CHAPTER 1 TO 10

CHAPTER 1 – Physical Attraction, Chemical Reaction

It was around 7 p.m on a Friday. was getting ready in her room when she heard her friend in the living room:

- , let's go! You are not gonna escape going out for drinks tonight! - Liz screamed.

- But I told you, I don't wanna go! - said while coming out of her bedroom.

- Oh yeah? Then why are you all dressed up?

was not the "normal" kind of girl. She always thought she had that average beauty, and a regular life, but sometimes she took herself for granted. Her best friend Liz was "forcing" her to go drinking because she had been kind of depressed from breaking up with her boyfriend, which had already been a month. She said she was only going so Liz would stop annoying her, but deep down she knew she really needed to drink.

After a few martinis, she was already feeling much happier. She and her friends were sitting on a table when the waiter brought five drinks, one for each.

- These are from those gentlemen over there - he said pointing to a table with five men on it.

- Oh my god, would you look at all the hotness?

- How have we not noticed this table?

All the girls were commenting and smiling back at the guys in a flirty way, when caught one of them smiling specifically at her - or at least that's what she thought. He was wearing a grey t-shirt and a black cap, and laughing like a child, which she found very adorable.

- Let's go over there to thank them - she suggested.

- Oh yeah, let's each grab one and then we're done!

They all laughed and headed to the boys' table.

- Hey guys - Liz started - thanks for the drinks!

- You're welcome - a blond man said while taking a look at all the girls. - Hey, you know what? since there are five of you and five of us, why don't you join us here?

They looked at each other just to confirm. Like any of them would want to turn down that offer.

- Sure, sounds great! - said with a smile, followed by a smile from that guy she looked at before. She took that as an invitation to sit next to him.

- Hey - he said with a perfect suiting voice that almost made her trip, while she desperately tried to remember where she knew him from.

- Hi - she replied before it got weird that she was just staring, and then she sat next to him.

- You know, uh... I suggested the guys we sent the drinks... because of you.

- Oh my god, really? - That is so sweet! - She was actually hiding part of the excitement for knowing such a hot guy was checking her out.

- I'm Chris - he said while giving his hand; maybe because he was drunk and wanted to make sure he wasn't being inappropriate. Or maybe just because he was drunk.

- I'm - she said while shaking his hand, which made them both laugh.

- You have a nice name!

- Thanks, so do you. - She stared at him for a while and he smiled - I'm sorry, I'm staring! It’s just that, I feel like I know from somewhere...

Chris knew it was probably because she had seen him in a movie, but he pretended he didn't realize that.

- Oh yeah? Where from?

- Huh, let me think... oh, I know! It must be because you look like that guy from Fantastic Four, that I watched last week! Has anyone ever told you that?

He didn't know if she was kidding or just really drunk, but he couldn't help but laughing.

- Actually, no... I've only been told I am the guy from Fantastic Four...

- What? - She answered with a laugh, thinking he was kidding, then suddenly became serious - Oh my god! Wait... don't tell me... Chris... Chris Evans!

- Yeah, you remembered the name of the guy!

- Oh my god, this is so embarrassing! - I'm sorry, really, I... I'm sure I would've recognized you right away if I weren't drunk.

- That’s ok... means you weren't interested in me because of my fame... that's nice.

- Yeah, it is. Well, for all the matters, I think you’re an amazing actor. I’ve seen a lot of your movies… I can’t remember names though – she said while hitting her hand on the table in frustration – Oh God, I need to stop drinking!

- That’s ok too… - Chris laughed.

A few more drinks later, and there was barely anyone interested in just talking anymore. and Chris had gone dancing and some of the other couples had left. They talked for a long time, just about everything - even though they would probably not remember half the conversation the next day. They shared a cab and exchanged numbers, both pretty sure the wanted to see each other again.

When the cab got to 's house, Chris got out of it and walked her to the door. He told her good night and hugged her, and they weren’t intending to kiss each other, but after unhugging they seemed to not want to let the other one go. had her lips really close to Chris’ and felt butterflies on her stomach, while they still had their arms around each other. smiled and closed her eyes as Chris made “the move”, giving her the sweetest kiss. felt really good, it was almost like sparks flied at that first kiss - hopefully, the first of many.

The morning after, she was woken by incessant knocks on the door. She opened it to find Liz with a totally messed-up hair and with the same dress from the night before.

- Good morning! Hey, did you know that you live in the same building as Matt? - Liz said while walking in and dropping her purse on the couch.

- Who the hell is Matt? - shut the door with her foot and headed to the kitchen.

- The guy I met last night! Friend of Chris'?

- Ooh...

- See? I remember the name of yours!

laughed. - Ok, first of all, he's not mine. Second of all, it's not really surprising you remember after that scream you let out when you found out he was "The Human Torch"!

- Oh stop it, it wasn't that bad.

- Right. It was good actually, made me look better. - handed Liz one of the glasses of juice in her hand while sitting next to her on the couch.

- Yeah but, how was I supposed to act normal? ... Remember how I kept saying he was hot when we watched it? Then I see the guy right in front of me, what else would I do?

- I don't know... flirt with him? - said ironically.

- Hahaha, very funny! Don't make me even more jealous of you!

- But Matt was hot too!

- Right, but no one really cares if I go out screaming "I slept with Matt Robinson!" . You on the other hand, you could actually make some money selling stories to tabloids.

- Oh my god, Liz! You’re the worst, I would never do that!

- Oh my god, imagine if you appear in a magazine! Those weekly magazines filled with paparazzi pictures!

- Liz, will you stop? I just met the guy. And also, I don't think he's that famous. He's just a normal guy, and I had a really great time last night.

- Oh, you are such a buzz kill! I hope there is a photo from last night, and you were cut out of it. And I appear in the back.

- Yeah, I hope that too - said laughing. She didn't really want her face to be on magazines, but she admitted it was fun to think about that.

- When are you gonna tell him? - Liz asked, waking her from her daydream.

- Tell him what? - asked confused.

- You know what.

suddenly became serious, like she really had forgotten about her "secret" - which wasn't really a secret, but Chris couldn't know yet.

- Not yet - she answered while going to the kitchen, then she sat on a chair and put her hands in her face - god, I hate it that some relationships are fated to end when they haven't even started. And this one is my fault.

- Will you stop? You say it like it's something terrible! You don't know if it's gonna make him run away!

- Well, that's what all the other guys did.

- But he seems different. - Liz said while patting 's head.

- Yeah, he does. But still, I gotta wait a while. It just seems like this could be something so amazing, I don't wanna risk it just yet.

CHAPTER 2 – Almost Honest

It was a Saturday night, two weeks after had met Chris, and he was taking her out for dinner. She was just finishing getting ready when Chris knocked on her door.

- Who is it?

- It’s Chris!

- Come in, it's opened!

He walked in, left the flowers he brought on a table and took a look around. Since she wasn't ready yet, he started looking at her DVD collection.

- I'll be out in a minute!

- Oh, it's ok, no rush.

Chris picked up a DVD from the shelf and smiled.

- Hey, you have Cellular!

- Yeah, my friend got it for me on my birthday like two years ago. I really like it! I forgot to tell you!

- Oh that's nice. When is your birthday?

- March 12th. When is yours? - asked, while coming out.

- June 13th - he said, while standing up and turning to look at her. - Wow! You look amazing!

- Oh thanks!

Chris put the DVD back on the shelf and picked up the flowers.

- These are for you.

- Oh my god, thank you! These are beautiful! I love lilies! - They smiled at each other and kissed. - Let me just put these on water and we'll go.

- Sure.

As they had dinner and talked, about everything, decided she was gonna let her secret go. She just wanted to forget all the complications that could end something so nice, that she hadn't had for so long. But the problem is, when you have a secret, deciding not to tell it doesn't mean it's not gonna come out.

- So... where are you from? - asked embarrassed. - Sorry, I think I asked you that on the bar, but I don't really remember anything.

