, across the table.
"Look… I know you were disappointed when Brittany and I split up but… do you really think any of us wanted it to get there? Getting a divorce was the hardest decision we ever made!"
FLASHBACK - 5 YEARS AGO – AT THE LAWYERS' OFFICE
To get some very much needed privacy, I locked myself up in the ladies' room, desperately trying to wipe my tears away. The judge pronounced mine and Brittany's divorce 17 minutes ago, officially putting an end to 20 years of love, 15 of which married.
Standing in front of the sinks, I close my eyes and take a few deep exhales, to calm down. As I open my eyes and catch a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror, I can't help but notice that I look like shit.
I grab my purse and try my best to adjust my makeup, before wiping my skirt flat. I can do this… I just need to hold back my tears until I reach my car in the parking lot. Then I can fall apart.
After a few minutes, I finally exit the ladies' room and wait for the elevator on the 30th floor. There are so many people in that lift that I struggle to find room for myself but fortunately, they all get off at the same time, leaving me alone.
The elevator stops on the 17th floor and I feel a sting in my heart when I see Brittany getting in. I suppose she went talking to her lawyer after the judgement, as his office is on that floor.
Our eyes meet for a brief moment and I can tell that she cried too… I quickly look away, feeling my heart getting even heavier than it already was. We both remain silent as the floors pass and although it's killing me, I wouldn't even know what to say…
Weirdly enough, no one joins us in the elevator and we are down to the 10th floor when I finally dare look at her again, only to find her eyes already set on me. Before I know it, she cups my cheek and presses her lips on mine, in a desperate loving kiss.
I know we shouldn't because it doesn't make any sense… And yet, here I am… tenderly kissing back the woman that I just divorced. Wrapping my arms around her waist, I gently pull her closer to me, knowing this kiss is my last chance to show her how much I've loved her during the past 20 years.
As the beep of the elevator signals that we're about to reach the ground floor, she slowly pulls away and rests her forehead on mine, her thumb softly running over my cheek. Her sad blue eyes lock with mine one last time, right before the elevator doors open.
"Bye, San…" She whispers, getting out of the elevator. Even though my legs feel like jelly, I manage to get out too but I find myself frozen in the reception area, watching her walking away.
This time, my marriage is really over… Brittany is no longer my wife.
And I know this was the last kiss we'll ever share.
PRESENT TIME – CHRISTMAS DAY - AT ABUELA'S HOUSE
"Honestly, Abuela… I was so heartbroken that I didn't think I would ever get over it…" I say, shaking my head. "I was miserable for a long time! But then, I met Melissa and against all odds, I fell in love with her!" I shrug in admission. "And things are going so well between us, I really don't want to mess that up! After my failed marriage, I need this relationship to work out!" I insist.
"Okay, but what does it have to do with me?" Abuela asks, frowning in confusion. "I have nothing against Melissa, Santana. She's welcome here any time!" She shrugs.
"I know that but…" I sigh. "Look, let's be honest for a minute. I know you're very fond of Brittany, God knows you've never tried to hide it… And I get it!" I shrug. "You have known her and her family for a very long time and… she gave you great grandchildren. But she shouldn't be here, Abuela. Because I'm with Melissa now!" I say, raising my arms. "And you're so happy to see Britt that you focus all your attention on her, basically forcing Melissa to live in her shadow!"
"You're exaggerating, mija…"
"No, I'm not!" I reply, getting upset. "And the same goes for Nicholas. The poor guy should have the chance to spend time with Brittany's family without having me around!" I say. "And frankly, even though I'm happy Britt found someone to take care of her, I don't need to see her kiss him under the mistletoe again, okay? Because it hurts!" I admit out loud for the first time.
"Okay…" She eventually nods after a moment of silence, placing a comforting hand on mine.
"I know you want to be with the kids for Christmas and no one understands this better than me…" I say in a softer tone, looking into her eyes. "You don't know how much I hate being apart from them during the holidays… or seeing them only every other week! But that's how it works when a couple with kids get a divorce…" I add in a sad voice.
