Finally, a nurse comes into our waiting room and I bolt out of my seat. Antonio meets me by my side, and I hold my breath.
“Hello everyone, I’m nurse Pooja. Amelia made it out of surgery, and is now in recovery, as we prepare to move her over to the ICU. The surgery went well. It was a bit touch and go there for a moment, but we got the bleeding under control, and the knife wound wasn’t deep enough to damage any organs. We’ll be keeping her under observation for a couple of days, to make sure there’s no more internal bleeding, but if all goes well, she should be home by Christmas Eve.” She smiles warmly.
The whole room releases a deep breath, and then we’re all blindly hugging one another.
Dr. Nuñez arrives and all of the women flock to him. By the time all the hugs and kisses subside, his watery gaze meets mine.
What do I say to the man whose daughter I almost got killed?
Luckily he’s a better man than I’ll ever be, and he holds his arms out for a hug.
Dr. Nuñez is barely an inch taller than Amelia, but I swear I feel like he’s a giant keeping me up during the hug. He pats me on the back, then finally speaks. “She’s asking for you, Evan.”
I wipe away the tears I didn’t know were there, then nod profusely. “Can I go see her? Please?” I ask warily.
“Yeah, you and Antonio come with me. Everyone else, go home. I’m sure Amelia will appreciate all the cake and food you’re all about to make her.” He chuckles to himself. They all nod and say their goodbyes. “You can’t stay long. She needs to rest, and is heavily medicated.” I make a face, but Dr. Nuñez raises a hand dismissing my frustration. “As soon as she’s moved out of the ICU, you can stay with her. Usually a father knows his daughter has a boyfriend before allowing him to sleep in her room, but I guess these are extenuating circumstances.” He gives me a stern look, which in turn makes me feel like I’m a teenage boy about to take his daughter out on a date. I nod in understanding, and he leads us through multiple checkpoints that need his key card access.
We finally reach her room, and Dr. Nuñez gives us more warnings. Don’t make her emotional, keep things light, and leave after a few minutes.
They enter the room before me, and I trail behind.
When my eyes finally land on her in the hospital bed, she’s already smiling at us. “My men,” she rasps.
My tears immediately threaten to overflow again, when nurse Pooja walks in to check on Amelia’s vitals. We’re all quiet in the room, until Amelia breaks the silence again. “Nurse Pooja, you’ve got a nice rack. Can I touch them?” She squints as she tries to lift her arm.
We all erupt into laughter, and the nurse turns to us. “It’s the meds. Makes everyone a little loopy and extra chatty.
Dr. Nuñez smiles. “Please excuse my daughter, Pooja. Wish I could say she’s much more reserved than that, but I’d be lying.”
“Oh no need to apologize. She said much worse when she was being wheeled into the recovery room.” Then she eyes me, and blushes. “I’m assuming you’re Evan?”
Antonio interrupts before I get a chance to answer. “Oh God, spare us the details. I’m still coming to terms with them dating.” Antonio groans as he squeezes Amelia’s foot over the covers, which causes her to smile.
She raises her hand to me, and I walk over to her side and take it. My body finally receiving the much needed relief of Amelia’s touch.
“I’m so sorry, Amelia. I put you in danger. I will never forgive myself—”
“Your dad, is your dad okay?” her raspy voice interrupts.
“Yes, he’s okay. He was flirting with the nurses in the emergency room while you were in surgery.” I offer a weak smile.
“He has a type.” She chuckles softly, which turns into a cough.
“Okay, I think that’s enough for now. Amelia can call you later tonight or tomorrow.” Dr. Nuñez motions towards the door.
“Wait Papi. I need to say something first.” She tries to sit up a bit, but struggles. Nurse Pooja adjusts her bed and Amelia takes a deep breath.
“This can wait, mija,” her dad states softly, but she shakes her head.
“No. It can’t. Plus it also counts as official police business, and Antonio is already here.”
We all perk up and focus on Amelia.
“Julian.” She winces, but continues. “He’s had me followed since I broke up with Sebastián. Way before we started dating, even before you saw me at the club. I’m sure you’ll see all the photos he had plastered on the wall of that laundromat basement. All the evidence is there.” Antonio and her dad exchange a confused glance, but remain quiet.
“How is that possible?” I say. “I thought he was after you because of me.”
She shakes her head again. “His mom wanted us to date for years apparently, so Julian was carrying out his mother’s sick dying wish. It had nothing to do with you, Evan. You were just an obstacle in the way. By me being with you, it probably kept me more protected if anything. Made his access to me that much more difficult. He was never going to let me go. He was planning on flying us out of the country.” She squeezes my hand. “He also said he had someone in the waiting room of this hospital with eyes on dad. Said he would hurt him if I didn’t leave my apartment with him. I’m so sorry guys.” She starts to tear up and I kiss her hand.
