Ghost from the past (18+)

#Thirty-five: In which he learns about the family legacy.

'Mi hijo, I'm so glad you're alright!'

My mother chirps for at least the seventh time since she has entered the room, tugging at my face like I'm a stuffed animal made for her entertainment. I'm past trying to fend her off. Acknowledging I must've scared the living shit out of her, twice now, which sort of entitles her to coddle over me.

'Mamá...'

I try to yell at her although my voice comes out in a strange morphed noise from the way she's pulling my face making both my father and Lexi chuckle in unison. It's strange witnessing the difference between all of their dynamics since I've woken up. It may have been barely a month but they are acting like Lexi is already their daughter-in-law. Not that I'm complaining! It's just ...odd. They were nice to her before, but hell, even my dad was hugging her continuously which is something he barely ever did.

'Dolores, if you continue like that you're going to bruise his face...'

Lexi snickers from beside me, compelling my mother to finally let go of me. See! It's things like this that stick out... I mumble quietly. My mother never listens to anyone.

'Dios Mio, I'm sorry, I'm just glad his lazy ass finally decided to wake up.'

She grumbles, faking defeat. But before anyone of us can say more, one of the nurses strolls in with two plates of food.

'Look what I've brought... The doctors went over the scans they made earlier and your wounds are healed up enough for you to try and eat some solid food. You must be starving for something decent to eat by now.'

You call this real food? I wonder as she smiles happily, handing the other tray to Lexi.

'Try to take it slow. And if you're starting to feel unwell call for us immediately.'

She continues and Lexi gives her a nod before she digs in while the nurse walks back out again.

'How can you get this shit down? I swear, this is what makes people die in hospitals...'

I grumble towards Lexi who's easily carving it down. Your tastebuds must've died already... I marvel, watching her chew as I can only prod at my food.

'You're right hijo, I've been wondering the same thing for weeks! Dios Mio, that meatball looks so hard I'm sure you can use it to throw a hole in the wall.'

My mother pulls a face filled with disgust before setting my plate away and forcing Lexi to let go of hers too.

'Dolores! I'm fine, I'm used to it after all this time. Now give me back my diner!'

Lexi whines as she tries to swallow her last bite, trying to grasp the tray back from my mother.

'Querida, those dry potatoes will choke you to death in your sleep! And I don't even want to know what that green substance on the corner is supposed to be! Give that here!'

My mother grumbles as she pries Lexi's hands loose. You have no idea how she will get if you touch her food! I try warning her silently, only for her to laugh in my face as she mutters.

'Hijo, keep out of it. I'm going to get the both of you a proper meal instead of this junk. You must be yearning for something better than this?'