THREE WEEKS LATER (MID JANUARY) – IN LOS ANGELES
I'm just out of the coffee shop on this sunny day when my phone suddenly rings.
"Hi Britt!" I say, after seeing her name on my screen.
"San..." She says in a cracking, sobbing voice and I immediately freeze in the middle of the sidewalk.
"What's wrong?" I ask in a worried tone, getting a bad feeling in my gut.
"It's Diego…" She says, crying. "He collided into another player at baseball practice… and he had a bad fall…" She adds in between sobs, making me drop my coffee cup on the floor.
LATER – AT THE HOSPITAL
After driving way faster than I'm allowed to, I finally get to the hospital and run into the waiting room.
"Britt!" I call her, when I spot her nervously pacing in the room.
Upon hearing my voice, she runs towards me and pulls me into such a tight hug that she's suffocating me.
"Is there any news?" I whisper in her ear, hugging her back.
"No…" She says, before pulling away to look at me. Her eyes are all red and I'm pretty sure that I must have the same worried look as hers right now. "They told me that the doctor would come find us once they are done examining him…"
"I'm really freaking out, San…" She adds, shaking her head.
"It's gonna be ok, he's in good hands now…" I say in my most reassuring voice, rubbing her arm.
"Excuse me…" We suddenly hear behind us. "Are Diego Lopez-Pierce's parents here?" The doctor asks, looking around the room.
"Yes, we're here!" Brittany says, raising her arm.
A WHILE LATER – AT THE HOSPITAL – IN THE WAITING ROOM
"Your son has a couple of bruised ribs, a concussion…" Dr. Collins says while Brittany and I exchange a worried look. "… and he also has a spine injury." He adds in a serious tone, leaving me in shock. Upon hearing those words, Brittany immediately grabs my hand and I hold it tight because right now, she is the only person on this entire planet that can relate to the indescribable fear I'm feeling.
"He regained consciousness when we were examining him so we used the opportunity to carry out some tests and… I'm afraid that he couldn't feel his legs…" Doctor Collins says and I watch Brittany cover her mouth with her free hand while I stay frozen in my spot, feeling like I'm going to throw up.
"In some cases, this paralysis can be temporary. In others, it is permanent… We will only know where we stand once we can perform additional tests." The doctor explains. "But between the confusion, the pain and the realization that he couldn't move his legs, Diego became quite agitated… So, we decided to put him in a medically induced coma." He adds and I feel Britt squeezing my hand even tighter.
"How long will he have to stay in a coma…?" I eventually manage to ask.
"We'll wake him up in a couple of days and… we will reassess the situation." The doctor replies. "I'm sorry I don't have more answers for you at this time but… we need to wait and see how his condition evolves."
"Can we see him?" Brittany asks, wiping her tears away.
"Of course, I'll take you to his room."
LATER THAT DAY – AT THE HOSPITAL
"But I want to see him!" Gabriel protests, with big sad eyes.
"I know, mijo…" I say, caressing his cheek, aware of the strong bond he shares with his twin brother. "But I'm afraid that right now, only your mom and I are authorized to visit him…" I add and my heart breaks when I see how desperate he looks.
"How about I put the phone to his ear later and you can tell him anything you want?" I suggest but my blond boy remains silent, looking at his feet. Even though he eventually nods in defeat, I can tell that this solution is far from being enough for him.
"You guys should get something to eat…" I say. "Can you take your brother to the cafeteria and see if there is something you like?" I tell Sofia, giving her my bank card.
"Okay…" She whispers, her worried eyes briefly meeting mine. I silently watch them walk away when Melissa gets back to me.
"Hey… How are you holding up?" She asks, caressing my arm.
"I don't even know…" I sigh. "I'm trying to focus on the positive: at least, my son is alive and he's out of danger. And since he's sedated, he's not in any pain." I say. "That brings me some comfort… but it's hard not to worry about his spine injury…"
"I know…" She says in a sympathetic voice. "But let's cross that bridge when we come to it, ok? Like you said, he's out of danger! And for all we know, his paralysis might very well be temporary!" She adds in a hopeful voice and I silently nod, trying to hold back my tears.
