3 days later *Meri* I am on my way to my parents rental car in the underground parking lot at the hospital. My father told me I could take it as I need to get home and finish some homework before school tomorrow. It will be my last day for at least a week, the day after tomorrow we are starting the transfusion, so I am turning in some extra assignments. My parents wanted to stay with Lumi a little longer, as she is very weak now and scared. Luca is with her too, actually he is almost all of the time. He is only leaving when the hospital staff kicks him out. What he did, proposing to her like that, it's the most romantic thing ever and I truly pray they will get their happily ever after. I hate these places, too much darkness, too many corners and too much dust. Didn't I hear a sound ? No, probably it's just my imagination. Then my phone starts buzzing and I jump like half a meter. "Fuck !" Pulling out the phone I see that it is Tom calling. It is the first time he has contacted
*Luca* I run out into the hospital waiting room. Tom texted me to come out there right away, that it was very important. I look up at the tv screen, some accident, car smashed and burned with the driver inside. Tom comes walking in, white as a sheet, his eyes wild looking. "Luca please tell me Meri is in there, that she came back". "Uh no ... she left about an hour ago". He closes his eyes. "Tom ! What is wrong Tom". "I was talking to her ... she was driving". The tears has started streaming down his face. "There was a loud noise and she screamed, saying that someone bumped her car from behind. Then another sound and the line went dead". He points to the tv screen. "Please tell me that it's not her car". I look at the screen again. Fuck ! Oh no. I swallow. "I ... it could be ... maybe it's not, it could be someone else". "She can't be dead Luca ... oh God ... what if it's her ?" He looks so scared and desperate and I pull him in for a hug. "I am sure she is okay Tom". My voice
*Tom* I am sitting in the hospital bed, trying to make the world start to move again. I am still on some kind of medication, dulling my senses and honestly I am kind of happy about it as I am not sure I would have gotten through the night without it. This must be what hell feels like. I can't believe she is gone, that I will never see her again, never watch her smile, never feel her lips on mine. It can't be right, they keep telling me there is no doubt, but why does it feel so wrong then ? There is a small knock on the door and Luca peaks in. "Can I come in, Tom ?" "Yeah sure". I look at my hands. "How is Lumi doing ?" "She insists that Meri isn't dead". He comes in, no doubt he hasn't slept all night, his face looking tired and drawn. "I have something for you that ... Gabriel thought you might want it back". He holds out his hand. The ring, my grandmother's ring. It is slightly sodden and I swallow a lump. "I ... I can't bear to look at it". "It was your grandmother's right
Next day*Meri* So far Daniel hasn't hurt me. He comes in often and just sits down to talk to me. It's a bit creepy because he acts like we are on a date or something. I mostly don't answer him, afraid I am going to yell at him and make him angry. He has shown me clips from tv, the accident where I supposedly died. My parents' grief stricken faces. Tom, pale and with red eyes, leaving the hospital with a stoic looking Zac acting as a bodyguard, shielding him from the cameras. I want to reach for them, to tell them that I am here, that I am alive. Zac seems to be the one holding everything and everyone together, but I had seen how his hands were shaking and the way his eyes seemed vacant. Without me there is no way to cure Lumi. I need to get to her before it's too late. The door opens and Daniel walks in. He has some kind of bowl in his hand and a wash cloth over his arm. "Good morning darling, time for your bath". "Can I shower ?" I don't know whether to be happy or not. So far
*Luca*"So why weren't you opening when we rang the bell ... when you were home ?" Tom is glaring daggers at Daniel.He crosses his arms ignoring Tom's question. "What are you and that ... buffoon doing on my property ? How did you even get in ?""We jumped the wall". I say, seeing Tom suppress a chuckle. "Why didn't you answer ?""It's my right not to answer, especially people I don't want to talk to". He glares at Tom. "But if you want to know, I am in mourning and want to be left alone".Tom narrows his eyes, glaring at him. "In mourning ? Oh you better not be meaning what I think you mean"."Sorry she left you for me. But seriously what did you expect ? You could almost be her father ... I am her age, and I am very much richer than you".I quickly grab Tom, afraid he is going to explode, but he just sends me a smile. "Thanks Luca, but I am in control ... I am not going to choke the bastard even if he deserves it"."Scared old man, that you can't take me". Daniel chips at Tom, maki
*Meri* Finally I manage to get free and jump off the bed. But as I am to run for the door Daniel grabs my arm. "Oh no bitch, you are mine". "Fuck off you psycho creep". I turn and kick him as hard as I can right in the crotch, seeing him crumble on the floor. Then I turn and run for the door. I throw the door open, and run into the real basement, desperately searching for the stairs, not knowing how long he will be down. And for some reason I fear he won't hold back anything or wait for my consent if he gets to me now. Running up the stairs I pray that the wooden door at the top is unlocked. I grab the handle, and pull. Screaming out my frustration as I realize it is locked and that Daniel most probably has the key. I hear Daniel groan and I fear he can be here any minute, so against all common sense I start hammering desperately on the door. "Help, please help me ... someone please help". "No one will hear you". I hear Daniel chuckle, and turn to see him standing by the secret
