Unexpected Love

Chapter 26

Catalina.

"No Cris, bend your legs at the knee not at the waist," I sighed exasperated as I helped him with his recovery.

I don't know what's wrong with him but lately he's been getting injured frequently, if it's not his hamstring it's his knee or shin. The club doctor diagnosed it as nothing that should 'raise any concern.' That was utter bullshit and to top it off he won't let me call in a specialist for a second opinion.

Damn men for being so freaking stubborn.

"Well say that then," he argued back, his face shining with sweat.

"I said it two times already!," I yelled at him.

"She did say that dude," Karim agreed with me from his place on the work bench in Cris' home gym. Marcelo and Ricky sat on the floor playing blackjack as Lucky looked on with curiosity.

"Kiss up," Cris muttered.

"You're sooooo lucky I have time off to help you," I mumbled back

Suddenly the shrill sound of the telephone rang through the house but it was cut off after three rings.

"That was strange," Marcelo said out loud.

"Remind me to never help you recover again," I joked to Cris.

"You know you love me and don't want to see me in pain," He smirked triumphantly.

"I hate that that's true," I fake sighed.

"I'm sorry for snapping at you, Jimena," he said, with puppy eyes.

Trying to be as discreet as possible, he pressed a light kiss on my lips as a way to apologize.

"You too are so in love it makes me want to vomit," Ricky said without looking up from his hand.

"Mom, someone is on the phone for you," Junior called from the next room before I could retort.

"Karim come and help him with this," I said, placing Cris' leg down again,"And don't let him bully you,"

"I won't bully him," Cris protested,"Well not again,"

I gave him a look before leaving the gym.

"Who is it, Junior?" I asked as he led me to the phone down the hall.

"Uncle Javier," he said quietly.

"Did he say anything?"

"Just that something was wrong," Junior said with furrowed eyebrows. I looked at him in confusion before quickly picking up the telephone.

"Javi?" I called into the phone.

"Catalina thank god. Sis, you need to come home now," his voice wavering.

"Why? What happened?" I asked frantically.

"It's Ma," He cried. I could sense the complete anguish in his voice, it made my heart drop into my stomach.

"Javi tell me what's going on, please." I felt a tear escape from the corner of my eye.

"She had a severe stroke this morning and no one was at home for hours. I knew I should've stayed with her longer before going to work. Leya found her in the afternoon but by time we got her to the hospital, she had slipped into a coma."

"No," I whispered,"No, no, no, no....This can't be. What did the doctors say?"

"If she doesn't wake in the next two weeks, she might never wake up again." He sobbed.

"I'm on my way back right now."

I hung up without waiting for him to finish. My head felt as if knives were being driven into it. Dazed and completely heartsick, I rushed back to the gym on legs that felt as if they were made of lead. I crashed head first into Cris' chest at the door, the easy going smile immediately dropped from his face when he saw the look in my eyes.