Unexpected Love

Chapter 12

Catalina

"I want you to meet someone special today, Cris," I said as we walked along a grassy hillside some distance from the house.

Junior was with my mother so I decided that this was the right time to take Cris and explore some more. We had just returned from the local market and the football field when I decided to finally show Cris an important part of my life.

"Okay, my love," He said with a gentle smile, probably being used to meeting so many people in the course of seven days.

My family is large because most of them aren't blood. People who have helped me along the way are considered in my book closer than family. And our restaurant reunion with Michael and Myriam showed just how far respect and love goes. They have helped us when we dirt poor and we probably wouldnt be alive if it weren't for them.

Birds were all about chirping sweetly, butterflies flew lazily above the flower patches, the occasional bee hummed past us.

Today is such a serene and peaceful day. The silence between us was not awkward at all, it was quite okay and it did not make us uncomfortable. My beige sun dress blew gently in the breeze against our intertwined hands. His hands were steady and firm, the kind that made you felt safe.

"Your hands are so soft and cuddly," He commented,"You would expect that after years of medical work, cooking and training, your hands would be a bit rough or on the worn side but they aren't at all," He chuckled and kissed my knuckles "They're baby soft,"

"I don't know why to tell you the truth, I've always wondered myself," I laughed and began swing our arms playfully. I led him over the hill to a quiet, enclosed patch of land, decorated with low hedges. I swung opening the gate and immediately, emotions came onto me like a tidal wave, weighing heavy on my heart.

But I pushed on.

The little marble protrusion from the ground was central in the entire garden. On it, an inscription. "Father, Son, Husband. You are physically gone but your soul still graces us with its presence."

"Cristiano," I said in a voice that didn't even sound like my own,"This is, well was my father."

The silence rushed in again and I had a sudden spasm of feelings that drained the energy from my body. I couldn't bear it anymore and I turned to leave but he pulled me into his arms and hugged me tightly while I started to sob softly into his chest.

My legs gave out and I sank awkwardly to the ground and he followed suit. We sat like that for about fifteen minutes. He stroked my hair gently and I never removed my face from his chest.

"Good afternoon Mr Hernandez...... My name is Cristiano......and I love your daughter, probably as much as you did. I love everything about her. The little things that she does, the darkest parts of her soul, the brightest smile she gives. What she doesn't know, is how much change she has brought into my life. The change I needed, the clarity that only such a person could bring. She doesn't know the effect she has on those around her, she doesnt know that she can make even the worst moments better. I promise you sir, I will love her and take care of her for as long as I am alive and breathing, I will never let anything happen to her, I will never break her heart and I will never make her cry."

...............................................

"I hate when I cry so much, my face becomes all red and puffy," I said as we walked back.

I leaned my head into his shoulder and he hugged my shoulders. He laughed and kissed my head reminding me exactly how tall he actually was.

"Yeah you really do look like a chipmunk right now," He teased.

"Really, you know, you're supposed to say 'No, Lina you still look okay," I said hitting him playfully.

"Then I would be lying, my dear and lying is not really my thing." He cheeked and smiled wickedly at me.

"You really know how to charm a girl don't you," I said with a straight face.

"But this girl is my girl and she knows that I love her no matter what changes her face goes through," He leaned in to peck my lips gently.

I wanted more still, so I pulled him in closer and kissed him hungrily. Someone cleared their throat and we broke apart slowly, facing the source of the intrusion.

"Well I'm glad to see you two are doing okay," Cataleya said smirking.

"Are you stalking us?" Cristiano asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Please I have better things to do, darlin'." She said with a flambouyant flick of her hair.

"Then why the hell are you here then?" I asked laughing.

"There was a call for you Dr. H. Sounded urgent, so Mam sent me to look for you." She replied becoming serious all of a sudden.

"Who was the call from?" I asked following her back into the house. Cristiano followed quietly, not saying anything but had a look of concern on his face.

"Your office," Leya replied. Worry washed over me immediately. I ran quickly upstairs to inquire about my office.

The phone rang out on the first try as I paced the bedroom floor. The second call was unsuccessful as well, so I was a bit agitated on the third try when someone finally answered.

"Good Afternoon, you are on to the office for Epidemic Control," A familiar voice rang out.

"Kristine, thank god," I replied to my secretary.

"Dr Hernandez, it's you, we've been trying to get on to you for quite some time now,"

"What is it, Kristine? Why are you people calling on my vacation?"

"Bad news I'm afraid,"

"What is going on?" I asked increduosly.

"I'm not informed on the matter but The General Secretary has requested to meet you in Poland in the next three days,"