*Lumi* We are having a memorial for Meri in the small hospital chapel and I have been allowed to come out for half an hour in a wheelchair, wearing a mask to keep out bacteria and viruses. Suddenly the door is flung open, and Tom walks in, followed by Luca. My parents look at them, and my father say. "So you did come, I was about to be very disappointed in you two". "We did more than that. Luca go support Lumi, Gabriel you better support your wife". Tom say stopping just inside the door. Luca comes over, squatting down next to me. He is unable to contain the most amazing smile. "Hi Baby, how are you feeling ?" "Okay Luca, what are you two up to ?" For some reason my heart is hammering like crazy. Tom clear his throat. "Sorry but after Luca gave me the ring and I realised it wasn't the ring I gave Meri … Well me and Luca has been looking into thing and there is someone you should meet ... my girlfriend, come on in darling". "His girlfriend ... Luca ?" My heart runs amok as I hea
5 months later *Lumi* I stop and look in the mirror, eyeing the woman looking back. Her eyes seem a bit too big, but the smile on her face is beyond happy. It has been just over four months since my bone marrow transplant, it was hard at first ... like really freaking hard, but with the amazing support of my family and especially Luca I have pulled through. My skin is still a bit pale and my icy blonde hair has only grown out to a short page cut, making me happy my hair grows fast. I am not cured, and never will be, but my disease has been beaten back to almost zero, and I am getting a new kind of medicine, so everything is looking pretty bright right now. Putting on my new sexy black designer dress I am happy that I have put a couple of pounds back on to fill it out, I didn't like looking like a stick figure. Especially not tonight at Luca's big premiere. I am so proud of him, but today is bittersweet, because tomorrow he leaves London for the LA premiere. I am staying behind
*Lumi* I sit in the garden, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin, as I watch my two-year-old son, Rasmus, playing with his cousin, Valo. Their laughter fills the air, a delightful melody that brings a smile to my face. Luca and Tom are tending to the barbecue, the tantalizing aroma of food making my stomach growl with anticipation.It's hard to believe that two years have passed since that special day when Meri and I both became mothers. My chronic leukemia, once a heavy burden, has been kept under control with the help of the new medicine. I feel healthy, alive, and grateful for every moment I get to spend with my family.The news of Meri's pregnancy fills my heart with joy. I glance over at her, as she is sitting beside me, her baby bump starting to show. I can't help but smile, I am so happy for her and Tom. "Meri," I say, excitement bubbling in my voice. "Have you found out the gender of your baby yet?" Meri's eyes light up, and a mischievous grin spreads across her face.
2 months later *Tom* The sun is blazing hot on the Texan soil as I walk into the room where Luca and I are supposed to get ready for the big day. I glance at my reflection in the mirror, adjusting the collar of my shirt, I am ignoring the faint pain in my leg… a harsh reminder of the past. "Think it's hot enough?" Luca's voice pulls me from my thoughts. He is already dressed in his new suit, looking more Hollywood than Texas, but his grin is as wide as the Rio Grande. "I think it's just right," I reply, a smirk pulling at my lips. I remember how Meri will often tease me about my British love for cooler weather. But today, even the heat seems tolerable, maybe because I finally will get to call her my wife. Luca laughs, a hearty sound that fills the room. "That's because you are about to marry the woman of your dreams. Even a Texan summer can't dampen that." "Marrying the woman of my dreams in a double wedding with her equally beautiful twin and my best friend," I add, causing
*Lumi* I walk into the room, the soft light casting a warm glow on the scene before me. My heart skips a beat as I see Luca sitting there, cradling our tiny son in his arms. A surge of love washes over me, filling every fiber of my being. Luca's eyes meet mine, and a tender smile spreads across his face. I can't help but be amazed by how effortlessly he handles our little one. It's as if he was born to be a father, his touch so gentle despite his size, his voice so soothing. After two weeks I am finally starting to feel mostly like myself again after the birth. At least in those ways that will return to being as before. The ones that won’t, Well I do not care, it was all worth it to have our little Rasmus. His name means beloved and desired and he truly is both. I watch in awe as Luca tries to make our baby boy smile. He makes funny faces and coos softly, his voice filled with pure affection. Our son's eyes fixate on him, captivated by his presence. It's a magical sight, one th
