Author: SOAGemmaGemro
Title: Big Surprise
Fandom: Sons Of Anarchy
Pairing: Gemro [Gemma/Nero]
Summary: Gemma & Nero are together, but they are in for an unexpected surprise.
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: No characters belong to me they belong to Kurt Sutter & FX/Disney.
Author's Notes:See Chapter 1 for full notes
I own nothing, but my OC's which are as follows: Gemma's O.B. Allison Shyer, receptionist Shelly, nurses Melissa & Nicole, Lucius's caregiver Kayla, Trisha the other receptionist, Dr. Jamie Booker, Dr. Samantha Booker (they are sisters), Dr. Paula Campbell, Dr. Carla Becker (pediatric cardiologist), Dr. Ramona Jessup (one of the NICU nurses, Amy Anderson (Atalaya's primary nurse), Dr. Amber Coleman, Dr. Tim Drake (Trauma room doctors), Pamela Cole (Social worker), Dr. Christina Jacoby (pediatrician), Dr. Julia Parker (Audiologist)
A few notes for this chapter: Perhaps I wasn't clear before, but once again this story is mainly on Gemma/Nero NOT Jax/Tara, they aren't going to be endgame and weren't intended to be as I do not ship them at all. Josh Kohn is a good guy in this story not at all as he was on the show. I know I could have written an OC for Tara to be with, but I have never written one before, at least not one to carry through a whole story and I don't like them under normal circumstances, plus I thought Josh was the better bet as he and Tara were together previously. Again Spanish in this chapter, translated with google... quite a bit this time
FYI:I want to thank my friend Micheala Koch for the idea of putting a bit of drama into Gemma's adoption of Lucius. I'll be beta-ing the rest of this story on my own.
Thanks to everyone whose still loving/liking this story and staying with me for more of the Padilla's family's journey.
Anyway enough of my talking, on with the story...enjoy!
It's been awhile, but here's chapter 25...
Previously On Big Surprise:
He goes the few steps over to the stereo looking for the CD he wants to put in finally finding it he opens the CD case popping the music turning it down so it doesn't wake up Kayla and Lucius seconds later Van Morrison's These Are The Days comes through the stereo.
Walking back to his daughter and wife he holds them in his arms, kissing Gemma and Talaya both on their foreheads and they start slowly dancing to the music as Talaya whose on her mother's chest finally calms down seconds later falling into a peacefully slumber as Gemma smiles up at him then laying her head on her husband's chest Nero smiles while they still danced together...their beautiful little family finally complete.
Chapter 25: Esperando la verdad (Waiting For The Truth)
Two Weeks Later: February 1st 8am:
Talaya seems to be feeling a lot better now, both Gemma and Nero are glad for that. A cry comes from the monitor Gemma eyes slowly open, she groans softly yawning seconds later Nero awakens looking at her "Do you want to get her or should I?" she asks "I'll get her, Mama" he said, getting up from the bed going into the bathroom to wash his hands minutes later he returns to their bedroom and walks to the nursery going into his daughter's crib putting down the crib bars he picks her up into his arms kissing the back of her head while supporting it in his hands "Hola Mija, ¿cómo estás, eh?" (Hey Mija, how are you doing, huh?) "¿Estás bien?" (You okay?) a smiles crosses his face as she stops crying walking out of the nursery with her going into their bedroom he sat down on the bed switching her position to his arms cradling her leaning his head against the headboard rocking her, Gemma sits up in the bed "Is she okay?" she asked "Yeah I think she just wanted to be with us" he says, smiling as she smiles too just looking at their daughter in his arms. Nero kisses her on her forehead.
Gemma gets up from the bed going into the bathroom closing the door behind she goes pee and washes her hands 5 minutes later she opened the door and returned to bed again getting under the covers suddenly Talaya starts getting fussy she looks over at her husband "I think she's probably hungry now" she surmises silently he hands her over she carefully takes the baby into her arms cradling her a bit before lifting up her shirt moving Talaya up close to her breast waiting for her to latch onto her nipple within seconds she does and starts eating Gemma grimaces in pain "Ouch!" she whispers, Nero looks at her sympathetically rubbing her arm a bit.
Nero throws off the covers getting up from the bed "I'm gonna go check on Lucius" he said
"Okay, we'll be in here" she smiled at him
With that he continues walking to his son's room going in and sits down on the bed reaching over to his son shaking him gently
"Mijo, are you awake?" he asks, looking at him
With his eyes still closed, he shakes his head "No, I'm still sleepy" he murmurs
"I know, but are you ready for breakfast?" he asks, smiling
"Yeah, Papi" he answered, happily
Smiling Nero picks him up carefully into his arms carrying him from his bedroom and to the kitchen setting him down into the empty chair.
"What do you want to eat?" he asked
"Eggs and bacon" he answered, rubbing his eyes of sleep.
With that Nero starts making his requested breakfast, he bends down opening the cabinet rummaging around for a skillet after some minutes he finds one big enough for both the eggs and bacon, standing up he places the skillet onto the stove then gets out the eggs and bacon from fridge placing them on the counter he cracks two eggs into the skillet then takes out two pieces of bacon out of the package placing them into skillet and turns on the burner and starts cooking his son's breakfast.
After 20 minutes the food is done he turns off the stove and burners, reaching for a plate and fork from the silverware drawer and places the eggs and bacon on the plate turning around asking,
"What you want to drink?"
"Milk" he answered
"Okay" he says, walking over to his son placing the plate and fork in front of him.
He walks back to the fridge opening it getting out the carton of milk getting a small cup pouring the milk in it and walks over putting the cup on the table next his plate
"Here you go" Lucius smiles, taking a sip before replying "Thanks, Papi"
Nero smiles, responding "You're welcome" while his son is eating he starts making himself some coffee after 10 minutes the coffee's done he opens the cupboard reaching up grabbing a cup then goes over to the pot taking it out pouring the hot liquid into his cup then puts in some sugar and creamer in then grabs a spoon stirring everything in and starts drinking his coffee. "Mm" he exclaims "Perfect" he smiles walking over to the table taking a seat beside his son watching him eat.
