Red Alert

Chapter 11: Married

Ella's Pov

I was woken up the next morning by the sun shining through the window and terrace. I got out of bed sluggishly since all that crying last night had left me feeling exhausted. Crying took a lot of energy and recently I've been feeling really out of it. I sighed as I headed towards the bathroom and almost screamed as I saw my face. My hair was messy, my eyes were swollen, and my nose was red. It was kind of obvious that I had been crying and I didn't want Dylan or anyone to know that I had been crying last night.

I took a long hot shower as I got dressed in a pair of jeans and a bohemian styled black shirt. I dried my hair and tied them in a french braid before taking a look in the mirror. The shower had un-swollen my eyes by it was still very clear and I knew that Dylan would be able to guess. The only thing that I could think about doing was that I could either avoid Dylan or pretend as though I was oblivious. 

I took a deep breath as I exited my room and made my way down the stairs. The house looked beautiful, especially at this time of the day because the sun was shining in through all corners of the house and it was a sight to see. I knew that I could get used to this and I would've loved living here if only Dylan wouldn't live here. My feelings are still bitter towards him. 

I made my way towards the kitchen and thought about what to make for Dylan and the children. I knew that they were still asleep since the sun was just rising and it was very early for anyone to wake up. I wasn't an early riser and neither was I a late riser but instead, I got up on whatever time needed. 

I put on an apron as I turned on the stove and heated the pan. I took out all the ingredients for the breakfast, including eggs, flour, sugar, milk, baking soda, etc. I was going to make a very basic breakfast meal that was my specialty. In about thirty minutes the pancakes were ready as I stacked them and placed them on the table. I set the plates and utensils before washing my hands and cleaning up my pancakes. Just as I finished washing my plate, I heard the sound of footsteps as I turned around to face Dylan. Instead, I was met with the face of Emma as I smiled at them.

"Breakfast's ready. Dig in." I said as I pulled out a chair for Emma. She helped herself onto the chairs as she started to eat. I went to the fridge and swung its door open as I took out a bottle of juice and poured two glasses for the twins. As I placed the glasses on the table, the sound of separate footsteps was heard as Dylan came into view. He didn't say anything as he sat down next to Emma.

"Hey, princess. How was your night? Did you sleep well?" Dylan asked as he smiled at Emma. I stood, leaning by the counter as I watched Dylan's attitude. The smile on his face looked genuine and the way he looked at the Emma, showed that he cared for them very much.

'I slept very nicely, daddy' I was able to see Emma's tablet as she showed the words to her father.

"That's great," Dylan said as he took a bite out the pancakes. Even though I still had some anger left towards him, I wanted him to say something to me. The silence between us was bothersome and since we lived in the same house it would be hard for him to ignore me so hopefully, he says something sooner or later. "Where's your brother?" Dylan asked as he turned to Emma.

'I think Aiden's sick.' I read the words on her tablet. Dylan immediately stopped eating as he got to his feet and rushed upstairs.

"What's wrong with Aiden?" I asked Emma.

'I don't know.' Emma replied as I waited patiently for Dylan to return.

"Ella." Dylan's voice called from upstairs as I rushed upstairs. I entered the room as I walked over to Aiden's bed. He was sleeping but his nose was red and he looked sick. Dylan was leaning over him with a thermometer in his hand. "His temperature is 39 degrees Celcius. What should I do?" He asked as I approached them.

"Are there any medicines here?" I asked as I walked over and felt Aiden's head. I wasn't a doctor but I was experienced in cold and flues. Hayden had caught a rather nasty flu once when he was thirteen and we didn't have much then but I nursed him back to health so I knew what to do. Besides mom used to be a doctor so I picked up stuff from her.

"Yeah, we have everything from medicines to injections stocked in the kitchen cupboard downstairs," Dylan said as I nodded.

"You should call a doctor. I'll go and have a look at the medicines." I said as I headed downstairs and looked through the cupboard. I wasn't sure what would suffice and what wouldn't but luckily the doorbell rang. I went and answered it, letting the doctor in as he headed upstairs. All I had to say was that the doctor was very quick to arrive.

"39.5 degrees. I'll need to give him an injection to reduce his fever and put him on a drip." The doctor said as he started preparing a drip for Aiden. Dylan lifted Aiden as he sat down on the bed and put Aiden to sit in his lap. I stood by the side, biting nails as I watched the doctor get ready to inject the drip into Aiden's hand. As the doctor moved closer and injected the drip Aiden quivered a bit, clutching Dylan's suit.

