ELENA
Istepped quietly into the hospital room, my eyes immediately drawn to my mother's frail form propped up by pillows, a soft knit blanket tucked around her legs. The scent of antiseptic clung to the air, but it didn't mask the warmth in Mom's smile.
It'd been less than a week since everything had gone down, and now here we were, in a specialized hospital in Ironstone, two days after my mother's first treatment.
"How are you feeling today?" I perched on the edge of her bed, taking her hand in mine.
"I feel fine, actually. Maybe this one will do the trick." My mother gave me a wink, and my chest tightened. I didn't want to get my hopes too high for this new experimental treatment, but it did show promise when the doctors had spoken to us before starting it.
"The Donatis want to meet you actually, they've apparently been asking about you, about us. They'd like to meet you shortly, actually, if you're up for it."
Mom's eyes widened slightly. "Today? More than just Anthony's two kids?"
"Only if you're ready," I assured her, trying to hide my own nervousness. "It'll be them and Grayson's partner and son," I shared.
Ivy moved from the window to stand beside me for support.
"It's been one hell of a week, getting you here and you starting this treatment. Moving everything properly," Ivy said as she glanced out the window overlooking the city.
It had been a hectic time indeed. The Donatis had secured us a temporary apartment closer to the hospital, and Jackson wouldn't let me argue about not wanting to break my lease at the other apartment. He'd muscled his way onward, moving us to the new place within a day with the help of a few men who I had to assume also worked for the family.
Grayson had visited us while we were unpacking in the new place, sharing how Meredith had been discharged, and once mom had her first treatment, he thought it'd be best for us all to meet properly, together.
"So, that guy who's been around, Jackson, you guys are…?" Mom let the insinuation hang as I rolled my eyes.
"I don't know yet. Still figuring it out," I said truthfully, and this time my mother rolled her eyes.
"Elena, take it from me, life is too short. If you feel strongly for him, keep him. Find a way to make it work. I see how he looks. He brings you here every day, without complaint, doesn't he?" She arched a knowing brow, and I nodded.
"He drives me to work too. They're keeping me on staff despite everything. Or maybe because of…" I murmured before shaking my head. "They couldn't fix my old car, so they got me a new one. But he still wants to be the one driving me around."
"He's been staying with us too, well, with Lena, inherroom, inherbed," Ivy said with emphasis.
"Well, sounds like it is something," my mother said as she patted my hand, a wicked smile lighting up her face.
Even in a hospital bed, she wouldn't let it dim her spark.
I wouldn't tell them that Jackson stayed with me to help keep the nightmares of Alfeo away. I didn't want to tell mom about that. Maybe one day, but we'd all agreed not to share it for now, not any of it. If she survived, then we'd decide how to share everything.
A movement at the doorway caught my attention. As if summoned by his name, Jackson stood there, his broad shoulders filling the space.
"Why do I feel like I was the topic of conversation?" he said, smiling as he folded his arms and leaned on the doorframe.
"Because it's about time my girl got a boyfriend, so I'm happy," mom said, and I sighed.
Thankfully, Jackson's smile only grew as he shook his head. "Well, it's not like I actually asked her the question formally. It just evolved into what it is."
I glanced at him, my heart skipping a beat as his words registered. Was he actually?
"So it's official, then?" Ivy's eyebrows shot up expectantly.
"This isn't high-school, but if you need me to say it, then yes, if Elena is happy with that."
"Oh, she is," Ivy blurted as my mother nodded in agreement, causing me to laugh.
"Yes, it is," I said, my smile softening as I met his gaze. Sincerity and affection met me in them, and I relaxed, grateful we'd finally decided to label whatever this was we were doing. I'd not wanted to ask amongst the chaos of my life lately, but I had been wondering. Especially with him staying over and our adult fun…
He fished his phone from his pocket, checking it, his smile fading.