Meanwhile back in their bedroom, Gemma's still nursing Talaya, but suddenly she lets go of her breast looking up at her mother
"Are you done, baby girl?" she asks, looking down at her daughter to which Talaya smiles up at her mother letting her know she's finished.
"I'll take that as a yes" she smiled, grabbing a burp cloth putting it over her shoulder picking her up placing her onto her shoulder patting her back a bit harder, but gently.
"Come on, sweetheart you need to burp for mommy" she encourages her, a few seconds later she burps "Good girl" she praises, she continues burping her for a few more minutes and she lets out a few more burps. "That's my girl" she whispered, kissing her on the back of her head rocking her slowly still patting her back she coos closing her eyes soon falling back asleep.
Gemma quietly gets from the bed walking into the nursery and over to the crib putting down the bars placing her daughter gently down into it leaning down kissing her on the forehead then covers her up a bit and puts the bars back up, turns on the monitor on the table then walked over to the mobile turning it on and as she leaves she turns on the little night light and walks out of the room closing the door quietly.
Once she's back into the bedroom she turns on the other monitor in there grabbing the walkie talkie from the side table clipping it onto her pajamas for now and grabs her pills from her dresser and walks out of the room and into the kitchen to join her husband and stepson.
"Hey good morning you two" she says, happily
"Hi Gemma!" Lucius replies, smiling up at her as he's eating his breakfast
"Hey, sweetheart" she says, sitting down at the table, unclipping the walkie talkie from her jeans and putting it onto the table
"Hey baby" she cooed at her husband
"Hey Mama, is she asleep?" he asked, while drinking his coffee
"Yeah" she replied
"I'm hungry, babe" she remarked
"I'll get you plate" he tells her
"Thank you" she says
"You're welcome" he replies
With that Nero put his cup down onto the table getting up walking over to the counter grabbing another plate going over to the stove putting some food onto his wife's plate then grabs a fork walking back over to her.
"Here, baby" he said, handing her the plate
"Thanks, sweetheart" she said
"Can I have some orange juice?" she asked
"Yeah, sure" he said, walking over to the fridge
She sets the plate down in front of her and her pill bottle and starts eating her breakfast.
Meanwhile Nero opens the fridge bending down grabbing the carton of orange juice and a glass from the cupboard, opening the juice he sets the glass down on the counter pouring it in then closes it putting it back into the fridge bringing the glass of juice to her.
"Here, baby" she takes the glass from him setting it down in front her plate taking a drink to wash down the bites of food she's eating.
"Thank you" she says, picking up her fork again and eating
"You're welcome" he says, sitting back down in his chair leaning back continuing to drink his coffee staring happily at his wife and son.
As Gemma's eating she glances up at her husband curiously asking "Babe, you aren't gonna eating?"
"Nah, Mama I'm not that hungry right now" he replies
"Okay" she says, looking back down at her plate
"Are you sure you aren't hungry, we could share breakfast" she suggests
Nero sighs heavily realizing his wife isn't gonna give up until she gets her way, he puts his hands up in defeat "Okay you got me, babe, I'll eat" he smiles
"You know you drive me crazy, but I love you" he says, truthfully, gazing into her eyes intensely
Gemma meets his gaze and just smiles flirtatiously at him "Well you make me happy, baby and I love you"
She continues " And I bet if we hadn't met your life would be a whole lot simpler" she states back, still staring over at him
"We find who we find, Mama" he says, smiling while swallowing a small bit of his coffee
Nero picks up his half drunk coffee cup and goes over to his wife sitting down in the other empty chair beside her he looks down at her plate noticing she's left some food for him he grabs the plate slowly sliding it over in front of him and starts eating from it, Gemma's hand spins around just watching him smirking
"See your hungry" she remarked, he snorts replying "Yeah, yeah" after a few minutes he puts some of the food onto his fork moving it over to his wife's mouth "Open" he instructs her she opens her mouth and he feeds her "Mm" she smiles grabbing the fork from him taking some food onto it and feeds him "So good, even better like this" he remarks they continue feeding each other the breakfast while drinking their coffee and orange juice to wash down the food.
After a few minutes Nero starts speaking in Spanish to Gemma
"Eres tan hermosa" (Eres tan hermosa)
"Me enamoro de ti de nuevo cada vez que me despierto y te miro a mi lado" (I fall in love with you all over again every time I wake up and look over at you beside me)
"Eres mía para siempre, mamá" (You're mine forever, Mama)
"Babe..." she whispered, moaning a bit
"What?" he whispered, taking her hand into his bringing it up to his mouth kissing it gently
"I don't know what you just said, but it such a turn on" she whispers into his ear
"I know" he whispers back, letting out a slow growl
"Well stop it" she pleaded whispering, but biting her lip hard, titling her head back in pure pleasure
"Mama, come on I love turning you on like this and I know you love it too" he stated back still whispering, raising his eyebrow seductively knowing her pleading for him to stop won't last long.
"Mm, well when you put it that way okay I can't lie I do..." she whispering trailing off getting up from the chair going over to him taking a seat on his lap laying her head onto his shoulder as he smiles down at her as his hand reached down into her shirt and into her bra gently caressing her left breast, Gemma's breath hitches a bit moaning softly in pleasure and his finger gently squeezes her hardened nipple "Mm... babe wait... whispering back in his ear "The kids..." she swallows hard, breathing heavily "Relax Mama, they aren't in here, let's just have this time for us okay" he continues whispering she nods a bit as his hand lets go of her breast and his finger off her nipple then continues touching and squeezing the other breast and nipple while Gemma continues moaning a bit louder holding onto him and his mouth moves onto the side of her neck kissing it then gently biting and nibbling on the the flesh there leaving a small mark and moving onto the other side also leaving another mark after a few seconds as she finally relaxes as does her body in his arms and he holds her knowing her that she wants and needs this badly.
"Please, baby...don't stop" she begged, whispering in a low almost growl, closing her eyes holding onto the back of his head enjoying what he's doing and he doesn't stop.
