Her Viking 2

Chapter 7: Unsolved

Kage wakes up to the smell of bacon. He lifts himself up and stumbles to the bathroom. After doing his morning routine, Kage walks downstairs. Strolling into the kitchen, he back hugs Mariana. The feeling of contentment bubbling inside of him.

"Slept well?" Mariana questions.

"Yeah," Kage murmurs with his eyes closed.

Mariana finishes frying the eggs and walks around the peninsula to sit down. Kage sits beside her and takes his share of food. An awkward silence surrounds them.

Kage glances and speaks. "Anything you want to talk about?"

"The question is are you ready to talk about it," Mariana answers.

"Not that, not now," Kage sighs.

"Then we won't talk."

"Mariana-"

"No!" she cuts him off. "You know that you have way more explaining to do, especially after the way you treated me."

"Dang it, Mariana! I told you not right now. I don't want to think about it. Can't we just go back to normal?"

"No. How do you expect me to act like the past four weeks didn't happen?" Kage starts to walk away after her words.

"Don't you dare walk away from me Kage!"

"How do you expect me to not walk away when all you want to talk about is that?" Kage bites back.

"I won't have to keep asking if you just answer me," Mariana pleads out the obvious.

Kage shakes his head and heads towards the front door. Mariana's emotions inflamed at his ignorance. She quickly takes steps forward and throws out words.

"Why don't you act like a man and talk it out with me!?" Kage clenches his jaw and grabs his coat.

"Be a man and stop running away from your problems!" No response.

"If you really loved me, you wouldn't act like I'm some toy and throw me aside whenever you want," Mariana silently cries as the door clicks shut.

2 hours...

3 hours...

4 hours...

Mariana sits numb on the couch with a pounding head. She is staring off into oblivion. Her stomach aches for food but she doesn't have the appetite nor strength to force herself. Knocks on her front door cause her to move slowly due to a cramp. Then a dizzy spell drops on her.

"Hi, Mariana!" Kadlin smiles and greets. "...I wanted to check on you and was hoping maybe we could have lunch together...?"

Mariana's eyes roll to the back of her head. Luckily, Kadlin is able to catch her before her bump hits the wooden floor. Kadlin's heart is sinking as her body shakes. The shouts and cold water do nothing to help.

Kage sits at the edge of the dock. He worked himself off to try and block the thoughts floating around. A good, old worker of his takes the space beside him.

"Kage... I'm going into my fifties now. If there's only one thing I could tell you about relationships is that communication is key, especially for you." The older gentleman takes a minute to pause before speaking again. "I know you have trouble expressing yourself but you have to try harder. There are so many things that go into having a lasting relationship. I could talk all day and give you my experience but you need to go back and let it all go. She's your woman. She's carrying your child. And all she's trying to do is be there for you."

Kage takes a deep breath and nods. "Thanks, Gerald."

"You're welcome."

Kage's phone starts to ring and he sees the caller id. He hangs up the first time not thinking much of it. The second time he answers.

"Kage, get to the hospital now! Mariana passed out. I tried waking her up but nothing worked so I had to call the ambulance."

"I'm on my way," Kage says and rushes to his truck.

"Ah, my head..." She groans.

The distant voices become hushed. A constant beep ticking off beside her ear. Mariana sighs and cracks her eyes open slowly. A confused expression appears once she realizes the setting and everyone looking at her.

"How do you feel sweety?" Jean asks softly.

"My head hurts..." Right after a doctor and nurse walk in.

"Hello, Ms. Malave. How do you feel?"

"Dazed... My head hurts," she says more like a question than a statement.

"Okay, well the nurse is going to recheck your vitals and give you some medicine to help ease the pain. While she is doing that, I have some questions to ask you." Mariana gives the slightest nod. "Have you been under a lot of stress recently?"

Mariana steals a quick glance at Kage and answers, "Yes."

"Have you've been getting enough rest?"

"Somewhat."

"What about your appetite?"

"It's okay."

"Ms. Malave, you can talk to me. If not, I strongly encourage you to talk to your family or friends. Whatever issue you are experiencing is affecting your's and the baby's health. You must solve it soon to ensure it doesn't impact you any farther. The stress is causing your blood pressure level to be high. You're not resting properly and are having a poor appetite."

"I understand."

"Great. You should be able to leave in a few more hours. I would make a follow-up appointment with your gynecologist."

"Yes. Thank you, doctor."

"Don't worry. I can take you to my doctor. She's wonderful. She was there for all three." Mariana smiles in appreciation.

"Come on kids. Let's go get snacks from the vending machine." Jean ushers them out.

"I want Reese's."

" I want Skittles."

"Can I have chips and Snicker's?"

"Yes. Yes. And No. You can get two chips but not chips and chocolate. Now hurry."

"We are also going to go out. Call us if anything. Love you both," Kadlin leaves with Lyting behind.

"I'm sorry... I shouldn't have caused you this much stress. It's my fault. I thought pushing you away from my problem would keep you safe. Instead, it still caused harm. I'm so sorry, Mariana. Please forgive me," Kage pleads with a quiver in his voice.

"No." Kage looks up shocked. "No! I will not forgive you. All I tried to do is be there for you and help you as best as I can. You think just because you apologize and say some words I'm supposed to automatically forgive you. The answer is no. Prove to me you won't revert back to your old self. Prove to me that you won't push me away again. Gosh, darn it! PROVE TO ME THAT YOU LOVE ME!!!"

Kage remains quiet with his head down. "When you're ready to talk about what happened, then you can open your mouth. Until then, I don't want to hear a peep."