Chris laughed and nodded. - I'm from Boston, but I was raised in Sudbury. What about you?

- I’m from Pasadena, I moved here when I was 15.

- Wow, nice! yeah, And uh... I'm sorry, I don't remember what you do for a living!

- Oh it's ok... I don't think I said it. I'm a dancer.

- That's awesome! And uh... I'm pretty sure you didn't tell me, I would've remembered that.

- Yeah, you like dancing?

- Yeah, actually... I tap dance.

- Oh my God, really? - said laughing - It doesn't look like you!

- Yeah, I know... - Chris said smiling - It's because my mother is into that stuff, she actually directs a theater downtown.

- She directs a theater? Wow, which one?

- Pantages Theatre.

- No way! I’ve danced there!

- Really? That's awesome!

- Yeah! Wait, is your mom Lisa?

- Yeah! You know her?

- I've talked to her a couple times, yeah! Yeah, she’s friends with the director at the school I work at.

- Wow, that's great! So I guess the parent meeting will go even better than expected then!
laughed and smiled at him.

- So, you said "the school"... you're a teacher?

- Yeah, I dance and also teach ballet for young children.

- Aw, that's cute. Where do you teach?

- At the Petit Stars studio, on Sunset Boulevard.

- Really? My niece has classes there! Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m I think.

- Oh my god, that's my class! What’s her name?

- Lilly.

- Oh, brown hair and blue eyes?

- Yes, that's her! - They both smiled.

- Yeah, and I think I've talked to her mom a couple times! Uh... Carly, isn't it?

- Yeah, that's my sister! Wow, so you've met my whole family before you even met me!

- How weird! You know, this is gonna sound cheesy, but crazy things like this make me believe that some things are fated to happen.

- Yeah. - Chris smiled and kissed her. They stared at each other for a while, until 's phone rang.

- Sorry, I gotta take it, it's my sister!

- It's okay.

- Hey Abby! ... Oh, good to know! Is she gonna sleep at mom and dad's? ... Her Barbie? Oh yeah, it's at - took a quick pause and looked at Chris - my house, yeah. Just tell her she'll get it tomorrow. Ok, bye.

- What was that about? - Chris asked, trying not to be rude but also curious to know what that weird conversation meant.

- It was my sister. She just wanted to let me know that my... my niece, Isabella, is back... cause she was traveling with my parents.

- Oh, you have a niece? That's nice!

- Yeah, yeah. Her name is Isabella, she's three... And actually, uh, I forgot to tell you the other night, she did a scene in Fantastic Four!

- Really?

- Yeah, it's such a coincidence right? - said, smiling.

- What scene she was in? - Chris asked, trying to remember a scene with a kid.

- Oh, it was just a quick thing, in Reed and Sue's wedding, she was a bridesmaid.

- Oh yeah, I think I saw her on set!

- Really? That's nice - smiled.

- Does your sister want her to be actress?

- I don't know... Isa got the part because Andrea, the woman in casting, she’s Abby's friend, so she's never done anything else. It's just so weird to think she would start a career at only three years old!

- Oh, but it's good to start early! When did you start dancing?

- Yeah, I was four...

- There you go! Maybe your niece is gonna like acting...

- Yeah, she did find it really fun...

- Is she on the ballet class too?

- Yeah, yeah she is!

- Oh then maybe she and Lilly are friends!

- Actually, I think they are! Yeah... - stopped talking and just kept staring at nowhere.

- Hey - Chris said just to end the awkward silence he didn't even know why existed - should we get going?

- Sure, sure.

Chris asked for the check, paid and they left. Before getting in the car, Chris wrapped his arms around and smiled at her.

- You know, I wanted to ask you to come over to my place... but I have to wake up really early tomorrow, I'm sorry.

- Oh... no, I'm sorry! Why didn't you tell me, we could've rescheduled it!

- No, no! I wouldn't have wanted to miss this! - He said smiling, then kissed passionately. Then, they got in the car and he took her home.


For the following week, they called each other almost every day and talked for hours.

woke up on a Saturday, a week after the last time she saw Chris. He had called her two days before asking her out to dinner, which made her spend those days thinking about her "secret". She was trying to decide whether she would tell him that night, or whether she would tell him at all, cause maybe she would do something to screw up their relationship before it got serious enough for that. And for a second, just for a second, she wished Isabella really was her niece, and not her daughter.

CHAPTER 3 – Nowhere Left To Run

That was it. That was her secret: she had a daughter. Simple like that. Complicated like that. Isabella was three years old, and if could go back in time, she would've adopted her again. But just in that moment, all she could think of was that she needed an excuse to tell Chris whenever he saw Isabella at her house for the first time. She had been traveling with 's parents for the past week, but now she was back. Her sister was coming to take care of her at night, but still, the truth had to come out some time.

- Mommy? - Just when she was trying to think of something else, Isabella called her while standing on her door. smiled at her daughter and sit on her bed.

- Good morning sweetie!

- Good morning - Isabella jumped on the bed and hugged - What are we doing today?

- Well, today we are going to the movies in the afternoon! How about that, huh?

- Yaaaay!

- Then, your aunt Abby is coming to take care of you at night!

- I love aunt Abby! then we can play that game she got me that needs one more person!

- Oh but darling, mom is not gonna be here, I need to go somewhere. but you can play all your other games, okay?

The rest of the day went normal. took Isabella to the movies and was back at home by five. About an hour later, Abby arrived and went to get ready for her date with Chris.

- So, have you decided when are you gonna tell him? - Abby showed up in 's bedroom, already with "the question."

- On our next date - answered with certainty while finishing her makeup. - I just... I had so much fun last time! I just need that at least one more time.

- Right. Or you could tell him, get this weight out of your shoulders, and continue to have fun.

- That would be a great plan if I knew how he's gonna react. I mean yeah, he's different and everything, but... I don't know, really.

- So what? every time you go out with him you're gonna get wasted so you forget you have a daughter?

- Next date Abby. Next date.

Right after said that, her phone rang. It was Chris.

- Hey, I just wanted to let you know I'll be there in about five minutes... I'm a little early actually, I hope that's ok...

- Oh sure, it is! I'll wait for you downstairs then!

- No, it's okay, I can come up!

- No, no, it's because I need to talk to the doorman anyway so...

- Okay, see you then.

- Okay bye.

Once again, they had an amazing time together. Once again, had that great feeling inside her, that feeling that really made her want to give up on ever telling Chris about who Isabella really was. Before going home, they stopped to have ice cream on a little shop. They were really having fun, and couldn’t stop laughing at a funny story about Chris and his dog when he was little.

- So, do you have dogs now?

- Yeah, actually I have an American bulldog.

- Really? Oh that's nice! What's his name?

- East.

- Wow, that's a different name... is there a story behind it?

- Not really! - They both laughed - I just like names that aren't names, you know?

- Yeah... it's weird when pets have human names...

- Exactly! So, do you have a dog?

"No, just a daughter!" thought. - Um, no... I don't know, I don't have much time, I feel like it'd be abandoned or something...

- Oh but it's no nice to always have one to come home to you know? To tell your problems, those boring ones that no one wants to hear!

laughed. - Yeah, yeah it is.
After said that, her phone rang.

- Hey, Abby, what's up? (...)Isa is asleep already? that's great! I can never make her go before midnight! what did you do? (...) ooh that's great! ok, I gotta go, but if she wakes up just say mommy's on her way. (...) ok bye.

As soon as hung up and looked at Chris, she realized what she said on the phone. And she couldn't take it back. Chris opened his mouth and spoke very slowly, still trying to connect the dots:

- Isa... Isabella's your daughter?

took a deep breath and knew there was nowhere left to run.

- Yeah. yeah, she is. I'm sorry, I didn't want you to find out this way. Are you ok?

- Sure... but, when were you gonna tell me?

- On our next date, probably... I just... I wanted you to really know me first so that maybe... you wouldn't run away.

- No, no, don't think that! I really hate when people go "ooh I don't wanna get into something complicated"...

