by Skye, M.
Alex took the lighter from his back pocket and lit all the candles while the group started in on the birthday song. Allison squealed in delight when she saw the huge cake with all the pretty pink candles. For the moment, everything was right, and Meg leaned back in Alex’s arms and Emilio walked over and passed Jordan to her.
Alex felt the wholeness of family and then looked over to see Melia making her way towards the group. She looked displaced, but she was wearing a faint smile. Meg reached out to her and grabbed her hand pulling her closer. Both Maddie and Emily saw Melia’s expression and made their way over as well. By the end of the song, they were standing in a light embrace, watching Allison blow out her candles.
They all watched as Marisol and Melissa began to pass out the gifts and smiled with each new present Allison unwrapped. Ripping each box open with excitement, she held up each gift, for the crowd to see. When she got to the very last box, it was a box much smaller than the others, and she pulled it to her and ripped the bright paper off. When she revealed the small tablet, she jumped up and ran to Melissa. “Thank you, granny! I wanted one of these, how did you know?”
“Lucky guess,” Melissa shrugged.
Allison hugged her tight and turned to Gio, who was standing beside her, and hugged him too. “Thank you for my presents, Uncle Gio.”
“You’re welcome, Princess Alli,”
Gio bent down to hug her, and when she wrapped her arms around his neck, he lifted her up and propped her on his hip. Smiling, he kissed her forehead while she clung to him with excitement. He was the happiest he had been in so long, and suddenly he felt a wave of dizziness. Emilio and Marco saw him swaying and rushed over. Allison fell to the grass, and Gio began to fall unconsciously to the ground.
Alex pulled his phone out and dialed 911, and then thought, waiting for an ambulance could take forever considering where they lived. Alex and the guys all lifted Gio and started to rush him over to Emilio’s SUV. Within minutes, they had him secured in the car and sped off towards the hospital. Melissa, Rogelio, and Marisol stayed behind to help get the children home, while everyone else loaded into their cars to race to the hospital. Marco explained everything to Emilio, Alex, Matt, and Aiden as they made their way, and Maddie filled the girls in. They were all in shock as the story unfolded, but all agreed to get tested immediately once they arrived at the hospital.
***
The trip to the hospital was the quickest they ever made. When they raced Gio inside, everyone that hadn’t been tested went and met with the lab to begin the process. The technician informed them that it would be a few hours before the first test were concluded, and if anyone matched, they would go through with the rest. They all sat patiently waiting while awaiting news of Gio’s current condition. Hours went by, and they sat in silence. Marco had grown agitated, and jumped up to place a call. After concluding his call he came back to the group. He had decided that they should know everything, including about Lexie.
Marco went through the story quickly and right at the end, he looked up to see Lexie walking around the corner. She had tears staining her face, and Marco walked over to hug her. Meg, who was in Alex’s embrace, pushed his arms aside and walked over to introduce herself. Lexie looked to her, half expecting sarcasm, but instead received the warmest welcome she had since she came to town.
Grabbing, Lexie, Meg pulled her into Gio’s room. He was still out of sorts, but he was finally waking up. When he saw the two of them walking in holding hands, tears started to fall down his cheeks. Meg grabbed Gio’s hand and took Lexie’s to link them together and nodded her head in approval.
“Gio, I know you’re upset about everything that has happened between you two, but she’s your sister. Forgive her, not only for her, but for you too. Life is too short, but I think you already know that.”
Gio shuddered as the tears increased. He pulled Lexie to him and squeezed her in a rough embrace. When she collapsed in his arms, Meg turned to walk away and give them some privacy. When Gio called out to her, she turned suddenly and he smiled at her faintly. “I love you, and thank you for opening my eyes.”
“I love you, big brother. Now, let us get you better.”
