Unthinkable Love

Chapter 19

Lola

A loud gasp escapes my lips as I look down at Theo’s mother who is now wide awake. Her mousey brown hair is bouncing around her face as she coughs.

“I’ll go get the doctor!” I announce as I bolt from the room. I feel like I’m searching the hospital forever when I finally find a doctor and I skid to a halt in front of him.

“Excuse me doctor. Can you please come with me? It’s Mrs Altobello, she is awake!” I blurt out.

“Of course! Lead the way.” He replies.

By the time we walk back into the room, Theo is helping his mother to sit up in bed. She looks over at me and takes in my features.

“She’s more beautiful than you described.” She says to Theo weakly, patting him on the cheek.

“Isn’t she?” He replies and smiles at me warmly. A flush creeps up my neck as I walk over to her slowly.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you Mrs Altobello.” I say.

“Please call me Maria. The pleasure is all mine dear girl.” She holds my hand that was resting on the railing on her bed. Her green eyes are as bright as both of her sons.

“How are you feeling Maria?” The doctor asks.

“Exhausted and hungry.” She answers simply.

“We will run a few tests on you before we get you some food.” The doctor turns to us. “This is going to take about an hour. Why don’t you three take a walk and come back?”

“Sure doctor, thank you.” Theo says. He kisses Maria on the forehead and ushers us out of the room.

We walk out of the hospital’s front doors and find a bench to sit on. It is nice to get some fresh air after being inside the hospital. We sit in silence for a while, I think they both need some time to gather their thoughts. I am sitting between them and I grab both of their hands and squeeze tightly.

“Is mother going to be okay now that you helped her?” Dante asks in a small voice. I look into his worried eyes and it breaks my heart to see how worried he is for her.

“I don’t really know Dante, I’m sorry. I wish I could give you better news.” I answer honestly. He hangs his head and squeezes his eyes shut.

“We have to think positive Dante. Mother needs us to be strong for her. Do you think you can do that?” Theo says.

“I will try.” Dante replies.

“If you two need anything, I will always be here for you both. Even if it’s just a shoulder to cry on.” I put both of my arms around their shoulders and they lean their heads on my shoulders.

“Thanks Lola.” Dante mutters.

“I love you so much.” Theo whispers in my ear.

“I love you Theo.”

*

*

*

Theo

When we walk back into my mother’s room, she is sitting up and eating a sandwich. She has some fresh bandages on her right hand.

“You are looking much better Maria.” Lola says as she takes a seat next to my mother. I love how she is at ease with her considering this is the first time they have ever met each other.

“I owe it all to you dear.” My mother beams at Lola.

I pull up two more chairs for Dante and I to sit as well.

“Do you remember what happened to you mother?” I ask her.

“No not really. It is all a little fuzzy. I got up to get a glass of water and someone was in the house. Their face was covered and I must have scared them. Next thing I know, I’m waking up to see all your faces.” She explains.

“That must have been so terrifying for you to go through on your own.” Lola grabs her hand. I think my heart skips a beat. I seriously love this incredible woman.

“I am fine now, that is all that matters.” Mother replies, smiling at all of us.

“When can you come home?” Dante asks quietly.

“They wanted to monitor me tonight so hopefully tomorrow darling.” Mother cups Dante’s face and rubs her thumb along his cheek.

“Yay!” He pumps his fist into the air.

I forget that he is still so young. He does not remember our father, he left when he was only a few months old. My mother and I are all that he has left, except now we all lucky enough to have Lola. I am so glad my family already love her like I do.

We spend the next few hours talking with my mother. I love how easily Lola is engaging with us all, as if she has known us for years. I watch as her face lights up in laughter as she bounces jokes back and forth with Dante. She is not even fazed when my mother asks her questions about her and her family. She takes everything in her stride.

I make a mental note to do something really special for Lola. I need to make her understand exactly what she means to me, especially after all we have been through together already. She deserves to be cherished and I vow to never take her love for granted for the rest of my days. I love her so damn much. How did I ever get so lucky?