Two on a Train- chapter 11
Tony headed downstairs after spending the afternoon with Mona. He figured he wouldn't need to be back up here until tomorrow morning after Angela was discharged. He called her room earlier with updates and allowed to her to talk to Mona over the phone. Before heading back to Angela's room, he went to the pay phones and called the kids to give them updates. They both gave Tony their approval of the ring and were excited for their parents to take the next steps in their relationship. The smile was still on Tony's face when he walked into Angela's room.
"Hi sweetheart! How are you doing?" he asked as he sat down in the chair next to her bed.
"I'm good actually! The nurses came in and changed my bandages. They were able to get me up to use the bathroom. I don't think I will ever take doing things for myself for granted ever again!" said Angela.
"I can only imagine! Well… actually I kinda can after breaking my leg and spraining the other one! Remember that one Angela?" he asked with a laugh.
"How could I forget? You were definitely most upset about losing the three legged race than you were about your leg! Well that was until you injured the second one!" she laughed.
"I don't know why I gave you such a hard time with everything. I guess I just wasn't used to being dependent on someone, let alone someone I was in love with…" said Tony as he grabbed her hand.
"Oh Tony…I think that's why I tried so hard to be there for you. I didn't want to let the man I loved more than anything down…" she said as she squeezed his hand back.
"Angela… when… when was the first time you realized you loved me?" he asked, his big brown eyes looking up at her with overwhelming love.
"Oh… well the first time I admitted it out loud was after the whole Frankie incident. Dr. Bellows helped me realized why I was afraid to lose you… but I think the first time I realized I was falling in love with you was when Michael came back, believe it or not. Deep down, I knew from the very beginning it wasn't going to work but I felt I had to try for Jonathan. I kept thinking something is wrong, something no longer feels right. That something, that someone was you. We had spent the past few months creating this family and then it was gone. I had the realization that Michael, Jonathan and I were together, but we weren't a family any longer. I didn't love him anymore, but I started to realize the reason I didn't love him anymore was because my heart was already starting to be taken… by you Tony. How about you?" she said.
"Well, from the moment I saw you, I was attracted to you. Hiding those feelings all this time has been no easy task let me tell you! As far as when I actually started to realize it was more than attraction, more than just being friends, had to be right after Michael moved out and we ended up waking up in Samantha's bed together. I couldn't believe how natural it felt to wake up next to you. I hadn't felt that way since… well since Marie. I had a moment later on that day where it started to dawn on me that I was falling in love with you. I still can't believe it took us this long to say it to one another but I promise you… not a day will go by that I don't tell you I love you ever again" he said as he leaned over for a kiss. One kiss turned into many until they both pulled back to catch their breath.
"So Angela… I know this is probably not the time or the place with everything going on and us only declaring our love for one another recently, but have you given any thought to… to us? To where you see us ending up?" he asked softly, his eyes avoiding hers until he finally looked back up at her.
"I… well I guess I have… ever since the Ferguson's wedding, I've dreamed and fantasized about marrying you. The dream has evolved over the years but it always ends with us…" she said as she wiped away the tears that had fallen down his face.
"That shows just how long we've been on the same page Angela. Since their wedding, I've pictured us getting married too. It was such a reality so many times in our lives, no more so than in Jamaica. If this whole situation has taught me anything, it's not to deny what I'm feeling anymore, letting my insecurities get in the way. I want to be with you, together, for the rest of our lives Angela" he said as it was his turn to wipe away her tears. They spent the rest of the night cuddled into one another, happy that they were finally getting their chance at love.
The next morning, they woke up to the nurse coming in to change Angela's bandage. Tony asked the nurse to show him what he needed to do to care for the wound, even though they'd have a nurse coming to the house. The doctor came in a short while later and reviewed the discharge paperwork. They were able to eat a quick breakfast before signing all the remaining paperwork.
"Alright Angela! Once we get the wheelchair, we will head up to see Mona but not for too long okay? I want to get you home and situated. You are still recovering!" said Tony.
"Okay Tony… I know I should but what if something happens to her and we aren't here? She should have someone here with her!" said Angela.
