by Jenny Bloom
Anna had a lot of explaining to do.
“I will. Thank you for taking care of her. I was with a friend. I need to call them too,” Anna said.
“Boyfriend?”
“Girlfriend,” Anna replied.
“I see. Your daughter will need you now more than ever. If he does survive, he could be facing a long recovery,” she said.
“All right," Anna replied.
Anna went over to Nina, looking at her and smiling.
“Hey, sweetie. There is something Mommy needs to tell you,” she said.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Let’s talk outside,” she said.
Anna wasn’t sure how to break the news to Nina, but she knew that Nina needed someone, anyone who could tell her what was going on. Anna walked over to the small sitting area where a couple of heaters were. It was a little chilly, but not terrible outside. Not like the airport, she was in just a couple weeks ago.
Anna sat down, motioning for Nina to sit down next to her. Anna took a deep breath, looking at Nina for but a moment before speaking.
“Nina, there is something I need to tell you. Something important,” she said.
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“It’s about Mommy. So, do you know about what Mommy’s been up to?”
“You’ve been happier I noticed,” she said.
“Correct. Well, I met someone. A woman,” she said.
“Really? That’s awesome!” Nina cried out.
Anna immediately looked at her with a surprised glance.
“You’re not upset Mommy kept this from you?”
“You’re happy Mommy. I want to meet her. I know you haven’t seen anyone since you and Daddy stopped being together, but you look better. You look happy Mom,” she said.
“Good. I’m glad you understand. I know the kids in your school were learning about men and women being together with other men and women, and I think that I needed to have this conversation with you,” she said.
“Well, I understand Mommy. I learned that girls can be together with girls, and boys can be with boys. And I understand that. If you’re happy, I’m happy. Does Daddy know?”
“Daddy offered to have her come to his place for Christmas, but that may change,” she said.
“Is Daddy going to be okay?”
“I don’t know sweetie. We’ll just have to wait and see what the doctors tell us,” she said.
Anna was just being honest here. She knew that, if she told Nina anything further, it might scare her. But Nina nodded.
“I hope Daddy gets okay and gets better,” she said.
“So do I, honey. So do I,” Anna said.
Anna was trying her hardest to make it easier for Nina, even if things weren't all that easy to explain. After a minute, she heard the sound of pattering footsteps, and when she looked up, one of the nurses was there.
“We wanted to let you know there was a change. Surprisingly, he’s stabilizing. He is about to go into surgery. We’re going to have to ask you to leave after you say your goodbyes. You can wait in the patient lounge, she said.
“Got it. Thank you,” Anna said.
Anna got up and grasped Nina’s hand.
“Let’s go see him,” she said.
Anna walked to Peter’s room, with Nina’s hand in her own. She was happy her daughter was at least listening to her. Things weren’t easy for either of them. She was just trying her best. When she got inside, she saw him there, a tear fell down her face.
“All right let’s get this over with,” Anna said.
She sat down at the chair next to the bed, holding Peter’s hand.
“Peter, I want you to pull through. Your daughter and I want to all see you again,” she said.
“Yes, Daddy. I want to spend Christmas with you,” Nina said.
There was a small change in the heart rate, which surprised even Anna, but then, she sighed.
“He might be listening. Not totally sure,” Anna said.
“I think he is,” one of the nurses said.
“I’ll take care of her, Peter. I want you to stick around too,” she said.
Anna then sighed, moving away. Nina then grasped his hand.
“Daddy, you’ll come back. I know you will. I love you to the moon and back,” she said.
Anna led Nina out of the room. She was trying her best to hold it all together. She had faith in what would happen next. She had faith in his body and in a speedy recovery. She had faith in everyone.
When Anna made her way over to the lounge with Nina, she picked up her phone She called Lisa.
“Hey, Anna,” Lisa said.
“Hi. I wanted you to know that I’m at the hospital. Peter took a bad fall. He’s about to go into surgery,” she said.
“Do you want me to come on over?” Lisa asked.
“If you want. Or if you want to, we can all meet up first thing tomorrow. I’ll have Nina with me. I don’t know what’s going to happen now. But, I do know that with the way things are, I’m going to have to stay with him,” she said.
“It’s okay. Does he have any other family?”
“Other than his mom, no. His mother and I aren’t on the best of terms. So, I’m going to have to have that conversation with her later,” Anna said
“I don’t have a lot of experience with children, but if you need anything, Anna, let me know,” Lisa said
“Thanks, I appreciate that,” Anna replied.
After hanging up the phone, Anna sighed. It would be a long night tonight. She wondered if he’d make it through. She wanted to believe that they would make it, all of them. Anna feared the worst. Her heart raced just thinking about it. She needed to stay in the right mindset, at least for now. She needed to pretend everything was okay, even if, deep down, she wanted to just leave everything and never worry about it again.
The rest of the night was spent sitting around, waiting for any news at all on his condition. She feared the unknown but left it to fate. She hoped that, if he did survive, it wouldn’t take him a long time to recover.
Chapter Fourteen
Lisa felt the worry in Anna’s voice as she heard the news. Dealing with the death of a loved one wasn’t easy. The fact that he may not make it through the night also frightened Anna. Lisa had to stay strong, no matter what happened.
