RANSOM GIFT: The Complete Collection Boxed Set (Commanding Proposal, Hidden Proposal, Ransom Proposal)

by Kristina Royer

  “I died a thousand deaths, where were you?” He asked with a bit of annoyance now.

  “Gary, are you with dad?” I asked him. Nope, I had to let them know. “Yes.” He answered. “Could you pass him the phone, please?” I said. He did. And after three seconds, dad was on the line. “Kristina, where have you been?” He asked.

  I gathered up all my courage and I confessed to my father. “Dad, I tried to talk to Clemente not to sue Gary, but he was determined. And he said he would only forget about it if I leave Gary, but I don’t want to leave Gary, so I was at the police station, and I sued him.” I informed my dad. “You did what?” He yelled. “I’m so sorry, dad. I can’t let Gary go to jail.”

  He didn’t speak for a couple of seconds, and I was literally panicking on my way home.

  “You did what you thought was right. I’m so proud of you, Kristina. Don’t worry, I’ll tell Gary.” He said, and then he was out of the line.

  I tried to rush on my way home because this craziness was killing me, and I hated the feeling of being left out. I needed to know that Gary wasn’t mad at me for what I did.

  After few minutes of rushing and panting, thank God I was in front of our apartment door.

  “You want to leave my daughter just for that hidden proposal?” My dad’s tone was equal parts mad and concerned.

  What? He’s going to leave me? I felt like fainting. Our door was spinning, and before I knew it…

  Chapter 5

  I woke up on our bed, with my head throbbing like I drank a whole barrel of beer, and my hips felt like they’ve gone through some sort of fraternity hazing. I felt so violated in every single way.

  “Hey, how are you feeling?” A familiar voice was coming over toward me from my right sad.

  I can barely move my body. I felt so weak. But as stubborn as I always was, I tried.

  “No, no… don’t move.” He said.

  What’s going on? I felt so down.

  “What’s going on?” I asked him. “What’s happened?”

  He caressed my hair as if he knew it was necessary for my head was killing me. Suddenly, everything came crashing on my memories as if I was watching it on a pirated video or something… it was too blurry.

  Tears started to fall down from my eyes, and I heard him panicking on my side. “Baby, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

  “You wanted to leave me.” I accused him.

  He has let go of an obvious sigh of deliberation. “No, dad has gotten my point all wrong. I didn’t want to leave you. I asked him if he thinks it’s better to just go away, and I was glad he said no because that would crush me knowing he thinks I’m bad for you. We had no idea that you were outside listening.” He explained.

  I tried to sit down, but Gary won’t let me. “Baby, take it slow.” He said while trying to help me sit down. “You have to be extra careful now.” He said with a sweet smile on his face.

  What? Why? Was I that sick? “What? Why?” I asked him.

  He smiled widely at me. “I love you so much, Kristina.” He said.

  I tried to level with the intensity of his smile, but I felt so weak. “I love you.” I answered.

  “You don’t know how happy you made me.” He said.

  Ah… for fainting? Well, it was indeed awkward for I had no idea what I did to make him happy like he’s accusing me, or how to response to this topic that I had no idea about what.

  “I don’t understand.” I told him with a weak smile and shutting eyes.

  He held both my hands, and it has caused me to open my eyes widely, and pay him the attention he’s asking for.

  “The doctor said…” He started to reveal the mystery.

  Okay??? He paused for a while with that grin that was so close to be appearing stupid to me. OMG! It must be the medication.

  “What is it, Gary? Please tell me.” I begged. “I’m starting to be worried.”

  “Baby, we’re three weeks pregnant.” He whispered to my ears.

  I was madly shocked by what he just whispered to my ears. We’re what???

  “Did you just say pregnant?” The news has suddenly given me enough energy to move quickly.

  He nodded with that grin again.

  OMG!

  I’m pregnant!

  With Gary’s child!

  I was suddenly overwhelmed by the blessing, and I started shedding tears. I felt stupid, but I couldn’t help it.

  Gary hugged me tightly, but with enough care that you know pregnant women usually get. I hugged him back.