- Yeah, been there. - said with an uncomfortable smile.

- I know, me too! but, you know, if you're into someone, eventually it has to get complicated.

- Aaw, you're into me - couldn't help but smiling.

- Of course I am. - they looked at each other and kissed. - So... uh... are you divorced?

- No, actually... Isabella's adopted.

- Oh yeah? but why would you wanna adopt her by yourself?

- Actually it's kind of a long story.

- Oh, it's okay. I mean if you wanna tell me.

- Okay… It was the end of 2004, and I was in Milan, Italy. It was my first time traveling abroad. Then there was a small city close to Milan that suffered an earthquake, so my friend and I volunteered to help, cause we took a year of nursing school actually.

- You went to nursing school?

- Yeah… I really didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life! - They laughed. - Anyway, uh… when I got to the hospital they asked me to help with this very tiny baby that was all injured. I spent hours helping her, she looked so weak. Then when I was done she opened her eyes and kind of smiled at me, and I just fell in love. Later they found out that she had just been abandoned in a shelter, so… I adopted her.

- Wow, that's a beautiful story! how old was she at the time?

- The doctors gave her about two months...

- Wow! and she survived an earthquake?

- I know, yeah. Then her birth certificate was made as if she was born exactly two months before that day I found her, so we celebrate two birthdays. - Chris smiled at her. - I'm sorry I can't stop talking!

- No, it's okay. I can see in your eyes how much this matters to you... they shine. - He smiled again and she rested her head on his shoulder. - So, who's taking care of her?

- Well, usually when I go out I call the nanny, but she couldn't tonight so Abby's babysitting.

- So, you can come to my place then?

- Oh, I don't know. Isabella might need me, I...

- oh come on, you're the one who said she's asleep! And your sister's there!

- Ok fine. But I'm not spending the night.

- yeah, we'll see about that. - Chris said laughing, then caught her hand and took her to the car.
As Chris opened the door at his house and let go in first, a huge white dog ran in her direction and started licking her, which made her laugh and then get down on her knees to pat him.

- Oh my God, is this East? He's so adorable!

- Yeah! (...) Wow, he really likes you! - Chris said while getting down on his knees next to her - He doesn't usually like other people so much. Even my dad has some problems with him!

- laughed - Really? Well, you know, dogs don't usually like me too... this is great.

They smiled and looked at each other. Chris passed his hand on 's hair and said:

- You know, I wanna thank you... for treating me normally.

- What do you mean?

- I mean... not like a "celebrity". Because every since I starred in my first movie, almost every woman I went out with was kind of obsessed with that.

- Yeah, you know, I was actually thinking about this a few days ago. That must be pretty scary...

- Yeah, it is! I went out on a date once, the girl already knew where I was born, she even knew my parents names!

- Wow! Yeah, that must be really weird, it's like you're dating a stalker or something.

- Yeah, exactly! And I have some problems with this famous thing you know. I usually get nervous in premieres and all.

- Really? That's really sweet. But it's good, you know it's good to keep a foot in reality.

- Yeah... that's what I mean, it's kind of hard to do that when everyone that comes to talk to you is because they've seen you in a movie.

- Well, you know that's not my case. I went to talk to you because you bought me alcohol. - Chris smiled and hugged him.

- I love you.

looked at him immediately and smiled. Had that really just happened? Did that sweet, wonderful guy really just told her he loved her after knowing she had a daughter? had never been so sure of how she felt than in that moment.

- I love you too.

CHAPTER 4 – La La Land

Chris had just woken up and was about to start making coffee, when he heard someone knocking on his door.

- Happy Birthdaaaaay! - screamed and hugged him as soon as he opened the door.

- Thanks! - Chris answered, giving her a kiss. - I thought you said we could only meet at night.

- Yeah, but turns out Liz can pick up my friend at the airport, so here I am! did I wake you?

- No, I was already up… wanna have breakfast together?

- Sure! oh, here, open your present! - said while handing him a package, which Chris opened to find a blue sweater.

- Wow, thanks! I loved it! - Chris gave a hug and another kiss.

After having breakfast, they talked for about two hours, then left to have lunch with her friend.

- Do you really have to go? - Chris asked while hugging her by the door.

- Yes honey! I’d love to spend all day with you, but Hayley just arrived from London, and she’s one of my best friends… and I’ll see you tonight at your party!

- Yes but, your friend is going to my party! Talk to her then! - Chris answered while kissing ’s neck.

- Oh, don’t make this harder than it already is… come on, she was away for three months, everyone’s meeting her for lunch! - gently pushed Chris away and put her hands on his face - I promise to make it up to you, okay?

- Okay, then. It’s a promise! - Chris gave one more kiss and she left.

When arrived at the restaurant, there were two friends there already, and soon her friend Hayley arrived with Liz.

- Hayley! - said while hugging Hayley - I've missed you!

- Oh, I've missed you too sweetie! - Hayley answered, before hugging her other friends and sitting next to on their table.

- So... what's new? How was your trip? - her friend Katie asked.

- Well... There actually was something cool that happened... I can't remember what was it... Oh yes, it was this! - Hayley said while putting her right hand on the table, showing a diamond ring on her finger.

As expected, there were screams and "oh my gods" all around, and after hugging their friends again, Hayley told them all about the proposal and the amazing time she had in her hometown.

- Oh my God honey, you are so lucky! - Liz said, still glancing at the ring.

- Speaking of lucky, congratulations on your new movie! - said.

- Oh thanks! Do you all like it?

- Yeah! We all went to see it on the day it premiered and stayed there in the end to scream when "Hayley Atwell" showed up on the credits screen!

- Oh my God! - Hayley said laughing - I can not believe you guys. You are so adorable!

- Oh honey, you deserve it! - replied.

- So, now you tell me what's new in your lives! How was that girl's night out a couple of weeks ago?

- Actually, it was great - said with a smile on her face - we all met great guys and...

- Ok stop it right there - Liz interrupted.

- What? What's wrong? - asked confused, while all the girls looked at Liz.

- Well, Hayley, don't listen to - She said in a serious tone, but joking - She's gonna keep stalling and talking about how nice and sweet the guy is, and she's gonna take forever to say that it's Chris Evans.

- Oh my God! The guys who plays The Human Torch? - Hayley said in shock while laughed.

- Yeah, that one! And keeps acting as if that was normal.

- It is normal! He's just a guy! A very hot guy, but still... - that made Liz hit on the arm - Ouch!

- Now will you stop saying he's not that famous?

- Well, he's not! he's... normally famous!

- No, he's not! He's done plenty of famous movies! Just admit it, you're dating a celebrity. That's every girl's dream.

started thinking that maybe Liz was right. She hated when she was wrong about something, but in this case she had to admit that maybe Chris really was a celebrity. It's just that, even though that is every girl's dream, it was kind of scary to actually live it. Plus, when she was with him, it felt so... real. Different from what the teenagers - including her when she was younger - imagined when they pictured themselves with celebrities, when all they would think of was escaping paparazzi and going to interviews and awards shows every week.

Later, at night, Chris picked to go to his birthday party, and they were talking in the car.

- Would you stop overreacting? - Chris said laughing while he drived.

- Oh, I am so not overreacting! - replied, still a bit shocked with Chris for not telling her he was shooting a movie with Scarlett Johansson.

- Yes you are! I was just telling you how my day went and you totally started freaking out when I mentioned Scarlett!

- Well, yeah! You should've told me that on the day we met!

- Ok, now you're talking nonsense. Who flirts with someone by telling them their work routine? Have you ever done that?

- Uh, no, but I've also never shot a movie with Scarlett Johansson.

- Ok, ok - Chris smiled and looked at her after stopping the car at a red traffic light - I promise you'll know everything about my work from now.

- Great! - she smiled back.

- So tell me about your friend that I'm meeting tonight.

- Hayley? She's actually an actress too...

- Oh yeah? Nice! She's been in any movies I might have seen?

- hum... have you watched Cassandra's Dream?