Lisa then looked over at the clock. It was still early enough to go to the bar, and then maybe go to the hospital. Anna said she’d be there for a little while. Lisa then made her way over to her favorite bar, headed to the counter and sighed.
“There you are. Haven't’ seen you for a while,” Lauren said.
“Hey, Lauren. Sorry, been busy with things,” she said.
“What kinds of things?” Lauren asked.
“Just life. Like with the way things are and such,” she said.
“Did something happen with Anna?”
“Yeah. Turns out her ex is in the hospital. I’m worried, but I fear going over there. It reminds me of Janice a bit. But, is it really my place?”
“That's for you to decide, Lisa. Do you think you can help her?”
Lisa nodded. “I think I can, but who knows,” she said.
“You know how it is. I can tell that you’re worried about her, and that, whatever’s going through your head is something that you’re struggling to come to terms with,” she said.
“I know that. What will happen to Anna and me? I mean, I don’t fear meeting her ex. However, at the same time, I worry that it might make things awkward if I’m there,” Lisa admitted.
“That is something you need to decide for yourself, Lisa. I’m not the boss of what you do, or what you choose. You need to figure out what’s best for you. Do you care enough about Anna to step forward, help her make the transition easy, and be there for her? Are you?” Lauren asked.
“Honesty, I’m not sure,” Lisa said.
“Well, I don’t have any answer to give you,” she pointed out.
“You’ve been h
elpful, Lauren. A great friend,” she said.
" I only want what’s best for you in life,” she said.
“Thanks,” Lisa said.
"You should go see her. It’s only right. If she needs your support and help, you need to give it to her,” she said.
***
Lisa made her way to the hospital after having her conversation with Lauren. As much as she hated the hospital, it was important to be by Anna’s side.
“When Lisa arrived at the hospital, she rushed inside. When she got there, she saw Anna in one of the waiting rooms. When they locked eyes, for a moment Anna didn’t say anything.
“How did you—”
“It’s not that hard to figure out where you were, Anna,” she said.
“I guess this is where you’ll meet her,” Anna said.
Anna then motioned for Nina to come forward. She looked like Anna in a sense, but different. She must have her father's eyes and nose, but Anna’s bright red hair. She was a cute kid. However, Lisa wasn’t sure if she was ready for this just yet.
“So, you’re Nina?” Lisa said.
“Hi,” Nina answered.
“I’m Lisa. I’m your mother’s friend. You know about how girls can be with girls. like kissing and such?” Lisa asked.
“I learned about it in school,” she said.
“Well, there you go. That’s what we are, Nina. I’m your mom’s girlfriend, and I won’t be leaving her side through any of this,” she said.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Nina replied.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, too,” Lisa said with a smile.
Anna didn’t really know how Nina would take the news. For a moment, as Nina went over to play with some of the toys, Anna didn’t say anything.
“So, you came to see me,” Anna said.
“I only want what’s best for you Anna,” she said.
“Well, it’s appreciated. Thanks Lisa,” she said.
“You’re welcome. Being here for you and your daughter is my way of showing how much I care,” she said.
“It’s really nice of you,” Anna said.
“I know it’s not an easy subject to deal with, but I hope Peter makes it through. Because I want to meet him,” Lisa said.
“You seem different. You’re not as distant anymore,” she said.
Lisa paused. She didn’t think it was that obvious. Judging from the way that Anna was looking at her, there was something there.
“Let’s just say that I learned the value of being there for the people you love, and moving on,” she said.
“In a sense, you’re now part of the family,” she said.
“Well, I’m honored to be a part of your family, Anna,” she said.
“Good. I want that Lisa. I really do,” she replied.
“Me too,” Lisa said with a smile on her face.
The moment Lisa uttered those words, Anna realized that this was her home, her future and she was happy. For the first time, she really was.
They sat down in the waiting area, hoping the answers would be provided soon. After what seemed to be forever, someone came out. When Lisa looked at the person, she noticed it was a doctor. However, they weren't somber. They were instead, looking at them with almost a relieved glance.
“You're Peter’s ex-wife, correct?” they said.
“Yes, I am,” Anna replied.
“Peter came through it will no complications. In fact, his injuries could have been worse. Thankfully, his internal bleeding was isolated to a small region on the right side of his body. He did exacerbate his herniated disc, but thankfully it didn’t rupture. He’s still sedated and currently in recovery,” the doctor said.
Anna looked relieved, and so did Lisa. She felt relieved for Anna because she knew how these situations could turn out. It was obvious that it was only going to get easier for them from there.
“As I said, Peter is in recovery. So, give some time and we’ll take you back. Wait here. As soon as he’s awake, we’ll let you know,” the surgeon said.
Anna thanked the doctor as he turned around to return to recovery. As he passed by Nina, he touched the top of her head and gave her a wink.
***
Anna, Nina and Lisa sat in the recovery waiting room anticipating Peter’s recovery and when they could see him. Time seemed to pass so slowly. Before long, one of the nurses came into the waiting room and went up to Anna.
