Mishaps of Midsummer

Meeting the Guapo

Rosa Preston was a busy woman and carried that energy with her wherever she went. She never had an idle moment, but was able to make you feel like the most important person in the room. She gave her rapt attention and kept track of details. Early that Wednesday morning she bustled into Solana's hospital room with a fresh vase of flowers from the flower shop down the street. It's not that she didn't like the hospital flower shop, but she didn't like their flowers. They didn't bring enough cheer, she thought. She stopped outside Solana's semi-private room and greeted her doctor with a warm bagel and coffee.

"Good morning, Mrs. Preston. Solana is doing great today and we'll introduce her physical therapist today." Her doctor, Ahsoka Tano, greeted her with her chart in hand.

"Are you sure she's ready for PT already?" Rosa asked as she handed a paper bag with a bagel and coffee in it to the doctor.

"It's going to be limited PT until she can get the casts off her limbs and then it will be full PT. I can assure you we have the best specialists here. It's best for her to get in a rhythm of movement, rest, PT, rest so she can build up her strength."

"I'm so glad to hear she is doing well," Rosa walked into the room and greeted Solana with a hug and kiss on her unbruised cheek. "Good morning, my sweet one. You're looking so much better today."

"Mama," Solana drew out the word. She smiled and rolled her eyes at the same time. "I'm feeling just as good as I did yesterday. I told you, I'm feeling fine and you don't need to be here every day now." Solana's long brown hair was brushed and braided to the side. The cuts on her forehead were healing and the bruises were faded to a greenish yellow tint. Her left arm was in a cast, as was her right leg and she no longer wore the neck brace and was actually awake for a change. She had been in a coma for almost a week, and she didn't remember much about the days before her accident. The doctor told her the memories may or may not come back. It was a very violent car accident that left her unconscious with broken bones and a traumatic brain injury. Thankfully, the swelling on her brain went down and the doctors did not have to operate.

"So, did you bring me any new books?" Solana asked her mother.

"I brought you one book since the doctor said you were still supposed to be taking it easy with the 'neuro stimulation'. I don't want you to tire yourself out, mija."

Solana gave a small pout bath then held out her hand for the book. "I don't want to fall behind in my studies, mama."

"You won't. I've already been in touch with your professors and your friends. They all have promised to help you in a few weeks to make up the midterms." Rosa tutted about the room and Solana, straightening her blanket, checking the bathroom, and refilling her water jug.

"You get to meet your new physical therapist today. I think you are going to move rooms today, too," Rosa said cheerfully.

"I'm ready. I feel good," Solana said to encourage her mother.

Breakfast was brought in for Solana and she ate while her mother filled her in with news on her father's business. "He's doing so great right now. He's talking about retirement which would be amazing," Rosa said.

While she was talking, Wrecker knocked on the door and opened it. Solana was taking a sip with her water when his massive frame filled the doorway. It was as if time stood still and she was watching the Terminator enter her room. His long, thick legs kept coming into the room, followed by a massive chest and shoulders where a handsome but scarred head sat. His forearms and arms were thick and tanned, bulging in his shirt sleeves. A smile filled with bright teeth and a crinkled eye greeted her. His head was completely shaved giving him a distinguished look. Solana glanced sideways and saw his appearance was having a similar effect on her mom. Rosa was speechless for a moment, her mouth almost hanging open, a glimmer in her eyes. Then she began speaking Spanish quickly to Solana as she stood from her seat. "Ay dios mio! Que grande guapo oso! Miren sus manos! Ey! Es un papi chulo para ti!"