Meg left the room feeling hopeful. She knew how hard it was for Gio when he left his family years ago, and now he had a little piece of them with him. Walking over to the group, she noticed that the guys were no longer present and was told they had stepped out for some air. Only she, Emily, Maddie and Melia remained. When she took a seat next to Melia, she leaned her head on her shoulder, and Melia wrapped her arm around her.
“Hey, Baby Girl, with all the excitement, I didn’t get to ask you what happened earlier. How did things go with Matt?”
Melia bit her bottom lip and started in with the story. “We talked, we fought, we made love, and then he asked for a divorce.”
Meg gasped and sat up straight. “So you’re telling me that Matt agreed to give you a divorce?”
“No, I asked him to move home and he requested one.”
“That doesn’t sound like Matt. He wanted you back so badly, and to ask for a divorce is completely left field. Something must be off.”
“He claims that I don’t know how to love him, that’s absurd. I love that man, I’ve loved him since high school.” Meg sat back like she was feeling something she didn’t really want to express. She looked away when she noticed Melia studying her intently, and tried to spark up a conversation with Maddie and Emily. She was unsuccessful, because before she could get in a word, Melia snapped, causing her to turn her head back. “What are you not telling me? What has he told you?”
Meg sighed and took her Melia’s hands in hers. “Sweetie, when was the last time you did something special for him? I know he goes all out for you. I know this because he and Alex are so much alike in that area. Alex is always doing special things to surprise me, but I also have to think of things for him. I never want him to feel one sided like I don’t cherish him as well. He is my love, he has every part of me, and I always want him to know that. When Alex climbs in bed at night, I make sure he knows there is nothing I wouldn’t do for him. You have to give Matt that same kind of feeling.”
“I love Matt, he knows that I love him.”
“I’m sure he knows that you love him, but you have to show him. I’ve seen you, you’re sweet to him, but you’re not the same way you were when you first got together. Ever since you had Cici, you have become less and less like your old self. Don’t take this the wrong way, but you used to be fun. Now, you’re just Cici this and Cici that. I know you love your daughter, but when she grows up and gets married, you are going to be all alone. She should be your main priority, but he has to be a strong number two. He adores you, it’s time you show him how much he means to you.”
“He is just talking, this is just a joke to get me to cave and forget what he said.”
“Melia,” Maddie sighed. “You have to stop treating this like a game. Your marriage is in danger. I saw his face today when he came out to the party, he was serious. He is really heartbroken, you’re going to lose him. Stop being foolish, he made a mistake, and you’ve made him pay. Are you ready to lose him?”
“I can’t, I won’t,” she sighed. As she replayed his expression when he told her it was over, all the shock hit her all at once. They were right, he thought she didn’t love him. She had hurt him more than she ever thought possible. As tears formed and dripped down her face, she realized, it was really over. He was leaving her, and she had no one to blame but herself. Meg pulled her into a strong embrace and whispered in her ear.
“It’s okay, I promise it will be okay. I’ll help you, I’ll help you.”
Melia cried inaudibly until the technician appeared before them with an envelope and a less than hopeful look on her face. Meg stood to get the guys, but the woman grabbed her arm, holding her in place. “Mrs. Hanover, I have news, it’s not the best, but I only need you ladies right now.” Meg swallowed hard, and walked back to where Melia was and lin
ked their hands. “We were able to find one match out of everyone tested today, but I’m afraid we won’t be able to use it.”
“What?” Meg screamed. “What do you mean you can’t use it? Take the kidney and give it to my brother already, we are all more than willing.”
“I know you are, and your brother is one lucky guy, but it is impossible, because it could harm your unborn child.”
“What? I can’t be pregnant,” Meg stuttered. “I’m on birth control. I’ve been really careful, okay, maybe not really careful. There were so many times... oh god,” she exclaimed and put her hand to her mouth. “My child is only three months, that’s really tacky. We’re going to be like the Brady bunch with all these damn kids. I told Alex, condoms this time, but no, he had to be able to really feel me. Now I have to do this again. I was just getting Jordan on a sleeping schedule, I’m going to kill him!”