“Peter is comfortable and awake. Would you like to go inside?” the nurse asked.
“I’d love that,” Anna said.
“Do you want me to come in?” Lisa said.
Anna nodded.
“Yes. You came to support me and my daughter, so it’s only fair,” she said with a grin.
Lisa flushed, but then, she headed inside. When they got there, Anna looked at Peter, smiling.
“Hi, Peter,” Anna said.
“Hello,” he said weakly.
“This is Lisa,” Anna said.
Lisa nervously stepped forward, wondering what he would say. He then extended his hand, nodding.
“I’m Peter. Nice to meet you. Take care of Anna and Nina,” he said.
“I will,” Lisa replied.
“You need to sleep and get some rest,” the doctor said.
“Yes, he does,” Anna replied.
Peter fell quickly to sleep. Lisa felt happy and safe. She knew Anna was serious about them being together and was happy to have her around. For Lisa, that alone was enough to make her feel welcomed and loved. Lisa knew for a fact that things would get better with time.
Chapter Fifteen
For Anna, the whole emergency situation was enough to make her want to sleep for fifty years, but she had Nina to deal with too. While she did love her daughter, she knew Nina was struggling herself. When Nina started to look around the room, and then at her father, she spoke.
“Is Daddy really okay?” she asked.
“Yes, sweetie. Daddy will be okay,” she said.
“All right. Thanks, Mommy,” Nina said.
After Anna finished at the hospital, she took Nina home. Lisa followed after. She planned on staying with Anna and Nina. Anna really appreciated everything Lisa did.
“Are you sure it’s okay Lisa? I know you have a busy day of work tomorrow,” Anna said.
“It’s fine,” Lisa said.
“Okay. I Love you,” Anna said.
Saying “I love you” made Anna realize that she did mean it. She did love Lisa, even if things weren’t perfect. Lisa smiled back at her, and for Anna, she knew for a fact that even when things weren't easy, it would all be fine.
Nina also seemed happy about it. When Anna got back home, she quickly made a call to her office, leaving a message to let them know what was going on. She also told them that she planned on coming in later on. She just needed some sleep, and to think about the next part of this. For Anna, she was just happy that at least Peter would be okay.
Nina went to bed, tired from everything that happened. Anna wanted to sleep too, but she felt that there were still things that needed to be discussed.
“So, are you doing okay?” Lisa asked.
“I’ve been better. And yourself?”
“Same. I’m worried about you. You’re trying your best to keep everything together, but you’re struggling. I can see it,” Lisa said.
“I still worry about Peter. He’s certainly a good man and damn good father. There’s a lot that needs to be done,” Anna said.
“You’re an amazing woman, and a good mom. Your daughter means the world to you. I can tell that with everything going on, it’s not easy for you, but you’re doing the best you can,” Lisa said.
“Thanks, Lisa. I really am. I don’t understand why it’s so hard for me, but I do feel like, with the way everything is, it’s not an easy task for me to achieve, but I’m trying my best,” Anna said.
“Well, you’re supermom to me. I always thought that it would get easier. It isn't. But, at least this time around I’m not alon
e,” Lisa said to her.
“You’re right. you’re not alone. You have me. And, I have you,” Anna said.
For a moment, neither of them said much else, unsure of what to. Then, Anna leaned in, giving Lisa a deep, loving kiss. Lisa kissed her back. Together, they shared the feeling of pleasure that they had with each other.
The kiss they shared was different this time around. It wasn’t just an average kiss, one that would prove to be only worse with wear. Instead, it was one that proved to be loving and proved to be something that was deep and amazing with each other. For Lisa, she felt they would be okay.
When Anna pulled away, she reddened.
“Sorry,” Anna said.
“For what,” Lisa asked.
“For everything,” Anna told Lisa.
“What do you mean by that?” Lisa asked.
“With my child, with everything that has happened. I feel a little guilty,” she admitted.
“You’re totally fine, Anna,” Lisa admitted.
“I know you say that, but I’m overwhelmed and worried,” she said.
“I know you are. And, you have full right to worry. But, try not to. I’m not leaving you alone, Anna. I promise,” she stated to Anna.
“I do hope that Peter pulls through. I appreciate all that you've done for me,” she said.
Lisa nodded and hugged Anna.
“I think we should go to bed. You’re more than welcomed to stay. Peter should be more awake tomorrow, from what the doctors said,” Anna said.
“It’s all going to be fine. We’ve got this,” Lisa replied.
Anna gave her another long, passionate kiss. Everything just felt so right with Lisa. Maybe it was just how things should be. Anna then, after all that, headed to bed, with Lisa following suit. Neither of them knew where the future would take them, but Anna knew one thing for sure. With Lisa, everything felt right, and she didn’t have to worry anymore.
It was a different feeling, but she wouldn’t complain.
Chapter Sixteen
Lisa woke up the next morning to someone holding her hand. She looked, and for a moment, her brain almost went to Janice. Then, she looked and realized that it wasn’t her.
It was Anna. A warm feeling of love coursed through Lisa’s body. After Anna started to stir, Lisa then looked down at her, smiling.