Emilio’s POVEver since the interaction with Jason Reynolds, her ex- husband and baby daddy, Skylar has been withdrawn. She had become absent emotionally and so unresponsive, that the kids noticed it and won’t stop bugging me with questions.I’m in my office, going through some files and making research for work, when I’m interrupted by Lorenzo coming into the office and walking up to me. He clambers into my lap and I gave to stop what I’m doing and let him settle down comfortably, I end up having to grab him and place him comfortably on my lap. When he’s settled, he looks up at me with the saddest look I’ve ever seen.“Hey there buddy! What’s with the look on your face?” I ask, instant worry filling my senses.“Uncle Em, does Mommy have cancer?” he asks me looking so distraught, it physically tugs on my heart. “Cancer? No! No, she doesn’t . Enzo, do you know what cancer even is? Where did you get that from?” I ask him back, perplexed at the question he’s asking me. Cancer. I hav
Skylar’s POVI quietly walk into Lorenzo’s room. I take in his little form, soft snores escaping his partly opened lips as he sleeps. My heart aches as I imagine him asking Emilio, if Mommy still wants him. Tears fall down my face as I recall Emilio’s words to me earlier. I can’t believe that I’d be so blinded by my own misery, that I would neglect my own son! I can’t help but feel repulsed at my recent attitude towards Lorenzo. And Val! Oh God! The little girl must have felt so sad that her favorite Aunt ignored her. I carefully pick up Lorenzo and maneuver our position so that I’m sitting against the headboard with him in my arms. He snuggles into me and I rock us both, mumbling apologies and stroking his hair. I feel him shift a little so I look down, just in time to see him blink his eyes open.“Mommy?” he sleepily questions. “Yes, my love. Go back to sleep. Mommy’s here.” I tell him, gently caressing his cheek. “I missed you so much..” he sleepily mumbles, rubbing his fa
The walk to room 205 in the hospital, that Emilio is currently occupying, feels like the longest walk of my life. The atmosphere is gloomy and sad as I wonder what to say to Valentina, bout her father, and Lorenzo, bout his uncle. When we get to the door, I turn towards Jason.“I’m going to go in first. Could you watch the children?” He gives me a curt nod and I turn towards Val and Lorenzo, already sitting in the benches outside the room. They both look like they’ll fall asleep any second now. I smile softly and go to place them as comfortable as possible.Jason takes a set beside Val and picks up Lorenzo. He places Val’s head on his lap and mouths ‘don’t worry’ to me. I take a deep breath and turn to Emilio’s room door. My hand trembles as I reach for the door handle and open it. The sight that greets me when I walk into the room, makes my heart drop to my stomach.I quickly make my way to the side of the bed and grab his hand, careful of the peg that’s helping to monitor his v
Jason’s POVI take my time driving to the house. I still have to talk to Alexandra about our relationship. We haven’t really had a conversation with each other in months and she seems to not be bothered about it. I mentally decide to push away the impending break up in favor of giving my attention to Skylar. Maybe I should use this opportunity to talk to her and get her back.When I walk into the house, I find that the lights are off. My parents and Jared have probably retired to bed. I quietly make my way upstairs and into my room. I turn on the lights and I’m shocked to find Jared asleep on my bed. I try to do my nightly routine as quietly as I can but I end up waking Jared up when I try to climb unto the bed.“Go to sleep, buddy. It’s just me.” I whisper to him tucking him in properly and stroking his head. “Daddy?... I had a bad dream..” he says. I frown a little and pull him close. “Daddy’s here now. No more bad dreams, okay?” I peck his cheek. “Now go to sleep, hm?” When
Skylar’s POVI stand frozen in the hospital room as I mule over the information the doctor just gave. Emilio?... My brother? Ha! I burst out laughing suddenly. The doctor is startled by my laughter and Jason looks shocked. He knows my brother is gone. When I calm down from my sudden laughing spree, I turn to address the doctor, wiping years from my eyes.“When I said that I was Emilio’s sister, I didn’t mean it biologically. We’ve stayed together for four years now and asides his distant siblings in Italy, I’m the only family he has here. Also he’s adopted, that’s why I didn’t see the point in asking his siblings to get tested.”The doctor looks at me quizzically before speaking. “Oh! I just thought because when we performed some tests on him the surgery, he popped up in the system as a 'Pearce Daniel Woods’. You’re a ‘Woods' too right?... I just assumed because of the name…”The doctor keeps talking, but I’m unable to get any of his words into my head. I turn towards the bed, ta
I’m allowed to go home the evening of the surgery and Jason insists on staying in the house with me and the kids. I try to make him leave but he blatantly ignores me and proceeds to make himself at home. He even chases me into my room and gives me strict instructions to rest. I follow his orders because I feel exhausted from the whole procedure. Emilio will have to get an engraftment before he can come home. The doctor said it will depend on his healing process. It was safe to say that dinner that evening was a tense affair. I was sure that by now Jason would have been wondering why I haven’t come to him, asking about Jared. It seems the kids also noticed that I wasn’t in the mood to entertain them, that or the fact that they were also terribly exhausted. They ate fairly quickly and without any mishaps and soon they were off to bed. Valentina could put herself to bed and I only had to come in and wish her a good night. While I was tucking Enzo in bed, I couldn’t help but be annoyed b
