by Bella Juarez
The feeling about their future was just made concrete. Hearing that Alex was coming for her soon drove home the fact that he wasn’t leading her on. They were home and back to their normal lives. It would have been easy to forget all those promises he’d made her. She knew him better than that and knew he would come for her just as he said. Isabel watched La’Rett’s face as Alex easily conversed with her and it was as if they were longtime friends. La’Rett handed the phone back to Isabel.
“Angel?”
“I’m here,” Isabel said.
“I’ll call you later tonight. I’ve got to get inside and take care of a few things. Let your dad know I’m coming within the next couple of weeks,” Alex said.
“I will. I’ll talk to you later, baby,” Izzy said.
“I love you, angel.”
Isabel ended the call and looked up at La’Rett.
“Girl, I can’t wait to meet that boy in the flesh!”
Isabel giggled and took a hearty bite of her sandwich. She felt so much better.
“So tell me something, Izzy. How did you meet Alex?”
“Honey, it sounds like something out of Arabian Nights. I don’t know if you’d believe me if I told you,” Isabel said.
“Well start talking, ’cause he sounds and looks like something out of the Arabian Knights, with a K,” La’Rett said.
* * * *
Izzy pulled down her sleeve after the technician finished drawing her blood. After she’d eaten at Luna’s, she got sick, really sick. She guessed she had a mild case of food poisoning but she and La’Rett had eaten the same thing and La’Rett wasn’t sick. She thought she was still in transition from being overseas to being home. La’Rett and Izzy’s dad thought maybe she’d picked up some kind of flu or passing virus since she’d returned home. Izzy knew she’d been working with some really weird stuff in Sweden and was afraid she could’ve been possibly exposed to something that remained dormant for a while. Either way she needed to get it checked out, so one of the doctors at the hospital ordered her lab work to get an answer.
Isabel went back to a small desk on one of the floors to catch up on charts. All she could seem to hold down were saltine crackers and a Sprite. She hadn’t done any surgeries or even seen her patients because she didn’t want to expose them to anything she might have. Alex had called her several times over the last couple of days, checking on her, and he’d been the one to encourage her to get lab workups done. She sat at her desk reviewing patient prognoses and charting when she heard a knock on the door and looked up.
“Hey girl, did you go get those labs run?” La’Rett asked.
“Yeah, I did. You know, it’s been a few hours. Let me log in and see if there’s anything there yet,” Isabel said.
“How you feeling?” La’Rett asked, concerned.
“I’m okay as long as I keep it light when I eat.”
Isabel logged into the computer and found her records and at the top of the page she noticed that it had been coded to call her immediately after one other result had come back. Every ounce of blood drained to her feet. What the hell? She looked down the numbers and saw everything significant was within proper levels and was normal. She looked a little further and stopped suddenly.
“What?” La’Rett asked.
“This can’t be right,” Isabel whispered.
“What!” La’Rett demanded, alarmed, as she rushed behind Isabel to look at the screen.
Both women stared at the screen a long time without saying anything.
“Isabel, you need to call Alex. Right now,” La’Rett finally said.
* * * *
Isabel sat parked in her car and stared at the building. La’Rett was pissed off at her for leaving the way she did and not calling Alex. She looked at her watch and saw she’d been sitting in her car for at least ten minutes. It was hot outside, and the car, even though it was running and the air conditioner was on, was starting to get hot inside as well. She shut it off and stepped out, determined to see this through. She shoved open the door with determination and walked toward the counter where a receptionist waited.
“Good afternoon, may I help you?” the woman asked with a smile.
As Isabel started to speak her phone went off in her pocket. She didn’t want to look at it because La’Rett had been calling every single second it seemed like. What if it’s the hospital and what if this is a mistake and you’re here for nothing. She looked at the phone and saw it was Alex. She closed her eyes and shook her head. Damn it! He always knew. Somehow he always knew something was going on. Isabel ignored the call and looked up at the woman again when the notification of the message vibrated in her hand. She looked at her phone. Instead of leaving a voice mail he sent her a text message and Isabel made the mistake of reading it.
Worried about you, angel. Call me and let me know about the lab results. Love you.
“Ma’am, may I assist you in some way?” the woman asked.
Isabel looked around her at the cold white walls that surrounded her. This place was dirty. Not even her crude clinic in Afghanistan was in this kind of shape. She looked at the woman sitting behind the counter. It suddenly dawned on Isabel that she didn’t belong here, not now. She needed to think clearly.
“Ma’am, are you, okay? Would you like for me to get one of our counselors?”
“No, I’m sorry. I’ve made a mistake,” Isabel said, turning and leaving the filthy place as fast as she could.
* * * *
Alex went searching for Dan Gamez because he needed to find someone and now. He’d been texting and calling Isabel all afternoon and there was no response. He knew deep down inside something was wrong and was relieved when he found Dan and Shaq shooting the breeze in the break area.
“I need your help.”
“What’s up, bro?” Dan asked.
“I need to find someone, right now,” Alex said.
“Okay, who and why? I can’t just go stalking people without a reason,” Dan said.