"Come here…" She says, pulling me into a tight embrace. "He will be okay…" She whispers into my ear. While we hug, I spot Nick a few feet away, kissing Brittany's forehead before taking her into his arms.
"Is there anything I can do?" Mel asks as she breaks our hug, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
"Well… could you bring me some clothes?" I ask. "The doctor said that Brittany and I could sleep in Diego's room tonight… but I have nothing with me."
"Sure! I'll go home and pack you a bag." She says, nodding.
"And um… would you mind if Sofia and Gabriel stayed with you tonight? Nicholas is on the night shift this week so he can't look after them… But I would prefer if they were with you anyway."
"Of course!" She says. "Don't worry, I'll take good care of them." She adds, kissing my lips.
EVEN LATER THAT DAY – AT THE HOSPITAL
Brittany and I are taking coffee from the vending machine when the nurse informs us that Diego's room is now all set for us.
"I'm afraid there was no big bed available and we only had a one-person bed left so… you and your wife will have to share it." She says, looking at me.
"Oh… no, we're not m…" I try to clarify, but I'm interrupted by her pager beeping.
"Excuse me…" She says, immediately walking away.
A FEW MINUTES LATER – IN DIEGO'S ROOM
"Um… you can take the bed if you want." I tell Brittany. "I'll sleep on the chair…" I add, taking a seat by my boy's bed.
"Don't be silly!" She replies. "We've shared a small bed before, San… Don't you remember the sofa we slept on when you were living in New York with Rachel and Kurt?" She says, making my mind travel back to that time, so many years ago. That sofa was so narrow that we basically had to lay on top of each other to avoid falling! But I really didn't mind…
"If we squeeze in, I bet we can both fit." She adds, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"I don't think it's appropriate, Brittany… What would Mel and Nicholas say?" I question, staring at her.
"I don't think they would worry, San. We're in a hospital, with our son in the room!" She says, pointing at our boy. "I think they know nothing is going to happen!"
"Fine…" I sigh, even if I feel weird at the idea of sleeping in the same bed as Britt. But I have bigger fish to fry right now, considering that my beautiful son is laying unconscious in a hospital bed…
I look at him for a minute and stand up from my chair, to caress his hair. "Hi mijo…" I say, gently taking his hand in mine. "I hope you're having nice dreams… Mom and I will spend the night in your room so… don't you worry about a thing and just rest, ok? We've got you!"
A FEW HOURS LATER (NIGHT TIME) – AT THE HOSPITAL
"San… are you awake…?" I suddenly hear Brittany whisper, breaking the silence.
"Yes." I sigh, turning around to face her but the bed is so small that I find myself just a few inches away from her. "Can't sleep either?" I ask.
"No… I'm too worried to sleep…"
"Me too…" I admit.
Without warning, she grabs my hand under the sheets and I intertwine our fingers, also needing this connection that I can't have with anyone else. Not even with Melissa because even though she loves Diego, he's not her son. She will never fully understand how scared and helpless I feel right now… But Brittany, she gets it… And I'm so grateful I don't have to go through this alone.
"What if he can't walk again…?" She eventually asks in an emotional voice and even in the darkness of the room, I can read the overwhelming worry in her blue eyes.
"He will be fine." I reply, in an attempt to comfort both of us.
"How do you know?" She sobs, now unable to fight the tears.
"He just… He has to…" I say, also struggling to keep my emotions under control.
Tears fall down her cheeks and it's so heartbreaking to see that I can't resist pulling her closer to me. Without saying a word, we hug each other, her head resting on my chest, just like when we were married. I gently rub her cheek with my thumb, knowing that it always helps soothing her.
We stay in a tight embrace for a while, until she breaks the silence again.
"Do you remember when he spilled ketchup all over our white carpet?" She suddenly says, making me chuckle.