"Be good, don't move," Dylan said as he held Aiden. As soon as the drip was set in, Aiden seemed to me in a bit of pain but Dylan was doing a great job of comforting him. The drip took about thirty minutes as Dylan kept Aiden in his arms and the doctor kept sneaking glances my way. The doctor took out the drip as Dylan placed Aiden back into his bed, who immediately started to cry. "What do you want now?" Dylan asked Aiden who was making a tantrum.

"Can I...?" I asked as everyone turned to me. I stepped forward as I sat down on Aiden's bed as I gestured towards my lap. Aiden held out his arms as he smiled at me. I lifted him and placed him on my lap as he stopped crying. I was surprised but was happy that Aiden had grown comfortable with me in only a day, like literally. 

"You already have the day off from work and you can stay here for the rest of the day. I have an important meeting at 9, and 6 will be the earliest I will be back. During that time...please look after Aiden and take care of him." Dylan said as he stood up and gestured for the doctor to head out. "And also...thank you." He said before leaving the room.

"Are you hungry?" I asked him as I earned a nod from him. "Than should I send Emma up to keep you company while I make you some delicious chicken noodle soup?" I asked Aiden as he shook his head in a reply, clutching onto my shirt. "You want to get better, don't you? I promise I'll be right back in a bit." I said as he nodded. I put him down as I ran down the stairs and told Emma to go and keep her brother entertained.  

I started by chopping an onion, a carrot, and celery. Then minced some garlic and buttered the pan. I added all the chopped vegetables into it and then cooked it on low heat. It wasn't very hard from there on as I boiled the curly shaped pasta and added chicken to the soup. In about half an hour the chicken noodle soup was ready as I placed it into two bowls and headed upstairs. 

I entered the twin's room as I went over to Aiden's bed and even though he was against eating the soup, I somehow managed to force him into eating it. Good thing was that I didn't have to force Emma as she started drinking the soup on her own even though she had eaten pancakes just earlier.

The whole day went by as I entertained the twins. We went downstairs and watched television on which Emma and Aiden fought about. Emma wanted to watch Gravity Falls while Aiden watched to watch Generator Rex, whatever that was. Since Aiden was sick he got a chance to watch his show first but after one episode, it was Emma's turn who watched her show. They both took turns in watching episodes as I sat and watched with them. Both of the shows Emma and Aiden watched were cartoons but they were both fascinating and I hadn't watched television in like 10 years so it was cool with me.

After tv time was over, we headed back to their room as they both wanted me to play with them. I had a tea party with Emma and I lost a car race to Aiden. I also read a story to both of them and they played a lot but as the afternoon started settling in both of them started growing drowsy. I decided that it was time for their nap as I tucked them in and headed downstairs. 

I sat down on the sofa before leaning into a horizontal position. I lied down as I stared at the white ceiling. The sun had settled down the horizon and the stars were already shining in the sky. Time started to pass as lying down made me sleepy and soon enough I dozed off into a dreamless sleep.

••••••••••

My eyes fluttered open as I was met with the view of the ceiling. I got up as I noticed a blanket draped over me. I checked my watch and was surprised to learn that I was already 8 in the afternoon and I had been asleep for two hours. I looked around and then felt something as I looked down at the blanket, noticing drops of red on the blanket. I touched my nose realizing that blood was gushing out as I jumped to my feet.

I pushed the blanket off me as I cupped my nose and headed towards the sink. I started by washing my nose but the blood was constantly pouring out as my nose burned and tears threatened to fall. I was scared and I didn't want to die. 

The doctor had told me that if the nose-bleeding continued I should consult her because it could be dangerous but I didn't know. She'll probably ask me to get the treatment but I don't have the money and I can't Dylan for that amount. Tears stung my eyes as I grabbed a tissue and held it to my nose. My nose had stopped bleeding but I still had to be careful as I pinched my nose and kept my head straight. I walked over to the sofa as I sat down and held my legs to my chest. 

"Ella." A voice called as I quickly removed the tissue and looked towards the staircase.

"Um..hi...you're back. Would you like for me to prepare you your dinner?" I asked as I got up and went to the kitchen. I opened the fridge and started rummaging through it. My eyes were the tiniest bit of teary so I had to hide my face at all costs. Also, my nose was still bleeding the slightest so I didn't want anyone to see me. "I made chicken soup for Aiden and Emma earlier. We have some of that left but if you want I can make you something else." I said as I looked into the fridge.

"Ella!" Dylan said as he suddenly grabbed my arms and forced me to turn around. I kept the tissue held up to my nose as I looked into Dylan's grey eyes for some sort of meaning. "Remove your hand." He ordered as I shook my head. "Remove your hand!" Dylan repeated this time speaking louder.