“It’s Isabel’s best friend, La’Rett, and I don’t know her last name. She works at Ryder Medical Center and she’s a neonatal nurse. Why? Isabel has been sick for the last couple of days and she was supposed to have lab work done this morning. It’s now almost five in the evening and I haven’t been able to get a hold of her. She could’ve been exposed to something in Sweden that may be manifesting itself now,” Alex explained as calmly as he could.
“That’s a hell of a reason,” Shaq said.
“Yes, it is. I’ll get on it, right now,” Dan agreed, standing.
The trio returned to Dan’s office where he started to look for La’Rett. Within thirty minutes, he had detailed information on La’Rett Johnston. Alex took the information and called La’Rett’s personal cell. It went to voice mail so he left a message for her. He then called the hospital. She’d just left for the day. As he was hanging up with Ryder Medical Center, his phone went off. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw it was La’Rett calling him back.
“Alex? Man! Am I glad you called,” La’Rett exclaimed.
“What’s going on, La’Rett? I’ve been trying to get a hold of Isabel all afternoon.”
“Alex, I know you shouldn’t hear this from me. But Isabel isn’t sick, well, not disease sick.”
“What’s going on?”
“I shouldn’t be the one to tell you this, but I’m worried about her. She’s pregnant. And honestly when she found out it freaked her the hell out.”
“Where is she?” Alex demanded.
“I don’t know. She won’t answer my calls,” La’Rett said.
“Where are you?” Alex asked as he willed himself to calm down. Isabel could be extremely irrational when faced with an unexpected change and this was one hell of a game changer. He prayed she hadn’t done something they’d both regret for the rest of their lives.
“I’m on my way to her dad’s house. I’m hoping she’s there,” La’Rett said.
“Okay when you find her, please ask her to cal
l me. I’ll find the first flight out of here and get to Miami as soon as I can,” Alex said.
* * * *
Isabel got into the car and tossed the papers in her hand onto the passenger’s seat. She felt better about her decision now that she had talked to someone, and this was the best decision for everyone involved. She looked at her phone, nine missed calls from La’Rett, seven from Alex and three from her father. Izzy felt a stab when she saw her father’s name. Her heart sank because she would have to tell him what had happened. She knew La’Rett had probably gone and talked with her father. Damn snitch, she never could keep her mouth shut. It didn’t matter. Izzy had already made the decision and nothing would change her mind.
Izzy drove home and saw La’Rett’s car parked out on the street. Her dad was already home because he’d left the gate open so she could pull in behind him. How the hell do I tell him this? Izzy had been on birth control, one of the most reliable out on the market. How did this happen? She’d been asking herself that question over and over all day. Isabel sighed deeply and got out of the car and walked over to the passenger’s side of the vehicle, picking up the rest of her things.
Isabel walked slowly up the back steps that led into the house and heard voices inside as she reached for the door. She opened the door and saw her father and La’Rett sitting at the kitchen table. Her father looked up. She stared into his hazel eyes and saw he was scared. He got up and walked to Isabel and gathered her into his arms, holding her close.
“Mamacita, we’ve worried about you,” he said.
Isabel started to cry because all of the anxiety of the day finally culminated when her father spoke.
“Pappie, I’m sorry,” Isabel wailed.
“Sorry? For what, mama?” he asked in his think Cuban accent.
“I know La’Rett told you.”
“She told me were pregnant. Is that what you’re sorry for?” he asked quietly.
“Yes, I know you’re disappointed,” Isabel said.
“I’m not disappointed. I’m not angry or upset,” her father said.
Isabel pulled away slightly. “What?” she whispered.
“You didn’t hear me?” he asked.
“I heard you. I don’t understand.”
“Come, let’s sit down.”
Isabel followed her father, Diego, to the kitchen table. As they approached, La’Rett stood and hugged her friend before Isabel sat down. Izzy sat and took a deep breath as her father went and retrieved his famous limeade from the refrigerator and poured her a glass. Isabel took a long drink and calmed slightly.
“Have you told the baby’s father yet, Izzy?” Diego asked.
“No,” she said, shaking her head.
La’Rett started to say something and Diego stopped her. “Mamacita, don’t you think you should let him know?”
“I have to. He’s got to sign some papers,” Isabel said.
“Papers? What kind of papers?” Diego asked.
“I’m giving the baby up for adoption,” Isabel said.
“What!” La’Rett exclaimed loudly.
Isabel saw her father inhale deeply and close his eyes. She knew what this reaction to her announcement meant. He was taking this news worse than the revelation that she was unmarried and pregnant. He didn’t like what he’d just heard, but he would listen to her explanation and attempt to understand her decision. He’d reacted the same way when she announced she was going to Afghanistan.
“Do you think he’ll agree with your decision?” her father asked in a neutral voice.
“I think he will,” Isabel said.
* * * *
Diego Vasquez watched as his daughter lay sleeping in the middle of her bed. He would often watch her sleep from the doorway. When she was a child he would often think about how small she looked in the middle of her bed and nothing had changed in his eyes. She still looked small and fragile, more so now. As he watched her sleeping he would always send up a silent prayer thanking God Isabel was in his life.