Jason’s POVI can’t believe that I’m not the kid’s father. He looks so much like me and I just assumed that he was mine. I was kind of hoping that she’ll tell me he was mine.I walk into the guest room next to Skylar’s room and take off my jacket. I make myself comfortable on the bed, but it seems as though I’m laying in bricks.After a while of tossing and turning in bed, I get up and move in the direction of the stairs. If I can’t sleep, I might as well just have some coffee and start on some work I’ve left piled up. I go through my phone as I move down the hallway, noting how several of the missed calls I have are from Alexandra. 'I really have to break things off with her.’ I think to my self, groaning deeply at the reminder.A whimper bring me back to focus. I look in the direction of the sound and notice it’s coming from Lorenzo’s room. I don’t waste any time in opening the door and rushing to the tiny figure, curled up on the bed. The red, puffy eyes that peek up out of the
Skylar’s POVThe next morning’s events are awkward to say the least. Firstly, we happen to sleep in for an extra hour and we both wake up to Jason’s phone ringing. Twice. The first call is from his work. The second call happens to come from his parents. I get to listen to him and Jared talk while he gets ready for school and even until he gets into the car, to head to school. I burst in tears after the call again and while Jason tries to console me, Valentina walks into the room, frantically yelling something along the lines of ‘Aunty Skylar and Uncle Jay, have been eaten by the monster’. In a bid to pull away from each other quickly, Jason ends up hitting Lorenzo with his hand, effectively scaring him awake.Lorenzo promptly burst into tears from being disturbed. When he spots me, he motions for me to pick him up. I reach out for him but when he takes note of the tear tracks on my face, he turns to Jason and starts to hit him for ‘making his mommy cry’. Its a hassle to calm him d
It had been ten years since Jason’s death, and life had moved forward for everyone. Pietro and Skylar, married for nine years now, had another child in addition to Aurelia. Their lives, once marked by turmoil, were now filled with love and growth. Sophia, their eldest at 27, was a successful businesswoman recently engaged to the renowned doctor Lucian Kings. She rivalled the dominant men in her field with ease and confidence. Jared, now 17, was on the brink of graduating high school, having grown into a smart, handsome young man with a heart of gold. Lorenzo, at 13, was the family’s biggest troublemaker. Skylar and Pietro had lost count of the times they’d been called to his school due to his mischievous antics. Yet, beneath his rebellious exterior, Lorenzo was a sweetheart, and fiercely protective of his siblings. Aurelia, at nine— almost ten years old, was the princess of the house. An absolute daddy’s girl, she possessed a level of sass and confidence that often left everyon
The Edge of Redemption Jason had been drifting in and out of consciousness for days. His condition had gradually been improving, and the doctors were hopeful. One afternoon, he finally opened his eyes, groggy and disoriented. The room was dimly lit, the hum of the machines a constant reminder of his fragile state. As reality hit him, Jason felt a surge of panic. He remembered the chaos, the gunshot, the pain. He realized he was still alive, and in his frantic state, he started gasping for air, his breaths coming in short, rapid bursts. His right hand instinctively went to his chest, clawing at the stitches that held his wound together. He tried to lift his left hand too, but the realisation that he had been cuffed, added to his panic. The pain was excruciating, but the emotional torment was even worse. He had survived, and he couldn’t handle the reality of his situation. He didn’t want to live anymore. Why was he still alive? A nurse entered the room to check his vitals, her c
Initially, Skylar had thought it would take time for the children to get used to her attention being divided with the new baby, especially since her kidnapping. She was prepared for tantrums, jealousy, and all the difficulties that often come with a new sibling. However, it came as a shock and a relief when the children seemed to adapt seamlessly to the new routine.Skylar woke up early one morning to the soft cries of baby Aurelia. As she picked her up from the crib, she felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. They were home, safe, and together. Pietro was still asleep beside her, and she smiled as she watched him, knowing how hard he had worked to bring them to this point.Downstairs, the children were already awake and playing quietly. Sophia, was sitting at the kitchen table, sipping a cup of tea and reading a book. Jared, and Lorenzo, were building an elaborate Lego castle on the living room floor.Skylar walked in with Aurelia in her arms. “Good morning, everyone,” she said
