Chapter Three

Antonio was okay with it. If Elena was to be with anyone right now he would trust her to be with Lucas.

He stayed back and made sure he settled the bills before he went to his father's room, took a chair, and sat beside his dad

He took his dad by the hand and with tears rolling down his cheek he said, "Please dad don't go now, you can't go now"

"I need you and am not ready to let you go yet fight as much as you can, fight for us dad me, and Elena".

Just as he was speaking his father grabbed his hand tighter.

He suddenly looked up at his father expecting to see the man turn towards him but it was one of the reflex reactions of being in a coma.

He bent his head in disappointment he did not know when he slept off holding his father's hands.

Antonio opened his eyes to the shocking sight his father was no longer on the bed.

He immediately rushed out and went to the lobby.

"Where is my dad? He screamed at the nurse on duty.

"Who is your dad?" The nurse asked in shock.

"How can you ask me such a stupid question! Antonio said

"Emiliano Martinez?" The nurse inquired ."Oh he was taken for some dressing on his wound"

"He is awake," the nurse said.

"Awake?" Antonio asked in shock. He did not know whether to scream for joy or to tell the nurse she was lying.

A few hours ago the doctor told him his father was in a coma and a critical condition. Now they are dressing his wound and he is awake.

It was too good to believe.

"Where is he?" Antonio asked eagerly.

"Just be patient" the nurse replied. "You can wait for him in the room" the nurse replied. "He will be with you shortly"

Antonio rushed back to the ward to wait for his dad. He couldn't contain himself so he began to pace around the room.

"Should I call Elena and tell her?" Antonio thought to himself. "No, it's too late into the night", He muttered to himself dismissing the thoughts.

"Or am I dreaming?" He thought.

All these thoughts were running through his mind when the door swung open and his father was rolled in on another bed.

As if possessed by something, Antonio jumped up and ran towards his father but was restrained by the medical personnel until they have properly set his father in a resting position.

Emiliano turned to his son smiled and said; "Antonio my boy how are you doing?"

"I am fine dad! I should be asking you how are you doing!" Antonio responded with love in his eyes.

"It feels so painful here and my whole body hurts," Emiliano said looking inexpressibly pained.

"Antonio winced along with his dad as if he could feel the pains from his father".

If he could do it, he could take all the pain away. His father had always been there for him.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" How can I relieve the pain, Dad?" He asked looking very concerned.

Emiliano smiled at him and moved his hands towards Antonio

Antonio saw this and grabbed his father's hands.

"Don't worry my boy, your presence Is enough for me". Emiliano said.

"But there are so many things I want to share with you but I have so little time!"

"Don't say that" Antonio retorted. "You will not die, dad! I will not let you die!"

Emiliano smiled at Antonio and replied softly. "Amen, my boy!"

"You should let him rest now he needs a lot of rest" Dr. Rico appealed to Antonio.

"Don't worry Rico", Emiliano said to the doctor. "I would love to have a chat with my son before I rest".

"Granted sir," the doctor said reluctantly.

"But I advise that you make it short as your body does need lots of rest"

"For a better recovery it is not about what you want to do but what your body needs at the moment, sir"

"It's okay, doctor!" Emiliano said

The doctor and the nurses exited the room leaving Emiliano and Antonio alone in the ward

Emiliano turned to Antonio and squeezing his hands he continued

"My boy!"

"I am so proud of you but there are some things I need to let you know"

Antonio looked at him a little frightened at the statement.

"I don't think this is the best time to talk about that father"

"Let's wait till you are out of here before we start talking about this"

"Because I have the feeling that you are about to bring up business". Antonio said.

"And not only business!" His father interrupted.

"I have made mistakes that have led me to where I am now. And just when I was about to correct those mistakes...."

He paused and took a deep breath.

"I never got to where I am now overnight, I was helped by a lot of people. But due to my selfishness and naivety, I left these people behind".

"I want to make things right now Antonio, I want to clean up my mess and fix what needs to be fixed son". Emiliano said passionately to Antonio.

Antonio was perplexed in deep thoughts trying hard to figure out what puzzle his father spoke of solving.

"Dad, you don't need to worry yourself about all this right now" Antonio replied

"Just take care of yourself and allow yourself to heal first. Everything will work out itself in time".

"And when you are better we can talk about this" Antonio said trying to dismiss the discussion.

"Yes, Antonio but I haven't said the most important thing I have to say". Emiliano said weakly.

"Can this not wait till tomorrow dad?" Antonio protested.

"No, it cannot son". I'm so sorry I kept this from you and your sister. I did it to protect you both. You know I love you both right?" Emiliano asked as he began to cough loudly.

"Dad, I know!" Antonio said in frustration. "Let us talk about this tomorrow!" He said.

"Anton, you and Elena have a..."

"Just as he was about to say the next word the door swung open and cut him off mid-sentence.