#3 Young and Reckless in Chicago

Chapter 36: Family Relations

Eva sat on the sofa, feeding Luna as she watched the news. There was a knock on the door and Eva groaned.

"Nicky! Can you get it?!" called Eva, exhausted.

Nick came bounding down the stairs, hustling to the door. When he flung it open he saw Antonio standing in the door way with a smile. He hugged Nick as they greeted each other.

"Dad!" smiled Eva, turning her head to see him.

"Hey baby girl! I had the day off so I figured I'd spend it with my little girl and my beautiful granddaughter.

"Aww. Well I love getting to spend time with you, dad," smiled Eva as she finished feeding Luna.

A few miles away Skylar sat on a couch a Chicago Med. Across from her sat her thearapist, Dr. Jennifer Wade. Skylar was going to be released into her parents custody after her meeting with the thearapist.

"Skylar, you understand that in order to go home you have to see me once a week and take your medication I've prescribed?" questioned the doctor.

"Yes I do. Dr. Reese explained everything to me. Besides the information about school," replied Skylar as she pulled her sweatshirt sleeves over her hands.

"Yes, school. We are going to let you decide when you're ready to go back, although you should go back sooner then later so school doesn't build up on you. When you do go back you are allowed I go to the guidance counselor whenever you need to."

"Would going back next week be going back too soon?"

The doctor pondered this as Skylar waited patiently. She examined her scars on her wrists, taking in how obvious they were.

"Do you want to go back to school next week?" asked Dr. Wade, breaking Skylar's thought process.

"Yes. I don't want to fall behind. And I don't want those boys to think they 'won'. Because they didn't," boldly replied Skylar.

"Usually wanting to move on fast is pain clouding, but I don't see that in your case. What makes you go from wanting to kill yourself to wanting to live like a warrior?"

"Before my suicide attempt, I thought know one loved me. Then once I woke up, I heard and saw how much the people around me love me. That they're here for me and that they actually care. So no, I don't want to die anymore. I want to live and be with the ones I love," admitted Skylar, tears trickling down her cheeks.

"That's exactly what you need to know. It shouldn't have taken an act of self harm to get you to see that, but for you it did. You're a strong girl Skylar. So yes I think, if you're ready, that you can go back to school next week."

Skylar smiled as her and Dr. Wade finished up the session. When it was over Skylar walked to the waiting room where she saw Corin waiting for her. Skye ran over and hugged her mom tightly.

"I love you mom. I'm so sorry," cried Skylar.

"No, I'm sorry sweetie. I love you so much. Don't doubt it for a second."

A few exam rooms away, Juliana was laying on an exam room table. She laid there, all alone, waiting. Kim had to go to work so Juliana left school early for her appointment. The door opened and Natalie walked in, rubbing hand sanitizer on hands.

"Hi Juliana! Are you ready to see your baby?" smiled Natalie in a cheery voice.

"Uh yeah," hesitantly replied Juliana.

"Are you parents here?"

"No. Mom's at work and dad's still pissed at me. So I don't know where he is."

Natalie stopped setting up the altrasound and turned to face Juliana. Her cheery smile now turned into a sympathetic one. She walked over to Juliana's side.

"You're dad loves you. It's just your his baby girl and now you're growing up. He's worried about you," softly explained Natalie.

"I know. I just wish he wasn't so mad about it. I mean this is grandchild," quietly replied Juliana.

Natalie brought over the altrasound machine and had Juliana pull up her shirt. Just as they were about to begin the door creaked open. Juliana couldn't help but smile when she saw Adam's head pop through the crack.

"Am I too late?" asked Adam, nervous.

"No we were just about to start. Come in," replied Natalie with a smile.

Adam walked in, shutting the door behind him. He walked over to his daughter's side and held her hand. Juliana smiled up at him, happy.

"Alright Juliana, this is going to be cold," warned Natalie as she place the wand on her belly with the cold gel.

Juliana shivered before smiling again. She eyed the screen nervously, waiting to see her baby. Suddenly the sound of one strong heartbeat filled the room.  Juliana exhaled, speechless as tears filled her eyes. Adam kissed his daughter's hand, amazed at the sound.

"That's your baby's heartbeat. Congratulations," grinned Natalie as she saw a single tear roll down Adam's cheek, "Would you like some pictures?"

"Yes, uh can I get three?" asked Juliana as she was pulled out of her daze.

"Of course," replied Natalie before handing her three altrasound photos, "I'll leave you to get cleaned up. I'll see you in a few weeks!"

Natalie left as Juliana handed the pictures to Adam. She took the paper towel Natalie gave her and wiped the gel off he stomach. When she was done she pulled her shirt down and hopped off the table. She had on a shirt sleeve shirt with yoga pants. Her long brown hair was a mess from laying on the table, so she combed her fingers through it. Meanwhile Adam stared at the pictures of his grandchild.

"Dad!" called Juliana, grabbing Adam's attention, "You ready to go?"

"Oh uh yeah. Sorry," mumbled Adam as he handed her back the pictures and headed for the door.

"Dad, one of these pictures are for you, you know."

Adam couldn't help but smile as Juliana handed him a picture. He pulled out his wallet and slipped in the picture, grinning.

"I love you baby girl. I'm sorry for taking my anger out on you. I wish you had waited until you were older, way older to become a mother. But I have to accept your choices and I'm gonna love you no matter what," admitted Adam, pulling his daughter in for a hug.

"I love you too dad. It means so much that you came."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world."