"I've already arranged it Angela! Cornelius and Archie are coming by this afternoon until evening and then tomorrow morning too. We will come by late morning or early afternoon once the nurse comes to check in on you. I asked Jonathan to get the wheelchair I used out of the basement for you until that wrist heals and you can use crutches. We are going to have to figure out the best place for you to be but we can figure that out once we get home…" said Tony.
"Thank you Tony… I don't know what I would do without you" she said as she leaned over to kiss him. Just then, an orderly came with a wheelchair. Tony helped her down from the bed and into the wheelchair. He left her belongings in the room, opting to drop Angela off in Mona's room and then come back to bring them back to the jeep before heading back up to Mona's room. He wheeled her to the elevator and then up to the room, making sure the chair was secure before heading out.
"Hi Mother it's Angela. I'm sorry I haven't been up here… this recovery stuff is harder than it seems, but I'm here now! Good news too… I'm finally discharged! It will be so good to get home and in my own bed, take a shower and just get back into some sort of routine. I know the kids are going to be happy to have us home. They've been so worried about me, well both of us. At least now I'm hoping we can just focus on you and getting you better" she said as she held on to Mona's hand.
"Oh how I wish I could hear your voice! I need your advice Mother… Tony and I are getting… closer. We even… we even talked indirectly about marriage. Can you believe it? Just days ago I thought all hope was lost that we would ever find our way back to one another and here we are… it's more than I could ever imagine but I need you Mother to in your words 'not screw it up!'" she laughed. She was still laughing when she heard the pattern of the heart monitor speed up momentarily before going back to a normal rhythm.
"Mother? Can you hear me?" she said with excitement and hope in her voice. She waited for what seemed like an eternity, but the rhythm remained steady. Her excitement dimmed but the hope that her mother had heard her and was responding in the only way she could stayed with her for the rest of her visit. Tony came back in the room a short while later and pulled a seat up next to Angela.
"Tony! I… I think she heard me! When I was talking to her before, her heart monitor started beeping faster! It didn't last long but… but I think she was responding! I think she can hear us! I think she's still with us!" she practically cried as she had to wipe away tears that had fallen.
"Of course she is! She's a fighter! She's gonna pull through and then once she does, she's going to give us each hell for taking as long as we have to get together! I can just imagine the ribbing we are both going to get! Especially when she finds out we've been talking about getting married!" he chuckled. As if on cue, Mona's heart monitor sped up again for a few seconds and then slowed down again.
"See Tony? It did it again! She's in there!" shouted Angela.
"I saw it! Hey Mona, it's Tony! I know you can hear us! You just keep getting better and stronger each day! I've got things around here, I promise you that but you do need to wake up soon and keep us in line!" he chuckled.
They continued talking to Mona and each other until it was time to head out. They both left with a renewed sense of hope as Tony wheeled Angela out of the hospital. He left her right inside the doors as he went to pull up the jeep. He helped her stand up and get into the front seat before shutting the door and getting in himself, leaning over to kiss her before he headed home.
As they pulled up in front of the house, they could see balloons tied to the mailbox and by the front door. Tony honked the horn as he pulled into the driveway. Samantha, Jonathan, Mrs. Rossini, Wendy and Isabelle came out the kitchen back door to greet them by the car. Jonathan had the wheelchair waiting and pulled it up next to the passenger side door.
"Welcome home sweetheart! They all insisted on being here but I'll send them all home soon so you can rest" said Tony.
"Don't be silly! I'll be fine! I'm just so glad to be home!" she said. He got out of the car and went to open her door, helping her out of the car and into the wheelchair. They all cheered when Angela got out of the car.
"Welcome home Angela!" shouted Samantha as she and Jonathan came over and hugged Angela.
"Oh Angela! You look wonderful! I've spent all day and night cooking up a storm! You will all have food for the next two weeks! I've put some in the freezer and the rest is in the refrigerator. I think Tony can manage, right Tony?" asked Mrs. Rossini.
"Eh oh, oh eh! Of course I can manage Mrs. Rossini!" shouted Tony.
"Well while Mrs. Rossini has the food covered, Isabelle and I brought the desserts and of course somethings to wash it down with…" she said as she held up two bottle of wine.
"And there's more where that came from! We are just so happy to have you home!" said Isabelle.