A Half Hour Later:
Breakfast is finished now, Gemma grabs some more juice and her pills opening the bottle taking out a pill popping it into her mouth she drinks the pill down titling her head back swallowing it as it goes down bitterly, she groans softly placing her hand on her stomach after her pill is taken Gemma and Nero are cleaning up the kitchen together after their little intimate encounter while Lucius is in his room coloring. After a few more minutes they are done cleaning, Gemma sighs tiredly putting the last of the dishes in the dishwasher while Nero quickly wipes down the counters then they both wash their hands at the sink.
Gemma looks over at him while squeezing the soap out of the bottle onto her hands lathering them up, he moves over to join her reaching his fingers up to her neck lightly caressing the mark on her neck, she smiles, shivering a bit at his touch.
"Baby, thank you for that, I needed it" she says, smiling as she put her hands underneath the warm water rinsing them off.
"I know and you're welcome" he smiles back, gently touching her hands while his hands are still under the water washing his.
They finish washing and drying their hands, Gemma turns around facing him, looking up and taking his hand putting it up to her mouth kissing it lovingly as her other hand reaches around to his ass lightly spanking it, smirking as their lips move closer together until their only a mere inches apart and they kiss on the lips softly and sensually after a few minutes they stop breathing heavily, smiling at each other, but after awhile they let go, but are still holding each others hands then Nero quickly takes his pill as well after as Gemma suggested
"Babe, why we go back to bed?"
"I'm tired" she complained, grabbing the walkie talkie and walking out of the kitchen
"Okay" he says, following close behind her to their bedroom
They get to their bedroom within seconds Nero opens the door letting her in first then going inside himself closing it, Gemma tiredly walks over to the bed yawning softly putting the walkie talkie onto the table next to her she crawls in getting underneath the covers laying down placing her head onto her pillow and instantly falls asleep, Nero looks down smiling at her walking over to his side of the bed crawling in as well getting under the covers laying down, but doesn't go to sleep instead he stares up at the ceiling sighing deeply and after a few minutes he rolls over on his stomach closing his eyes finally falling asleep himself.
A Few Hours Later: 12pm:
Nero's eyes open to loud crying over the baby monitor, groaning he rolls over onto his back sitting up in the bed rubbing his eyes of sleep throwing the covers off dragging himself out of bed walking to the bathroom going in and washing his hands then drying them on the towel and walks out and to the nursery quietly opening the door turning on the light he walks over the crib gazing down at his daughter smiling
"hola bebe" (Hi, baby girl) she instantly stops crying and smiles and coos a bit.
Nero picks up his daughter into his arms cradling her bringing her out from the nursery with him and into the kitchen she's cooing happily while he walks over to the fridge opening it he grabs a bottle of breast milk closing the door going to the microwave pushing the lever in the door opens and he places the bottle inside closing the door press 1 minute and the microwave starts he then walks away and back into the nursery and to the changing table laying his daughter down gently "Let's get that diaper changed, Mija" he says, she stares up at him smiling, he smiles back at her, leaning in kissing her on the forehead.
10 Minutes Later:
Talaya's diaper and clothes are changed he picks her up from the changing table into his arms quickly grabbing a burp cloth from the under the table draping it over his shoulder walking out of the nursery and into the kitchen to the microwave opening it grabbing the bottle out closing it and putting it into his daughter's mouth and she immediately starts eating he walks around the house softly talking to her as she drinks her bottle.
After awhile Talaya's done eating and Nero has put her into her bassinet in their bedroom along with her pacifier placing it into her mouth. He goes over to his side of the bed crawling underneath the covers laying down just watching his wife sleep beside him, grinning brightly.
3pm:
Gemma has been up for an hour now and Nero has gone to work while Talaya has fallen back asleep again in her bassinet with her pacifier in her mouth. Kayla came over to help with Lucius and they are playing Uno in his room.
While she can she grabs her phone from inside her purse flipping it up dialing St. Thomas hospital putting the receiver to her ear waiting for them to answer.
Minutes later a soft voice comes on the line
"St. Thomas Hospital, can I help you?" she asks
"This Gemma Teller Padilla I need to make a doctor's appointment for my daughter Atalaya Padilla with Dr. Jacoby" she answers.
"Yes ma'am, I can get you down for Wednesday February 8th at 2pm, how's that?" she asked
"That's fine" she said, rolling her eyes annoyingly at calling her "ma'am"
"Okay see you then, bye" the other woman said
"Thank you, bye" she hangs up flipping her phone closed, throwing it back into her purse again.
Not even a minute later her phone rings again, sighing heavily she reaches into her purse grabbing her phone flipping it up putting the receiver up to her ear
"Hello?" she answers simply
"Hey Mama" he says happily
"Hey baby, how's work?" she asks a smile coming across her face
"Fine, same old shit, but it would be better if you were here with me" he says sitting down in his office chair
"Mm, I wish I was there too" she says
"I made another doctors appointment for Talaya soon" she tells him
"Okay" he says "When?" he asks
"February 8th at 2pm" she answers
"Okay" he says
"You are coming right?" she asks
"Of course, Mama" he answers back
"Good" she says
"What time are you gonna be home?" she asks
"Probably around 8" he answers
"Okay, I'll save dinner for you" she says
"Thanks, Mama" he answers..after a brief pause he continues "I miss you"
"I miss you, too" she says, lovingly
"I love you" she says
"Love you, too" he says back
"Babe, I have to go, I'll see you later" he says, after a few minutes of silence
"Okay, bye, I love you" she says
"I love you, Gemma" he says, hanging up
She waits until he hangs up before she does as well closing her phone putting it down onto the table.