*Tom* I stand by Meri's side, holding her hand firmly as the doctor guides her through the labor. My heart swells with pride and admiration for the woman I love, as she bravely endures the pain and discomfort of bringing our son into the world. I glance over at Lumi, my soon-to-be sister-in-law, and am struck by the incredible bond between these two sisters, both going through this life-changing experience together. "Alright, Meri, when the next contraction comes, give it a good push". The doctor instructs, her voice calm and steady. Meri nods, her face flushed and sweaty, but determined. As the contraction hits, she squeezes my hand tightly, her nails digging into my skin. I wince, but refuse to let go or show any sign of discomfort. My pain is nothing compared to what she's going through right now. "You are doing amazing, love”. I whisper, trying to offer her some comfort between contractions. She manages a weak smile, her eyes filled with exhaustion but also an unwavering dete
*Luca* I watch as Lumi struggles with the electrolyte drink. I gently encourage her, saying. "It's important to stay hydrated, babe. Just a bit more”. After she has finished drinking, Lumi tells me she wants to get up and walk around. I support her as she rises, wrapping my arm around her waist. As we walk, the contractions continue to hit. Each time one comes, I gently stroke her lower back, trying to alleviate some of the pain, wishing I could remove it all. "Just breathe, Lumi. I'm here for you”. I whisper to her. Across the room, Meri is voicing her regret about not getting an epidural. Lumi, feeling her sister's pain, walks over to comfort her. "It's going to be okay, Meri. We are in this together". She reassures her sister. Seeing that Tom needs a break, having noticed him shuffle his feet for a while, I tell him, "Go ahead, man. Take a quick bathroom break. We will be here”. As Tom goes to the bathroom, I stay close to Lumi and Meri, prepared to help them through whateve
*Tom* I'm standing next to Meri, holding her hand tightly as we wait for the doctor to arrive. The room feels small, even though it's quite spacious, with both our families sharing it. I can feel the tension in the air, and my heart races with every passing moment. Meri's grip on my hand tightens as another contraction hits. I wince in sympathy, but she just lets out a string of curses that would make a sailor blush. It's a side of her I haven't seen before, and it catches me off guard. She has always been the more composed of the two sisters, but the pain seems to bring out a whole new side of her. My eyes drift over to Luca and Lumi. Luca is resting his forehead against Lumi's temple, whispering something in her ear. Lumi, who I have always known to be the more fiery and passionate of the two, seems surprisingly calm in this situation. It's a stark contrast to Meri's reaction, and it's oddly reassuring. I look back at my fiancée, trying to figure out how to help her through thi
*Meri* I'm sitting on the edge of the couch, gently rubbing my lower back as a dull ache radiates through it. Tom looks over at me with concern in his eyes. "Are you okay, love ?" he asks, setting down the book he has been reading. I nod, trying to smile through the discomfort. "Yeah, it's just my body getting ready for the birth, I think. It's probably normal". Tom's face softens, and he moves closer to me. "Let me give you a massage. It might help with the pain". I gratefully accept his offer. Tom fetches a yoga ball from the corner of the room and places it in front of the couch. I carefully lean over the yoga ball, resting my upper body on it, while Tom starts massaging my lower back. As he works on my tense muscles, I can't help but let out a small groan of relief. His strong hands expertly knead the achy area, easing my discomfort. After a while, Tom starts talking about our little boy, who is due to arrive in just a week. "I can't wait to meet him, Meri. Our lives
*Lumi* As we get ready for the appointment, I can see the worry painted across Luca's face. He's been so nervous ever since we found out about my leukemia, and now that we're expecting our first child, his concern has only grown. "Luca, I promise I've been feeling so much better since starting the new medicine," I reassure him, as we both get dressed. He nods, but his eyes still hold a hint of fear. "I know, Lumi, it's just that... I can't help but worry about you and the baby," he admits, his voice trembling slightly. I walk over to him, placing a gentle hand on his cheek. "We're in this together, remember? And the doctors are keeping a close eye on us. We'll be okay." He takes a deep breath and nods again, pulling me into a tight embrace. I can feel his heart racing, and I know that he's trying to be strong for both of us. We arrive at the clinic hand in hand, and check in at the reception desk. First I have to go to the nurse, having blood drawn, so the doctor can check e
*Meri* The sun is shining brightly as we enter the fair ground, and the smell of popcorn and cotton candy fills the air. "I have always loved the atmosphere of fairs". I say, grinning at Tom. He squeezes my hand and nods in agreement. Lumi and Luca walk beside us, their laughter contagious. "Remember when we used to come to carnivals as kids?" Lumi asks, her eyes sparkling. "Of course, we always had so much fun together". I reply, reminiscing. “But you never tried a Texan one”. Luca winks at us. “Cowboy style”. “Yi-ha”. Lumi cheers. It warms my heart to see her in such high spirits. As we enter the area with the games and rides, Tom spots a ring toss game and challenges Luca. "Bet I can win a stuffed animal for Meri before you can win one for Lumiøz He says, smirking. "You are on”. Luca replies, grinning. “You do remember my card toss right ? You can still bow out”. Lumi and I stand on the sidelines, cheering them on. "They are so competitive”. I laugh. "It's adorable”. Lum