Author: GemmaGemroForever
Title: Big Surprise
Fandom: Sons Of Anarchy
Main Pairing(s):Gemro [Gemma/Nero]
Background Couples:Jax/Wendy
Summary: Gemma & Nero are together, but they are in for an unexpected surprise.
Rating: M
Disclaimer: No characters belong to me they belong to Kurt Sutter & FX.
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, nurse Melissa, 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)
Anyway enough of my talking, on with the story...enjoy!
Previously On Big Surprise:
November 20th :St. Thomas Hospital, NICUMorning – 8am
Gemma and Nero are at the hospital visiting their daughter they are sitting in rocking chairs, Kayla had stayed over the the night before to be on hand to watch Lucius for them. Talyala's stitches in her chest are now out, Gemma's anxious to hold her daughter as is Nero who is sitting beside his wife. Amy has come over to them "Are you guys ready to hold your daughter?" both nod as Amy opens the incubator reaching in for the tiny baby bringing her out and over to Gemma; Amy gently puts the little girl into her mother's arms Gemma's hands shake a bit as she starts to cry softly when the baby is handed to her; Amy notices this and bends down in front of the older woman putting her hands on Gemma's knees reminding her "Don't let her know you're scared okay because she'll know that if you are" she nods "Okay...okay" wiping her tears trying to compose herself. Amy says simple "Just rock" and she does whispering "Hi baby, I love you" kissing her forehead, that's when the baby opens her eyes for the first time, Gemma gasps whispering "Baby, she's opened her eyes" adding "They are brown" she looks over at her husband who is smiling at the scene, he remarks "I figured they might be" she chuckles softly at the comment, adding "Would you like to hold your daughter?" She asks he nods as Amy comes over taking the baby from Gemma's arms putting her into Nero's he gazes at her with tears in his eyes, bending down he gives her a kiss on her cheek as he whispers "Hey sweetie, it's your daddy, we can't wait until you're home with us" the tiny baby responds by looking up at him as he gently rocks her, leaning into her father she closes her eyes again falling asleep in his arms as Gemma looks on happily she can't wait for their new family to really begin.
Chapter 18: One Step Back, One Step Forward – Part 2
November 20th St. Thomas HospitalOutside - 9am
After an hour in the NICU, Gemma and Nero are heading to the car as Gemma needs to get to work so does Nero. Gemma drives Nero to Disoa dropping him off "I love you" she yells out "I love you too, Mama" he replies back kissing her the lips. Gemma waits until Nero's into Disoa before she leaves, she arrives at T.M. 5 minutes later, walking into the office she sees Chucky on the phone she smiles going over to him kissing him on his head "Hey sweetheart" the younger man smiles "Hey Gem" he whispers continuing to talk to the customer on the phone; Gemma steps out from the office taking her cigarettes out of her purse she lights up one putting it her lips inhaling the smoke into her lungs she continues smoking her cigarette for a few more moments then drops it on the ground stubbing it on with her boots.
She steps back into the office Chucky is now off the phone "Customer?" she questions "Yeah, Mr. Jones he had car trouble so the guys are trying to fix it, he just called to see what was going on" he said. Just nodding Gemma plops down on the couch taking her purse off her arm she looks in it for her pills finding them, she grabs some water from the jug opens the bottle popping the pill into her mouth swallowing it with the water as it slides down her throat bitterly she groans "Ugh, God!" putting her hand to her stomach.
A little while later Gemma waves Chucky out of the room "Go on, Sparky I'll take care of things now" She ordered, he smiles at her quickly getting up and leaving shutting the door, sighing she sits down at the desk, she starts filling out paperwork from the last few days a few hours later Gemma finally completes the paperwork just then the office phone rings "Yeah?" she answers listening the person speak at the other end "Oh yes Mr. Jones of course...okay, let me check hold on" she puts the phone down on the desk and walks into the garage "Hey you guys" she says getting their attention, they look at her "a Mr. Jones is on the phone about his car, is it ready yet?" Tig stops working answering her "Yeah, Gem it's ready tell he can pick it up" she nods walking back into the office picking back up the phone "Mr. Jones yeah you can pick up your car now it's done, payments are done in the office" Gemma hangs up the phone.
