A Smile and a Chance

22 A NEW BEGINNING

*UNEDITED

Maia's pregnant?!

I stopped on my tracks as I tried to digest what I just heard. This was no time for jokes. But she never told me anything...I never noticed anything peculiar with her...

"Is she and the baby going to be okay?" I asked the medics as I caught up with them.

"We can't say for now. Was she hurt in some way?"

"No, I don't think so..."

The medics told me which they would be taking her before we went out of the building. As I waited for them to properly get Maia in the ambulance, I saw Franco, handcuffed and being led to one of the police cars.

I didn't think anymore. I just knew I wanted to get my hands on him, I wanted to kill him.

I was able to land two punches on his face and a kick on his chest before I was dragged away by two cops, the other two helped him stand up. Even so, there was a nasty smile on his face that made me more furious.

Back in Chris' apartment, I only wanted to prevent him from hurting Hana, to let Maia escape with her. But now was a different story. Right now, Maia and our baby is in danger because of what he did.

"Satisfied?" he said while he was being dragged away and I struggled to get away from the cops holding me by my arms and shoulder.

"No. If something happens to Maia and our baby-"

"Holy shit, she's pregnant?!" and then a maniacal laugh escaped his bleeding mouth as he was shoved inside the police car.

"Calm down, son." One of the cops who held me said. "Doing that isn't going to solve anything. Now go to the hospital where they brought your wife. She needs you."

His words sent me back to reality. I nodded, and that was the only time they let me go. I got into my car and sped off. I don't know how long it's been since the ambulance left. I just hope Maia and the baby will be safe.

______________________________

"Liam,"

Ava went in after she knocked twice, but I ignored her.

Maia is now asleep. It had only been minutes since she was transferred in her own room. For now, Maia's condition is stable and that's important.

"Here," Ava offered Maia's purse and I reached for it and set it down beside me. "Mom and dad are outside, talking to the investigators. They said you refuse to talk to them, even to our lawyers. They just want to get your statement-"

"I know that, Ava." I quietly said. My twin sister waited a beat before she spoke again.

"How's Maia? Franco didn't hurt her, did he?"

I shook my head. I don't think Ava knows about Maia's pregnancy. I don't think anyone knows. Then I remembered her voice mail message. Maia said something about her gift and that she can't wait to give it to me. Maybe she's planning to tell me at the party...

"You should go and get yourself fixed. I'll stay with Maia in the meantime."

"No. I want to stay with Maia."

"Then I'll have one of the nurses treat your wounds." It wasn't a request. Ava went out of the room and returned with a nurse armed with a tray of first aid stuff – cotton balls, alcohol, ointments and antiseptic.

I honestly didn't know the extent of my own wounds until it was treated and it hurt like hell. I had no idea I had cuts on my arm and bruises scattered on my body. Luckily, I didn't have any lacerations from Franco's knife, the cuts didn't need to be stitched up. But I was still a bloody mess. Ava excused herself to get the fresh set of clothes mom brought. For some reason, Maia's purse called my attention.