Spectrum 2

55

Natalia's POV

I see Jose step into the room as I sit up gently, trying to ignore the pain that I still feel with every move that I make. Multiple seizures and childbirth will do that to the body, I guess. The muscle aches are the worst part at this point. However, going to the bathroom hasn't been a walk in the park for me.

"Hola." He whispers, coming to the side of the bed. Grayson stays back, but he doesn't leave the room. I'm glad that he doesn't, either. He's been gone for so long that now, all I want is for him to stay within six feet of me. I just want to see him and know that he's here. I need him.

"Hola." I say, feeling tears begin to form once more. 

"I'm so sorry, Amor." He whispers, kissing the top of my head. "I wish that someone had been here. Anyone."

"How did you know?" I ask.

"I called everyone. Finally, I was able to get a hold of a nurse that was willing to tell me what had happened. I got a flight to L.A as soon as I could. I left you so many voicemails and text messages."

"I still don't have my phone." I mutter, running a hand over my face in stress. "It's with a nurse somewhere. I've barely been awake these last forty eight hours. I've just been sleeping. A lot. I haven't even really seen Emery yet." I admit. 

"We'll get your phone, don't worry." Jose assures me. "I'll track it down for you. I'm sure they just didn't want to do anything to stress you out further. It's understandable." He sighs.

"Yeah." I nod. "I just...I want to see her. That's all I want. I'll need to tell Mami and Papi, but I'm sure they'll understand." I sigh.

"Oh, they're going to freak out." Jose laughs, knowing that my mother is going to flip.

"You're right." I laugh in reply. He gives me a small smile as he reaches over and brushes a tear away from my cheek.

"I don't like seeing you cry." He reminds me. "It's all okay. You're the strongest woman that I know, Nat. You're amazing." 

"Thank you." I cry, squeezing his hand gently. "Thank you for everything, Jose. I couldn't have done this without you." 

"Emery is going to be perfect. I already know it." He says.

"Emery Emilia." I mutter. "I hope you don't mind."

"It's the biggest honor to know that your baby has my mother's name. Thank you. I know that she would be proud of you." He smiles, squeezing my hand back.

"She would be proud of you too, Jose." I smile. "Because you gave up everything to be here." 

"I would give up the world for you. I just want you to remember that, okay?" He whispers.

"I know." I say, feeling the tears trail down my face.

I know that Grayson is in the room right now. I know that under different circumstances, this might have been awkward for him. But I know that this is nothing but a real goodbye. This is the closure that we both need.

"You went to Grayson." I say. "I can never...I don't know how to..."I say, trying to phrase this correctly.

"He's the one who deserved to be here with you. Not me. I just...I had to go and get him." 

"What happened?" I asks, brushing my hand gently across his face. "You look terrible."

He lets out a sigh and looks up at me with a pained expression.

The bruising that covers his face is bad. His nose is swollen and his eyes are beginning to bruise around the bottom and inner part of the bridge.

"Nat." He sighs. "I have to tell you something."