Surprise! (A Joey Graceffa Fanfiction)

Chapter 13 (February 14th)

~Joey's POV~

          I pulled over to the florist on my way home from shopping.  Knowing that this is going to be Daniel's and mine first Valentine's Day together, I have to make it extra special.

          "Darcy, can you help me pick out some flowers?"  I asked Darcy, my good friend.

          "Of course! What's the plan this year?"  She asked, looking through rows and rows of different flowers.

          "Candle lit dinner, rose petals..."  I let my voice drift.  Daniel means the world to me and I want to make this day special.  Darcy helped me pick out a giant rose bouquet and she gave me a carton of rose petals.  I could've stood there for hours chatting with Darcy before I quickly realized that Daniel would be home in a few hours, and I have to set up.  "Thanks again Darcy!"  I called after my shoulder.

         I quickly got in my car and sped home.  I thoroughly cleaned the house and lit strawberry scented candles (Daniel's favorite).  I drew all the curtains and laid rose petals going from the front door, up the stairs, down the hallway, and into our bedroom.  I made his favorite dinner and placed it on the table.

          I figured I'd make this Valentine's Day a game.  I put a note on the front door with a clue leading him throughout the house trying to find me.  It would eventually end in the bedroom.  And end with me showing how much I care.

          I stripped down to my robe and lay on the bed, covering myself with roses.  Now, it's just time to wait.  And wait.  And wait.  And wait.  I  tried to stay calm and just assume that maybe Daniel is running late.  Maybe he got caught up in traffic.  I checked my phone for the hundredth time.  Dismayed to find that I have no new messages.  I considered texting him, but I don't want to seem overly worried; and I certainly don't want to give away the surprise.  I decided to just give it twenty more minutes; although I couldn't help but feel like just maybe, something was wrong.

.          .          .          .          .          .          .          .          .          .

           I was awoken by a knock on the door.  I brushed the petals off and tied my robe tighter, figuring that it was Daniel.  As I got closer to the door, I could feel my excitement growing.  I opened the door, a huge smile on my face.  But I wasn't greeted by my handsome baby, smiling down at me, ready to take me into his loving arms.  Instead, I was greeted by two solemn looking police officers.

          The man was tall with greying hair.  The shorter female had her brown hair tied tightly into a bun at the back of her head.  "Are you Mr. Graceffa?"  The man asked.

         "Yes.  Is there a problem?"  I asked, feeling my anxiety growing, imagining all the things that could be wrong.

           "If you could get dressed and follow us.  There's something you need to see."  The lady said cautiously.

           "Um, sure.  Why don't you come in."  I offered.

           "We'll wait outside.  Please be quick."  I quickly obeyed the male officer and ran upstairs and got dressed.  I ran outside and got into my car, following the police car in front of me.  Horrible thoughts raced through my mind.  Maybe a friend got arrested and blamed me.  Maybe Darcy's shop burnt down.  What if something happened to my family?

          I drove through the rain, the wind shield wipers working furiously.  As nervous as I was getting, nothing could prepare me for what I was about to see.  The cops stopped me and helped me out of my car as we stopped in an intersection.  Sirens and flashing lights broke through the heavy rain.  All four roads were blocked off with caution tape.  Cars were stopped and people looked on, their curiosity peeking.  I could see two cars t-boned, smoke coming from the engine.  A shaken up women spoke to another police officer.  An ambulance was parked near the two cars.  A blue car, and Daniel's car...

          Everything seemed to happen in slow motion as I watched the Paramedics lift Daniel onto a stretcher.  I rushed over to him, but an officer caught me by the arm.  I screamed in horror.

         "Let me go!"  I twisted free and ran over to him.  Just before I was able to get close enough to him to touch him, the female officer stopped me.

          "Please, Mr. Graceffa!  Come with us."  She used all her might to drag me away.

            "What happened?"  I yelled.  "Tell me!"  I shook her, fear pulsating through my body.

          "There was an accident.  We're bringing Daniel to the hospital.  He's unconscious."  She said.  I didn't notice her rubbing my shoulder, but I found it very calming.

           "When can I see him!"  I wailed.

           "We can bring you to the hospital where they'll let you see him after the make sure he's okay."  Again, I followed the two officers through the winding, rainy streets of LA.  Any bit of Valentine's Day jitters were gone.

           I sped walked behind the officers through the hospital.  They brought me to a waiting room.

           "Can I see him?"  I snapped, my leg moving nervously up and down.

            "Not until the doctor's check him out.  We'll let you know when you can."  I sat down in the corner seat and faced to turn the wall.  I tired to hide the tears that started to uncontrollably fall down my face.  I leaned forward and buried my face in my hands.  It felt like hours, sitting there, before the cops came over to me.

           "They said you can see him now."  Both officers looked nervous, like they might set me off.  I followed them down a hallway to the last room.  All I want is to run over to my baby and hug him tight and make sure he's okay.  As I turned the corner, my heart dropped.