"I'm sorry but I can't," I stated.

"Remove your hand, Ms. Jamison." He said not listening to me.

"I am not going to, alright!" I almost shouted. "I am trying my best to not yell but you are pushing me. I am feeling really stupid and embarrassed right now. You can't tell me what to do, at least not when we're at home so please refrain yourself from that. I won't bother you and I won't enter any rooms so stay out of my business. Please..." I said as I headed towards the sink, threw the bloody tissue away and washed my face'. I didn't mean all that I said but I didn't want to have to tell Dylan everything, especially about this whole 'aplastic anemia' thing. "Now, what would you like for dinner?" I asked with a smile.

"Um...whatever you want." He said as I nodded. I made a quick chicken curry as I placed a plate with utensils in front of him. He was dressed in his suit except he wasn't wearing the suit but unlike yesterday he still had his tie on and his sleeves were rolled down. "You haven't eaten yet, join me," Dylan said as I hesitated before getting myself a plate and sitting down. The silence was deafening so I decided to clear the air and make conversation.

"So, how did your meeting go?" I asked although I felt very silly to be asking such a question.

"It went supremely," Dylan answered and I could see the small smile on his face. That was the stupidest question I could ask. "How was your day? Aiden didn't trouble you did he?" He asked as I smiled to myself.

"Aiden and Emma were both angels," I answered.

"Really? That's hard to believe." Dylan chuckled as I couldn't help but smile. There was silence again but this time I wasn't going to break it. "Ella...I'm sorry about what I said yesterday. You didn't deserve to hear any of that and I didn't exactly mean it. I was just pressured and all I wanted to say was that I...I-I...um...I am...sorry." Dylan said, struggling to say the apologizing part of his words. 

"It's alright," I said.

"I have a question for you, Ms. Jamison," Dylan said as I nodded, gesturing for him to continue. "Aren't you curious about why Aiden and Emma live here?" He asked me as I put down my utensils and turned to look at him.

"I am. I am very curious but like you said yesterday. You don't want me poking my nose into your business so, I decided to just leave it be...for now." I whispered the last part to myself but I'm pretty sure Dylan heard me.

"Well, to answer that curiosity. Emma and Aiden are legally my children but they aren't my biological children." Dylan said as I scrunched my eyebrows in confusion. Did he mean he adopted them? "I adopted them right when they were born. They are my brother's children." He said as I mentally 'oohed'.

"What happened to him?" I asked, not sure if I should ask. It was kind of an insensitive thing to ask but curiosity was something that always got the best of me.  

"He died five years ago along with his wife. Aiden and Emma were born after the accident. Their mother had severe injuries and it was a miracle that she was able to hold up till the twins birth but she dies right after. After they were born, I took full responsibility for them and adopted them as my own." Dylan explained as he finished eating. "My brother and I were partners and we did almost everything together. After he passed away I didn't know what to do. I felt like I owed it to him to take care of the twins. I owed it to my sister-in-law. The thing that I regret is that Andy and Susan never got to see the twins and the twins don't even know what their parents look like." He explained as he stared at the ground. 

I could tell by the look on his face that the passing of his brother had devastated him. he looked like he was trying to hide his sadness but his eyes revealed everything.

"So...was the twin's mother Asian?" I asked, trying to divert the talk to something a bit less depressing.

"Yeah. She was originally from Korea but she was born and raised here." Dylan informed me. "Andy met her during a trip to Hawaii and they instantly connected. They got married in only a month and a year later they..." He trailed off as he kept staring at the floor.

"Would you like something to drink? Coffee, tea...etc?" I asked as I got up from the seat, grabbing both of our empty plates and putting them in the sink.

"Wine," Dylan replied as I turned to look at him with a confused look. I had never had wine or beer or any alcoholic drink ever in my life. I don't know, I just never tried it and I never planned to. "It's in the top right cupboard." He said as I nodded. I grabbed a glass and poured him the supposed 'red wine', I think, as I placed the glass in front of him.

"Are you alright?" I asked him since the guy seemed deflated.

"Yeah...just tired." He replied as he turned and looked at me. "Aren't you going to have any?" He asked, pointing towards the glass of wine.

"I don't think so. I've never..." I spoke as I fiddled with my fingers. I couldn't lie though because I kind of wanna try some alcohol but I'm not ready to. At fancy parties, people usually drink wine and since Dylan's family holds lots of those, won't I have to attend? I mean, I will have to have it sometime so why not now. What's the worse that can happen?