𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 - 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘇 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀

CHAPTER 8

𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬
-𝗟𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗿𝗶𝗸 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘇

After I drive back to the hospital I walked back into the hospital facility, making my way through the familiar halls. The scent of antiseptic lingering in the air, I passed by countless nurses hustling from room to room, attending to patients. My gaze fixed on my mother's room, and I quickened my pace, eager to be by her side.

"Hey, Mama," I began, offering a gentle smile. "I'm sorry it took longer than expected." I carefully retrieved the sandwich from the bag, setting it down on the tray next to her bed.

"It's okay, sweetheart," my mother replied, her voice tired but still loving. "What took so long?" Her gaze studied my face, concern etched in her eyes.

I nodded, recalling the unexpected encounter. "I was there," I began, pausing momentarily before continuing. "Erik actually happened to be there, too." I waited, hoping my words would spark recognition, then added softly, "Remember that boy I brought home that one night? The one that was crying in the alleyway?"

realization crossed my mother's face, her eyes widening slightly. "Oh, yes," she said, her voice soft. "Yes, I remember."

I continued, a small smile playing on my lips. "Well, I ran into him, and we talked for a bit." My mother listened intently, her expression curious. "He has a brother," I said, my tone casual but deliberate. "His name's Lyle." I paused, letting the name hang in the air, then added softly, "I talked with him, too."

My mother listened quietly, her gaze fixed on me. "Lyle," she repeated softly, the name rolling off her tongue as if tasting it. She was intrigued. "What are they like?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

I raised an eyebrow. "They are nice," I responded, a hint of admiration in my tone. "Erik is really sweet," I said with a small smile. "And he actually plays tennis, too. We both have a match coming up next Friday."

My mother's eyebrows raised slightly, surprised by the coincidence. "Well, that's nice," she said, her voice soft.

"Yeah," I agreed, a small smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. "Our coaches got together and talked. so I'm pretty sure we'll be official training buddies soon enough."

My mother regarded the news with a soft smile. "That's great," she said, her tone warm. "It's nice that you'll have someone to train with now."

I continued, shifting gears to discuss Lyle. "And Lyle, Erik's brother," I began, my tone thoughtful. "I'm still getting to know him, but he's back in town. He attends Princeton, and I'm pretty sure he plays tennis too."

My mother's expression was somewhat unreadable as I mentioned Lyle's academic background. She takes a bite of her sandwich "Princeton,?" she said, her voice contemplative. "He must be smart."

I responded softly, my words tinged with determination. "I'd say so," I agreed. Truthfully, I didn't know for sure, but I was determined to get to know the other Menendez brother. "But mama I have open training tomorrow so I won't be here at the hospital with you," I added, my voice firm.

My mother nodded, a little disappointed but understanding. "I know," she said softly. "You have your training, and you need to focus on that."

I asked gently, my tone soft but curious. "Did the doctor say anything while I was gone?"

My mother shook her head, a hint of resignation in her expression. "No," she replied. "Just the usual check-in, really. They mentioned Pre-eclampsia, the same thing they've been saying."

I nodded again, but the silence that followed was heavy. Then, my mother brought up a subject I had hoped to avoid. "Did you call your father and let him know?" she asked gently, her voice tinged with concern. My body tensed slightly at the question, the mention of my father bringing back uncomfortable memories.