Caballeros

Waiting, waiting, Waiting

Jules

I stand there in the empty room for what seems an eternity but in reality it's only a few minutes. I remember something that he needs to know; maybe it will cheer him up. I run out to the hallway and see them reaching the elevators toward the back. I get to them really quick and they push him into doorway.

"Wait!" I say. "Please I need to tell him something."

"Okay, but be quick." Dr. Castillo says. He looks annoyed but I give no fucks.

"Okay. Joaquin, My love you won baby." I say through tears.

"I won?" he asks as his voice cracks.

"Yes Mi Vida. You did it. I love you."

"I love ya'll too." He says sniffling.

I begin to cry again standing as I watch the elevators doors close with the love of my life going up for a surgery that cost him his life. I'm shaking again in sobs; I feel strong arms around me and I recognize his cologne; Guerro. He hugs me tightly and rocks me back and forth.

"I can't lose him. Octavio I can't!" I cry out.

"I know, I know. All we can do at this point is be here for him when he comes out if surgery. It's going to be a long recovery. He is so lucky to have you by his side." He says with tears falling down his face. "Let's go sit down and rest a bit."

He takes me to the waiting room for families waiting for their loved ones that are in surgery. It is very quiet in the room and it makes me really anxious. I sit down next to my daddy and snuggle into him as he rubs my back; I fall asleep in the safety of my dad's arms. The doors opening wakes me up and look up and see a surgeon that is also chaplain come in to talk to another family. All I hear is the chaplain tell the family that they lost their family member. I feel bile come into my throat and I get up quickly and run to the bathroom to vomit. I'm having a full on panic attack now what if that happens to me. The door opens and Changs kneels in front of me with all love and compassion in his eyes.

"Tejana, Dr. Castillo is outside. He wants to talk to you."

"Is he okay?" I plead with Changs.

"Sweetheart, he won't tell us anything." He says helping me stand up I feel wobbly. He holds me up as he walks me out of the bathroom.

"Mrs. Ortega, I just wanted to give you a quick update. We are at the four hour mark and the spinal fusion will take at least another four hours maybe more. Maybe you should get some rest at the hotel?"

"I am not leaving him."

"How about I call you an hour before we get done?"

"Juliana, mija you need rest. Think of the baby. Think of Trinity you already know she gets anxious still. She needs you too." Daddy says. I look at the floor and nod.

"When will we know if the surgery worked or not?" I ask while twisting my fingers.

"Well it can take a few days to weeks but most of the times its weeks to months. Mrs. Ortega there is one thing I know for certain if he gets his sensation back there will be no more bull riding."

"He will be devastated. Can you please wait to tell him this until I am here with him?" I ask and he nods.

Okay let's go mija." Daddy says.

Sabrina changed our hotel to one closer to the hospital; thank god for her. I am beat and I have been having some cramping now and again but I'm keeping quiet on that. I open the door to our suite and the first thing I notice is his black hat and I break down. I forget that Britni and Trinity are in the room. Joseph rubs my back bringing me back and I wipe my tears hastily. Trinity is at my side real quick.