11am:
The paperwork is done and the customer Mr. Jones had gotten his car; so now Gemma's got a little down time and she's missing her husband she decides to call him, he picks up on the first ring "Hey, Mama" just hearing his voice makes heart beat faster and fall in love with him all over again "Hey, baby" Nero smiles at the other end hearing his wife's voice gets his heart beating faster as well "What's up?" he asks "Nothing..I miss you, I wanted to hear your voice" it seems ridiculous to say, but it's true he chuckles "I wanted to hear yours too..I miss you too" he adds "I wish you were here" she replies back "I wish I was there too" a long pause comes over the two of them until Gemma breaks it confessing "I miss our baby, Nero" he clears his throat then replies "I know, Mama I do too, but at least we finally got to hold her you know that has make you happy right?" she starts to cry softly "It does" she says through her crying.
After a few moments she composes herself only sniffling, "I don't want to lose her" Nero doesn't know how to reply to that, so instead he suggests "Maybe we should go and pray again" she wipes her tears remarking "Babe, you know how I feel about God and religion" he rubs his hands over his face in frustration "I know Mama, but you know how I'm with it..I'm afraid what will happen if I stop doing it" she whispers "Yeah I know and I respect that and you know it" adding "If you think that's what will make her better then I'll do it again with you" Nero replies "Good, I'm glad and I do think it'll help her" taking a deep breath she has to admit she feels a bit better.
After a few more minutes, a knock comes at the office door, Gemma looks over to see Wendy she waves her in "Hey" she mouths, the blonde sits down in the empty chair besides the desk as Gemma continues to talk with her husband "Baby, I've gotta go now okay, Wendy's here we can talk later about more later, I love you" Nero responds "Okay, Mama, love you too see you later" She hangs up closing her phone throwing it back into her purse.
Turning her attention to Wendy she smiles "What's up, sweetheart?" she says patting her knee. Wendy shakes her head "Nothing, everything's great, Abel's fine" adding "Jax and I are great too" standing up Gemma gets the point "So if everything's fine, what are you doing here?" What do you want?" Wendy looked at her offended "Jesus Christ Gemma, I just wanted to ask how you are doing" and "how is the baby doing?" Now Gemma feels bad for jumping the gun with the younger woman "I'm sorry, baby" she sits down on the couch with her arms folded "I didn't mean that, I'm just under a lot of stress right now you know with the baby..." she says trailing off. Wendy comes over and sat down beside her mother in law putting her arm around the older woman trying to comfort her "It's okay Gemma, I understand" After a short pause she asks "So how is the baby doing?" smiling Gemma says proudly "Well she's doing okay, still stable, the doctors took out her stitches...and Nero and I got to hold her for the first time" adding "It was a very...emotional time for us" Wendy smiles giving her a hug saying "I'm so happy she's still okay and that you guys got to hold her I know how that feeling goes" After a long pause, Wendy speaks "I think I should go" Gemma nods "Okay, sweetheart, bye" they hug each other and Wendy leaves.
Back at Disoa, Nero is checking on the girls and handing out drinks with Lyla helping him when he suddenly feels warm, he excuses himself into the back room "Are you okay?" the blonde asks, he just nods quickly leaving Lyla staring at him with worry. Once in the room, Nero's head starts to spin, he notices his pale face in the mirror, he sits down on the couch trying to compose himself when the door opens looking up he sees Lyla staring at him concerned, she comes in and sits down next to him placing her hand on his shoulder remarking "I was worried so I came to check on you" he waves off her concern "I'm okay" she eyes him suspiciously "I don't think you are" adding "Do you want me-" he cuts her off quickly "Don't tell Gemma about this" Lyla sighs "Nero, she loves you so much she's gonna be worried when she sees you like this" she feels his head, it's very hot "I think you have a fever" she says as he rubs his face with his hands leaning back on the couch, he's now gone quiet. Lyla decides to call Gemma anyway because looking at Nero's face he doesn't look very good and she's really concerned about him "I'll be right back" she tells him. Stepping outside the room she goes away from the room and over to the bar to call Gemma.