- Yeah, yeah I did!

- She played, uh, Angela.

- Oh I know! Yeah, I remember Dean saying "man, that Angela is hot!"

- Really? - laughed - Well, she has a boyfriend... she actually just got engaged on her trip!

- Oh, that's nice! Well, Dean has a girlfriend too, but that doesn't stop a man from commenting...

- Oh yeah? So, did you comment?

- I might have - Chris said with an adorable smile. - So, what does her fiancé do?

- He's an actor too, actually. Sam Worthington.

- The guy from Macbeth?

- Yeah.

- Wow, nice!

- And we're here! I can't believe you're having your party at the bar we met, that's so great!
- Yeah, I know... I wanna have some more great memories of this place. - Chris parked the car and gave a kiss.

At the party, everyone had the best time. met Chris' best friend Dean, his brother Sam, a bunch of other friends, plus his brother and sisters; Chris met Hayley and Sam, and was "reintroduced" to 's friends that were there the night the met. When the party was over, at about 2 a.m, Chris took home in his car.

- So, hum, do you wanna come in?

- Sure, but... What about your daughter?

- Oh it's okay. I’ve told her about you. She’s in there with the nanny I think she's awake. - then realized that Isabella wasn't the only one that had to deal with that situation. - Oh, you mean... I mean, it's okay with her. But if it's not with you, that's fine.

- No, no. I was just worried for her.

- Oh ok, so let's go.

led Chris to her apartment and opened the door to find an empty living room and sounds coming from Isabella's bedroom.

- Olive? - She asked while walking in with Chris, closing the door and dropping her purse at a table.

- Hey! - a young woman appeared - Isabella's watching tv in her room.

- Oh, that's great. Can you call her please?

- Okay - Olive called Isabella and she came running.

- Mommy! - She screamed while jumping on 's lap and hugging her, which made both her and Chris smile.

- Hey sweetie! What are you still doing up?

- Oh, she was waiting for you! – Olive said - She just wouldn't cave in while you didn't arrive.

- Oh, you are such a stubborn kid, aren't you? - She said while tickling Isabella, which made her laugh. - Thank you Olive, for staying so late with her.

- Oh, no problem! You know how much fun I have with this little girl!

- Yeah... Oh, I forgot to introduce you two! - said looking at Chris - Chris, this is Olive, Olive this is Chris!

- Nice to meet you - Chris said while giving Olive a hug.

- It's nice to meet you too! So, I'm gonna get going... I'll see you tomorrow my little princess! - Olive said while giving Isabella a kiss, and then left.

- Sweetie, do you remember I told you about Chris? This is him!

- Yeah. Hello Chris! - Isabella hugged his neck with her little arms.

- Hi Isabella! You know, your mom didn't tell me you were so pretty.

- That's because I'm wearing my new Cinderella dress aunt Abby got me!

- Oh is it? - and Chris laughed - well I love Cinderella you know...

- I have the movie! do you wanna see it?

- Oh honey, you gotta go to bed now! - said with a pitty face - we'll watch it another day, ok?

- Ok. can I go brush my teeth by myself?

- Only if you give me the biggest kiss in the world!

- Yaaaay! - Isabella gave a kiss and ran away.

- Wow, she is very adorable. She's three, right?

- Yeah, three and a half - replied while looking through the bathroom door, then looked at Chris - Listen uh, thank you so much for being so supportive of all this. I know it's not easy to be involved...

- Oh no, don't worry about it! I got three nieces, I love children!

- Yeah?

- Sure! Listen though, uh, I gotta go, cause I gotta wake up early tomorrow.

- Yeah? Ok then. - kissed him and smiled - Call me.

- I will. Hey, can I say goodbye to Isabella?

- Sure! - headed to the bathroom and was followed by Chris, who smiled when seeing Isabella eating some of her toothpaste.

- Hey Isabella, I'm gonna go now. I was wondering if I could get that "biggest kiss in the world"?

- Ok! Do you like strawberry barbie toothpaste?

- Sure! - Chris replied, not really sure why did she want to know that, and then saw her putting toothpaste on as if it was a lipgloss.

- Oh no sweetie, don't do that! - said laughing.

- No, it's okay, this kiss seems delicious! - Chris said, also laughing. Isabella gave him a kiss on the cheek and hugged him, then walked him to the door, kissed him and he went away.

- Mommy? - Isabella asked while was coming back to the bathroom.

- Yes sweetie?

- I saw you kissing Chris.

- You did?

- Yeah. Is he your prince? Like Cinderella's prince? he kisses her in the end!

- Yeah darling, sure. - said smiling.

- Can Chris be my daddy?

- We'll see, Isa. We'll see.

CHAPTER 5 – Ain’t No Other Man

was organizing her DVDs on a Friday afternoon and listening to the radio, when Maroon 5’s “Makes Me Wonder” started playing. She remembered that that was the song she and Chris danced to on the day they met, which had already been six months before. She started dancing like crazy in the living room, really looking forward to her date with him later that day.

At about 8 o’clock at night, Chris knocked on 's door, and she answered about a minute later.

- Hey, are you ready to go? - He asked, seeing she looked worried.

- I'm sorry, I couldn't reach you on the phone, but I'm not gonna be able to go... - She said with the phone in her hand.

- Why? Is everything ok? - He asked worried.

- Yeah, it's just... Isabella's got a fever, I think I'm gonna have to take her to the hospital. - replied with her eyes closed and her hand in her forehead.

- Oh... ok. Can I come in to see her?

- Oh, sure! Sorry I didn't ask, I thought you wouldn't want to.

Chris came in and kissed .

- You look like you could use a kiss to calm down...

- Thanks - she said smiling.

Chris walked to the side of Isabella's bed, who was half asleep, and Alice stayed by the bedroom door.

- Hey sweetie. How are you? - He said in a low voice.

- I'm really tired, and my forehead is really hot - Isabella said opening her eyes.

- Oh is it? Let me see - he put his hand in her forehead - Wow it really is! Let’s see your thermometer here... - Chris looked at the thermometer and turned to - it's 39 degrees!

- Oh my god, I am definitely gonna take her then. Ooh I didn't wanna drive tonight, I'm so tired...

- No, no, I'll drive her. We’ll go together - Chris said while standing up.

- Oh, you really don't have to... I mean... I can't make you do this.

- Come on, I'd be happy to. I planned to spend the night with you anyway.

smiled and hugged Chris.

- Thanks.

- Do you wanna go change?

- Yeah.

- Ok, so I'll take her to my car and meet you there.

- Ok.

went to change and Chris patted Isabella in the head.

- Hey darling?

- Yeah?

- We're gonna take you to the hospital ok? Then the doctors are gonna take care of you.

- Ok.

Chris took Isabella on his lap and entered the building elevator.

- Chris?

- Yes sweetie?

- Are we gonna go in your car?

- Yes we are!

- I like your car.

- Yeah you do? Which one do you like better, my car or mommy's?

- I like both, because they have TV and I can watch movies.

- Oh yeah, speaking of that, last time you forgot your Snow White DVD in my car!

- Really? That’s great!

Chris arrived in the garage, lyed Isabella in the back seats and entered the car.

- Do you wanna watch your movie now?

- No, I wanna sleep.

- Ok sweetie.

soon arrived and got in the car.

- How is she?

- I don't know... She didn't wanna watch her Snow White DVD she left here.

- Wow, sounds serious then. - said while looking back.

When they arrived at the hospital, went straight to the reception, carrying Isabella.

- Hi, my daughter's got a fever, she needs to be examined.

- Ok - the receptionist called a nurse with a sign and told her something - you can follow the nurse to the room, and I'm gonna need you to fill out this form... - she said while putting a paper on the top of the table.

- Oh I can do it. - Chris picked up the form to calm down. - You go ahead, I'll meet you there.

- Ok - said before following the nurse to a room.

Chris filled out the form, handed it to the receptionist and entered the room, to find Isabella sleeping and sitting next to the bed.

- Hey, how is she?

- The doctor said it might be just a fever, cause tiredness is a side effect, but she's running some tests. And she just wanted to sleep.

Chris sat on a chair in front of and looked at Isabella.

- Thank you so much for doing this. - said, holding Chris' hand. - You really didn't have to drive us, and fill out that form and everything...

- Oh, yes I did. What kind of guy I'd be to abandon the girls I love?

suddenly looked at him and smiled.

- You've never said that before!

- That I love you? Yes I did!

- You said "the girls"...

- Oh. Yeah. I really meant it.

- That is so great honey! She loves you too you know. And so do I.

- I know, I know.

At this moment, a doctor walked in with a chart in his hand.

- Oh, hi, Dr. Robbins.

- Hey – she replied with a smile - So, the tests indicate it's probably just a flu. Nothing serious, but her fever is still a little high, so we'd like to keep her in observation tonight.

- Okay - said relieved.

- Can you just sign here please? - The doctor handed her a form and a pen. - And if you need anything you can get the nurse to call me. – She said with a smile, then left.

- Okay, thanks. - read the information on the chart just to confirm and suddenly stopped and looked at Chris - Hey... You put your name here...

- What?

- You put your name here... where it says father...

- yeah, I just... thought I'd be easier, more simple or something... for them to understand - Chris smiled at .

A nurse knocked on the door and walked in.

- Hi, excuse me. I just wanted you to know that that couch turns into a bed, in case you're gonna spend the night with your daughter...

- Oh, yes I will, thank you.

- Ok, I'll bring covers then. Should I bring one pillow or two? - The nurse asked, looking at Chris.

- Two please. Thank you. - Chris replied.

- Really? - looked at him passionately.

- Yeah. Like I said, I can't abandon you two - Chris said while walking towards to kiss her. – Are you still worried? Dr. Robbins said she’ll be okay!

-I know, I know. It’s just… Every since I met her, every since the moment I looked at that tiny, weak baby… I kind of stopped liking hospitals, you know? I used to like them… but now if I’m inside one, I keep remembering that day.

- Yeah but… it’s the day you saved Isabella. The day you met your daughter.

- I know, but still… and to have her, especially, sick in a hospital… - started crying and Chris hugged her.

- Hey… everything will be fine. Just like it was at the end of that day. – Chris dried ’s tears, then stood up and pulled her hand – Come with me.

- Where?

- You’ll se. Just come.

Chris led to a beautiful garden just outside the hospital building. There were a lot of flowers, some benches and the moon was shining in a cloudless sky. Chris sat on one of benches and joined him.

-Wow. This is beautiful.

-I know. When I was eleven years old, my mom had to have her appendix removed. We had just moved to LA, and she came here to do the surgery. All the doctors said it was a simple thing, nothing to worry about, but I was scared you know? I was just a kid. Then me and my sister found this place; and it was amazing. I just sat here for hours while my mom was in surgery, and forgot about everything. God, I hate hospitals too.

- Yeah. Thanks for bringing me here. – kissed Chris and then they sat there for about 20 minutes. After that, they went to sleep. woke up the morning after with Isabella calling her.

- Mommy?- quickly sit on the bed.

- Yes? Oh, hi dear. Are you feeling better?

- Yeah, I think so.

Chris opened his eyes and looked at Isabella while sitting.

- Hi there sweetie, how are you?

- I'm ok. Are we in a hospital?

- Yes honey - said while standing up and sitting on Isabella's bed - You were really sick last night so we brought you here.

- That's nice! Can we sleep here again? And have a party!

and Chris laughed, and Chris went to the bathroom.

- No sweetie, we're gonna go home today! Don't you prefer our house?

- Yeah, but Chris won't be there!

smiled and whispered:

- Then how about we ask him?

- CHRIS! - Isabella screamed, making him come out of the bathroom.

- Yes sweetie?

- Will you sleep at our house tonight? We're having a party.

- A party? Wow! I can't miss that! But I'll tell you one thing - he sit on her bed and continued - I'm only going if we can watch a lot of movies...

- Yeeees! I have all the princesses’ movies! And we can find some boy movies on the TV...

- Oh that's great then! I'm there!

- Oh, you know what we can watch? That movie you gave me that has you in it! - and Chris laughed.

- Yeah, you like that one?

- Yeah. I like when you turn into fire. And then you fly! - Chris laughed and gave Isabella a kiss, which almost made cry. She was starting to believe this time things could actually work out for her. This time was going to be different.

CHAPTER 6 – Saturday Night Special

When the alarm rang, really didn’t want to get out of bed, but she did want to open her eyes and see Chris.

- Good morning - said when she saw Chris looking at her.

- Good Morning - Chris answered, smiling at her - What? You don’t like that nickname? - He asked when seeing she made a kind of surprised face.

- No, it’s just… my family calls me that.

- Oh, so you don’t want me to call you that?

- No, I mean... It’s really adorable - she said with a smile.

- Are you ready for tonight?

- Oh yeah… I used to get really nervous but now I’m used to going on stage. Are you ready? First time you’ll see me dancing!

- I know, I’m really excited… You know, I called my mom to go too, I hope that’s ok.

- Oh yeah, absolutely! How did she react when you said you were dating me?

- Well I haven’t told her that… I just said I wanted her to meet my new girlfriend, who was someone she already knew.

- But you didn’t say it was me? - laughed.

- No! I just said it was someone she knew, and that you have a daughter.

- Oh but she doesn’t know I have a daughter!

- Exactly, so she’ll never figure it out! - Chris said laughing - She did mention that she knew some of the people that are in the show, but I changed the subject before I got busted.

- You are unbelievable! - kissed Chris before getting out of bed. Then she woke up Isabella and they had breakfast together.

- What time you have to be at the theater? - Chris asked when finished changing Isabella’s clothes.

- Only at 4 p.m, but I’m leaving Isa at Abby’s already cause she’s meeting a friend for lunch on the mall so she’ll bring her along, cause this friend has a daughter too.

- So you’re free till 4 p.m?

- Yeah… are you too?

- Uh, yeah… Wanna have lunch together?

- Sure! - She said while standing up and giving him a kiss - Sounds great.

When they got to Abby’s house, she was in the front yard, watering her plants, and her husband was leaving home for his swimming practice. parked the car, and Isabella ran to hug her uncle as soon as opened the door.

- Hey my princess! - Josh said while picking her up and giving her a hug.

- Hey ! - Abby said while giving a kiss.

- Hey… Oh, you guys haven’t met right? - She said while turning to Chris.

- So, Chris, this is my sister Abby, and that’s my brother-in-law Josh… - she said while Josh came close and Isabella ran to hug Abby.

- Hey man, what’s up? - Josh said with a handshake.

- Josh is leaving for his training, he’s a swimmer, I don’t know if I told you…

- Yeah, yeah you did. And… you’re an architect, right? - Chris said while hugging Abby.

- Yeah! It’s so nice to finally meet you! - Abby said giving him a kiss on the cheek.

- It’s great to meet you guys too! - Chris replied. - Are you going to see tonight?

- Oh yeah, absolutely! We never miss those presentations! - Abby said with a smile.

- Yeah, my sis is always there - gave her a quick hug. - Well, we’re gonna get going, don’t wanna get in your way… so remember to be there an hour earlier, cause Amy is gonna be there, so…

- Who’s Amy? - Chris asked confused.

- Oh she’s the director of the show, and she’s kind of restrict about people going to the dressing room… but Josh brings her chocolate sometimes so she softens up - she said, and they all laughed. - Oh, you know what? - She said to Chris - You should set up to meet with Abby outside so you and your mom can get in too, cause the security already knows them.

- Oh yeah, let’s do that, absolutely.

- Ok, I’ll give her your number later… So bye you guys! - and Chris both gave Isabella a kiss and went away.

The rest of the day went normal. and Chris had lunch together and took a walk by the beach, and shared an ice cream like little kids.

About an hour before the presentation started, Chris arrived and called his mom. As he hang up, he looked back and saw Isabella coming in his direction.

- Chris! - She gave him a hug and a kiss.

- Hello beautiful! - He replied while kissing her in the forehead.

- Hey! - Abby said - Where is your mom?

- Oh, I just called her, she’ll be here in 5 minutes.

- Is your dad coming too?

- No, he had already planned dinner with some friends…

- Really? Our parents too! - Abby said laughing.

- I wanna go see mommy! - said while pulling Josh’s shirt.

- You know what? Why don’t you get going and my mom and I will meet you in the dressing room.

- Ok, I’ll let the security know then… his name is Danny just so you’ll know.

- Ok, thanks!

About ten minutes later, Lisa arrived, and they went backstage in the door Abby had pointed.

- What are you doing? Are we going backstage? - Lisa asked confused.

- Yeah… So you can meet my girlfriend.

- Oh, she’s one of the dancers? That is great! And you said I knew her, just tell me who it is!

- Just calm down, you’re about to find out! (…) Excuse me, are you Danny? - Chris asked a tall blond man that was just by the door.

- Yes I am sir. Oh, you’re Chris Evans right? Abby told me to expect you and your mother! Come on in, second door to your left.

- Thank you, Danny! Have a great night!

- You too sir!

Chris knocked on the door and Abby answered.

- Hey! Come in, is just playing with Isa.

- ? - Lisa looked inside the room and quickly entered when she found out who Chris was dating. - Oh my God, !

- Hi Lisa! - said while standing up and giving Lisa a hug.

- Why didn’t you tell me it was ? - Lisa said to Chris - I love this girl!

- Aw, thank you! - answered as she and Chris laughed.

- Oh, is this is your daughter? - She said when she saw Isabella playing with a doll.

- Yes, that’s Isabella. Isa, sweetie, come say hi to Lisa!

- Hi! - She said while giving Lisa a kiss.

- You know darling - continued - Lisa is Chris’ mom!

- That’s nice. You are very pretty.

- Thank you sweetie! - Lisa laughed - So are you!

They all talked for about 20 minutes, then Amy knocked on the door and told it was time to start getting ready.

- Guess she ran out of chocolate! - Josh said while giving a hug.

- Yeah, you gotta start bringing something harder to chew - Abby said laughing.

Lisa wished good luck and left, with Isabella on her lap. After Abby and
Josh left, Chris gave the sweetest kiss and wished her luck.

- I know you’re gonna rock in there. And I already saw tons of people outside.

- Oh really? Like most of the seats will fill?

- No, all of them, definitely!

- Really? Oh my God, that never happened before!

- Oh come on! It’s Saturday night, we’re in downtown LA; this had to happen!

- I know, but… I’m a bit nervous now.

- Oh sweetie, don’t… - Chris gave another kiss and left after hearing someone screaming “20 minutes!” in the hallway.

A few minutes before walking on stage, felt a kind of nervous she’d never felt before. Was it because of those couple hundred people she saw, or because of that one single person sitting in the central row, who at the moment meant the world to her? She was pretty sure Chris was the answer, and that actually made her more confident.

The presentation went great, just like thought it would. When it was done, they all went for pizza on a restaurant close to the theater, and had an amazing time. Lisa told some childhood stories of Chris, and even thought ’s mom wasn’t there to make her embarrassed, Abby played that role for her.

CHAPTER 7 – Here Comes The Storm

It was Friday, about six o'clock. and Chris had thought of going out for lunch to celebrate the four month anniversary of the day they met, but it was pouring rain so they just watched TV under the covers all day. They were both in living room and Isabella was playing in her bedroom, when Chris stood up and got his coat.

- I have to get going.

- Oh yeah, you're gonna meet some friends at the pub tonight, right?

- Yeah. – Chris replied and went to Isa’s room - Sweetie, I'm going!

- But I thought we were gonna go together! – Isabella answered while standing up.

- No sweetie, Chris can't today. – replied - How about we go see that movie you wanted?

- yaaay, okay! but why can't Chris come together?

- Cause I'm going out with my friends, darling. – Chris answered while giving Isabella a kiss

- Ask your friends to go with us! – Isa replied while combing her doll’s hair.

- But I don't think they like that movie, sweetie.

- Why not? You like it!

- Honey, we'll watch it another day with Chris okay? – said while putting her hand on Isa’s face, but she started crying.
- No! I want today!

- Hey, hey, if you keep crying we're not going out at all! – replied with a severe voice.

- No! – Isabella screamed and threw her doll on the floor.

- You know what? – Chris said to - I'll skip the pub and go with you.

- No, don't! Really, she'll get over it, it's okay.

- No, seriously, she's gonna keep crying! – Chris turned to Isa and dried her tears - Sweetie, I'll go with you to the movies!

- Really? – Isabella smiled and hugged him.

- Can I talk to you outside please? – said to Chris, who left the room, and then talked to Isa - honey, why don't you wash your face and pick some clothes? I'll be right back. – She then shut the door and said to Chris, in a pissed off but low voice - you had no right to do that!

- But really, its okay, I don't mind.

- Yes, you do. How could possibly prefer a children's movie over drinking with your friends?

- I do! I've changed, and I love Isabella.

- You still couldn't have done that. This is not about what you want; it's about what she wants. You’re spoiling her.

- What? – Chris said in a higher pitch - I was just trying to be nice! But if you don't want my help then I'll go!

- I want your help Chris, you're just not helping! – replied, annoyed.

- Ok, if bailing on my friends to be with your daughter is not helping, then I don't know what is. – Chris said calmly, but disappointed.

- Then why don't you just go? We’ll do fine without you. – said practically yelling.

- You say that but really you can't. I know you. You can't afford to lose me because of Isabella, and you know that. – Chris yelled back

- That is not true. You're the one that can't walk away because you'd lose both of us. But me? I'll be fine. I’ll make her forget you like I did all the others.

- Oh, so now I'm just like all your other boyfriends.

- You haven't been. Until now. – was almost crying.

- Yeah, maybe you're right. Maybe this is the part where you run me off like you did with all the other men.

After saying that, Chris walked away. just stood there for about five minutes. She really wanted to cry but decided to take Isabella to the movies anyway. When she came back, she went straight to bed and cried to sleep.

In the middle of the night, her phone rang. Before picking up, looked at the clock and saw that it was 3 a.m. She assumed it would be Chris, drunk, so she took her time. But when she saw it was Dean, Chris’ friend, she quickly picked up – and the call was certainly not what she expected.

-Hello? – She said while sitting in bed.

-Hi, … it’s Dean. I just got a call that… - noticed he was nervous – it’s Chris. He was in a car accident.

CHAPTER 8 – I Won’t Go Home Without You

There are times where you really don’t think things will work out for you. You just wanna give up, forget the world. But every noun and then, something good comes – and changes your life. That’s what it was like when met Chris. So why can’t it stay that way? It seems like there’s a conspiracy against all good things.

“He was in a car accident”. It’s like those words flew into her ears very slowly. After Dean said that, she just stopped thinking.

- What?

- Yeah, he… he was in the car; I think Sam was driving it. They called me from the hospital… I’m going there now. And, uh… he told me about your fight, but I thought you should know.

- But how is he? Do you know anything?

- No, they didn’t say, but I’ll call you as soon as I get there.

- No, no… I mean… I’ll go to.

- Ok. He’s in Hopkins.

- Ok.

quickly got up, washed her face and called her sister while changing.

- Hello?

- Hi Abby, it’s .

- What happened? It’s 3 a.m!

’s eyes filled with tears - It’s Chris. He got into an accident. Can I leave Isabella with you?

- Oh, sure honey.

- Ok, I’ll be there in about 20 minutes.

hung up and went to Isa’s room.

- Isabella, darling?

- Yes mommy? - She answered, slowly opening her eyes, and crouched to the side of her bed.

- You’re gonna have to go to aunt Abby’s house, cause mommy needs to go to the hospital okay?

- Why?

- Mommy has to go see Chris, because he got hurt. So you’ll stay with aunt Abby.

- Is Chris okay?

- Yes sweetie. He is fine, it was just a little thing. - replied while drying her tears - Now let’s go get ready.

put some stuff on Isabella’s backpack, took her to the car still in her pijamas, and left her at Abby’s. She drived as fast as she could to the hospital, and as she entered the ER, she saw Dean.

- , thank god.

- Hi - she said with a shaky voice and hugged him - How’s Chris?

- He’s, um… you have to stay calm okay?

- Why? What happened?

Dean held ’s arms and said calmly:

- He’s in surgery.

- Oh my god! - put her hands in her face and Dean hugged her again - How’s Sam?

- He’s in surgery too.

- Did you call your mom?

- Yeah. And Chris’. They’re on their way. Sam’s wife is travelling… I think I’m gonna call her tomorrow.

- Yeah.

After a while, Chris’ and Dean and Sam’s moms arrived, and after about 30 minutes a doctor showed up.

- Excuse me, are you Mr. Evans’ family?

- Yes - Lisa said while she and stood up.

- I’m Dr. Sheperd, I operated on Chris and uh… I’m sorry, we did everything we could but, there was too much damage in his brain and … he’s in a coma.

When the doctor said that, it’s like the world stopped for . She couldn’t hear anything else, she couldn’t feel anything, and she certainly couldn’t hold onto a good memory at that moment. They seemed so… distant.

- Oh my God! – Lisa said while hugging , which made her “come back”.

- But… when will he wake up? – asked the doctor.

- We can’t tell. It could take days, weeks, even months… but his case is not too serious… maybe a couple of days.
You can see him if you want.

- You go ahead – Dean said, patting on her back - I’ll take Lisa for some water, and uh… wait for Sam.

- Okay.

followed a nurse and entered the room. She began to cry the second she saw him, then she sat on a chair and put her hand on his face. Since Dean had called her, that was the first moment she actually stopped to process what was going on. It was nothing like in the movies, where a sad song is playing, a tear drops and everything is in slow motion. ’s tears just started flushing down, it wasn’t something pretty at all. She couldn’t even define what she was feeling. It was something dark, something painful, like at that moment, when she sat by his side, every horrible feeling she ever had was put together. It was like the night outside had turned even darker, and every movement she tried to make was really hard and heavy. She really wanted to apologize to him, but it felt so weird doing it at that moment, because that wasn’t Chris. He wasn’t really there. She tried to do it anyway.

- I am so sorry… honey… that I said I didn’t need you. You know that’s not true. - She was gonna continue talking, but she just cried instead. She didn’t feel any better by doing that. That was supposed to be the part where he said “I forgive you” and then everything was ok. That should be the part when held her and then everything was ok. But he didn’t. She couldn’t hear his voice. She couldn’t see his eyes. He didn’t even move.

- Oh my god! - Lisa arrived in the room and sat close to the bed, on ’s opposite side - My baby! - She put both hands in his face, and looked down. A few minutes later, the doctor walked in.

- We just got his MRI results back. He still has some internal bleeding, but it’s just minimum.

- But he will wake up right? - asked.

- His chances are very high, yes. - Dr. Sheperd answered in a calm voice, which only made her more nervous.

- Very high? Aren’t they a hundred?

- No. - he looked at both of them - There’s always some risk in every coma patient, but he has about 70% chance to wake up.

- So… 30% that he’ll just…

- Think 70. Just focus on the 70. - he smiled at and went away.

held Lisa’s hand, who raised her head.

- He’s gonna wake up… okay? He has too. - said, trying not to cry.

- Yes… I know darling.

and Lisa both fell asleep by Chris’ bed, and when woke up the morning after, she saw Lisa staring at Chris and crying.

- Oh, sweetie, you’re up - Lisa dried her tears and smiled - I just can’t stop crying when I see him like this…
nodded and looked at Chris. She was about to start crying too, but before dropping a tear she held Lisa’s hand and stood up.

- Come with me. There’s a place we need to go.

- What are you talking about?

- Just come. Trust me. - grabbed Lisa by the hand and led her to the hospital’s garden, where they both sat.

- Wow. It’s beautiful here. How did you know about this place?

- Chris - looked at Lisa and tried to smile, but instead started crying - When Isabella was sick he brought me here. He found this place when you came in to your appendix removed.

- Really? He never told me that.

- Yeah, he… he said it really calmed him down and… - started crying harder - He’s so good at calming me down.

- Oh, darling - Lisa held her strongly.

- I just wish he was awake. He has to wake up.

He has to.

CHAPTER 9 – Harder To Breathe

I’m asking for your help
I am going through hell
Afraid nothing can save me but the sound of your voice

spent the following four days sitting by Chris’ bedside all day, and except for the night of the accident, she slept at Abby’s house, cause it was close to the hospital. Sam, who was also in the accident, had already been discharged with both legs broken. It was a Tuesday morning, arrived at Chris’ room and Lisa was looking out the window and crying. went to her side and said calmly:

- What happened?

- Dr. Sheperd said... it may be another week – Lisa said, still looking outside.

- What? He said a couple of days! We've waiter three! – sat by Chris’ side and started crying - Chris. Please wake up. This was all my fault, and I can't stand seeing you like this anymore!

- Darling, what are you talking about? - Lisa sat next to her.

- I had a fight with him on Friday. He was going out for a few drinks... – looked at him - He wouldn't have gotten that drunk. And he wouldn't have let Sam drive, he would’ve called a cab!

- Honey, I can't believe you've been blaming yourself for this! – Lisa held her - This wasn't your fault! It just happened! Please, don't punish yourself. I am 100% sure Chris doesn't blame you.

- Well he should. It was all so stupid.

- What did you fight about?

- He was going out, and Isabella wanted him to go to the movies with us, then he said he would, and I started yelling that he was spoiling her. How could that have been his fault? … if he had gone to the movies with me, like he said…

- Oh honey, you were just trying to protect Isa, there is no way you could’ve known what was gonna happen. Don't beat yourself up.

- But what if... what if he doesn't wake up? ... That's the last memory I'll have of him. Me saying I don't need him and seeing him go away. I keep playing that in my head.

- You really shouldn't. He's gonna make it, you know that.

- Yeah. I want to believe that.

- Alright sweetie, I'm gonna get going. – Lisa smiled and stood up - I really need to sleep at home tonight.

- Yeah, it'll be good for you to relax.

- Yeah. If anything happens you’ll call me right?

- Of course, Lisa – hugged her.

- Is your sister home? I wanna go give Isabella a kiss.

- Yeah she is, I just came from there.

- Okay, great – Lisa smiled.

- Be careful though... if... if you talk about Chris, cause she's very curious.

- Oh I've raised the most curious boy ever, I'll get around! - They smiled at each other and Lisa left.

spent the next hours staring at Chris, and crying most of the time. She even tried to watch TV and read a book. ran her fingers through Chris’ face and lyed on his chest for a while. It was so weird how he was right there but it seemed like he wasn’t. He was right there. She could touch him. She could hear his heartbeat. But he wasn’t there. She really missed his eyes. And his voice. And his smile. And his embrace.

He wasn’t there.

was almost falling asleep when she heard Isabella calling her.

-Mommy?

-Hey sweetie – went to the door and hugged Isa - What are you guys doing here? – She asked Josh, who was standing by the door, looking nervous.

- I’m sorry, I know you didn’t want Isa to see Chris like this…

- Josh, what’s going on?

- It’s Abby. – Josh took a deep breath – She wasn’t feeling well and she passed out. We came here in an ambulance.

- Oh my God! Where is she now?

- She’s downstairs, they’re running some tests. But the doctor said it’s nothing serious, probably just a pressure dropping. I’m gonna go there… with her, can Isa stay here?

- Oh, sure! Call me when you know more. – As Josh walked away, looked back and saw Isabella pulling Chris’ arm and trying to climb up the bed.

