CHAPTER XXVII
“ M ommy, is Gigi okay?” a voice called softly, followed by the rustling of people shifting in the room.
“Gigi’s just resting, sweetheart,” the woman replied.
“Maybe we should leave,” a hesitant voice suggested.
“No. She told the nurse she was up for visitors.”
Why did that voice sound familiar? Was I dreaming?
With great effort, I forced my eyes open. The room slowly came into focus, and a weak smile crept onto my face as I took in the faces surrounding me—my newly found family.
Tears welled up in my eyes when I saw Tabi, alive and safe. She held Tristan’s hand tightly, his small fingers curled around hers. His wide eyes darted between me and his mother.
“Oh, my god,” I cried softly, the reality of their presence hitting me like a wave.
Tabi rushed to my bedside, enveloping me in her arms. “It’s okay,” she soothed, her voice a gentle balm. “You’re safe now. We’re both safe.”
Our tears flowed freely, releasing the pain we had endured as we allowed our shared experience to comfort one another.
My stomach clenched as Tabi's eyes locked onto mine the instant she pulled back. I wanted to ask her what happened the night she was taken. She seemed to know what I was thinking before I even spoke, then said, “Not today. We’ll talk later. I promise.” A ghost of a smile touched her lips.
I gave a reluctant nod of agreement.
“My turn.” Mya’s demanding voice broke through our moment. I peered over Tabi’s shoulder to see Mya walking slowly toward me.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Nothing,” she replied, but the wince that crossed her face told a different story.
“She was shot,” Tabi said softly.
“What!?”
“Yeah, about that,” she continued. “That night when things went to shit, I was shot. But I’m fine, as you can see.” She forced a smile.
“Oh, Mya.” I fought back fresh tears, my heart breaking at the thought of what she had endured, knowing I wasn’t there for her. What else had happened while I was gone?
“Shh, enough of that,” Mya gently scolded, yet her own eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “I’m fine, seriously. I’m just happy you’re alive and safe.”
“Ah, man. I can’t handle chicks crying,” Liam murmured. “There are too many feelings.” He shook his head, and I couldn’t help but smile at his familiar antics.
“Don’t be so dramatic, Liam,” I shot back with a hint of sarcasm, though I felt the urge to cry at the sight of him, a man who had become my best friend since I moved here. I could see he was holding back, his eyes glistening with unshed tears, his chin trembling.
“It’s good to see you,” I said, my heart swelling with gratitude.
He swaggered over, sitting on the edge of the bed. Taking my hand, he raised it to his lips and pressed a soft kiss against it. “I’m so fucking glad you’re back home,” he whispered. “I’m sorry for not being there.”
His admission struck a chord. I knew deep down that none of this was his fault.
He pulled away slightly, a smile breaking through his worry.
“You never did tell me about your date,” I teased, attempting to shift the heavy atmosphere.
He threw his head back and laughed, the sound echoing in the room. “Shit. I forgot I told you about that.” He shook his head, grinning widely. “It was good. Real good.” He wiggled his eyebrows.
That made me chuckle, and he leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss on my head. “Welcome home.”
My gaze shifted to the two little humans standing hesitantly by each other, their eyes wide with uncertainty.
I gave them both a warm smile. “Hey, buddies.”
“Gigi!” Tristan exclaimed, rushing to my side. “I brought you a picture I drew!” He held up a piece of paper with pride.
My smile widened as I took the drawing. “Oh, I love it!” He crawled onto the bed and sat beside me, excitement radiating off him. The picture depicted Tabi, me, and him, captured in his innocent crayon strokes.
“Thank you,” I said, kissing his cheek, and he wrapped his little arms around my neck, squeezing tightly. “I missed you.”
My chest cracked open at his words. “I missed you too, buddy.”
Aurelio piped up next, his small voice curious. “Are you back from your trip for good?”
I realized they must have crafted some narrative to explain my absence. “Yeah, buddy. I am.”
His smile was contagious. He jumped up and down with glee, running toward me. He climbed onto the bed, struggling a bit due to his tiny stature.
“There you go, little man,” Liam said, hoisting him until he was perched on my other side.
“Can we build another fort?” Aurelio asked, his eyes sparkling with hope.