12pm:
Back at T.M. Gemma is eating lunch when her phone rings she quickly grabs her purse opening it to find her phone she finally does.
"Hello?" she answers taking a bite of her sandwich.
"Hey Gem, it's Lyla" the younger woman replies back.
"Hey sweetheart, what's going on?" Gemma asks concerned, taking a sip of her pop.
Lyla doesn't know how she's gonna tell Gemma what's going on with Nero and she knows Nero isn't going to like this one bit, but she knows she has to tell her.
Lyla's silent, this gets Gemma more worried "Lyla, Sweetheart?" Lyla shakes her head back to reality "Yeah, Gemma I'm here"
Clearing her throat, Lyla continues "Gemma, I'm calling because Nero...she cuts him off with concerned in her voice at the saying of his name "Oh my god, What happened?, Is he okay?" she barges the younger woman with questions.
Lyla answers truthfully "I don't think he is, Gem I think you need to come down here, he doesn't look very good to me"
Standing up she quickly throws away her lunch, grabs her keys and puts her purse on her arm, doesn't even let the guys know she's leaving "I'll be right there" she says hanging up the phone throwing it into her purse as she runs to her SUV.
She quickly gets in, puts on her seatbelt and starts the car and heads to Disoa inside she's scared to death while driving her head spins with possibilities of what could be wrong with her husband none of them are good, she just hopes it's nothing serious because she doesn't need anymore stress and neither does Nero.
Back at Diosa, Lyla has just hung up with Gemma, she runs back into the room to check on Nero going over to him she feels his forehead once again it seems hotter than it was before, he groans "Hey" she whispers squeezing his hand "I called Gemma, she's on her way" Nero looks at her angry "Nero, I'm sorry, but I had too, I know you're not fine, please just let her be there for you like you are for her, she loves you and you love her" all the sudden Nero gets a peculiar look on his face, Lyla grabs the garbage can putting it in front of him as he starts to throw up the younger woman rubs his back trying to comfort him.
Gemma arrived at Diosa seconds later, she rushes in looking for Nero as Lyla comes out of the room they nearly collide with each other "Oh!" Gemma yelps stepping back as Lyla breathes a sigh of relief explaining "Thank god you're here he's worse, he's in the room throwing up" Gemma looks down at the floor then up at the young woman concerned "Oh man!" She rushes into the room where she finds Nero still throwing up she waves Lyla away remarking "I got this, thanks" Lyla puts her hand on Gemma's shoulder then leaves the couple alone going out to take care of the other girls.
Taking a deep breath, Gemma walks over to her husband, sits down on the couch beside him whispering "I'm here, baby" she says rubbing his back slowly and soothingly. He gazes up at her from the garbage can, saying nothing sighing heavily Gemma strokes his face feeling his forehead, he does feel very hot "Look sweetheart, I know you're probably upset that Lyla called me, but I'm glad she did because you really don't look so good at all.."she trails off, adding "Besides that I think you have a fever, you feel very hot to me" She helps him up from the couch putting her arms around him "You okay?" he shakes his head no "Lean on me and I'm gonna get you home and take care of you" they walk slowly out and carefully out of Diosa and to the car, Gemma helps him into the car belting him into the passenger seat then walks around to the drivers seat getting in, she starts it up and heads home.