Isabel was like her mother in so many ways. She was so reactionary to a crisis, and like her mother, once her mind was made up there was no changing direction. Isabel didn’t see how giving up her child would haunt her for the rest of her life. Two years after Diego and Isabel had come to America without his wife, Flora, he received news that she’d killed herself. Diego was told the decision to let her family leave without her had haunted her to the point of insanity. He held the same fear for Isabel once she realized the implications of her decision. She would eventually realize what a mistake she’d made, and would be repeating what had been done to her. He knew Isabel would remember how Flora’s decision had affected her life and that decision would haunt Izzy forever.
Diego looked at his watch. In forty-five minutes Alex Richards would be landing at Miami International Airport. He’d talked with the man earlier and Diego liked him instantly. He could tell by the tone of Alex’s voice and his questions he was genuinely concerned for Isabel. Diego could hear the relief when he informed Alex she was all right and safe. Alex had also immediately asked if she’d done anything rash.
Diego smiled at the question. Alex understood Isabel probably better than she understood herself. He’d expressed his concern to Alex about Isabel’s plan to give up the baby for adoption. While Alex had been cautious in his responses to the idea, he could tell that Alex wasn’t about to give up his unborn child. Alex Richards had met the basic criteria had for any man to whom Diego would willingly give up his precious Izzy. He loved her and seemed to have a level head on his shoulders. It was amazing how many men couldn’t meet that simple standard.
Diego glanced at his watch and knew he needed to leave in order to meet Alex at the airport on time. He recalled the conversation he and Isabel had when she’d told him about Alex and Diego had been concerned initially, but she reassured him that Alex had been looking forward to meeting him. Diego was comforted by the fact that Alex was willing to make the trip to Miami and had been reserving judgment on the man until they had met. Alex Richards dropping his busy life to jump on a plane and come to Miami immediately in light of Isabel’s crisis spoke volumes to Diego. Alex was a rare one indeed.
Diego drove through traffic, found the airport and a parking space with a few minutes to spare. He walked inside the terminal and waited near the security area because he was curious if the two men would be able to find each other. He watched as the people filed out of the terminal and to baggage claim or outside. Diego spotted Alex Richards instantly when the man came into view. Their eyes met in understanding. Alex walked up to Diego and stuck out his hand.
“Mr. Vasquez?” he said.
“Alex Richards.”
The men shook hands. Yes, he’s the right one. Diego was impressed. Alex was a large, very self-assured man. It was an arrogance that was natural and fit him easily. In short, Alex reminded Diego of himself at that age.
“Do you want to talk before we go see Isabel?” Alex offered, nodding toward the airport lounge.
“Why not?” Diego said, leading the way.
* * * *
Izzy shifted in her sleep and snuggled up against Alex. Alex? She had to be dreaming. Oh, but it’s such a good dream after such a bad day. She smiled and thought about what she wouldn’t give to have Alex here with her, holding her just like he was now in her dream. He would know what to do about this situation, her foggy conscious told her as someone placed a slight kiss on her shoulder. In her dream, Alex ran his hand over her waist and reached around her midsection. He pulled her closer and wrapped his leg around her. She sighed at his possessiveness.
Angel…Izzy heard his deep, hypnotic voice call her and it seemed so real. The light whisper seemed to fill the room and echoed off the walls because it was her favorite word in the English language. Izzy was his angel and loved to hear it every time he uttered the syllables. She turned around and reached for a pillow that she kept behind her. She’d been sleeping with that pillow since arriving home. It seemed to lessen her lone
liness somewhat.
Damn, this pillow feels like Alex. The haze of sleep still clouded her mind as she wrapped her arms around it and held it close. This was the most vivid dream she’d ever had because that pillow seemed to have sprouted arms, long legs, and had just reached down and grabbed her ass.
I’ve missed you, angel.
Izzy opened her eyes and nearly jumped out of her bed. Someone was in bed with her. This was no dream. A large hand was definitely squeezing her ass and her arms were indeed around a big guy instead of her soft pillow.
“Alex?”
“Are you okay, angel?” a sleepy voice asked.
“Alex!” Isabel exclaimed.
Alex kissed Izzy and chuckled.
“What are you doing here?” Isabel asked, pulling him close.
Izzy breathed deeply and smelled the familiar sandalwood and sage. Nothing ever smelled so good before.
“I was worried about you. You didn’t call me back after you did those labs. So, what happened? Is everything okay?” Alex asked.
Isabel’s excitement at having Alex near was suddenly doused. She pulled away slightly, realizing she should’ve called him and not let him worry.
“Angel? What’s wrong?” Alex asked.
“I’ve got some bad news,” she whispered, looking down.
“What’s that, baby? You can tell me anything. What did they tell you?”
“Alex, I’m pregnant. It should’ve never happened. I was on Depo-Provera,” Izzy said.
Isabel couldn’t look at Alex. He said nothing and his silence was unnerving, so she finally looked up at him and he seemed as if he were waiting for her to continue.
“What?” Isabel asked.
“Is there anything else? Did they do a sonogram or did the lab workup come back with something else?” Alex asked.
“No.”
“I’m waiting for the bad news, angel.”
“Are you serious?” Isabel asked, not understanding his lack of concern.