  “We’re going to be parents.” He said.

  The thought made me feel scared and excited at the same time. We’re going to be parents… the two of us.

  I started sobbing, and Gary started to caress my back, allowing me to feel overwhelmed by the amazing blessing we’ve just learned.

  “Dad knows about this?” I asked him.

  He smiled at me. “Yes, we both talked to Dr. Alonzo and dad is on his way to pick up vitamins and fruits for you.” He said.

  Awww… Dad must be so excited about his first grandchild.

  “He’s so excited.” Gary informed me with a soft laugh. “And so am I.”

  *****

  “Dad, it’s too early for that.” I stopped my father from listing down baby names for his first grandchild. Both he and Gary were throwing ideas on what to name our baby. Gary’s idea was definitely American while dad’s was undoubtedly Spanish. It made laugh so hard.

  They’re first topic was for girls.

  “How about Abby…?” Gary suggested to dad.

  Dad’s face frowned. “Gary, I love you, but that’s not it.” Dad said, and I laughed. “Reina is better.” Dad always has a disclaimer.

  “Dad, I think Parrish is perfect.” Gary threw in his idea.

  “You’re a nice boy, but she’ll be like a church.” Dad said.

  I just couldn’t stop laughing because of my dad’s disclaimers.

  “Vikki would be awesome, dad!” Gary exclaimed as if he found a cure for AIDS.

  “Son, you’re such a talented artist, but you’re bad at names. Zandra is the winner.”

  Gary faked a frown face, and it made dad and I laughed. “Okay, boy names.” I started another round with no winner.

  “Sabino is amazing, don’t you think, hija?” Dad asked.

  I gave him my very noncommittal smile.

  “How about Orlando…?” Gary asked.

  “Orlando!” Dad exclaimed.

  Look at that they’ve both agreed on the same name.

  “Let’s name him after your great grandfather.” Dad said.

  Gary smiled at the both of us. We already have a name for a baby boy. I personally think that if it’s a she, I would love to name her Aurora, so that she would be sharing the same name with dad, or Gareth, which is after his dad.

  “I think I like Gareth Aurora for a baby girl.” I boldly told them. “They’re from Gary and Aurelio.”

  The two of them were both obviously touched by my decision. They looked at each other and smiled. It was unlikely what men do, but mine were just so in touched with their feminine side.

  “So, Orlando Mora Miller for a boy, and Gareth Aurora Mora Miller for a girl…” I informed them.

  “I love it.” Gary confirmed my ideas.

  “I’m starving. Let’s go eat the Paella that Alma cooked for you.” Dad suggested.

  I nodded, and Gary automatically came near me to help me get up. My belly wasn’t even big yet, but he was totally hands-on to taking care of me.

  “Well then, I guess Paris is off for now.” Dad said while putting our meal out from a thermal bag.

  “Dad, I hope you’re not mad at us.” Gary did much of the talking lately. I think he’s already warmed up with him.

  “Of course, hijo… I appreciate that you’re choosing to stay with Kristina in her happiest condition.” Dad always knows the right words to say.

  “There’s no place I’d rather be.” I think they’re competing for
the title of who knows what to say best.

  I am such a very lucky girl for having these wonderful men in my life.

  “Let’s talk about business once the baby’s out. For the meantime, let’s keep both of them healthy.” Dad said.

  I smiled sweetly to the both of them. They’re both my hero. Before, it was Clemente, and he managed to seclude my whole world, so I won’t see anybody else but him. It’s different with Gary.

  He’s making me a different version of myself… the best I’ve ever been—I’ve learned to appreciate my dad because of him, I’ve seen the beauty of life because of him, I value other people because of him, I’ve learned the importance of giving when it comes to having a relationship because of him, and I’ve felt different because of him.

  I had this urge to love and give, and it’s all because of him and him alone.

  There’s no doubt—he’s the one for me.