2pm:
The couple arrived home an hour later because Nero's stomach didn't respond too well to the car ride so Gemma had to stop frequently so he could throw up. Finally they pull into the driveway, Gemma gets out first walking around the other side of the car again helping her husband out "Lean on me, come on" she encourages he does "I'll help get you into bed and you can rest" He says nothing because his not in the mood to argue with her. Reaching their bedroom, Gemma sits him down on the bed taking off his shoes throwing them over to against the wall where they make a crashing sound, Nero grabs his head in pain "Sorry, baby" she apologizes helping him lay down. She picks up the garbage can from the bathroom bringing it into the bedroom putting it by her husband's head just in case he needs it, then goes back into the bathroom looking for the thermometer in the medicine cabinet she finds it after a few seconds of looking, walking back into the bedroom she sits down onto the bed instructing him "Hey sweetheart, I'm gonna put this in your ear to take your temperature okay" he groans "I know, baby" she soothes holding his hand, she turns it on waiting for it to be ready, a few seconds later it reads "Ready", she sticks the ear piece into his ear holding it there until it's beeps a few seconds later taking it out of his ear it reads: 102.8 she announces softly "You have a fever, babe and it's high" adding "Why do you get some rest and I'll take care of Lucius okay..and you" he just nods as she kisses him on his forehead laying beside him, stroking his hair gently until he falls asleep which doesn't take him long too.
Gemma's in the kitchen making herself some tea when the door rattles and Lucius and Kayla come back from being at the park, Gemma walks over to open the door for the two of them, the young woman yelps as she didn't expect Gemma to be home so early "Oh, Gem I didn't know you were home" She states surprised adding "I thought you were at work?" She questioned. "I was until I got a call from Lyla at Disoa, Nero wasn't feeling well so I had pick him up and to bring him home, he's in the bedroom sleeping" Kayla states with concern "Oh my I hope he's going to be okay" Gemma exhales deeply "I hope so too...I think it's just a bug or..maybe the flu" Kayla nods she starts to carry Lucius into his bedroom, but Gemma stops her "I've got him, sweetheart" Kayla smiles giving him to his stepmother "Oh..okay, thanks" Gemma sits Lucius down on his bed when he asks "Is my dad gonna be okay?" she smiles at the little boy "Yeah, baby, he'll be just fine, he's just a little sick right now that's all" Gemma stands to go when Lucius calls out to her "Gemma?" she turns to look at him "Yeah?" he pats his hand down on the bed motioning for her to cover over and sit down, she does "What is it, sweetheart?" she inquires "Can you read me a story, please?" smiling she says "Sure, which one?" he shrugs his shoulders "I don't care" she chuckles "Okay, well let's see..." she trials off looking through the boy's books on his shelve after showing him a few of them to choose from he picks The Boy Who Never Gave Up by Stephan Curry she picks up the book, then walks over to Lucius helping him move over so she can sit down beside him opening the book she starts reading it, the young boy giggles as she continues to read after a while the book is read, Lucius smiles at his stepmother "Thanks, Gemma!" he said giving her a hug "You're welcome, Sweetheart" she kisses him on his forehead. Lucius leans his head on her shoulder a silence falls on the two when Lucius breaks it "I love you, Gemma" She coos "Aw, baby I love you, too very much"
Getting up from the bed she stands up facing Lucius saying "I'm gonna go check on your dad" Lucius nods "Okay" Meanwhile in the kitchen, Kayla is getting herself something to drink then she walks into Lucius's room "Hey, kiddo" she greets the young boy "Hi, Kayla, you're still here?" he questions, she smiles "Of course" adding "Would you like to play a game?" She asks as helps him from the bed and down onto the floor "Yeah!" naming off a few games he happily says "Go fish" Kayla nods "Okay" she picks up the cards dealing them to her and Lucius.
3pm:
Back in their bedroom, Gemma is sitting on next to her husband feeling his forehead, he's still very hot, getting up she goes into the bathroom wetting a washcloth, she rings it out bring it into the room with her she wipes his forehead with the cloth trying to cool his body down, he moans softly whispering "Mama" she whispers "Yeah it's me, baby, shh" he opens his eyes slowly, she helps him sit up "How are you feeling?" he says hoarsely "Terrible" she strokes his face with her fingers "Do you want me to fix you some soup?" he shakes his head "No, I don't think I can eat" She sighs "You have to at least try, babe" adding standing up "I'm gonna make you some soup and get you some water, you need to keep yourself hydrated" he grimaces "I'll be right back" she said walking into the kitchen, she opens the pantry looking for the soup, looking around she finds a can of chicken noodle, she reaches for a pot putting it on the stove, opening the can she pours it into the pot then turns on the stove to heat up the food while it's getting hot, she grabs a bowl and spoon then gets bottled water from the fridge pouring it into a glass.
About five minutes later, the soup is warmed up enough, Gemma turns off the stove placing the pot over to the side while she looks for the food tray she finds it under the sink, getting it out she placing it on the counter putting the food and water on it, then carries everything into the bedroom where she discovers Nero asleep again, she looks at him sadly yet concerned whispering to herself "My poor baby" setting the tray down on the table, she shakes her husband gently "Baby" she calls out, he groans opening his eyes "Wake up, I made you some food" he waves her off "Come on, please try...for me?" she pleads, he smiles nodding "That's my pimp daddy" she states happily bringing over the tray sitting it across her husband's lap, picking up the spoon she starts feeding him the soup slowly, he grimaces "I know, I know" she coos sadly giving him some water to sip, he swallows it as she continues trying to get him to eat more soup, but within a few minutes nausea overwhelms him once again, Gemma quickly grabs the garbage can from the floor putting it under his face as he starts throwing up, she comforts him rubbing the small of his back soothingly "Oh baby...it's okay" she said as he continues throwing up.
After 10 minutes he finally stops, it's only dry heaving now, she grabs the washcloth from the table wiping the sweat from his head. Nero leans back from the can, Gemma empties the bag from the can putting in a fresh one then places it back onto the floor next to him.
"Are you okay?" She asked concerned.
He doesn't say anything just lays there, she strokes his forehead, brushing his hair from his face, he smiles.
"You're so beautiful, Mama" he whispers hoarsely.
"You must be delirious" She joked.
After some silence Gemma breaks it again "I guess it's no more food for you..I'm sorry I pushed you to eat" he moans as pain in his stomach comes on she added reminding him "But, you still need to drink, baby, so here" putting the glass of water under his mouth, he sips it slowly.
Hours Earlier: November 23rd Bathroom: 3am
Gemma is in the bathroom with Nero as he's been throwing up for an hour now, she's been rubbing his back soothingly. "Here, baby, drink this" she says handing him a cup of water, he sips it slowly breathing heavily his head still over the toilet, she tries to comfort him the best she can. Standing up she grabs a wash cloth rising it in cold water, rings it out dabbing off the sweat from his forehead and body, he moans softly, they stay there as Nero continues to now dry heave mostly, finally after a few more hours he stops.
She looks at him sympathetically asking. "Are you ready to try and sleep again?"
He nods as she helps him up from the cold title floor, he's a little woozy noticing this she holds onto him gently asking.
"Are you alright?" he nods again weakly.
They finally make it back to the bed, he grimaces as she lays him down pulling the covers over him then gets into the bed herself moving over to him, they quickly fall fast asleep again.
Later On:November 23rd Morning – 9am
Gemma is still home today taking care of Nero as he's not gotten any better, to which she's thinking: Maybe it's not the flu She's also trying to care for Lucius as well, but Kayla's been with him mostly because Gemma doesn't want to get him sick too. The two are still asleep because they both had a rough night as they were up half of the night in the bathroom.
10:15am:
An hour later, Gemma stirs awake, rolling over onto her side she looks at her husband, his face is so pale and he's lost a lot of weight lately. She moves over close, kissing him on the forehead, he stirs mumbling "Mama" feeling his head, she reaches for the thermometer on the table, putting it in his ear, after a few seconds it beeps letting her know the temperature 101.5 she sighs heavily as Nero opens his eyes slowly "You still have a fever, it went down a bit, but I'm getting really concerned about you" he waves it off "It's just the flu, Mama" She shakes her head "I don't know, sweetheart, maybe we should go to the hospital" again he waves this off "Nah, I'm okay" She glances at him incredulously stating "You know you're as bad as I'm with that shit" He smiles "Yeah, I know"
Just then the phone rings, Gemma announces "I'll get it" walking around to the other side she picks up the phone pressing Talk "Hello?" Lyla answers "Hey, Gemma it's Lyla how is Nero doing?" Gemma walks into the kitchen to making herself some coffee "Hey sweetheart, he's not any better and to be honest I'm getting really concerned about him, he says it's just the flu, but I'm starting to wonder..." Lyla sits down in an empty "Damn, well is there anything I can do?" Gemma grabs a cup from the cabinet placing under the coffee pot "No, baby, but thanks for asking, look I've gotta go check on him, I'll talk with you later" Gemma hangs up before Lyla can even say anything more.
While her coffee is getting done she checks on Nero, whose now fallen back asleep again. She then walks into Lucius's bedroom checking on him, he and Kayla are still asleep as well as she walks out she notices his covers are a bit off of him so she covers him up a little more kissing him on the forehead.
Walking back into the kitchen her coffee is now done she puts the sugar into the cup of black liquid and stirs and sat down at the table, resting her head in her hands, after a few moments she gets up from the table walking into her room for her purse unzipping it she looks for her cigarettes finding them walking back out of the room into the kitchen she picks up her coffee and steps outside shutting the door behind her, putting her cigarette to her lips she lights it up inhaling a few puffs from it suddenly she breaks down crying.
After a few minutes, Gemma has stopped crying, she takes some deep breathes trying to compose herself. She wipes the tears from her eyes then stubs out her cigarette on the ground before stepping back inside. Once inside she pours out her coffee into the sink, she decides to make Nero some tea, she grabs another coffee cup from the cabinet filling it with water, quickly zapping warming it in the microwave for a minute, then reaches for the tea bag placing it inside the cup, she sprinkles some sugar mixing everything up, she brings it into the bedroom announcing "chamomile tea" he smiles as she brings the cup to him sitting down on the edge of the bed giving him the tea he sips it slowly exclaiming "mmm, Mama" chuckling she asks curiously "Does that mean you approve of the tea?" he nods "Thanks" She says "You're welcome" When he looks at her more closely he notices her tear stained face "Hey Mama, you alright?" She feigns a smile responding "Yeah" Clearing her throat she moves closer to him, he strokes her face with his fingers whispering "You sure you're okay?" She nods, he can see that she's not, but he lets it go for now as she cups his face with her hands pressing their foreheads together.
A short silence befalls them until Gemma breaks it "I checked on Lucius, he and Kayla are still asleep" he just nods saying nothing "Lyla called earlier" she states, he gazes at her asking "What did she want?" She responds "To see how you were feeling, I told you still weren't better" He continues to slip his tea, but groans remarking "It's cold now" She motions for him to give the cup to her "I'll warm it back up, be right back" She gets up from the bed walking into the kitchen placing the cold tea into the microwave once again for a minute and a half, while she waits she goes into the Lucius's room, she notices he's now awake "Hey morning, sweetheart" she said greeting him."Hi, Gemma, how is my dad?" the boy asked sleepily, coming over to him she sits on his bed "He's still not feeling well, baby" the little boy looked at her sadly, she puts her hand on his leg to comfort him "Hey, it'll be okay" adding "Do you want some breakfast?" he shakes his head "No, not now" just then Kayla wakes up slowly opening her eyes, the older woman looks down at her apologizing "Sorry, baby we didn't mean to wake you" Kayla waves off her apology "It's okay, I should get up anyway" the younger woman sits up yawning, she stretches trying to wake up then stands up going into the kitchen to make herself some coffee while Gemma and Lucius stay in his room still talking "When you're ready for breakfast let me or Kayla know and we'll get it okay" he nods "Okay I will, can I see my dad?" She nods "Sure baby, but you can't get too close to him" nodding in understanding as Gemma helps him up from the bed taking his hand into hers she walks slowly with him helping him along the way until they reach Nero's side of the bed "Hi, Papi!" he said sitting down beside his father as Gemma holds onto him making sure he doesn't fall "Hey Mijo" he said tiredly. Nero comes a bit closer to his son, kissing him on his cheek then leans his head back to the headboard, when Lucius says "I love you, Papi, I hope you feel better soon" he smiles "I love you too, Mijo and me too"
