Bittersweet

~~ Consequences ~~

~ ~ Jenna ~ ~

Returning to  Ava's bedside, bristling at what had just occurred outside, both shocked and goddamn annoyed... with both of them.

Shoving those two far from my mind, I ran my hand across Ava's forehead and stroked her hair. My chest was so tight, each breath was a sharp pin prick to my lungs.

Why hadn't I known she was unwell?  Swiping away stray tears, the door opened and gently closed.

Tony sat at the opposite side of the bed. Glimpsing his profile, it relieved me he hadn't left her here alone. The fear he would cut her from his life once his son came along scared me more than I would admit.

It was fine for him to cast me, our marriage aside, but not our daughter.

I spoke too soon.

"Now that you're here, I'll get off home. Charlotte is on her own with the baby."

Don't React.  "Fine."

"When I return later this evening, we will talk Jenna."

I knew he was referring to Gabe and no, we wouldn't be talking about him. The nerve of him! What I did was no longer his business. But I would not act out here, I had bigger worries as I kept my gaze on Ava. "I'll call if there are any changes."

"I would appreciate that," he replied in his usual business-like tone.

~ ~

Barely sleeping, nurses came and went, checking her vitals, monitoring for changes. I finally drifted off around four in the morning, only to be woken at five by the sweetest voice.

"Mommy."

My head shot up to see a pale, meek smile. "Angel." I kissed her head, offering a smile. "How are you feeling, baby?"

"It hurts, my tummy hurts. I was sick Mommy." She sucked in her lower lip "... A lot."

"I know Angel, Daddy told me how you vomited all over his car."  Knowing how Tony felt about his car, I had to bite back a smile. "And Mommy is sorry she wasn't there when you weren't feeling well."

"Are you staying with me?"

"Yes, Angel, I promise I'm not leaving."

She nodded her little head.

Taking a sip of water, she settled back down and thankfully drifted back to sleep.

A couple of hours later, the doctor visited us.

"Mrs Valentino, could we step outside a moment?" Ava was still asleep, as I followed him out to the corridor.

"Mrs Valentino, I'm doctor Kahn."