Unconventional

Rhubarb

It was a rare moment of calm in the whirlwind of Jennifer's life, though the circumstances were far from peaceful. Maria was in labor, and for once, Emilio wasn't barking orders. He had rushed her to the hospital, and despite the tension between them all, he insisted on the best care possible.

The hospital was pristine, sterile yet comforting in its polished white and soft lighting. Maria lay on the bed, her face pale with pain but determined. Jennifer stood nearby, feeling out of place, but knowing she couldn't leave Maria alone in this moment. Whatever their differences, she was here for her.

"Breathe, Maria, just breathe," Jennifer said gently, holding Maria's hand as another contraction hit.

Maria squeezed tightly, her breath ragged, but she managed a faint smile. "I can't believe this is happening," she whispered, her voice shaky but laced with excitement. "Twins..."

Jennifer nodded, offering as much comfort as she could. "You're going to be fine. They're almost here."

Emilio, for once, seemed genuinely concerned, pacing near the foot of the bed, though his typical arrogance hadn't vanished completely. "My boys," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "They're going to be strong."

The hours dragged on, but finally, after what felt like an eternity, the room filled with the sound of two tiny cries. The doctors worked swiftly, handing the newborns to Maria, who was exhausted but smiling with overwhelming relief and love.

"They're beautiful," Jennifer said quietly, her voice thick with emotion as she watched Maria hold the two boys.

Emilio approached, his eyes softening as he looked at his sons. "Strong boys," he said proudly, a rare warmth in his tone. He glanced at Maria, then at Jennifer, as if acknowledging her role in helping today, though he didn't say anything.

He placed his hand gently on one of the twins' heads and smirked, announcing, "This one's Luis, and the other's Mateo."

Maria looked up at Emilio, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten as she smiled at the names he'd chosen. "Luis and Mateo," she repeated softly, glancing at Jennifer. "What do you think?"

Jennifer smiled, though a quiet sadness lingered beneath it. "They're perfect."

Over the next few hours, Jennifer stayed with Maria, helping her adjust to the twins. Despite the complicated and messy situation between the three of them, Jennifer felt a sense of purpose in being there. She wasn't the mother of these boys, but for that night, she felt a small part of the bond that connected them all.

For now, they were just two women—two mothers, one helper—bonded by the chaos of life, the babies at the center of it all. And for once, Emilio was simply... quiet.

——————-

Jennifer sat in the nursery, the soft glow of the nightlight casting a warm hue over the room. The twins, Luis and Mateo, were nestled in their cribs, finally asleep after a long evening of fussing. Jennifer's body ached with exhaustion, but her mind was far too restless for sleep. She stared at the boys, gently stroking Luis's tiny hand as it curled around her finger.

Downstairs, she could hear the faint hum of conversation—Emilio and Maria preparing to leave for their night out. They were laughing, the sound of their voices carrying up through the house. It was strange hearing Emilio laugh, especially in a way that sounded so... genuine.

Jennifer hadn't known he was capable of it.

She listened as the front door opened, the sound of Maria's high heels clicking against the polished floor. Emilio's deep voice murmured something, too low for her to catch, but Maria's bright giggle followed. Jennifer closed her eyes for a moment, letting the sound wash over her. It stung, the way they were so at ease with each other, like a perfect couple heading out for a romantic evening.