Gemma gets up from the couch walking into the nursery grabbing the pump from on the dresser and two bottles then walks back out into the dining room pulling out a chair at the table she sits down putting the bottles down there next she takes off her shirt putting it down on her lap and unclips her bra exposing her breasts groaning in pain because her nipples are sore she turns on the pump placing the suction cups on both breasts then unscrews the lids to the two bottles and placing them onto the pump waiting for the bottles to fill up. Twenty minutes later the bottles are filled up sighing she turns off the pump taking off the suction cups then the bottles grabbing the lids off the table she screws them back on then puts the tops on them so they stay fresh she places the bottles down on the table for a moment and clips her bra back into place again then quickly puts back on her shirt. Standing up she grabs the bottles and pump carrying them with her into the kitchen walking over to the fridge opening the door bending down she places the bottles inside closing the door and putting the pump onto the counter for now.
A Few Hours Later: 6pm:
Gemma is making spaghetti with meatballs and garlic bread for dinner; she has fed and changed Talaya already now she's in her swing in the corner of the kitchen, but away from the stove while cooking so her mommy can keep an eye on her. After a few minutes she has the noodles into the pot boiling and the sauce in a pot cooking. Then gets out the meatballs placing them into a pan opening the oven putting both the garlic bread and meatball into the oven closing the door. Talaya is awake in her swing cooing and smiling happily watching her mommy cook.
7pm:
Everything is now done, Gemma turns off the burners and oven moving over the pots to the other non lit burners so the food doesn't burn. Next she grabs some plates, silverware and glasses placing them onto the table. She walks into Lucius's room stands in the doorway announcing "Dinner's ready you two" she smiled walking over to them.
"What are we having, Gemma?" he asked.
"Spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread, baby" she answered
"Mm, yum!" he exclaimed, smiling
"When is my dad coming home?" he asked, looking up at her
"Soon, honey" she answered back
"Well let's go eat" she says, walking over to her stepson carefully helping him up from the floor while Kayla gets up herself helping him from the other side.
"I'll grab his crutches" she remarks, Gemma nods
Within a few seconds she returns with his crutches handing them to him while Gemma and her helped him into them putting each crutch on each side.
"There we go, kiddo" Kayla smiles
"Thanks" Lucius responds, starting to slowly walk out of the bedroom.
"Come on, sweetheart, help with the getting everything ready" Gemma says, walking out of the bedroom and back into the kitchen as Kayla smiles up at her following her out.
Once they get into kitchen Kayla grabs Lucius's plate from the table walking over to the oven putting some noodles onto it and picking up the scooper getting some sauce onto it and putting it over his noodles moving out of the way as Gemma grabs some pot holders putting them onto her hands bending down to the oven opening it carefully taking out the pan of garlic bread and the meatballs closing the oven again placing them onto the counter taking off the pot holders throwing them onto the counter and stepping out of the way for Kayla to where she grabs a piece of garlic bread and a few meatballs onto his spaghetti and putting the plate onto table setting it down at Lucius's chair.
Within a few seconds, Lucius slowly comes into the kitchen Kayla smiles down at him grabbing his hand helping him over to the table while taking his crutches and placing them beside the chair then gently picking him up and sitting him into the chair he smiles picking up his fork and starts slowly eating.
"Can I have some milk please?" Lucius asks, swallowing his bite of food
"I'll get it, sweetheart you get your plate of food" Gemma chimed in
"Thanks, Gem" Kayla smiled, grabbing her plate walking over to the food
Once at the stove Kayla puts some spaghetti, meatballs and finally a piece of garlic bread on her plate setting it down at her chair and picked up her glass going over to the fridge opening it grabbing the pitcher of lemonade pour some into her glass and putting the pitcher back inside closing the door and walking over to the table and sitting down and starts to eat as Gemma quickly walks over to the fridge opening it grabbing the carton of milk out setting it onto the counter then grabs Lucius glass opening the milk pouring him some putting it down on the table in front of him and going back to the milk closing it and placing it back into the fridge closing the door and finally gets her plate filling it with the food and grabbing her glass from the table getting herself some lemonade as well placing everything on the table, then quickly goes over to the counter grabbing another plate from the cupboard filling it up with food for Nero and going over to the microwave opening the door placing it inside closing the door and goes to sit down at the table and starts to eat.
A Half Hour Later: 7:30pm:
Gemma's the first one to get done eating she stands up from her chair drinking the last of her lemonade throwing her napkins into the trash and placing everything into the dishwasher closing the door when a restless cry comes from the swing
"Okay, okay baby girl hold on, mommy coming" she says quietly walking over to the sink turning on the warm water placing her hands underneath the water grabbing the soap lathering her hands up then rinsing them. After a few minutes she rings out her hands turning off the water grabbing a paper towel drying them throwing the paper towel into the garbage then walking over to the swing bending down unstrapping her gently picking her up into her arms cradling her she instantly stops crying gazing up at her mother cooing looking down she notices her pacifier has dropped onto the floor she bends down again picking it up walking over to the sink turning on the cold water putting the pacifier underneath it quickly rinsing it off for a few seconds then turns off the water placing it into her daughter's mouth she takes it into her mouth instantly sucking while Gemma sways her a bit side to side trying to keep her as calm as she can.
After a few minutes Gemma turns around facing Lucius and Kayla who are just now finishing up their dinner realizing she bought ice cream for dessert.
"Oh I forgot who wants dessert?" she asks
"The ice cream?" Lucius questions, smiling happily
"Yeah, it's Neapolitan do you guys want some after you finish?" she asks
He nods "I'll get for him because I want some too, you go and take care of Talaya" Kayla replies
"Thanks, baby, we'll be in my bedroom, Oh there's also chocolate syrup in fridge too" Gemma smiles, walking away
"Okay great, thanks" Kayla smiles getting up heading towards the dishwasher opening it up
"I'll clean up!" the younger woman shouts back
"Thanks!" Gemma yells back to her
Gemma arrives at her door seconds later opening the door going inside quietly closing it walking over to her bed sitting down moving back against the headboard sighing heavily. Suddenly Talaya starts screaming and her pacifier falls out of her mouth rolling onto the bed, Gemma looks down at her with concern.
"Hey, hey, shh, it's okay, baby" she whispers rocking her.