"You say it like it was an accident but he did that on purpose!" I argue.
"I'm Detective Diego and this is a crime scene!" She adds, using the same serious tone as Diego when he was six years old.
"Yeah well… That was definitely a crime! He completely ruined that prestigious and very expensive carpet!" I sigh. "That taught us an important lesson though: never have anything white laying around with three kids in the house!"
"And when he switched the salt shaker with the sugar pot?" She recalls. "I can still see your face when you drank your cup of coffee that morning!" She laughs.
"Oh my God, I so wanted to kill him for that!" I say. "He really was a little monster when he was a child, always pulling evil pranks like these!"
"Yeah well… We had two well-behaved kids, so it figured that the third one would get into mischief… Otherwise it would have been too easy!"
"Excuse me but Sofia was not that well-behaved when she was little!" I object. "Don't you remember that she drew with permanent markers all over our walls? And how she would systematically cry whenever we were about to have sex? I swear, I was this close to leaving her at a fire station!" I complain, making her chuckle.
"But that was only when she was really, really little…" Britt says. "After that, she became a sweet girl!"
"Yeah, after ruining our sex life for long enough…" I mumble.
"Come on, it was not that bad…" She chuckles, resting her head on my shoulder.
As we fall back into silence, a few memories from Diego's childhood flash through my mind: his first steps, the way he used to cling to Brittany's legs wherever we were going, how proud he was when he won the junior guitar contest…
"Do you remember the day he said he would marry you when he grows up?" I suddenly ask.
"Oh yeah!" She laughs. "I told him 'But what about mama? I'm already married to her!' And… what did he say again?" She asks, searching for the right words.
"He turned to me and told me "it's ok, mama, we can share! I get mommy from Monday to Saturday and you can get her on Sundays'." I say while she bursts into laughter. "That little rascal and his 'sense of sharing'!"
"He's a really good boy though…" She adds, her smile quickly turning into a worried pout.
"Yeah, he is…" I say, searching for her hand.
Diego has always been the clown of our family… Sure, I sometimes got angry at his pranks when he was little but his good sense of humor often gets me belly laughing. No one can lighten up the mood better than him! And he's definitely a good boy, like Brittany said. I'll always remember that one year when he decided to give a homeless woman all the money he had got for Christmas…
He has always been quite popular at school, mostly because of his performances on the baseball field and his skills as a guitar player. But unlike most popular kids, he has never had a bad word for anyone and I've always been very proud of that… He's really a much better kid than I was at his age.
THE NEXT MORNING – AT THE HOSPITAL – IN THE WAITING ROOM
"But I thought you were a doctor?" Sofia impatiently tells Nick. "Can't you just take us to see him? Last time I checked, siblings were family!" She complains and I completely understand her frustration. I also wonder why the hospital would not let anyone see Diego, except for Britt and me.
"I'm sorry, I tried but this is not the hospital I work in so… I don't have privileges here…" He replies. "But if you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them."
"Well… there is something I still don't understand…" Gabriel says timidly. "I thought doctors tried to wake people from their coma, not put them in one…"
"I know it's confusing, buddy…" Nicholas nods in understanding. "But Diego hit his head and he has what we call a 'concussion'. It's a head injury that can make the brain swell… which is precisely what we want to avoid. That's why the doctors put him in a coma, so his brain would not be solicited and could heal faster…"
"What about his other injuries?" Gabriel asks.
"Well… Your mom said he has a couple of bruised ribs, and although that can be painful, it's nothing to be concerned about… It will heal in a few weeks."
"But the spine injury… how bad is it?" Sofia asks in a worried voice and I immediately panic. Brittany and I decided not to tell Sofia and Gabriel about their brother's paralysis because we didn't want them to worry until we knew more. I'm about to open my mouth to interrupt their conversation but Brittany immediately grabs my arm, to stop me. God, it's unbelievable how she can always predict my every move!
"It's okay… He knows what to say…" She whispers, nodding.
