Chapter 58: There is no turning back
Nick
Present.
“How’s my father?”
“His condition is stable.” Doctor Martin Karev picked up the tablet displaying my father’s
medical history.
“This is Dominic Garnett, your grandfather.” My children approached curiously where my
father lies.
“Dom.” Alana looked at me and then at her grandfather.
“That’s right, although he’d probably prefer to be called grandpa.” I smiled at my daughter, her beautiful eyes watching me curiously, and then I saw both of them searching for their toys in their little backpacks.
“Here,” Noah said, pointing to the empty side of the huge bed. A little surprised, I helped them get on the bed. They started playing and talking next to my father. The image touched me deeply. Now more than ever, I longed for him to wake up. I know my children will make him very happy.
“The treatment has only managed to maintain your father’s condition, preventing the disease from further deteriorating his body. We are still conducting genetic research to achieve tissue regeneration in the affected areas, which would allow us to know if he can wake up. It’s something positive, all things considered.”
I nodded. “I must inform you that the development of your father’s treatment has helped discover a cure for a couple of diseases that lacked funding for research.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“You’ll receive recognition from our research center.”
“That’s not necessary, Martin. How long will it take to run the tests?”
“A few weeks,” he replied, explaining how the equipment they’re developing works.
I got distracted when I saw Alana and Noah walking around their grandfather. In some moments, I could only see their hair and hear their voices from behind the bed.
“I’m glad you don’t look so lost anymore.” Martin patted my shoulder.
“I’m not anymore. I’ve recovered parts of myself that I didn’t even know existed and that I
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needed, although I think I’ve lost one of them.” I sighed. “We’ll talk about it in two weeks, at my
next visit.”
We went down for lunch, and my nanny went up to see my father. I told her what happened a while ago, and she almost had a heart attack. I could imagine my mother’s reaction if I told
her, and although she’s in treatment, I fear that knowing about my father could cause her to
collapse.
“Alaia calls me every hour.” Sophie looked sympathetic at the calls from the mother of my
children.
“It would be strange if she didn’t,” I said, and decided to return to the room where I found my
nanny.
“I have faith that your father will wake up soon. I think children will be great motivation. I’m
sure he can hear them.” Nanny Jane looked at them.
“I hope so,” I said, exhaling.
“I’ll leave you alone.” My nanny left, and I approached my children and my father. I started talking to him about what had happened in recent days since I visited him when I told him about my children, but I never imagined that I could bring them so soon.
Finally, it was time to go. I discussed some details with Martin and Tanya, my father’s nurse. I decided to bring him to Seattle to keep him away from Killian’s Claws, and the house is close to the medical center conducting the research. I packed the children’s things in their bags.
“Thank you, Martin,” I said, shaking his hand.
“Always a pleasure. Goodbye, little ones.” They wave goodbye and approach the bed.
“Bye–bye, Dom,” my children said in unison, looking at my father.
“See you soon, Dad,” I said to him, and took the children with me to the airport.
“They’re angels,” Sophie said, seeing them asleep during the flight. My nanny agreed and stroked their hair.
“Thank you, Sophie,” I said, and she nodded, smiling.
Alaia
I ended the call with Sophie. My children were about to board the plane back home while Ash, Tino, Cedric, and I got ready to go out to dinner. I want to be home to welcome them before they arrive. We arrived at the restaurant we went to a while ago, thanks to the invitation of the
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minister and his wife.
Although the company wasn’t pleasant, I must say I loved the food.
“Oh my God, I love this place.” Tino walked alongside Ash.
“Look at those men.” He pointed discreetly at a table with several men my father’s age. It
looked like a business meeting.
“They could be your fathers,” Cedric reminded him.
“But, blondie, haven’t you heard Becky G’s song? The one that said: ‘I like them older, the ones
they call gentlemen.” He sang, and we burst out laughing, attracting the attention of nearby
tables.
“Come on, Tino, calm down.” Ash shook his head with a smile. Tino flipped his imaginary hair
back, and his phone announced a call.
“Shut up, Tony’s calling me.”
“Oh, I thought you liked them older.” My cousin spoke loudly, and Tino covered the phone.”