"Are you hungry, sweetheart?" she asks, still looking down at her, she's still screaming loudly
"Okay, hold on, baby" she whispers gently laying her down next to her on the bed pulling off her shirt quickly picking her back up into her arms she unclips the left side of her nursing bra exposing her left breast placing bringing Talaya's mouth onto her nipple waiting for her to latch on seconds later she starts sucking Gemma grimaces in a bit of pain leaning her head back closing her eyes exhausted.
Meanwhile Kayla has cleaned up the kitchen, wiped down the counters, turned on the dishwasher and put the food into fridge then got both her and Lucius some ice cream in bowls along with the chocolate syrup and they are sitting at the table eating it.
8pm:
Seconds later the back door opens and closes and Nero walks inside looking around spotting his son and Kayla at the table, he smiles over at them.
"Hey you two" he remarked
"Hey" Kayla smiled swallowing the ice cream in her mouth
"Hi, Papi!" Lucius grins happily at seeing his father home
"You guys got ice cream, huh?" he questions, going over to the sink to washes his hands
"Yeah, with chocolate syrup" the boy answered back
"Mm, sounds amazing!" he exclaimed, smiling
"Where's Gem?" he asked, looking around while grabbing a paper towel off the rack drying his hands then throwing away the towel into the garbage
"In the bedroom" Kayla chimed in, finishing the last bit of her bowl of ice cream
"Thanks" he says, throwing his keys onto the counter walking out of the kitchen and to their bedroom door, knocking quietly.
"Mama, I'm home" he says, opening the door and closing it, gazing over at her
Hearing his voice her eyes open and she looked over meeting his gaze, smiling. happily, "Hey, baby, I'm so glad your home" she said, with a warm smile temporarily forgetting about the bit of pain on her nipple, he walks over to her kissing her onto the lips softly before pulling away smiling, gently caressing his daughter's cheek quickly. "Hola Mija, ¿cómo estás eh?" he whispers in Spanish (Hey Mija, how are you doin', huh?) "papi te extrañó" (Daddy missed you) "Te amo" (I love you)
After a few minutes she spoke up "Your dinner is in the microwave for you, you'll need to warm it up though" she stated
"Thanks, babe what did you make?" he asked, taking a seat on the bed taking off his shoes putting them over to the side out of the way
"Spaghetti, meatballs and garlic bread" she answered back
"Mm sounds good to me" he remarked, looking over at her rubbing her arm gently while just watching her nurse their daughter.
"I missed you" he whispered
"Mm, I missed you, too" she whispered back
"You go and eat dinner you have to be starving" she shoos him away with her hand a bit
"I'm" he sighs tiredly just as his stomach rumbled a bit loudly
Gemma chuckles a bit "Then you'd better go eat" she surmised
Nero chuckled a bit as well "Yeah I guess so" he said
He stands up from the bed going over to the door opening and closing it again walking to the kitchen going inside over to the microwave opening the door he takes out the fork from the plate closing the door again and presses the 2 minute buttons on the pad and then start waiting for his food to warm up.
While waiting looking around he notices Kayla and Lucius aren't in the kitchen now and their bowls and spoons are now in the sink They are probably in his room he says to himself.
Two minutes later the microwave beeps a few times indicting his food is done he walks the few steps to the microwave opening the door grabbing the pot holders taking out his plate placing it onto the counter for a moment closing the door he reaches up opening the cupboard grabbing a glass putting it down onto the counter going over to the fridge opening the door he grabbed the milk opening it quickly walking over to his glass pouring the liquid into the glass then put the carton away closing the fridge again picking up his plate of food and his milk, grabbing a few napkins and walked over to the table and sat down and started eating his dinner alone.
20 Minutes Later:
Nero is done with his dinner then drinks the last of his milk and gets up from the chair walking over to the dishwasher opening the door putting his plate, silverware and glass into it noticing it isn't filled up yet so he doesn't turn it on, but does cleaning the counters up with cleaner a bit along with the kitchen table after that he throws away the paper towels and washes his hands really quickly at the sink and heads back to their bedroom.
Upon coming inside into the room he quietly shuts the door he looks gazing over at his wife and little girl and smiles "Hmm" standing there he just watches them loving they are both in the bed with Talaya still nursing and she's laying on her mother's chest with Gemma holding her onto her back protectively both are sound asleep.
After a few minutes Nero goes to his son's room to check on him once there he walks to the door way looking inside Lucius and Kayla are both asleep on his bed and big light is still on so he turns it off and closes the door, but leaving it open a crack and goes back into his and Gemma's bedroom closing the door quietly walking over to his side of the bed, pulling back the covers he takes off his pants and jacket throwing them down onto the floor leaving on his boxers and tank top and carefully gets into bed pulling the covers over himself, leaning over in bed he giving both his wife and daughter kisses on their foreheads whispering "Buenas noches mis niñas" (Goodnight, my girls) yawning tiredly his head hits his pillow moving over to his wife and daughter his arms wrap around them protectively and his eyes close falling into a sound sleep himself.
A Few Days Later: February 8th 1:30pm:
Gemma is now dressed and has put on a scarf around her neck to hide her bite marks, but is still in the bathroom putting on her make up after that's done she quickly sprays on some of her husband's favorite perfume meanwhile since Nero has already been dressed for awhile and hasn't hid his bite marks he's getting their daughter ready to go the doctors on their bed when suddenly there's a knock at the back door, Nero looks over at his wife in the bathroom "I'll get it, it's Kayla" she said, as Nero nods, still changing Talaya's diaper and clothes Gemma sets down her compact and eye liner on the counter and walks out of the bathroom and to their door opening it going out walking to the kitchen to the back door opening the door looking up at the younger woman smiling standing outside stepping aside to let her inside.
Kayla steps inside "Hey sweetheart, Lucius is in his room" she said, giving her a quick hug and the other woman hugs her back quickly before letting go.
"Hey Gemma and okay thanks" she puts her purse into the coat rack and goes into Lucius's room as Gemma shuts the door and goes back into her and Nero's room to finish getting ready. After a few minutes Gemma's ready she grabs her make up and turns off the light walking out of the bathroom grabbing her purse from her dresser throwing her make up and sunglasses inside.