"I can't tell you how happy I am to be home and to see all of you! It's been one hell of a week but I'm finally feeling like things are getting better!" said Angela.
"Alright everyone! Let's head into the house! I'm sure there's some food in there waiting for us!" laughed Tony as he wheeled Angela into the kitchen. He maneuvered her into the living room. There was a huge banner hanging over the mantle, the words 'Welcome Home Angela!' written in large letters. They all settled into the living room, Tony helping Angela up and into one of the side chairs. He gently propped her leg up with a pillow on the coffee table. He sat on the arm rest while everyone else took seats on the sofa and other chair. Mrs. Rossini came into the room with a tray full of appetizers for the group.
"Mrs. Rossini this is delicious! Thank you so much! Thank you all so much for everything- I couldn't get through any of this without all of your love and support, especially you Tony. I don't know what I'd do without you…" she said as she leaned into his side as he leaned down to kiss her.
"Get a room you two… preferably with some sexy lingerie, a bottle of wine and a can of whipped cream… wink wink…" said Wendy seductively.
"Wendy!" shouted Angela as she turned a deep shade of red, Tony turning an equal shade of red as well.
"Hey! Now that you two are finally an item, this girl needs to live vicariously through you… someone needs to get some…" said Wendy as she stuffed her face with more food.
"On that note… I think I'm going up to shower. You need anything sweetheart before I go?" asked Tony.
"No I'm good… go shower. I love you!" she said as she reached up for a kiss. He headed up the stairs and headed into his room. His bed looked so comfy… it was tempting to skip the shower and just collapse into the pillows. It took all his willpower to head into the bathroom and jump in the shower. He let the hot water run down his body, trying to wash away the stress, the worry and the fear he felt like took hold of his body since receiving that phone call only a few short days earlier. He finally finished up and dried himself off with a towel. He took a glance at himself in the mirror- he needed a shave badly and he could see the worry lines that he knew had found a permanent home on his face. He decided to give himself a quick shave before throwing on a clean pair of clothes. He headed back downstairs to a room filled with laughter and lighthearted chatter.
"So how was your shower Tony? Save any hot water?" asked Wendy with a smirk.
"It was quite refreshing if I do say so myself! That hospital shower left little to be desired!" he said as he sat back down next to Angela.
"Tony, would you mind helping me to the bathroom?" asked Angela.
"Of course! Let me get the wheelchair" he said as he brought it closer to Angela. He tried a few times to maneuver her on the chair but the angle was too awkward. Finally, he gave up and gently picked her up and carried her to the bathroom. He helped her as much as possible and then gave her privacy before helping her back into the living room.
"You know Tony, my leg has really been acting up… I'm not sure I can make it out to my car…" started Wendy as she feigned a pain in her leg. Isabelle playfully slapped Wendy on the leg and stood up, dragging Wendy along with her.
"I think that is our cue to leave! I'm so glad you are home Angela. Please let us know if there is anything we can do and update us when you know more about your mother" said Isabelle as she came over to hug Angela.
"Call us anytime, day or night… I'm sure Tony has my number…" said Wendy as she hugged Angela and winked at Tony before they both headed out the door.
"Well, I need to head back too. I've gotta make sure Joey took care of the fish store while I've been away. If he closed early again to play poker with the guys, I'll kill him!" said Mrs. Rossini as she hugged them all goodbye and headed out the door.
"And then there were four!" laughed Tony as he opted to sit on the sofa.
"You look exhausted Tony. Why won't you head upstairs and try and get some rest? Jonathan and Sam can help me out" said Angela.
"Nah I'll be fine. Besides, I've seen the two of them in the kitchen… even if Mrs. Rossini made everything, we'd still end up ordering in if these two took over!" laughed Tony.
"Hey! I can make a mean omelet… I mean almost all of the eggshells are out!" laughed Samantha.
"Well I'm my mother's son, so the only thing I can make is reservations!" chuckled Jonathan.
"Very funny Jonathan! Well then I suggest you at least help Tony in the kitchen. I'd like to eat dinner sooner rather than later so I can head upstairs and finally take a shower. I think we all need to turn in early and get a good night's rest" said Angela.