James and Catherine Reynolds approached Pietro’s home with heavy hearts. Since her discharge , Skylar has moved in with him. Although, they had already seen her at the hospital, this was the first time they would be visiting her at home. The past few months had been a whirlwind of emotions, and now, standing at Skylar’s doorstep, they felt a profound sense of guilt and sorrow. They had always hoped for a better future for their son, Jason, but his actions had shattered their dreams.Skylar greeted them with a warm, albeit tired, smile. “Come in, please,” she said, stepping aside to let them enter. James and Catherine stepped inside, looking around the home that had once housed a sombre mood, but was now filled with an air of healing and resilience.“We’re so sorry, Skylar,” Catherine began, her voice trembling. “We can’t express how deeply we regret what Jason has done.”Skylar shook her head, leading them to the living room. “Please, sit down. You don’t need to apologize. I k
Skylar and Pietro finally had a moment alone, a brief respite from the whirlwind of emotions and visitors that had surrounded them since her rescue. The hospital room was quiet, with only the gentle beeping of monitors filling the space. Pietro pulled a chair close to Skylar’s bed, taking her hand in his.“I’m so sorry, Pietro,” Skylar began, her voice trembling. “I should have listened to everyone. I should have stayed inside and rested, especially knowing the danger I was in. But I didn’t, and look what happened.”Pietro shook his head, his eyes softening with love. “No, Skylar. You don’t need to apologize. What happened wasn’t your fault. Jason’s actions were unpredictable. The important thing is that you’re safe now.”Skylar looked down, tears pooling in her eyes. “But I feel so guilty. I put our baby at risk. I- I didn’t even know I was pregnant. And I wasn’t there for our family.”Pietro gently lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Skylar, stop. None of this is yo
After the initial shock of the entire situation, Pietro and Emilio began to process the reality that Skylar had been pregnant and had just given birth. The weight of this revelation hit them as they stood in the hospital nursery, staring at the tiny incubator where Skylar’s premature daughter was squirming around. Emilio approached Pietro, who was leaning against the glass, his eyes fixed on the little one. “She’s so tiny,” Emilio whispered, awe and sadness mingling in his voice.Pietro nodded, his gaze never leaving his daughter. “Yeah, she is. I can’t believe she went through all of this alone.”Emilio placed a comforting hand on Pietro’s shoulder. “None of us knew. If we had, we would have been there for her.”“I know,” Pietro said softly, his voice breaking. “I just wish I could’ve been there. I should’ve protected her.”“We all feel that way,” Emilio replied. “But right now, Skylar needs us to be strong for her and the baby.”Pietro turned to face his friend and hopefully,
When the police received Elena’s call and address, they immediately set out to arrest Jason. Detective Harrison, leading the operation, instructed Emilio and Pietro to stay inside the car while they attempted to communicate with Jason. The sirens blared, causing Jason to panic. His fear intensified as the police called out to him with their megaphone, ordering him to surrender. Pietro’s impatience got the best of him. Elena had informed the police that Jason was armed, but as time dragged on, Pietro’s worry for Skylar overwhelmed his caution. Ignoring Detective Harrison’s orders, he made his way into the house. The security alarm and locks had been disengaged by Elena, allowing Pietro easy entry. As he stepped into the living room, he was met with a horrifying sight. Elena and Skylar were covered in blood. Pietro’s heart sank, fearing the worst, until Skylar let out a groan. His eyes landed on the very obvious bump she was sporting. At the same time, her eyes found his, and Pietro
Skylar doubled over as another contraction rippled through her body. She had tried to keep calm, telling herself that these were just Braxton Hicks contractions. Her baby wasn’t due for another month, but the pain was increasing, and panic was setting in. She clutched her stomach, her breathing ragged. When Jason stormed into the house, Skylar’s pained groans stopped him in his tracks. He frowned, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. “What the hell is wrong with you?” he demanded. “I’m having contractions,” Skylar gasped. “I think the baby’s coming.” Jason’s suspicion deepened. “Nice try. You think I’m stupid? Trying to distract me while the cops get closer? You called them, didn’t you?” He grabbed a bag, shoving clothes and essentials into it. “We’re leaving.” “No, Jason, please! I’m not lying. The baby’s coming!” Her voice was frantic, tears streaming down her face. She completely disregarded the last of his words. “Shut up!” he barked, dragging her to the car. He threw the b
Skylar reclined on the worn-out couch in the small cabin, her hands gently resting on her swollen belly. Each kick, each flutter of her baby provided her with a glimmer of hope. Despite the dire circumstances, the signs of life within her reassured her that her child was still fighting, just as she was.Jason had become more attentive as her pregnancy progressed. His paranoia seemed to have ebbed, replaced by a strange kind of domesticity. He cooked for her, brought her water, and insisted she rest more often. It was a disconcerting shift, but Skylar took advantage of his softened demeanour to conserve her strength and protect her baby.One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Skylar sat on the porch, gently rocking back and forth. Jason had gone into town to get supplies, leaving her alone for the first time in weeks. She closed her eyes, listening to the rustle of the leaves and the distant call of birds.A sharp kick jolted h