However, day by day passed with neither of them contacting each other. Morticia focused her time on studying for exams and spending time with Rhea.
All this while, she didn’t see Klaus.
But once, when she visited Josephine with Ava, Klaus wasn’t present. Deep down, she wished he was.
Perhaps she should contact him and ask how he was doing. She wanted to; she couldn’t deny that.
~~~
It was finally the day of surgery. Klaus was with Josephine at the beach. The surgery was going to take place in three hours.
Though Josephine acted as though she wasn’t scared, Klaus could see right through her. He wasn’t unscathed either.
The surgery was scaring the hell out of him. He just had to act strong for her.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment, Klaus,” Josephine started after they both stared at the sea for a long while.
“Me too.” Klaus looked at her calm face. “You’re going to survive; I know that.”
Josephine smiled. “You’ve finished your final exam; you’ll soon graduate. How could I not survive to see that?”
Klaus smiled, a bitter one, with tears threatening to surface.
“I also owe you a dinner as soon as you’re well again,” he said.
“I’m going to eat a lot. Beware!” Josephine gave him a funny look.
“I’d rent the whole f***ing restaurant if I have to,” Klaus mumbled.
Silence settled between them before Josephine spoke again.
“I have something important to tell you, in case anything goes wrong.”
Klaus gave her a look. “Nothing will go wrong. Whatever you want to say, let it be after the surgery.”
“No, I should do it now…”
“Mom, stop.”
“Klaus,” Josephine called softly, and Klaus clenched his jaw. “I’ll wake up, but I really need to say this.”
Finally, after a while, Klaus gave her a nod.
It was finally time for the surgery. Klaus kissed Josephine’s forehead, entwining his hand with hers.
“Three surgeries, and everything will be over, okay?” he whispered, and she nodded with teary eyes. Klaus had spent so much time with her, and those moments were the best of her life.
She got to chat, laugh, and play with her son. Klaus made her feel alive, and she was going to do everything to see his wonderful face again.
“Don’t forget you owe me a meal.”
Klaus chuckled. “I’ve rented the whole restaurant.”
Josephine nodded. “Remember what I told you,” she croaked, seeing how hard he was trying not to break before her.
“I do. I’ll always remember,” Klaus smiled.
Josephine turned her gaze to Ava, who was trembling by her side.
“We’ve got shoots, okay? And I’m not doing it long without you.”
Josephine scoffed. “What if I’m too weak to participate?”
“Then I won’t do it,” Ava said. “You better survive, or I’m going to give up modeling. That world is nothing without you.”
Josephine nodded. “I’ll see you soon.”
Ava sniffed and kissed her cheek.
“Please survive, Josie.” Finn kissed her knuckles, and Evie, Josephine’s little sister, did the same. Katie nodded with a smile and teary gaze.
As the doctor wheeled Josephine into the operating room, Klaus’s breath grew heavy.
~~~
Morticia stepped into the apartment and met Vincent pouring out Christmas decorations on the table. There was a tree before him.
“Christmas tree?” Morticia asked, stepping in. “Let me help.”
Vincent gave her a questioning look. “Why are you here?”
“Huh?”
“Shouldn’t you be at the hospital with Klaus?” he said, giving her a pointed look.
“What?”
Vincent sighed. “Gather your things; let’s head there. Today is Josephine’s surgery.”
“It is?” Morticia’s eyes widened. She knew the surgery was happening soon but never knew the date. She thought Ava would tell her, but she didn’t; perhaps she didn’t want her to worry.
Now that she thought of it, she was mad at herself and guilty too.
Klaus needed her. