Bittersweet

~~ Thankful ~~

"Nooooo, uncle Frank," she giggled uncontrollably.

I laughed, popping some icing from my cake into my mouth. Yep, no doubt about it—I was blessed.

~ ~ ~

Following indulging in too much cake. Forty-five minutes later, I'd kissed my daughter goodbye and was heading back to the hospital. Although not my usual visiting time. I wanted to see Tony. I had a good feeling about today, hoping the doctors would give me some good news and a date he might come home.

Stepping out the elevator, I smiled and said hello to all the passing hospital staff I knew. Walking along the corridor. A nurse, Sally Orton approached me, frowning. "Hey Sally. Everything okay?" We had become close friends. Rushing towards me, she looked around nervously before grabbing me by hand and motioning for me to follow her. My stomach plummeted. Something must have happened since my visit this morning. Had the doctors delivered Tony bad news?

Or... Had he had another meltdown?

It was sad to say Tony hadn't been the best of patients. Often shouting and barking orders at the doctors and nurses. Something I had to admit was a little embarrassing. Who was I kidding—it was hugely embarrassing!

She pulled me towards a room. Opening the door, she dragged me inside and shut the door.

"Sally, what's happened. What's the matter?" Bracing myself for bad news.

She held onto my hand; her frantic stare quickened my pulse. Her eyebrows creased together tightly before relaxing. A peculiar look flashed through her eyes—a look of pity? I wasn't sure.

My stomach crunched, bordering on cramping. I yanked my hand from hers. "Tell me, Sally, has something happened?" I tried to turn to open the door. Sally jumped in front of me, blocking my exit. "Sally, you're scaring me. Is Tony okay?"

"Jenna—" She stopped, nibbling her bottom lip. She reached for my hand again, but I pulled it out of reach. Startled, she stepped back, clasping her hands together tightly.

I waited, the tension in the room uncomfortable.

"Jenna, I know we haven't known each other long. But I already see you as a friend and I don't  want you to walk in there, without—"

Without What?  I scrunched my brow; not having  a clue what she was trying to tell me. Nodding my head. "Yes Sally, I feel the same."

And it was true, Sally had been my rock every time I had visited. She explained everything in simple terms, when the doctors didn't have time. Hugging me when I needed to comfort.  Drying my tears with her endless stream of tissues. Listened when I had expressed my guilt of not being supportive to Tony and how his accident was my fault.

Sally's eyes bounced around, unable to maintain eye contact with me. "Jenna, there is something that's been on my mind for a few days and believe me, I have wanted to tell you—but I didn't know how."

My heart was racing, practically beating out of my chest. "Okay, tell me now."

She sighed. "Okay. Somebody has been visiting Tony for the past week. They have been here every day. In between your visits. She—"

"She?" Still unsure where this was leading.

Sally continued. "At first, I thought she was a friend or a relative and didn't give it a second thought..." She stopped.

A rush of heat to my face burned my cheeks. What was she trying to tell me? "And it's not his sister? Or any of his family members?"

She shook her head adamantly. "No, I don't think so."

My stomach churned. "Is this person... this woman, with him now?"

Sally nodded slowly, nibbling her bottom lip, almost wary to answer me. "She is."

She, who was this she?  My mind was a whirl of questions. So sure she must be mistaken on this mystery woman's identity. It had to be one of Tony's extended family members. He had more cousins than I had shoes! To say his family was large was an understatement.

From Italian descent. It was overwhelming when I'd been first introduced. His family were close—sometimes a little too close. Apart from the black sheep of the family, his twin brother Gabriele. "Please step aside, Sally." I needed to see this mystery person for myself, positive Sally was worrying me for nothing.

"Jenna, please. Wait—There's something else I need," she begged. "Please I—"

I took a deep breath, ensuring my tone was calm compared to the storm that was raging in my tummy. "No, Sally, I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. I'm betting it's one of his many cousins. He has an enormous family." My tone was anything but calm.

Stepping aside. "Okay, Jenna. Well, I hope so—I hope you're right." Doubt was splashed across her face. I reached for the handle opening the door stepping out in the artificially lit corridor.

I held my head high and walked towards room... 209.