She looks over at her husband and daughter and smiles lovingly
"Babe, is her bag ready?" she asked, walking over to them
"No, Mama" he answered back getting Talaya dressed carefully as she coos at her father
"Okay, I'll get it" she says, putting her purse down on the bed which is a few inches away from the baby, Talaya gazes over at it still cooing reaching over grabbing the strap with her little hand gripping it for a split second before putting it into her mouth trying to chew on it.
"No, no, nena, ese es el bolso de mamá, no lo mastiques" (No, no, baby girl, that's mommy's purse, don't chew on that) he scolds her softly
He looks down at her gently grabbing the strap from her hand taking it away from her she whines a bit, but he quickly grabs one of her soft toys that's on the bed giving it to her to chew on she immediately starts putting the toy into her mouth chewing on it cooing happily again.
Inside the nursery Gemma has grabbed Talaya's bag and is filling it up with some of her toys, burp cloths, extra clothes, socks, one of her blankets, the powder, some bibs, some hats, extra diapers, the wipes, a few of her stuffed animals and her pacifiers dropping the bag onto the floor she quickly walked out of the nursery and into the kitchen going over to the fridge opening the door bending down grabbing the bottle of breast milk she pumped out for her baby girl and closes the door she walks back to the nursery going in picking up the bag again placing the bottle into the front pocket and zips it up walking out of nursery and back into their bedroom she puts the bag down onto the floor by the bed.
"Babe, her bag is ready" she announced, walking around him grabbing her purse from off the bed
"Okay" he answered back
"I'm almost done getting her ready" he said
"Okay, well I'm gonna feed my bird" she said
Without another word she walks out of their bedroom and to her birds cage she grabs the bird food opening the food and cage putting new food into his cage and grabs his water bowl walking into the kitchen filling up the bowl and quickly walks back over to the cage placing the bowl inside and closes the cage smiling at her bird.
Five Minutes Later:
Gemma is now back in their bedroom and Talaya is now dressed in her little biker sun suit that says "I'm a little biker baby" that her mommy got her recently along with some hanging carrier toys and is ready to go.
"I'll get her car seat" she says, disappearing into the nursery
She returns seconds later with the baby's carrier putting it onto the bed a few inches away and grabbing a few of her hanging toys she got her putting them onto the carrier, Nero gently picks her up placing her inside buckling her securely pulling the cover down while Gemma grabbed the other blanket from the nursery placing it over the top. Talaya starts fussing because she doesn't like being in the carrier
"Shh, it's okay baby girl, I know you don't like the carrier" he says, slowly rocking her a bit trying to calm her down,
Nero looked over at Gemma "I'll get her pacifier"
She bends down unzipping the bag reaching inside trying to find her binkie after a few seconds she finds one of them grabbing it handing it to him he uncovers her a bit placing the pacifier into her mouth as Gemma zips the bag up again.
"Ahí tienes, nena" (There you go, baby girl)
Talaya immediately stops fussing and takes her pacifier smiling a bit as Nero talks to her for a bit.
"Talaya, papi te ama" (Talaya daddy loves you)
"Mi niña pequeña" (my baby girl)
The baby gurgles and coos still sucking on her pacifier Nero bends down kissing her on her forehead then covers her back up with the blanket.
Gemma stands up bending down grabbing Talaya's bag placing the strap over her shoulder walking out of the bedroom
"We're leaving now you guys!" she yelled as she walks into the kitchen grabbing her purse, keys, phone and sunglasses opening it and throwing everything inside then putting the strap back onto her shoulder again.
"Okay see you later!" Kayla yelled back.
"Be good!" Gemma says
"Okay!" the younger woman yells back
"We love you, Lucius!" Gemma yells
"Love you!" the boy says back
Nero picks Talaya up in her carrier following Gemma out into the kitchen walking over to the door she opens it stepping outside the cold air hits her face and body.
"Oh..shit, it's cold as hell out here!" she exclaims, putting her arms around herself.
While waiting for her husband to come out with her she opens her purse grabbing her sunglasses putting them on suddenly Nero steps outside
"Oh...damn, it's cold!" he exclaims as well, sniffling a bit
"I know" she says, looking over at him starting to shiver.
"Babe, we should... cover her up with her bl-anket" She says, shivering even more now rubbing her arms trying to get warm.
Nero puts the carrier down gently bending down uncovering the top blanket for a moment placing the one onto her body making sure she's warm enough then pulls the blanket back down over the carrier.
"Do you think she's warm enough?" he asked, looking over at her
Shaking her head no "I don't think so, but when we get into the car I'll change her really quick into something warmer" she said.
He nods, picking up the carrier once again
Nero closes the door locking it with his keys and they both run over to Gemma's SUV and he opens the back door clicking the carrier onto the dock while Gemma places the bag onto the floor; Nero backs away closing the door as Gemma walks around the passenger side opening the passenger door getting inside buckling up closing her door and Nero gets inside buckling up as well then Gemma opens her purse handing him the her keys he starts the car immediately turning on the heat closing his door then slowly pulls out of the driveway driving to the hospital.
While driving Gemma and Nero stay quiet for a while looking at each other every once and awhile soon though Nero speaks up
"Talaya tried chewing on your purse, Mama" he states out of nowhere
"What?" she says, half laughing not believing it, turning to face him in the seat
"Yeah, it was kind of cute, but I took it away from her and gave her one of her soft toys to chew on and she was okay" he explains
"Aw" she smiles
"A mommy's girl" she surmises
"Maybe" he comments a bit unconvinced
"But I hope she'll be a daddy's girl" he states truthfully
"Well I'm hoping she'll love us both the same" she sums up
"Yeah" he smiles while still focusing on the road, but taking her hand into his bringing it up his mouth kissing the top as Gemma smiles
As they are still driving Gemma unbuckles her seat belt and climbs into the back seat with her daughter grabbing her bag unzipping it placing it onto her lap looking into it for something warmer to put on Talaya she decides on some pink fleece pants and a pink long sleeved flowered shirt and some pink socks for her feet and finally her tiny pink flowered hat for her head. Before picking up her daughter she grabs the wipes from inside the bag washes her hands with them then places the dirty wipes into the pockets of the bag for now and zips it back up again.