"I'm all for that! Okay Jonathan, come help me get things ready for dinner. Samantha, stay in here with Angela in case she needs anything" said Tony as he dragged himself to his feet and headed into the kitchen, Jonathan right behind him.
After about a half an hour, dinner was ready. The four of them enjoyed the Italian feast Mrs. Rossini prepared, followed by some of the desserts Wendy and Isabelle brought over. Samantha and Jonathan offered to clean up the kitchen while Tony helped Angela back into the living room.
"Okay Angela… I think it will just be easier to carry you up the stairs and right into your room. Let's do this!" said Tony as he gently picked up Angela and carried her up the stairs. He paused in front of her door so he could open it.
"Tony, let's try and have me walk a bit okay? Just to the bed" said Angela as she leaned into Tony. She managed to hop over to the bed and collapsed on to it.
"Wow that was more difficult than I thought it would be! Hopefully once this arm heals and I'm in crutches, it won't be as bad" said Angela.
"Are you okay? Do you want to rest before you shower?" asked Tony with worry in his voice.
"No I'm okay. If I stop now, I'm not going to want to get going again so let's go!" said Angela as she pulled herself up. Tony helped her get undressed; the nurse had showed him how to wrap her leg and arm in plastic bags to avoid getting any water on the bandages. Despite their new found declarations of love, they both still felt self conscious and opted to remain in their underwear once in the shower. Tony held onto Angela as she did her best to clean up and wash her hair. They were both exhausted but the hot water felt so good on them that they opted to stand there for a few minutes, just letting the hot water run over them. Finally, they turned the water off and stepped out of the shower.
"You know Angela… once you are healed more, we need to do this again… next time no clothes…" said Tony with a smirk.
"I'll take you up on that!" she said as she awkwardly leaned into him, steadying herself as she kissed him. He dried himself off before helping her dry off and get changed. By the time they were changed and back in the bed, they were exhausted.
"Well that was a workout!" laughed Tony as he helped prop up her leg and get comfortable.
"You can say that again! There's got to be a easier way to do that! Maybe I can see about someone coming to the house to wash my hair so it's only washing up" she said.
"That sounds like a good plan. I know it's only 8:30pm but I'm exhausted. Let's get some rest and we can figure it all out tomorrow. Goodnight sweetheart, I love you!" he said as he leaned over and kissed her on the lips.
"I love you too! Tomorrow is another day…" she said as she kissed him back.
The next few days were a flurry of activity as the family tried to get back into some semblance of normalcy and a routine. Most of Tony's classes were in the morning, which allowed for Angela to work from home and have a visit from the nurse. By mid afternoon, Tony would drive Angela and sometimes Jonathan and Samantha to visit Mona. Her condition continued to stabilize and by the end of the week, they began to try and reverse the medically induced coma. There were no signs Mona was waking up the first day, or the second or third day. By the fourth day, the doctors came in to Angela and Tony to talk about her condition.
"I need you to start to prepare yourselves that Mrs. Robinson… Mona, won't awaken from the coma. We can still hold out hope that she will wake up, but considering the trauma she's endured, the longer she stays unconscious, the greater the chance she won't regain consciousness. I'm sorry…" said the doctor as he left them alone in Mona's room.
"I… I don't understand this! She's got to wake up! I know she is in there! She's responded to us almost everyday with the heart monitor! She just has to wake up!" cried Angela as she put her face in her hands and cried. Tony pulled her into his chest and wrapped his arms around her, slowly rubbing her back in attempts to calm her down.
"We know she's in there! She's a fighter… they don't know her like we do! She's going to pull through… she has to…" he said as he tried to hold back his own tears.
"Oh Mother please wake up! We can't do this without you! We all love you so very much!" said Angela as they sat by the bed until visiting hours were over for the night.
"Goodnight Mona… we will be back tomorrow. We love you!" said Tony as he wheeled Angela out of the room.
The car ride home was mostly silent, both lost in their own sad thoughts. Tony kept looking over at Angela; each time he saw the pained look on her face, a part of his own heart broke. He pulled in the driveway and helped Angela into the wheelchair. He pushed her up the front path and unlocked the front door. Before they could even fully get through the door, they were met by Samantha and Jonathan, both wiping away tears from their eyes.
"She's awake! Mona is awake!" shouted Samantha.