Unexpected Love

Chapter 28

Cristiano.

"Don't you have matches to play any time soon?" Joachim asked as we sat in the hospital room with Mom,"It's the end of July"

The 10 o'clock sun was shining brightly, making the windows on the surrounding buildings glisten like diamonds. The birds were chirping rather loudly outside, mixing their calls with the honking of cars. People bustled about on the streets below, nothing more than specks from where I was standing. Catalina left again just now to check on Junior, leaving me with Joachim and Carima for the while.

"I'm currently in recovery." I said.

"What happened to you? Is it the ankle again?" He inquired.

"Partially torn hamstring. Picked it up during the last match. I guess I don't listen to your sister as much as I should," I ruefully admitted.

"You really should," He laughed,"She's right 95 percent of the time."

"And the other 5 percent?"

"We don't speak of those rare times," he smiled but then his face fell,"I've lost track of how long we've been here."

"Three days," I sighed, stretching out on the couch across the room from her bed.

I now see what Catalina has been saying. Emilia looks smaller than ever now that she's hooked up to all these machines.

"Three long, tiring days." He huffed.

"I can't stand seeing her like this," He muttered, brushing back some loose strands of hair from her forehead.

"None of us can," I replied.

"I hate seeing my sisters upset." He looked over at Carima who was fast asleep on the folding bed in the far corner of the room,"I don't like it when they cry. I never did."

"I know the feeling." I sighed,"But it all will be okay."

"I remember one time Leya came to us crying her eyes out because she was being bullied by some girl in school. Javi told her to tell the teacher about it, Jimena thought differently and told her and I quote that 'the teacher wouldn't do shit, punch her in the nose the next time',"

"Really?" I laughed loudly.

"Yeah, I believe she was going through a violent period around that time," he chuckled,"Anyway, I told her that she should try talking to the girl, catch her off guard and try to understand why she was bullying her. Long story, short they ended up being friends till this day."

"It's good you were level headed." I said.

"The roles are slightly reversed these days," He laughed.

"Can I ask you something Cris?"

"Ask away,"

"Why are you marrying my sister?"He asked bluntly. He faced me with his arms folded tightly and a stoic expression on his face.

"That's a random question," I half joked, but Joachim didn't crack a smile instead he just stood there as if he was a statue.

"I'm serious about this Cristiano. I love my sister and I would hate to think that you're marrying her just because she's pretty or something like that."

"She's beautiful alright,"I started off with a contented sigh,"Physically and mentally. Her mind is exquisite, no doubts about that and she understands me far better than I do myself. She loves the simpler things in life and that makes her even more beautiful in my eyes. Her personality is so carefree, so loving and very caring. I love seeing her happy, I love seeing the dimples when she is smiling and laughing, so when I wake up everyday I try my best to make and keep her happy."

"Thank god," he sighed in relief, finally breaking into a smile,"I thought I was going to have to beat you up."

"Trust me you wouldn't be the first brother who tried," I grinned.

"Josep got to you didn't he," Joachim chortled.

"Yeah, wasn't pretty at all. He promised to break all the bones in my body if I ever made her cry." I laughed nervously.

"We're very protective of our big sister you know. She's been looking out for us our entire lives, the least we can do now is try to keep her safe."

"I know,"

"When are you two planning on having the wedding?"

"Probably next year around this time. She wants to get used to living together for some more time." I replied, playing with the hem of my shirt.

"That sounds great, did you two decide what kind of wedding you guys are having? Catalina said once that she wanted a small wedding." He asked, placing a blanket on Carima's sleeping figure

"Yes it's going to be small. And very private, I don't want any of the media getting their hands on any pictures we don't want them to." I sighed.

"Where are you guys getting married? It will have to be somewhere with the least media attention because those guys are everywhere."

"I suggested here in Brazil, she suggested Madeira so I guess we are still on the fence for that one."

"Um Good Morning," A blond nurse poked her head into the room.

"Good Morning," Joachim replied.

"The doctor would just like to meet with all of you individually to discuss the results of your tests," She managed to squeak out before closing the door.

"I'll call them," Joachim said, pulling out his phone,"Hopefully they're awake by now,"

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

Catalina.

"Why are they taking so long," I miserably asked Cristiano as we sat in Maman's hospital room together as I had my head on his shoulder and he stroked my hair slowly.

"I don't know. But be patient my dear," He replied, entwining his fingers with mine,"Stop getting worked up, everything will be fine."

"My how the tables have turned," I grinned,"I've always been the one to tell you to be patient,"

"You do have that influence on me," He kissed my fingers gently.

"Catalina? The doctor is waiting for you." Carima said,"Go, I'll stay with Ma until Josep comes."

"You want me to come with you?" Cris asked quietly.

"Yes I do," I replied.