EIGHTY TWO

Monica sat by Olivia's side watching the steady breath, she couldn't help but feel a mix of fear and sadness in her heart.

“Olivia,” Monica whispered softly, not wanting to startle her. “I know it's early, and I know this is scary and exhausting, but you need to stay strong for the baby, we’ll get through this together. You’re not alone okay?”

Olivia's eyes fluttered open, her gaze finding Monica’s. She was exhausted, her face pale, but there was a determination in her eyes, “I’m trying Mon,” she whispered back, her voice trembling. “I just…I don't know how much I can take. It's too much. Lucas, Vincent….this baby ….”

Monica squeezed her hand gently, her own heart breaking for her friend. “I know it seems impossible right now, but you’re stronger than you think. You have to believe that . And I'll be here every step of the way. We’ll protect thakittke one together.”

Olivia nodded slowly, the tears she had been holding back finally spilling over. “I just wish Lucas was here,” she confessed, her voice breaking. “He would know what to do, he always knows what to do.”

Monica but her lips trying to hold back her own tears. Her heart ached as she watched Olivia's inner struggle, knowing the toll everything was taken on her. “I know, Liv. But you have to trust that he’s still with you in some way, that he’s watching over you and the baby. And Vincent….we have to believe he’ll pull through too.”

The gravity of the situation was heavy between them, Monica held Olivia's hand, as they both shared a silent moment together.

“Monica,” Olivia called, breaking the silence, “I just ….I just want to get away from all this. I can't take it anymore. But how can I leave Vincent? He’s lying there in a coma, and no one knows if he’s going to wake up. I can't just walk away from him.”

Monica's heart sank, understanding the weight of Olivia’s words. She knew Olivia cared for Vincent but she also knew that staying in this environment, with the constant reminders of loss and danger wasn't good for Olivia or her baby.

“I understand how you feel, Liv, but you need to think about the baby, too. You’re under so much stress, and that's not good for you. Maybe getting away for a little while would help.

“But I can't leave Vincent.” Olivia insisted, her voice cracking with emotions. “What if….he doesn't wake up.”

Monica squeezed her hand, her eyes filled with compassion, “I know you care about Vincent, but he wouldn't want you to risk her health by staying here in this state. And you know I'll be here with Vincent, every step of the way. He won't be alone.”

Olivia looked down, her tears falling into the bedsheets. The idea of leaving felt like abandonment m, yet the reality of staying was just unbearable.

Olivia wiped her tears, though her mind was still racing with uncertainty. She needed to think about the life growing inside her, the tiny flicker of hope in the midst of all the darkness.

“Maybe ... .maybe you’re right,” Olivia whispered, her voice shaky. “Maybe I do need to get away for a bit. But, please make sure Vincent is not alone.”

Monica nodded, her eyes filled with unwavering determination, “I promise, Liv. I’ll be here every single day watching over him. You take the time you need to heal, to find some peace.”

As the decision settled over Olivia, she felt a sense of relief.

……🌵

Days passed, the doctors had gradually monitored Olivia closely, ensuring that both she and her baby were safe before discharging her from the hospital.

Everyday Monica and Olivia visited Vincent sitting by his bedside, hoping for any sign of improvement. And everyday Monica stayed with Olivia offering her support and companionship. But as much as Olivia tried to focus on the present, the thought of Lucas and the uncertainty surrounding Vincent's condition continued to haunt her. But she had decided to go stay with her parents in Mexico for a while , a chance to heal both physically and emotionally.

On the day of her departure Monica drove Olivia to the airport , the car ride filled with a mix of silence and small talks. As they pulled up to the terminal , Monica turned to Olivia, her eyes filled with concern. “You don't have to feel bad for leaving Liv.” she said softly, reaching out to squeeze Olivia’s hand. “You really need this break, to heal, for you and your baby.”

Olivia smiled lightly, she leaned over and hugged Monica tightly, a gesture that spoke more than words ever could. “Thank you, Mon. For everything,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “I don't know what I would have done without you.”

Monica hugged her back just as tightly. “Just focus on getting better, okay? We’ll get through this, all of us.”

They pulled apart, and after a final lingering look, Olivia stepped out of the car. She grabbed her suitcase from the trunk, with one last wave to Monica, she headed into the terminal.

Inside the terminal Olivia moved through the motions of checking in and passing through security, her thoughts miles away. She was wrapped up in her own world and didn't notice the pair of eyes watching her from a distance.

As she reached the gate and prepared to board, something felt off. She couldn't quite put her fingers on it, but there was an uneasiness in the air. Tension that made the hair on her back and neck stand up. She glanced around but everything seemed normal, but before she could take another step, a strong hand clamped down on her arm.

Olivia gasped, her heart limping her throat as she was yanked backward, her suitcase tippling to the ground. She tried to pull away, but the grip was unyielding, and when she turned to face the attacker, she was met with a cold, emotionless eyes.

“Don't make a scene,” the man hissed in her ear, his voice low and threatening. “Come with us quietly, and no one gets hurt.”

Panic surged through Olivia, her mind racing, as she realized what was happening. She tried to scream but before she could another man appeared beside her, his hand covering her mouth, as they began to drag her towards the exit.

Fear clawed her chest, as she struggled against them but it was of no use. Tears streamed down her face as she thought of her baby.

But as they forced her through the cut, and into the waiting car, Olivia's strength began to falter. The word around her blurred as the door slammed shut, sealing her fate.