Gemma helps him up and they go into the kitchen she sits him down in the chair while Kayla is drinking her coffee "So kiddo, you want some breakfast?" the boy again shakes his head answering "No" Kayla looks at Gemma concerned, she shrugs her shoulders announcing to the two of them "Well, I'm going to go see how Nero's doing" without another word, Gemma walks into the bedroom while Lucius and Kayla stay in the kitchen she sits down at the table with the boy "Hey Lucius, do you want to go get donuts for breakfast?" hearing this Lucius perks up "Yeah!" She smiles "Okay, I'll let your dad and Gemma know" Kayla walks into the bedroom "Hey, I'm gonna take Lucius to the doughnut shop to get him breakfast, it's what he wants"
Both Gemma and Nero look at each other then back at Kayla "Okay have fun" She said, the younger woman turns to go back into the kitchen helping Lucius from the chair announcing "Let's go" Kayla holds his hand into hers helping him walk to the car, he climbs in with Kayla's help he buckles himself in then Kayla walks around to the drivers side getting in, she puts on her seatbelt and heads to the shop.
Meanwhile at home, Gemma and Nero make small talk with Gemma doing most of the talking since Nero is so tired, she crawls into the bed next to her husband holding his hand "Don't get too close, Mama" he reminds her "I know" she says leaning her head onto his shoulder.
They fall asleep like that from sheer exhaustion, 30 minutes later, Gemma awakens to the back door slamming shut "Oh my god" she whispers to herself sitting up rubbing the back of her neck trying to get the creek out of it, looking over at her husband he's still asleep she gently pulls him down with his head onto the pillow, thankfully he doesn't wake up she's glad because he's needs all the sleep he can get.
She gets up making her way into the kitchen where she sees that Lucius and Kayla are back from getting breakfast "Oh hey you two" she says with a smile. "Hey" they say in unison. Crossing her arms Gemma asked "So did you guys have fun?" Lucius nods happily "Yeah, Kayla got me some ice cream too" the older woman raised her eyebrows "Oh?" Kayla nods "Yeah, well he did have his breakfast first" Gemma remarks "I'm glad he at least had breakfast first" adding "Nero's asleep again so when you guys go back into Lucius's room try and be quiet" She nods carrying the boy into his room.
A Few Hours Later: Padilla Residence: Evening - 7pm
Nero has been sleeping most of the day, although Gemma has been checking on him every once and a while, but now since it's dinnertime she's making him some bland food which consists of chicken and rice while also making her, Kayla and Lucius something else: stew, Kayla has offered to help her make the dinner which she's grateful for while Lucius is coloring in his room. Kayla starts by washing her hands then cuts up the carrots as Gemma is washing her hands than dries her hands on a dish towel, throwing it over her shoulder. Gemma reaches for a big pot putting it on the stove she puts in the water then stew meat in along with the carrots, parsley, pepper, onion and celery. Kayla stirs the ingredients in while Gemma starts to make Nero's dinner, she preheats the oven placing the chicken into it, then gets a medium pot placing it on the oven putting water into the pot waiting for it to boil.
After 10 minutes the water is boiling she pours the rice into it placing a plate over it. She checks on the chicken in the oven, Kayla watches over the stew, she turns to Gemma asking "Do you want to make any vegetables?" the older woman thinks for a few moments "Let's have corn" Kayla nods getting out a small pot placing it onto the stove dumping the corn in then turns on the stove waiting for them to heat up and be done.
