Chapter 9 - Safe with me

Chapter 9 -

Antonella Ricci - Cross

POV

When I woke up, I heard Lu and Dean speaking. I knew I was in the hospital. I could smell it and hear the beeping beside me. I run my fingers down the sheets.

I knew this would happen. I have been overworking myself. I was exhausted and still overworked. Problem after problem kept popping up.

I knew I’d have to slow down. If I wanted to make it to my daughter’s birthday I needed to slow down. But there’s so much that need to get done. There’s so much I need to do for Leah before I go.

“She needs to stop...” Lu says softly.

“I know she does, but she won’t listen to me. She keeps putting herself in danger. She keeps doing these runs and keeps over working herself. She’s running herself into her grave.” Dean says.

"Maybe we should tell Allister? Maybe he can get her to take the treatment..." Lu suggests

“That’s not going to work the bastard would celebrate her death. The man hates her with a passion.” Dean scoffs.

I let out a sigh. I didn’t need a reminder as to just how much my husband hated me. I try not to think about how he’d probably have a party after I’m not around anymore.

“How would you know if you don’t try Dean...” Lu tries.

Dean sighs. “Lu I know you see the good in everyone but Allister Cross only cares about himself and no one else. You saw the crap he pulled just recently.” I could tell Dean was trying to tame his temper.

"That’s enough you too. We’re not telling Allister.” I ask trying to sit up.

My throat hurts. It feels as if I’d swallowed knives for fun. It was beginning to feel natural. Waking up in hospitals, feeling like I could pass out in seconds.

"Nella?” Lucinda rushes over to me. "Thank God you’re awake, we were beginning to worry for you.”

"Water" I try to smile.

Dean helps me sit up, while Lucinda gets me water.

I take the water from Lucinda taking a small sip. “Did the doctor say why I collapsed? What happened with the couple?” I ask.

Dean glares at me. “I need a minute...” he says walking out of the room.

I sigh watching him leave.

"He is just worried about you Nella, please don’t mind him... How are you feeling?" Lu asks.

“My throat feels dry like the Sahara dessert. Other than that I’m good..." The pain in my stomach had become bearable,it barely hurt anymore.

It was beginning for feel normal. I wouldn’t know what to do without the ache. It reminded me to cherish everyday I had with my daughter.

I don’t know what I would do without her. She was my rock, she’s what kept me fighting for every day I get to spend with her.

“How are you really feeling? I know you were in a meeting when you fainted but are you sure you’re okay?” Lu asks.

I give her a small smile. This was getting too much for me. I was thinking about asking Erin to do the runs, but now I’m having second thoughts. She wouldn’t be able to do this. Not the way I did. “Lucinda when I’m gone promise me you’ll take care of Leah for me. Make sure Dean is okay too...”

Lucinda’s eyes wells with with tears. “Don’t talk like that please... There has to be something, get a second opinion, anything please... Antonella please...” she takes my hand in her two hands. “Please don’t give up...” She begs.

“If I’m being honest with you I didn’t like you much at first... I thought you were one of those fake barbies trying to take my friend away from me. Yet that didn’t seem to be the case. I’m glad you married Dean. The two of you are perfect for one another. I know he’ll be taken care of when I’m gone.” I try to comfort her. I’ve made peace with my death, I got to marry the man I love, I have a beautiful daughter who will be taken are of when I die. I made sure my father won’t be able to get a hold of her after I’m gone.

“God don’t talk like that. To be honest I didn’t like you much too, I thought you were the best friend in love with their best friend. You know the cliché of every romance book known to man. Then I got to know you, really know you and I’m glad to have met you. You’re a wonderful human being, an amazing mother, friend and wife. Even if you don’t get the recognition you deserve.”

Tears run down my face, for the first time in a very long time, I wish things were different. That I wasn’t given the short end of the stick. That I could watch my daughter grow old, see her get married, have children of her own.

I know it was a blessing I got to see this much of her life already. It still hurt deep within my chest thinking about how much of her life I’m going to miss out on...

Lucinda gives me a hug and a kiss on the forehead. I try to stop the tears but no such luck. “I’m sorry for...” I stop her.

It’s not your fault Lucinda. I just drew the short end of the stick... I’m grateful for being able to spend as much time with Leah as I can...” I tell her.

“Being married to this jerk I can understand the feeling of needing to be free from this ass...” Dean says walking in with Allister.

My eyes widen in shock. What the hell was he doing here?

Lucinda is shocked as well, she jumps up from the bed and just stares at Allister. “Mis-Mister Cross... You’re here?” she asks in shock.

“It seems you both didn’t expect me to be here...” Allister looks between Lucinda’s shocked expression and Dean’s glare...

“Can you blame us? We both know you’re not here because you care for Antonella. You’re here because of your little image.” Dean says folding his arms across his chest.

"So how you feeling?" Allister asks ignoring Dean’s accusation.

Right I was at the hotel when I collapsed. I knew I was pushing myself, but there are so many people I want to help and so little time.

“I’m fine Allister. You can return home and watch over Leah...” i suggest.

Allister narrows his eyes at me, his eyes run over my frame. “The internet is right you’re too thin. It’s no wonder you collapsed. Are you starving yourself to get my attention?” he scoffs.

Dean jumps before I could even react. He’s in Allister’s face pushing him backward. “I dare you to say that again. I fucking dare you. Who the fuck wants your attention?”

“Dean!” Lucinda screams rushing over to them.

Allister pushes Dean back.

I close my eyes blocking it out. I didn’t know how I got here. One second I’m standing in a hotel room the next I’m laying a all too familiar bed.

“Hey, hey what’s going on you can’t fight here. The patient needs rest. Mr. Saunders you know better...” Sam chides.

I open my eyes. “How you’ve been Sam?” I smile at him.

“If it isn’t my favourite patient. God I hate seeing you...” he playfully glares at me.

“So you must be the famous husband I never get to see...” Sam looks his way, the look he was giving Allister showed he was displeased.

“Guys do you mind waiting outside. I would like to talk to my doctor alone...” I ask.

I was worried Sam might say something in front of Allister...

Allister looks at me but Lucinda pushes both him and Dean out of the room...

I let out a sigh of relief. “How long am I out for?” I ask him.

“You know you’re one of the strongest people I know. No one can roll with the punches like you can. Then again anyone else pushing themselves like you have would be dead by now... Antonella, I don’t have to keep telling you this but you need to stop, you’re under too much stress. You’re pushing yourself too far. You had a bleed in your stomach again.” he sighs.

I smile. “So nothing new?”