- Mommy, why won’t he wake up? – Isabella asked while picked her up, put her over the bed and sat by her side.

- Because he’s really hurt sweetie, like mom told you. He has to sleep until he’s better.

- But can he hear me? I want to talk to him.

- I… I don’t know, sweetie – answered stuttering.

- Chris? Chris? – Isabella called Chris and poked him, and started crying. – Mommy, why are you crying? Are you mad? I just want to play with him.

- No, honey, I’m not mad. I just really miss him too. – said, hugging Isa. A few minutes later, Josh called and told to go downstairs. She took Isa in her lap, went to the room Josh had told her to and was relieved to find Abby awake.

- Oh, honey, thank God you’re alright! – hugged her – What did the doctor say?

- Well – Abby held Josh’s hand and smiled – I’m pregnant!

- Oh my God! – hugged her again and her eyes filled with tears – I really needed some good news.

- Oh honey, I’m sure Chris will be fine. We all will, right? – They both smiled.

- Isa, come give your aunt a hug, she’s having a baby!

- Really? – Isabella ran and hugged Abby – but your belly is not big! Mommy said when there’s a baby the belly gets really big! – They all laughed.

- That’s because the baby’s still very tiny. But it’s gonna grow, here in my belly, and then it’s gonna come out and play with you!

- That’s great! I hope it likes The Little Mermaid! – She said while playing with her mermaid doll.

They all talked for about an hour, and when Abby was discharged, Josh took her and Abby home.

came back to Chris’ room and started crying when she saw him. She tried not to, she tried to hold onto the happiness from finding out Abby was pregnant, but when she saw Chris like that, it all went away.

- Abby is pregnant – tried talking to him to feel better – Isabella really liked the news – smiled – and my mom, she’s gonna freak out. She always loved Isabella so much, but this will be the first grandchild she can spoil from the belly. And your mom… I think she’ll like it to… she likes Abby. – looked down and dropped a tear. She wanted to keep talking, but instead she took a look around the room. All those machines, the bed, the covers, it was all so boring when she thought about it. Even the details in the fabric of Chris’ gown. She could barely stand it anymore.

stared at him for a little longer and then fell asleep. She was woken up the next day by a voice, calling her name very slowly. Since the night Chris suffered the accident, dreamed about his voice every night. But this time it felt different, so she opened her eyes.

CHAPTER 10 – Here Comes The Sun

- ?

When heard that, she opened her eyes and she slowly lifted her head, to find Chris with his eyes opened. She instantly got up and sat on the bed.

- Oh my god Chris, you're awake! – hugged him and started crying, and Chris was confused but hugged her back.

- What happened? – He asked in a low voice.

- You had a car acident... – dried her tears - On Friday... Sam was driving, but he's ok, he just broke his leg. You were in a coma.

- Wow...

- Chris – started crying again – I knew you were gonna wake up – She smiled and put her hands on his face - I am so so sorry about the things I said when we fought, I said so many stupid things...

- No, no don't say that... – Chris held her hands - You were just trying to protect Isabella. I only realized later... that it must be so hard on her to lose someone.

- Yeah. She's been really worried too.

- And I... The only reason I drank so much was because… I thought you wouldn't take me back.

- Oh, honey, I would never... - hugged him again, and then they kissed. It was probably for a regular amount of time, but for it felt much more than just a random kiss. Because now she could feel him, and hear his heartbeat, and hear his voice, and see his eyes, and feel his embrace, and see his smile. He was there.

- How do you feel? – She lyed on his chest.

- I got a massive headache, but other than that fine – He smiled at her and ran his fingers through her hair - What time is it?

- It's, um... 10:30 a.m. But it’s okay, I took the whole week off from work.

- Wait, what day is today?

- Wednesday. – replied while looking at Chris.

- Wednesday? I was in a coma for five days?

- Yeah.

- Oh my god!

- Oh honey, don’t worry, you’re fine now – smiled stood up - I gotta call your mom.

- Ok.

- Yeah, she went home last night for the first time, so... she must be worried. I'm gonna call your doctor then call her, I'll be right back. – She gave him another kiss and went to the nurses’ station near his room.

- Hi, could you please page Dr. Sheperd? Because Chris, in room 2406, he just woke up.

- Ok, sure.

- Thanks. – smiled and then called Chris’ mom - Lisa?

- Hello? Sweetie, what is it? Please tell me you have good news!

- Where are you, are you at home?

- Yeah, trying to watch some TV and...

- Chris woke up!

- Oh my god really? – Lisa screamed – Oh, thank god!

- Yeah, he did, the doctor's in there with him right now, but from what I've seen he's all ok! – ’s eyes filled with tears.

- Ok I'm on my way! I'll be there the fastest I possibly can! – Lisa said and laughed - Do you want me to call Abby?

- No that's ok, I'll call her later, then she'll bring Isabella and everything.

- Ok.

went back to the room and stood by the door, as the Dr. Sheperd talked to Chris.

- So, doc, how is he?

- Oh, everything's looking great! I was just telling Chris we're gonna run some tests and start up with the physiotherapy, and he should be out in about a week.

- Really? that's great! – she smiled and walked into the room.

- Yeah. Didn't I tell you to focus on that 70? – they smiled at each other and the doctor left.

- I called your mom so, expect some more freaking out soon. – sat on the bed.

- Yeah! – Chris laughed.

- Mr. Evans? – A younger doctor showed up at the door - We're taking you to a test right now ok?

- Ok. I'll be right back – Chris and kissed and he went away. About ten minutes later, Lisa arrived, and entered the room running.

- Where is he? – she said worried, and quickly stood up to meet her.

- Calm down, they've just taken him for some tests! - They smiled and hugged.

- Oh thank god. I told you everything was gonna be ok.

- Yes. I know, Lisa. You are so strong. You made me keep going. Thank you.

- Oh, sweetie. You just stood on Chris' side for five days. Believe me, you are strong. – Lisa smiled and looked back to find a nurse bringing Chris back - Chris! – The nurse put his bed on its place, then Lisa hugged Chris and started crying - Oh thank god. I... I prayed so much!

- I know mom... thanks.

- Don't you ever do that again! You hear me Christopher? - Lisa said in an angry tone, but joking, and they all laughed.

- I'm gonna go call Abby, I'll be right back. – smiled.

- Ok - Chris smiled at her.

-You know, honey – Lisa said to Chris after left the room – has been so strong. Did she tell you that she stood here all day, every day?

- Wow, really?

- Yeah… I think she’s really… special.

- You know what mom? It scares me to admit this, cause it’s all happening so fast, and I feel like I’m still so young, but… I think she’s the one – Chris said while looking at outside, smiling on the phone.

The next five days went by much faster than the last five days. stayed with Chris all the time, during physiotherapy sessions and everything. On the day Chris got discharged, suggested he went to her house.

- Come on, you know it’s a good idea. You still need to rest, so I’ll do things for you! Also, someone needs to take care of East. He’s with your dad now, and I’m pretty sure they’ve kind of had it with each other by now – laughed.

- Well… Okay then – Chris smiled at her.

When they got home, they went straight to bed and both really wanted to sleep, but they also really wanted to just look at each other.

- I... I'm really happy... to sleep with you again. - said while looking deeply into Chris' eyes.

- I know. I missed sleeping with you. I missed your bed. - Chris said with a smile.

- Yeah, me too.

- You didn't sleep at home any day?

- No. I tried. One day I came here, because I really wanted to sleep at home, but... - 's eyes filled with tears - I just couldn't. I sat on the bed for like half an hour, and all I wanted to do was sleep, but... I couldn't even lye down, let alone close my eyes. And it’s so weird because, you don’t sleep here every day. And then, then I started crying because I thought... if I couldn't consider sleeping without you that night, then what would I do if... - let out a tear and sniffed.

- Hey, it's okay. - Chris hugged with all his strenght. - I'm here now.

- I know. I know.

- I will never leave you. Okay? - Chris looked deeply into 's eyes and she nodded, and then they kissed.

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