“Yeah!” Tristan echoed enthusiastically.
I laughed, looking between them. “Yes. I would love that.”
“Promise?” Aurelio asked, his round eyes wide with anticipation.
“Promise,” I replied.
He grinned widely, showing off his little teeth, and hugged me once more. I glanced at Tabi, noticing her wiping away tears while Mya wore a similar expression—lingering sadness mixed with relief that I was finally back.
Dante, who had been standing near the door, finally spoke up. “How are you feeling, sweetheart?”
I met his steady gaze. “I’m getting better.”
He nodded, a hint of satisfaction in his expression. “Good. I’m happy to hear that. Do you need anything?”
I surveyed the room, feeling the comfort of their presence. “Just having you all here is enough,” I said.
They stayed and chatted with me as if I had never left, weaving together stories and laughter that drew me away from the darker memories. Not once did they mention my kidnapping or the horrors that had transpired.
“Okay, let’s let Gigi rest,” Mya said gently.
“Ah, come on,” Tristan and Aurelio whined in unison.
“We’ll come back tomorrow and bring her a burger,” Tabi promised with a smile.
“And a shake?” Tristan asked, his excitement renewed.
Tabi laughed, ruffling his hair. “Yes, and a shake.”
The boys kissed my cheek, hugged me, and then jumped off the bed.
Liam bent down, patting my head like a playful older brother. “See you tomorrow. Get some rest.”
I chuckled and lightly smacked his hand away.
Tabi and Mya hugged me goodbye. “Text me or call me whenever. Whatever you need, I’ll get it for you,” Mya stated.
“Thanks, Mya.” I smiled back at her.
She squeezed my hand, and I held on tightly, wishing she could stay a bit longer. They trickled out of the room one by one, and I felt an ache in my chest as their presence faded.
Dante lingered by the door, looking back at me with a serious expression. “There’s one more person who wanted to say hi.”
I knew exactly who he meant and was desperate to see him again. I nodded vigorously, and Dante’s relief was palpable.
He opened the door, and Uncle Malik stepped inside. He looked better, so much better than I remembered.
“His stubborn ass wouldn’t sit in the damn wheelchair,” Dante grunted as he watched his brother take tentative steps toward me, IV pole in tow.
Uncle Malik’s hair was freshly trimmed, and his face was cleaner and sharper than it had been when I last saw him.
The bruises that had once marred his skin were fading like the memories of those dark days.
And the bags under his eyes were less noticeable, as if he had finally started to reclaim some peace.
I felt a deep sense of sorrow that he had been a witness to so much of my suffering. They were images he wouldn’t ever forget. The heartbreaking truth was that I was helpless to ease his despair or offer any comfort at that time.
A strangled whisper escaped my lips. “Uncle Malik.”
“Hey, kiddo,” he replied, his voice rough around the edges as if he had just finished a night of singing at a crowded concert. “How are you feeling?”
My lips quivered. “I’m hanging in there. And you?” I asked.
He hobbled over to me, positioning himself beside me on the bed, his hand enclosing mine. “I’m better now that you’re safe.”
My vision blurred with unshed tears. “I’m so happy you’re alive.”
“I’m so fucking sorry, Gigi. I didn’t keep my promise to your mother.”
“What promise?” I asked.
“To always protect you no matter what.”
My shoulders slumped. “You did protect me. What happened afterward wasn’t anyone’s fault. Please don’t carry that burden.”
“It’s hard not after what I’ve seen what…what…what they did to you,” he said, his voice breaking.
Tears welled up in my eyes, hot and heavy. I couldn’t hold them back any longer, and they streamed down my cheeks. “Uncle Malik, I need you to do something for me.”
“Anything,” he whispered, a deep earnestness in his tone that made my heart ache.
“Can I have a hug?” The request felt small against the weight of our shared trauma, but I needed that connection more than ever.
An authentic smile broke across his face. He reached out and pulled me into his arms. The embrace was tender, the kind that spoke volumes of love and understanding without needing words.
“I’m so sorry,” he murmured softly against my hair. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too.”
I heard a faint rustle outside the door, and then it creaked open.