Once her hands are washed she reaches over uncovering her daughter and pulling back the carrier cover and notices Talaya is asleep now so she's starting to feel bad because she doesn't want to wake her up, sighing she decides to take the risk unbuckling her she moves over a bit more gently picking up the little girl carefully into her arms onto her shoulder while supporting her head and body sensing she's being picked up Talaya fusses a bit, but stays asleep in her mother's arms as Gemma carefully puts her down onto the back seat and starts changing her into something warmer.
After about 10 minutes the baby is changed and her hat is on her head thankfully she hasn't woken up, smiling at her daughter Gemma places her back into her carrier buckling her inside securely again pulling down the carrier cover and covering her baby up with her one blanket and the other one back over the carrier then Gemma gets back into the passenger seat buckling up again
15 Minutes Later: St. Thomas Hospital: 1:45pm:
Nero pulls into the hospital parking lot driving around looking for a parking space finally after a few minutes he finds one pulling into it turning off the ignition and taking off his seat belt and Gemma takes off hers as well Nero grabs the keys out putting them into his pocket and gets out closing shutting the door Gemma opens her door getting out grabbing her purse shutting her door walking around to the back door to join her husband she opens the door grabbing the carrier carefully from the dock while Nero grabs the bag from on the floor placing the strap onto his shoulder Gemma moves out of the way and he shuts the door and they walk into the hospital inside both are scared and nervous, but aren't showing it.
Once there they walk up to the reception desk where nurse Nicole looks up at them
"Can I help you two?" she asked.
"Yeah we're here to see Dr. Jacoby for our baby, we have an appointment at 2" Gemma replied back.
"Okay what's your baby's name, Ma'am?" the nurse asked, Gemma rolled her eyes, but says nothing.
"Atalaya Padilla" Nero spoke up
The nurse smiles in recognition "Oh right of course, Gemma and Nero"
"That's right" Gemma confirmed
"I'll tell Dr. Jacoby your here you can have a seat over there in chairs" she says, pointing over to the few empty chairs away from the desk.
Gemma and Nero look over at the each other blankly turning around walking over to the first two empty chairs they see and sit down, Nero places the carrier down carefully in between him and Gemma and wait to be called.
While waiting Gemma nervously chews on her fingernail moving closer to her husband laying her head onto his shoulder closing her eyes sighing heavily she's exhausted and really stressed right now that all she wants to do is go outside and smoke a cigarette, but Nero notices her demeanor and takes her hand into his holding it for support.
"It's be alright, Mama" he whispered, rubbing her arm
Meanwhile nurse Nicole gets up from the desk walking to get Dr, Jacoby
After a few moments Nicole comes down the hallway stopping looking down at her list of names
"Gemma Teller" she called out
Hearing her name being called Gemma opens her eyes looking over at her husband, he smiles a bit looking over at her standing up he picks up the carrier while helping her up with his other free hand and she stands up turning around grabbing her purse placing the strap onto her shoulder and they walk over to the nurse
"Hey you two, come on back with me to examine room 2" she says, walking down the hallway
Gemma and Nero follow her down the hallway after a few seconds they arrive at the room the nurse opens the door and the couple walk inside
"Okay take a seat in the chairs and the doctor will be with you in a few minutes" she shuts the door quietly leaving Gemma and Nero alone.
Once she's gone Gemma and Nero both sit down in the chairs and Nero gently places the carrier down onto the floor sighing heavily rubbing his hands over his face.
Gemma looks over at him "You okay?" He looks over at her nodding
Suddenly the door opened and Dr. Jacoby walked inside smiling looking over at the parents "Hey Gemma, Nero"
"Hi, doc" Gemma said, grinning a bit
"Hey doctor" Nero said, smiling
"Okay let's take a look at this little one again" Dr. Jacoby smiles as Gemma bends down uncovering her and pulling back the carrier cover.
Christina walks over the sink to washes her hand then turns around walking over to the baby bending down turning the carrier around so she can see her she notices the baby is asleep.
"Hey little one" she whispers, unbuckling her from the carrier carefully picking her up into her arms supporting her little head and body walking over the examination table placing her onto it and begins taking off her clothes leaving her diaper on, Instantly Gemma places her purse down on the chair and walks over to her daughter's side leaning over her holding her hand, Talaya grips her mother's fingers tightly and her eyes open slowly and she looks around the room, gurgling a bit.
"Hey baby girl" she whispers
"It's okay, mommy and daddy are here with you" she whispers
First Dr. Jacoby warms up her stethoscope rubbing the chest piece onto her shirt putting the ear pieces into her ear and the chest piece onto the baby's chest listening to her heart as the tiny infant moves and squirms all around on the table, Gemma kisses her on her forehead.
"Shh, shh, little one, mommy's here, yeah we're nervous too" she whispers
Gemma gently rubs her belly trying to get her to calm down, that's when Nero comes over beside his wife and leans over to his daughter taking her other little hand, Talaya grips his hand as well as he talks to her
"Está bien, niña, papá está aquí contigo" (It's okay, baby girl, daddy's here with you)
"Mamá y papá están aquí y no te dejaremos" (Mommy and daddy are here and we aren't leaving you)
"Shh, shh, te amamos" (Shh, shh, we love you)
"Te tenemos, estás bien" (We've got you, you're okay)
She doesn't stop moving around and squirming, but does calm down a bit though feeling her parents hands on her both Gemma and Nero look over at each other with concern in their eyes and on their faces, but don't say anything. Dr. Jacoby also notices this with the baby and frowns in concern as well.
After a few seconds she takes off her stethoscope putting it back around her neck "Well her heart sounds good" she concluded.
