MATTIA
I looked at my phone, it had hit 2am. I was sitting in Mom's ward. There was no way I was going home until the operation was over.
"Hey"
I looked up to see Athena walking in with a brown paper bag. There was a Starbucks logo on the front.
"I got breakfast" she said, flashing me a bright smile. I gave her a small smile, looking down at the bag she placed in my hands.
"I'm good-"
"You haven't eaten anything for the past 12 hours almost" she said, pushing them bag back towards me. I sighed, opening it and taking out the food. I wanted to eat but there was a pit at the bottom of my stomach that made me want to vomit.
"Just breathe, Mattia" she said, placing her hand on mine again. I looked down at our hands, that feeling came back, the butterflies. But anxiety took over.
"I need to go" I spluttered, dropping the bag on the chair next to me and running out the room.
I found the nearest bathroom and threw myself over the toilet. I only had a couple bites of the sandwich but none of it would digest. I leaned on my hand, breathing heavily as I flushed the toilet with my other hand. I heard one of the doors open and quickly stood up, brushing down my tuxedo with semi clean hands.
"Mattia?"
I became perplexed when I heard her voice. In the men's restroom? Was this a joke or?
"Athena?" I walked out the cubicle, washing my hands as she looked at me "this is the mens"
"I know, I thought you might need this" she handed me a bottle of water. I smiled, taking it from her and rinsing my mouth.
"They're also bringing your Mom back in five minutes" she said. She winked at me before leaving the bathroom. I quickly cleaned up and speed walked back to the ward. I took the seat next to her.
"Are you okay?" she asked, looking at me with a concerned expression.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" I frowned, shaking my head "I'm supposed to be looking after you and I've dragged you here, look at the time"
"Hey" she said, placing her hand under my chin and turning face to her, her skin on mine was working wonders "what did I tell you the first time we met?"
I shrugged my shoulders slowly, I was too tired for a pop quiz.
"I'm your friend before anything else, Mattia" she said softly "the way you're gonna always be by my side, I'll be doing the same for you"
I smiled a little wider than I had been smiling lately, letting my face lean on her hand as I half closed my eyes. She laughed quietly, placing her hand behind my neck and lowering it down to her lap.
I closed my eyes fully as I felt her hands going through my hair. She had an unforgettable scent.
"Tia?"
My head snapped up as I saw my Mom being brought into the room on a wheelchair. Her eyes were open and full of life as she smiled at me, waving her hands at us both.
"Mamma!" I cried, getting up and running over to hug her. I felt tears running down my face as I held her in my arms. She hugged me back, tightly her arms around me. I laughed through my tears, feeling my hair fall in front of my face.
"Sir, be careful-"
"He's fine" interrupted Athena "let them have their moment in peace, doc"
I smiled, leaning into my mom's shoulder for a second before standing up again. I took a deep breath, feeling Athena's presence beside me. I looked over at her and she gave me that warm smile.
"Thank you" I whispered, reaching out for her hand as they helped Mom to her bed.
"Don't mention it" she whispered back, holding onto my hand. In that moment, I wanted to lean over and kiss her badly but that would break every protocol.
"Look at you two"
I heard Mom's voice and walked over to her, forgetting my hand was still in Athena's.
"This is Athena, Mom" I said "Athena, my Mom"
"So you're the girl dating my son" said Mom, shaking her hand. Athena laughed lightly as my eyes went wide. I shook my head whilst she smiled at Athena.
"Mom I work for Athena, I'm her bodyguard"
"Oh!" she exclaimed, covering her mouth quickly whilst trying not to laugh "I'm so sorry, I had forgotten"
"That's fine, Mrs Polibio" said Athena. Mom rolled her eyes playfully, tapping Athena's hand.
"Call me Darla" she said. I let them both engage in a conversation and took the opportunity to check my phone. I texted my uncle about everything being okay but caught sight of the time.
"And I have a shoot today for the cover of our new movie, it's around 9am" said Athena.
"9am!?" I asked, she nodded casually "Athena, it's just hit 4am, you need to sleep, let's go back now"
"Okay, I'll get a cab, you stay here" she said, getting off the bed. I wanted to stay with Mom but I knew how bad it would look to her parents if I didn't turn up in the morning. I shook my head, so did Mom.
"I'm fine now, both of you go" she said sternly, holding up a hand when Athena tried to argue.
"I'll visit you tomorrow, Mamma" I said. I walked over to her, planting a kiss on her forehead and hugging her tightly. Athena hugged her too, they both exchanged words but I was on the opposite side of the door by the time Athena was walking to me.
"What did she say?" I asked, opening the doors for her as we walked downstairs.
"None of your business, Mr Bodyguard" she said, tapping the side of her nose. I laughed to myself, shaking my head. We reached the exit and I looked outside to see it was pouring with rain.
"Here" I said, taking my jacket off and placing it over Athena's shoulders. Her hair strands fell in front of her face as she blinked a couple times. I pulled her closer slightly but not intentionally.
She looked up at me, her pretty brown eyes staring into mine. I felt the butterflies again as the world around us began to slow down.
