Page 104 of Family Bonds- Gabriela & Luca

“Since you know the number of patients on the ward, and another added earlier today, I’ve spent the entire time here.”

“I was hoping Anthony could have gone home,” she said, her voice almost whining. “But he’s not doing what he’s told, so I’m not surprised he’s not ready.”

“I told his parents that. Honestly, I think he likes it here. Says he gets waited on more and not told to stop watching TV.”

“Plus, he’s missing school,” she said. “I heard that last night too.”

“I just ran more blood work. With any luck, he can go home tomorrow.”

“I’ve never met a kid who likes to be in the hospital,” she said. “But there is a first for everything.”

“I talked to Ava on the way over tonight. She gave me an update on Taylor.”

He hadn’t brought the teen’s name up once since the first night.

Since her shoulder was there for him to lean on.

Then she made him feel lighter than he had in years by offering for him to go to her house the next night.

And what awaited him when he walked in the door. Yeah, it brought a massive smile to his face.

An openness to his heart that was slowly falling once again.

She brought up the subject first...in her way. And that was fine with him.

It didn’t all have to be fun and games with them. It didn’t all have to be serious either.

But it was nice to know it could be when or if they wanted it to be.

“What did she say?”

“That she’s over six months pregnant and on her own. The boy is out, not even admitting it’s his and wants no part of it.”

“That’s sad, but not unheard of. Maybe he’ll change his mind.”

He shrugged. Not that she could see it.

Or the thoughts that had been running through his mind all night while he tried to shove them in a closet.

Things that had no business popping in, things he’d told himself he shouldn’t be considering, but yet, he wasn’t doing that great of a job convincing himself of it.

“Who knows? Ava brought up the options, keeping the child or adoption. They seemed on the fence on what they were doing so she broached it to get their minds working.”

“Do you think she’ll keep it?” she asked.

“No clue. I’m not even positive she’ll stay on the island. We might not even see her again, though she’s due for some shots. We’ll see if she makes the appointment.”

“There are so many things outside our control. Might be for the best if you don’t see her again.”

He heard the underlying words.

That maybe he’d get down again.

See the things he never had and wonder why the universe dealt him that hand.

For such a smart man, he could get lost in his thoughts.

Just like he’d been doing all night.Again.