Reconstructing Amelia (unedited)

Chapter 38

November 29th, 2019

My eyes fluttered open and I was greeted with soft morning light. Alan was still sprawled beside me, his arm slung over me loosely. His hair was wild and messy and he was snoring lightly. I smiled, chuckling softly before erupting into a series of coughs. Luckily, I didn't wake him.

A nurse came in and quietly checked my vitals before leaving as quickly as she'd come.

Cato and Eli walked in, holding Javi's hand. He ran to me and hugged me tightly. Eli walked over to Alan, snapping a few pictures on his phone while giggling like a child.

"Don't wake him up," I scolded. Eli just smirked before slapping Alan roughly across the cheek. I gasped in shock. Alan groaned and opened his eyes.

"You fuck," he quipped at Eli, who just grinned. Alan turned to me, his green eyes shining. "Hey, how're you feeling?" I shrugged.

"Okay, I think," There was shouting and yelling from the down the hall before Neo burst in the door, followed by the triplets. I couldn't contain the smile that spread across my face as Neo rushed to hug me.

"Stai bene? Quello che è successo?" He gripped my hands, worry spread on his face as he studied me with wide eyes.

"Si, sto been. Cosa stai facendo qui?" I asked him. Des and Felix appeared in the doorway, his hand laced with Alicia's, who trailed behind tiredly. She managed a small wave towards Javi before leaning on Felix's legs.

"Alicia è malata. Siamo entrati per assicurarci che andasse tutto bene," Neo explained. Alan grabbed my arm protectively.

"English," he growled.

"Would you prefer Spanish?" Neo taunted.

"Would you prefer a punch?" Alan retorted.

"Fuck off Adams," Neo shot back.

"Enough," Cato snapped. Alan glared at him. "Let them talk," Cato pulled Alan off the bed, steering him out by the shoulders. Eli and the triplets took Javi and followed them down the hall.

"Why are they here?" Neo said darkly. "I thought you weren't talking to them,"

"Javi went to them for help after I passed out. They were the ones that brought me here," I explained quietly.

"What happened?" Neo asked, scanning me over.

"Just a little pneumonia," I answered, coughing.

"I wouldn't call that little," Des commented. I shrugged.

"I'm okay," I promised. Neo squeezed my hands again.

"Well we need to get Alicia to her appointment, but we'll check on you later," Felix said. Neo didn't move. "Neo, vámonos. Ahora," Felix commanded. Neo sighed and gave me one last hug before he stood and followed his family out. I leaned back down, coughing and wincing in pain.

Alan immediately rushed back in, by my side in an instant.

"I'm fine," I assured him, though I really wasn't. My ribs were on fire and my back ached with every slight movement. He searched my eyes, clearly unconvinced.

Javi came back in, climbing up on the bed with me.

"Eri da solo?" I demanded. Javi shook his head, his curls swishing back and forth across his forehead.

"They went home for a while. Cato told me to come back up," Javi answered.

"Just be careful, okay?" I reminded him. He smiled and nodded.

"Mia?" My nurse stood in the doorway. "Your father's here," I almost choked. Javi buried his head in my chest, whimpering softly.

"Er, uh, yes, thank you," I managed, my heart thundering in my chest. Alan looked at me sharply.

"Mia, don't be stupid. Don't let him in," he warned. I wanted to take his advice but I wasn't ready to expose myself.

"He's my Dad, of course, he's coming in," I told him. "And you need to leave," He shook his head.

"No way, I'm not leaving you alone with him," Alan argued.

"I'd like to speak to my daughter please," Ben's voice boomed as he stood in the doorway, looking as frightening as ever. Alan's eyes widened in shock before he scrambled out.

Ben carefully closed the door before he rounded on me, his icy blue eyes narrowed.

"You disgusting bitch!" he shouted. "You know the rules,"

"I'm sorry Papa!" I cried.

"You better be," he growled. "When I'm through with you, you won't be able to walk," he snarled. "Or better yet, I'll beat the shit out of the kid. He'll end up just like your sister," I clutched Javi tighter.

"No, please! I'll do anything! Anything, I swear!"

"Don't you dare talk back to me, Girl!" Ben roared. He swiftly came over and clamped his hands around my neck. I tried to squirm but I couldn't get free. I couldn't breathe. I was thrashing around, trying to get some air. He finally let go with a satisfied smirk and I rubbed my neck tenderly. I could already feel the bruises forming. How was I supposed to lie my way out of that?

"I told you there'd be consequences for running away. I'll kill you. I'll the kid too," he snarled. "I'll make sure you never leave me again. You don't know how lucky you are; I protect and provide for you, don't act so ungrateful," Tears fell down my cheeks and Ben slapped me across the face, leaving a harsh sting. "You don't deserve to cry," he spat. "And when you're out of here, you'll never see the light of day again," he threatened, his eyes beady. "You are mine. Don't test me again," he seethed through bared teeth. I forced myself to nod. He slapped me again. "What was that, Girl?" he snapped.

"Yes Papa," I mumbled, trying not to cry.

"Good girl," he cooed. "I have allies everywhere, little girl. Be good for me. We wouldn't want to see those tears again now would we?" I sniffled and shook my head. "Now I'll see to it that you are obedient. If not, things will go very poorly for your brother. I have people fetching you later. Mind them, or things will get ugly," Ben turned towards the door. "I loved you, Sweetheart," he called, his voice sickly sweet. I forced a smile.

"Ti amo anch'io, Papa," I mumbled. He opened the door and strode out. Javi was still crying into my chest. I wiped my tears and forced a smile onto my face. I gently called for Javi to sit up. I wiped his cheeks gently, trying my best to comfort him.

"I won't let anything happen to you, I promise," I told him. "But we can't tell anyone, do you understand?" He looked sad.

"Not even Eli?" he pouted.

"No," I answered. "Not Eli, not Alan, and especially not Cato. No one, okay?"

"Okay," he agreed, sniffling.

~Translations~

Stai bene? Quello che è successo? - are you okay? what happened?

Sì, sto bene. Cosa stai facendo qui? - yes, I'm fine. what are you doing here?

Alicia è malata. Siamo entrati per assicuratori che andasse tutto been - Alicia is sick. We came in to make sure everything's okay

Eri da solo? - you were alone?

Ti amo anch'io - I love you too