You’re a fox.” He pointed at her and walked away to talk to his partner while we laughed. With Tino, you never get bored.
He returned, and we ordered our dishes. From afar, I saw the older waiter Nick had a problem
with a while ago, but I didn’t see the boy, which makes me think he was fired because of what
he did.
“Honey, white or red?” Cedric asked, and I snapped out of it. I don’t know why I’m thinking about Nick right now.
“White, please,” I order, and the waiter attending us leaves. We had a pleasant conversation. Ash told us about her experience as a boy.
“You should be able to be yourself,” Cedric said, and she exhaled.
“I should, but the end justifies the means. It’s only a matter of time.”
“Isn’t that my baby’s daddy’s cousin?” Tino’s baby’s on a table not far from ours. We turned to
look, and my friend was right. It’s Will, and he’s with a girl. I think I’ve seen her somewhere.
“Must be his date of the day,” Ash mentioned.
“Well, I don’t think so. They look very close. Robin seemed smitten with the girl. She doesn’t
seem like one of those one–night stand types, and she’s gorgeous.” My cousin and I looked at
him, seeming jealous.
“Not more than you two, I swear.” He raised his hand, and I noticed Ash looking over there for
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a few seconds longer than us.
Dinner ended, and we returned to the house. “I’m dead, and it’s cold. I’m sleeping with you tonight,” Tino told Ash. “You two should do the same.” He moved his finger between Cedric
and me.
“Not a bad idea, but I’ll wait until she’s ready.” The blonde kissed my nose.
“Man, you have such patience!” Tino shook his head and went upstairs, taking Ash with him.
“I’ll get a drink. Why am I not surprised that Tino knows those details?” Cedric walked to the minibar. I shrugged and went to the kitchen. I wanted to drink some water. He didn’t take long
to reach me.
“A toast to you.” He approached, and I looked at him, raising an eyebrow. “To you, for being a
wonderful, incredible woman, the best fiancée and friend anyone could have.”
“And the only one who supports your craziness,” I said, watching him take a sip of his drink.
“Also.” Amused, he pointed at me with his finger, set the glass on the counter, and picked me
- up. “Let’s go wait for our sweeties.” He spinned me around. “Stop it, put me down!” I said
between laughs at Cedric’s actions. He stopped when we were in the living room, and I
immediately noticed that Nick had arrived. He looks completely serious and carries my
children in his arms.
*****
Nick
We landed in Los Angeles late and went straight to Alaia’s house. Sophie accompanied me, as I sent Nanny Jane to my mother’s. My children are still sleepy when Sylvia lets us in. “Stop it! Put me down!” Alaia’s unmistakable voice echoes, approaching us. I can hear her laughter and a pain settles in my chest when I see Cedric laughing with her as he carries her in his arms.
He stops as soon as he notices my presence. “My babies.” Alaia rushes to free herself from the blonde i***t and walks towards me. I can see she’s wearing a pink fitted dress that fits her knees. They both look as if they’ve just come back from a date.
“Hi, my loves.” She caressed our children’s tired faces.
“Mommy,” Noah mumbled. She kissed his cheeks and stretched out her hands to receive him. I looked at Cedric; he crossed his arms over his chest. I followed Alaia, and she led me to her room, which made me realize that she would sleep with them and not with the person with cognitive disabilities who was downstairs. I observed her actions as I laid Alana down. It was inevitable not to see how the strands of hair caressed her shoulders and face as she tucked
the children in with the blanket.
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We went downstairs in silence, and I returned to Sophie, who was waiting for me.
“I hope you had fun,” Alaia said, and Cedric took her by the waist. I clenched my fists, looking at his hand on the slender waist of the woman who should be by my side.
“We did.” Sophie smiled. “Thank you for trusting me.” She approached to take Alaia’s hands.
“Well, well, I must confess that I might have lost my eyes tonight if anything had happened to them.” Alaia joked and Sophie laughed.
“Have a good night.” She said goodbye, and the i***t seemed like a nice person in front of Sophie.
“Thank you.” I looked at Alaia. She nodded and rested her head on Cedric’s shoulder, and I felt like I was in a bad dream, one that I had created myself. I left the house, feeling broken, sure that there was no turning back.