“Did you just say you had a three month old?” the tech asked.
“Yeah, why?”
“That’s impossible, you’re two months, and it says here that your only child is four.”
“No, my son is three months old, and my daughter is... oh my god... what’s the name on that file?” Meg asked and looked at Melia.
“Mrs. Melia Hanover. You are her, correct?”
“No, sweetheart,” Meg sighed in relief. “I’m Meg Hanover.” She pulled Melia up and squeezed her hand. “She’s Melia.”
“Oh, I'm so sorry, you look so much alike. I just mixed you up.” She extended her hand for Melia. “Well Mrs. Hanover, you’re a match, but the surgery could harm your child, so we will have to look into other donors.”
“We have one more for you to test today,” Meg supplied while trying to still Melia’s tremors. “An actual blood relative, she is right inside the room. I can get her for you.”
“No, that won’t be necessary, I’ll grab her, you seem to have your hands full,” she said and nodded her head towards Melia who was shaking like a leaf.
“Thank you,” Meg huffed and turned to realize the shock on Melia’s face. This had to be tearing her apart, now that Matt wanted a divorce. Meg wrapped her arms tight running her hand up and down Melia’s back. She didn’t know what to say to make things better, so she just held her. When she looked up and saw the guys coming around the corner, she pushed Melia out to look in her eyes. “Sweetie, you have to tell your husband what just happened here. He will never leave you alone with a baby on the way.”
Melia lifted her head and looked right at Matt as she approached. The guys could tell something big had gone down, and they wanted answers. Matt walked over to Melia and took her hand gently stroking it and looked her in the eyes. He saw the tears and cursed himself for their current situation. “Mel, what happened? Is something wrong with Gio? Has he gotten worse?”
Melia hesitated, and then looked to Meg, who gave her an encouraging nod. “No, he is still the same, but they have our tests.”
“Well?” Matt asked anxiously.
“Unfortunately, none of us are a match.” Meg’s mouth dropped in surprise, and Maddie gasped out loud. They both looked at her with angry scowls, and Melia swallowed hard. “Hopefully Lexie will be a match, if not, we will just have to keep looking.”
“Yeah,” Matt sighed. “We will have to keep our fingers crossed. Thanks for keeping me in the loop. I know we’re not on the best of terms, but I’m glad we can at least be cordial.” Maddie and Meg looked at each other with questioning gazes. Emily, on the other hand, cleared her throat and Melia shot her a look of distress. Emily folded her arms across her chest and shifted to the side. “What’s going on here?” Matt asked, picking up on the tension in the room.
Emily opened her mouth, but Melia looked to her and hushed her statement. “Matt, I told everyone what was going on with us. I hope you don’t mind.”
“No,” he sighed. “I guess they would have figured it out sooner or later.”
“Yeah, about seven months from now,” Emily hissed and Melia rolled her eyes. She knew she had to get this whole baby madness under control, but how, now that they were divorcing. There was no way in hell she was going to let him stay with her just because she was pregnant. She had to figure things out, and fast. Melia watched nervously as the ladies approached her and pushed her around the corner. She threw her hands over her chest and huffed in anticipation of the vile conversation.
“Melia, what the hell was that?” Emily barked. “You have to tell Matt about the baby, it’s his too.”
“Emily, I’m sorry to inform you, but this isn’t your business,” Melia snapped. “This is my body, my baby, and my decision.”
“Decision? Melia, what decision are you referring to?” Meg asked nervously.
“You all are going to keep your mouth shut first of all. There is no way I’m telling him about this child to keep him with me, that’s so pathetic. I’ve come up with a solution, and don’t you dare try to talk me out of it.”
“Oh hell,” Maddie huffed. “I can tell by the disclaimer that this is going to be some bullshit. What’s your big plan, Melia?”