  Chapter 6

  We just came home from my second semester prenatal visit with Dr. Alonso. Being 27 weeks pregnant wasn’t as easy as it’s supposed to be. We’re five months away from meeting our angel, and my dad was the one who bought every single thing our baby needs. We all agreed to use the universal color Yellow. By doing so, the baby could use regardless of her gender.

  “Honey, I’ll just get some eggs. I’m suddenly craving for fried eggs.” I told Gary who’s currently putting back all our important stuff for prenatal checkups so we won’t lose them.

  “I’ll come with you, give me a minute.” I told him.

  He stared at me, trying to eye my reaction if I was joking or not. And when he realized that I wasn’t, he frowned.

  “Baby, the last time you were out for some eggs, you had us worried for an hour.” He said.

  Right… But I believed that the worst part was finally over since Clemente hasn’t done anything to harm us in exchange of me not pursuing his attempted rape case. It’s been months since we last heard from him, so I was pretty confident that there’s nothing bad going to happen.

  “I’m alright, I promise.” I said to him.

  Gary’s been the best boyfriend ever, but I had to do things on my own. “Besides, baby, you’re exhausted. You haven’t had enough sleep since I had blood spots, so please, just take a rest.” I requested of my boyfriend.

  “Alright, but come back real quick.” He demanded. I smiled at him.

  I put on my favorite shoes because I wanted to be comfy, besides, I was sure that it’s not wet on the stairs. I grabbed my purse, and I headed out.

  I was taking my time, trying to be really careful with my every step when a little boy ran onto me and accidentally bumped me.

  His little force caused me to be off balanced, and I missed a sight for my next step. I fell five steps down the stairs, and I felt his jolt of pain on my abdomen. I tried to regain my balance but it was so hard for me to do. There was a wet feeling occurring on my private area, so I thought I peed due to nervous. But when I accidentally touched it, I figured it was blood.

  I automatically panicked, and I yelled for help. The little boy’s mother went out of their unit, and she attended for my emergency needs. Lucky for me, she’s a nurse. She asked if I have anyone to accompany me at the hospital, and I told her I have Gary. She sent her eldest child to come fetch Gary.

  After a minute, Gary was rushing down the stairs, and I saw his face horrified when he saw m and all the blood going on. He carried me in his arms, and I felt guilty for not letting him take care of me. But it wasn’t my fault.

  Gary couldn’t understand the native speaker nurse, so I weakly translated it to him. She instructed us to go to this hospital that she works for, and that she’ll just meet jus there. And so, Gary rushed me there.

  Everyone was in panic after seeing me, and also after figuring out who I was. Had it been in a different situation, I would have felt super special. But no, our child’s safety was mainly my priority.

  “Gary, I’m so sorry…” I whispered to Gary as he and three other Spanish male nurses were pulling this bed with wheels.

  “It’s okay, baby. Don’t leave me, okay? Stay with me, huh?” His words were on repeat.

  Tears were falling in my eyes as we’ve reached the emergency room. He was stopped by one of the nurses, and I saw the fear in his eyes.

  How can I live after this?

  I heard different voice inside the emergency room, but I wasn’t able to feel anything. There was this blinding light that was directed straightly to my eyes. I felt the urge to close them. And then there was pure darkness

  I hated to admit it, but I was starting to be good at being hospitalized. This has never happened to me before. I was big for a reason. I was never hospitalized due of anything. But now, I felt so dependent and very weak.

  I started hearing voices, and they’ve awoken me. I heard dad’s voice and Gary’s. They’re not arguing, but their voices sounded so disappointed. I tried to open up my eyes, but it was as if they’re padlocked with a big metal ball attached to them. But I fought it.

  Slowly, I was able to open it. A single progress to open them wider then I had to close them, and then another progress then rest. I went on for couple of time, and then I finally had them successfully opened.

  Dad saw me first, and he figured I was already awake watching them throw in ideas about something I can’t understand. He tapped Gary’s arm, and he signaled through his hand that Gary should look at me.

  Gary did, and when he saw me awake, he smiled widely at me. “Hey, baby…” He greeted me with delicate concern.

  “What—what happened? Where—where’s the—how’s the—baby?” I struggled to finish my sentence.