Uncle Malik and I pulled apart to see my father standing in the doorway.
He was dressed in a fitted black turtleneck paired with a sleek suit jacket, the subtle glint of a gold watch peeking from under his jacket’s cuff, which oozed a mob boss’s undeniable authority.
His lips curled into a smile when our eyes locked. “Hey, baby girl,” he greeted me.
“Hi, Dad.” His face lit up. Calling him “Dad” came so naturally, like a hidden bond had formed from the moment we met.
An unreadable expression crossed his face as he glanced at Uncle Malik and Dante, but I could sense a silent agreement had passed among them.
“Gigi,” Uncle Malik said. I turned toward him. “Are you up for one more visitor?”
Before I could answer, the door swung open, and there she was, my aunt Valarie, in the flesh.
Dad gently pushed her wheelchair further into the room, and I could hardly believe my eyes.
Her freshly washed dark hair was swept back into a neat ponytail, color had returned to her cheeks, and she appeared so much more alive.
Despite the bandages wrapped around her arms and the one on her forehead, she radiated a fierce spirit.
“Valarie?” I whispered in disbelief.
“Hey, sweetie,” she called out, her voice a balm to my anxious heart as Dad wheeled her closer. The moment she reached me, her hands grasped mine.
“You’re alive,” I choked out, tears streaming down my face in relief.
She nodded slowly, and the anguish on her face twisted my heart in sympathy. “I am so sorry,” she murmured. A guttural sob escaped her lips. “I’m sorry for what he did to you.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for. I’m alive, and that’s what matters,” I tried to reassure her, even as my voice trembled.
“Can I ask you something?” Valarie asked.
I glanced over at her, a warm smile spreading across my face as she savored the last bite of her pudding. Outside the room, Dante, Uncle Malik, and Dad’s voices could be heard, giving us a moment of aunt and niece bonding time.
“Of course, I replied.
Setting her empty pudding cup aside, Valarie leaned in closer, her fingers grasping mine. “How are you really feeling?” she asked.
I shrugged, a half-hearted smile betraying my genuine emotions. “I’m fine.”
She offered me the look Mom used to give when she sensed I was holding back my true feelings. It was my way of avoiding the truth and the pain that came along with it.
Valarie tilted her head, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. “Liar.”
The word hit home, and I quickly turned my gaze away, fighting back tears that threatened to spill.
I was sick and tired of the endless cycle of tears.
I wasn’t the only one affected by the violence and terror of that night; the scars ran deep for everyone involved.
For over twenty years, her uncle forced her to remain in that hell, where she watched her mother die.
She is the bravest and strongest person I’ve ever known.
“I don’t know what you want me to say,” I whispered.
Valarie squeezed my hand, her grip a silent promise that I wasn’t alone anymore. “I know you’re holding in so much pain. It’s okay to talk about your baby, Gigi.”
The mention of my unborn baby caused my lips to tremble involuntarily as my free hand instinctively rested on my stomach. Suddenly, the floodgates opened, stupid tears streaming down my face as sobs wracked my body.
“Oh, Gigi.” Valarie’s voice broke as she fought her own waves of emotion.
“It’s not fair,” I uttered, each word heavy with heartbreak.
“I know, sweetheart. I know,” she murmured.
I buried my face in my hands. The anguish of losing a child I never even knew consumed me. Wondering what their first heartbeat would’ve sounded like, the first flutter inside me, those precious moments I would never get to experience.
They took something precious from me without remorse. How could anyone be so cruel? I never knew so much evil existed in this world until that moment.
Would the baby have resembled me or Nico?
Would we have welcomed a boy or a girl?
All those dreams were lost: choosing names, designing a nursery filled with love, not to mention the excitement of a baby shower with Tabi and Mya.
Another wave of grief crashed over me, each sob a reminder of what was taken away.
Valarie somehow managed to climb onto the bed, wrapping her arms around me as we cried together.
“Shh, it’s going to be okay,” she whispered, rocking me back and forth.
But how could she be so sure? There was a gaping hole in my heart, one that would never be filled. I would never cradle my baby in my arms or kiss those tiny hands.
Yet, deep inside, I knew one thing for sure. Revenge and death would come upon those who stole that life from me.