“I’m going to get an abortion. Matt never has to know, and he won’t feel obligated to stay with me just because of a child.”
“What?” they all screamed in unison.
“Yes, I’m getting it, and I need you all to keep quiet.”
“Mom would be so disappointed in you, she was strictly against abortions Melia, and you know that.” Meg reasoned.
“Well, mom isn’t here now is she? I have to do this, for me.”
“I won’t support you on this,” Meg gritted through her teeth. “I can’t be on your side about this.”
Meg walked off, leaving the group stunned. She had always been the supportive big sister, but now she was turning her back, and they all knew why. The loss of her and Alex’s first child was still with her even after all these years, and she couldn’t understand someone willingly killing their own child. Melia knew her decision would upset Meg greatly, but she couldn’t think of any other way. She had to do this, and fast before one of the three women spilled her secret.
Chapter Eight
Abortion. That word floated around in Meg’s mind for the rest of the time at the hospital and the rest of the night when she got home. After hearing the news of Melia’s pregnancy, they stayed at the hospital for a few more hours long enough to receive news. Gio was doing well despite his predicament, and Lexie was a candidate to become a donor. The only things to do now were for her to undergo the rest of the diagnostic tests to be sure she was the best match.
This news was music to their ears, and they all celebrated in the waiting area along with Lexie. She was so happy after all these years to have her little brother back, and being able to do something that meant so much to him made her emotional. She felt like she owed him for the way she reacted when he told her he was gay. Now, she would be able to get their relationship back on track, and she had Meg and Marco to thank for that. Marco had been secretly calling her to tell her of his progress, and she knew that only Meg could have inspired him to forgive her. They all seemed to be so close, she was quite envious of the family they seemed to be. She desperately wanted to be a part of it too.
Even with all of the celebration for Gio, the room seemed to be tense, particularly between Melia and Meg. Alex kept looking to them to see what the issue was, but Meg wouldn’t give him any info. He knew by the way Meg kept glaring at her, that it was big; he had never seen them looking at each other with so much disgust before. When it was finally time to leave and get home to the children, Meg hugged everyone conveniently leaving Melia out, and offered Lexie a place to stay for the night. Lexie refused at first saying that she needed to stay with Gio, but when Marco stressed that she get some rest for her evaluations the next day, she accepted.
The trip home was extremely quiet between Meg and Alex. She spent most of the time staring out the window, and the occupants in the back seat just kept quiet. Emilio could see that there was something
going on between his girls, and he wanted to resolve it. He never could stand to see them fighting in the past, and this was no different. He had to resolve the issue because they had so much to be thankful for now; whether they knew it or not.
Hopefully their mom could come back soon and restore some order to their lives. He knew they still thought she had just left them, but he now had the knowledge of why she left in the first place, and he loved her so much for it. She had sacrificed her happiness for their wellbeing. There would never be a better mother in the world, and he couldn’t wait until they could know that. He could just see the shock on their faces when she was finally able to show herself to them, also when they revealed that they were still married and never going to be apart again. Emilio had made a decision, he was going to retire from running the business and stay in Los Angeles with his wife and their children; they were going to be a family.
***
When they arrived back and Meg and Alex’s house, they all split up saying their goodbyes and began to load into their cars. Melia watched as Matt led Lexie inside and showed her where she would be sleeping, and was green with envy. She knew they were broken up, but just seeing him with any woman, no matter how innocent, sent her into thoughts she didn’t want. What if she actually had to see him with another woman in the near future? It would be hell; pure hell. Meg noticed her staring the door down and walked over to her.
“You know, that could be you with him if you stopped being so damn stupid. Tell your husband and get this over with.”
Melia rolled her eyes and huffed. “No, Meg, this is not your business, and quite frankly, I’m tired of your interference.”
Her answer only fueled Meg’s anger. “Just go. Leave my house. I can’t stand to look at you right now.”
“Fine,” Melia snapped.