When It Begins Again

12

Jewel opened her eyes and her heart melted.

Her two heartbeats were sound asleep right next to her. She knew she needed to have a serious conversation with her eldest, but right now she was just grateful that they were both safe.

She slid out of the bed and out of the hospital room in search of something to eat.

She also needed to see Carlos, her kids were okay, now she needed to ensure that he was as well.

Summer's words replayed in her mind. One of his lungs had collapsed.

A sigh escaped her lips as she said a silent prayer. She couldn't lose Carlos, as much as they weren't in the best of places, Jewel didn't know if she could do this life without him.

Without his help to parent their kids. Mya and Jeston were already having a hard time with the separation, they couldn't handle the death of their dad.

She eased the door open as she entered his room, the ventilator beside his bed beeped as there were two IV cords attached to his nose.

His eyes were closed, his skin pale in comparison to what Jewel was accustomed to and she bit back a sob.

She pulled the vacant chair closer to his bed as she stared at the rise and fall of his chest. A bandage wrapped around his right leg and left arm.

She placed her fingers on his as a tear rolled down her cheek.

"What you did last night was completely idiotic but heroic at the same time. You saved our baby girl..."

She choked out as the beeping sound of the ventilator kept her company.

"But Los now I need you to save you. You said you'd fight, you asked for three dates. It hasn't happened as yet so why are you trying to leave? Where do you want to go that's better than right here with your family?"

A sob escaped her as her heart broke.

"You're usually the pillar of strength for us. Kharyi is gone, Kim is under sedation, Mya is still asleep and everyone else is struggling to keep it together. We can't take another loss Carlos. Wake up please."

Carlos' Coma

Carlos felt his chest burning as a cough escaped his. His eyes opened and he was surrounded by white.

Was this what heaven looked like?

Had he made it up here after all he'd done?

Was Mya okay?

Did they find Kharyi?

He had questions, but it was too late to ask them. He didn't regret running into a burning building to save Mya and Kharyi.

What he regretted was not holding onto Jewel and kissing her one last time.

He walked around the all white room until he saw a door.

Did he have a choice to make? Was this like the movies? Would he go back?

But there was only one door, he turned the knob and a blinding light caused him to squeeze his eyes shut before they opened again.

This time he was surrounded by blue lockers and hardwood floors.

The dark jeans he wore were a bit baggy and his arms were like a blank canvas.

Where were his tattoos. His fingers were wrapped around the strap of the bag attached to his back.

The man next to him was younger, lacking a beard and the build he'd gained over the years.