Gemma smiles sighing in relief, clasping her hands happily "Good" Nero smiles as well "That's great"
She continues "But I'm concerned about her ears I know she had an ear infection in a few weeks back which did explain her hearing issues at that time, but...now this is a serious problem" the doctor confirmed.
Gemma and Nero nod in understanding "We know, doc" Gemma spoke up a bit cold which Dr. Jacoby ignores this reaction.
"How long has this issue with her hearing been going on?" She asked, looking over them while grabbing her otoscope from the wall turning it on walking over the baby leaning over she places the tip into her ear looking at the left ear as the light shins inside
"I don't know maybe a few weeks back before she was diagnosed with the ear infection" Gemma spoke up
"Right, babe?" she asks, looking over at Nero
"Yeah that sounds about right" Nero agreed
"My doctor did check her chart at my postpartum appointment and told me they checked her hearing before and after she received drugs in the NICU and the tests were all normal" Gemma explained
Dr. Jacoby nodded in understanding taking the otoscope from Talaya's left ear and going onto her right ear after a few seconds she takes out the instrument sighing "Well her ears are clear now so I think she's going to need more tests based on what I've just seen" she announced
"Are..are you gonna do those tests now?" Gemma stammered nervously
"We should, yes" Christina nodded
"Uh...Can we go with her?" Gemma asked, fidgeting with her hands
"Sure you can" she smiled
Dr, Jacoby continued her examination for a bit longer taking off her diaper quickly looking at her genitalia for a few minutes before closing her diaper back up again.
"Okay, little one all done" she says to the baby looking down at her
"Your daughter seems very healthy otherwise" she concluded, putting the otoscope back onto the wall
Both Gemma and Nero smile at that again relieved.
"You can get her dressed now and we'll get these tests done" the doctor says
Gemma exhales deeply and starts getting Talaya dressed with Nero's help while doctor patiently waited on them.
After a few moments she's dressed, Gemma goes to grab her when Nero looks over at her "I got her, Mama" she smiles letting go gently he picks up his daughter into his arms putting her over his shoulder supporting her head and body with his hands she fusses a bit, he sways side to side her trying to calm her down while Gemma walks over to the chairs grabbing her purse, the diaper bag and Talaya's carrier and they all walk towards the door Dr. Jacoby opens it and all three walk outside and all three go upstairs to where the tests are held.
Once upstairs Dr. Jacoby held out her hands "I'll take her now"
As Christina is about to take Talaya into her arms Gemma interrupted "I uh thought we could go with her" Gemma says, looking up at her
"Up this point, yes" the doctor explained, putting her arms down at her side
"What-what do you mean?" Gemma stammers not understanding
"We need quiet while we do the tests, Gemma, you can't go in with her, I'm sorry" she explained somberly
"Please, let me go I'll be quiet, I promise" she begged, whimpering a bit
Dr. Jacoby sighs heavily "Give me a minute I'll be right back"
Christina disappears from the hallway walking away going to a small room at the end of the hallway stenciled on the door plate is the name Dr. Julia Parker – Audiologist walking inside the door closes as Gemma watches the door intensely not taking her eyes off it while Nero stood with their daughter beside her silently hoping they can go inside with her.
After what seemed like forever Dr. Jacoby walked out of the room closing the door quietly toward the couple
Sighing "Well I talked with the other doctor and-"
"And what, doc?" Gemma interrupted coldly, her eyes narrowing at her as Nero grabbed her arm holding onto her with his free hand "Stay calm, Mama" he whispered to her
Gemma exhaled sharply "I'm sorry" she apologized
"It's okay" Christina smiled
"You can't going in with her, but-"
"What?!" Gemma yelled
"Mama, just listen okay" he whispered
Gemma's breathing heavily starting to cry tears fill her eyes
Christina continued "But you can watch from outside the room"
Gemma sniffled as tears stream down her face with a bit of superficial water running down her nose
"No!" she screamed trying to break free of her husband's grip
"Baby, no don't" he said not letting go of her
"Nero, let me go!" She screamed, insisting desperately
"Not not until you calm down, Mama" he insisted
"Babe..calm down okay, we'll still be there just outside" he whispered, rubbing her arm
Gemma swallows wiping her eyes looking up at Dr. Jacoby coldly
"Nero, I can't leave her in there by herself" she whispered
"Mama, she won't be alone you have to trust the doc she just trying to help her" he whispered back
"Right doc?" he asked, looking over at Christina
"Of course, Nero's right I'm not gonna hurt your little girl I just want to help her and try to get her better" she smiled
Gemma takes a deep breath just nodding "Okay, okay"
"Can I take her now?" Christina asked, looking at Gemma sympathetically
"Yes" she whispered, now calmer
"You promise you won't hurt her?" she asked, looking into her eyes
"I promise, Gemma" she insisted, walking over to Nero carefully taking Talaya into her arms as Gemma watches her intensely
Nero finally lets go of Gemma's arm "See Mama, it's okay"
"Come on, lets go, follow me" Christina said
Gemma turns around looking up at Nero "I'm sorry" she whispers, apologetically
"It's okay, Mama I know this is rough for you, it is for me too, but we have to trust her and we'll be right there watching everything" he says, taking her hand into his and they walk down the hallway following the doctor.
Second later they reach the Audiologist's room, Nero and Gemma stop and Dr. Jacoby looks over at them "I promise I'll take good very good care of her" with that Christina walked inside the room closing the door behind her.
Once inside, Dr. Jacoby walked over to the audiologist handing her Talaya while outside Gemma clings to her husband as his arms wrap around her holding her as they watch through the small window helplessly, nervously and scared.
Dr. Parker gently laid the tiny infant onto the table and started doing the tests Talaya is now asleep.
5 Minutes Later:
The door finally opens and out walks both doctors, Julia has Talaya in her arms rocking her a bit looking up at both parents as Gemma and Nero also looking up at them wonder what they are about to say. After some tense silence Gemma found her voice
"W-ell?" she asked, a bit shakily, exhaling deeply with her face now tear stained
Nero swallows hard finding his voice as well "So?" He asked, calmly trying to stay strong for his wife and daughter.
To Be Continued...