  “Hush…” He whispered to me. “You need more rest, baby… Don’t worry about anything else for now, okay?” He ordered.

  What? How can I not worry about our own child whom I’ve put in danger because of my stupidity?

  “What do—you mean?” I whispered weakly.

  “Hija, Gary’s right. You need more rest, please.” Dad felt the need to but in.

  I tried to sit down. There’s no way I’m resting without knowing what really happened.

  “Gary, tell me or—I—swear to God I’m going to panic. I’ll imagine the worst.” I warned Gary.

  Gary and dad both looked at each other, and Dad slowly nodded as I giving him the approval. “Kristina, we’ve lost the baby.” Gary said, trying not to cry.

  Dad rubbed his eyes with his fingers. They were obviously badly saddened by this event, and I? I was numbed.

  I was staring at the direction of the flower vase with its proud place above the coffee table across my hospital bed. The door opened up to reveal Dr. Alonso coming inside in the hope of calming me down.

  How can she calm me down when I’m already this calm? What’s left to calm down?

  “She’s suffering from a traumatic experience wherein she’s locking down her emotions to avoid the pain. She’s clearly blaming herself for losing the baby. The only thing we can do is to not force her, and just let her recover in her own terms. Shower her with extra care and love.” My Spanish doctor instructed my dad and Gary with amazing fluency in English.

  My dad was caressing my hair, pitying me for what has happened to me. “My poor baby…” My dad whispered to me.

  I felt all their love, but I couldn’t help but think that Gary was blaming me for losing his child. I just couldn’t take it.

  “Dad, she’s already awake. Please take a rest.” Gary told my dad with so much concern in his voice.

  He tapped his shoulder. “I’m so sorry, hijo.”

  Gary gave him a weak smile. “I will update you with anything, dad.”

  Dad nodded as a sign of agreement with Gary. “Please do.” He said. I couldn’t take this pain. I can’t cry, but it’s just so hard.

  “Baby, talk to me, please…” Gary begged me.

  I couldn’t bear the thought of feeling like this. I was definitely blaming myself for what I was feeling. “Please, I’m
not blaming you.”

  There was a knock on the door, and Gary stood up at his feet to open the door. I had no idea who it was but Gary didn’t greet him. His voice was stiff when he talked, and I couldn’t guess who that person probably was. Until finally, the person talked… it was Clemente… What’s he doing here?

  “I heard what happened. How is she?” He casually asked Gary.

  I assumed Gary would either disrespect him or beat the shit out of him again. But no, Gary responded with such manners and in a very manly way. He really couldn’t shame me.

  “She’s alright, but the doctor said she’s going through trauma for losing the baby.” Gary answered him in a stiff but casual voice.

  “What happened?”

  Gary took a sigh, and I saw from my peripheral vision that he looked back at me. “We lost the baby. She’s gone through miscarriage.”

  “And where were you when that happened, huh? She chose you over me, and you can’t even take care of her?” Clemente accused Gary.

  What? NO! Stop it, Clemente. Please. It was my fault.

  Despite knowing what really happened, Gary took the blame, and just stood up listening to all Clemente’s accusations. Even though we all knew, it was just my mistake. It was all on me.

  Clemente walked towards me, and I felt his touch on my hair. If it was a different time, Gary would’ve already beaten him again. But no, my man knew that Clemente’s concern as pure.

  “And was this trauma serious?” Clemente asked too many questions.

  “Dr. Alonso said we should just patiently wait for her to be ready to get back to the reality.”

  Clemente shook his head as he continued caressing my hair. “This would’ve never happened if you chose to be with me.”

  I could only imagine how hard the situation was for Gary. Seeing me being nicely by someone I used to like, who has done me wrong and who has done him wrong.

  “Why is this happening to you? What are you doing to yourself? You could have just chosen me… that would have been much easier. But things are not that late, you can still choose to be with me, and I would accept you anytime of any day. Please, Kristina, save you… Only I can do that for you… not this guy.” He whispered, but it was loud enough for Gary to hear it.