8pm:
An hour later the dinners are done, Kayla gets some plates and cups down from the cupboard while Gemma gets the tray out, Kayla hands her a plate she places a little chicken and rice on it, setting it onto the tray, then grabs some ginger ale from the fridge for him to drink. Kayla gets Lucius's plate ready for him with some milk to drink "I'll get Lucius and bring him in here" the younger woman says. "Okay, thanks, I'm going to bring this to Nero to try and get him to eat again" Gemma says as they both walk into the bedrooms, Kayla whispers "Good luck" the older woman smirks remarking "Thanks" Kayla disappears into Lucius's room while Gemma sits down on the bed in her and Nero's bedroom with the tray of food, she gently shakes him "Babe, wake up" he groans "I made you something to eat, chicken and rice, it's pretty bland" he slowly opens his eyes, setting the tray down on the table she helps him sit up "Mama, I don't think I can eat that" He says looking at the food with a sick look on his face, she nods "I know, but you at least have to try" he groans "You never give up do you?" She shakes her head "No and you should know that" She brings the tray putting it across his lap and start to feed him little bites of the food in between taking sips of the ginger ale within a few minutes though the food and ginger ale doesn't stay down, Gemma rubs his back as he leans his head into the garbage can to throw up just the little bit of food and drink he just ate.
Meanwhile in the kitchen, Lucius and Kayla are eating their dinner. Gemma comes out of the bedroom to check on them "Hey, guys how are you doing?" adding "Enjoying the dinner?" They both nod "mmm, good" Lucius comments while Kayla says "Yeah, it turned out really good" She smiles "Thank you, but give yourself credit too, Sweetheart you helped me" Kayla laughs "Yeah, I guess I should huh?" Kayla looks at Gemma asking "How's Nero doing?" the older woman looks at her sadly "Not good, I'm really concerned" Kayla takes a sip of her milk looking at Lucius who has stopped eating, Noticing the change in her stepson Gemma comes over to him sitting down beside him "Hey baby" she coos cupping his face with her hands "It's okay, your dad is gonna be fine" Kayla looks at Gemma she shakes her head, Kayla says nothing.
Two Hours Later: 10pm
Everything from dinner is all cleaned up as is the kitchen with Kayla's help, she then retreats to Lucius's room he's already asleep, Kayla lays down on the floor covers up and within minutes she's asleep herself.
Back in the Gemma and Nero's bedroom they are still awake, Gemma is watching TV while Nero is laying down within seconds he's asleep. Gemma turns off the TV turns over on her side, moving a bit closer to her husband putting her arms around him she closes her eyes and is asleep.
12am:
Nero suddenly awakens, he turns to look at his wife whose sound asleep next to him, something's wrong he tries to move his legs to get up, but he can't they are numb and he realizes he can't feel them. He starts to panic "Mama!" he says in a scared voice, this wakes her up instantly "Baby, what's wrong?" she says frightened. "I can't..." he trails off, trying again "My legs are numb...I can't feel them, the feeling is going up my body" Gemma's eyes widen in fear "What!?" She feels his legs asking "Can you feel this?" touching his legs, he shakes his head "No" she touches his abdomen "This?" Shaking his head "No" Gemma whispers "Hold on...oh my god" she throws off the covers running into the Lucius's bedroom shaking Kayla frantically whispering her name "Kayla, Kayla wake up" she wakes immediately whispering back "Gemma, what's wrong?" she asked panicked "I have to take Nero to the hospital I need you to stay here with Lucius okay" she whispers, Kayla nods laying back down inside she's worried for Nero "Okay, okay I will" Gemma runs back out the her and Nero's bedroom "Sweetheart, come on we have to get you to the hospital" She gently lifts him up from the bed putting her arms around his waist, she notices he can barely walk even with her help so she leans him against for support "Baby, we're almost there" she whispers as they continue walking slowly through the kitchen, on the way out she quickly grabs her purse, keys and phone in her other hand while keeping her husband in the other and they head out the door, by the time they get to car Gemma's breathing heavily, she helps Nero into the car, puts his seat belt on then races around to the drivers side door opening it, putting on her seat belt starting the engine and driving to the hospital as fast as possible shaking him shouting hysterically "Baby, you've gotta stay with me, don't leave me, please, Lucius and Talaya need you..I love you" that's the last he remembers before going unconscious.
To Be Continued...