"We will have to wait for a few days to find out." Nicholas says. "His spine is probably swollen because of the fall but the swelling might decrease by the time they wake him up." He adds with a comforting smile and although I'm grateful he gave my kids some hope, I feel completely devastated.
LATER THAT DAY – AT THE HOSPITAL – IN THE WAITING ROOM
"Any update?" Melissa asks me as I sit back next to her.
"Nothing new… Dr. Collins just said that Diego is stable and repeated that we will only know more when they wake him up…" I sigh. "God, I hate waiting like this, it drives me crazy!" I add, laying my head on her shoulder.
"I know…" She says, putting her arm around me to pull me closer.
"Distract me…" I beg. "What are you planning to do with the kids tonight?"
"Well… Actually, Gabriel asked me if we could go to church later, to light a candle for Diego… So I was planning to take them there and I was thinking that we could order burgers and fries on our way back… I know it's not healthy but I cooked them a very respectable meal last night." She says in justification. "And I figured that after everything they went through, they could use some comfort food…"
"It's okay…" I chuckle. "It's perfect!" I shrug.
"Yeah?" She asks in an uncertain voice and I nod in confirmation. "Okay, great! Then we'll do that and then, I think we'll go back home and watch one of their favorite comedies… because they had enough sadness for one day." She adds and I smile at her in gratitude. She's always been so thoughtful with them...
She smiles back at me, gently rubbing my knee, and all I can think of right now is what a great mom she would make…
THE NEXT AFTERNOON – AT THE HOSPITAL – IN DIEGO'S ROOM
I'm lost in my thoughts when Brittany suddenly places a comforting hand on mine, making me turn to her.
"Take deep breaths, San…" She says, making me frown in confusion.
"You've been wriggling in your chair for a while…" She adds. "And I know you do that when you're particularly anxious…"
"Right…" I sigh, before taking a few deep breaths.
It figures that once again, Brittany would know exactly how I feel… I am indeed very nervous, wondering what's going to happen in the next minutes or hours, since Dr. Collins stopped Diego's medication this morning. Our boy is now breathing on his own and he has even opened his eyes a couple of times but the doctor warned us it might take a while before he fully wakes up.
But one hour later, he's still not conscious and I become more and more agitated in my chair.
"Okay..." Britt suddenly says, closing the magazine she was reading. "Braid my hair." She suggests, pointing at her blond locks.
"What?"
"Braid my hair!" She shrugs. "It seems you've reached the stage where it's the only thing that will calm you down, so…"
"Oh, no, it's not necessary…" I repeat. "I'm not nerv-" I lie but she immediately cuts me off.
"I think sometimes you forget we were married for 15 years, San. That lie doesn't work on me." She says. "I can tell you're about to burst."
"Fine…" I sigh in defeat. What's the point of arguing, she knows me so well that she could write a manual about me!
But another long hour and many different styles of braids later, Diego is finally fully awake.
"Hi buddy…" Britt whispers as we get closer to his bed, before gently caressing his hair.
"You're okay, mijo…" I nod to reassure him, taking his hand in mine.
Our son doesn't say anything but I can tell by the way he looks at me that he understood what I just said.
LATER THAT DAY – AT THE HOSPITAL
"Can you squeeze both of my hands?" Dr. Collins asks Diego, in front of us.
"Very good…" The doctor comments and I exhale in relief.
"And on a scale from 1 to 10, how much pain are you feeling right now?"
"Four…" Diego manages to whisper.
"Okay… Don't worry, we'll give you something for the pain soon…" The doctor replies. "Now tell me… can you feel this?" He asks, slowly dragging his pen on the sole of his right foot while I hold my breath.
TO BE CONTINUED…
A/N: Sorry for the cliffhanger but I like to give you something to look forward to. What did you think of this (longer) chapter? Did you enjoy the flashback? What do you think will happen next? Thank you in advance for your reviews, and don't forget to adjust your notifications if not already done! I already wish you the very best for 2023 as this is the last chapter I publish in 2022!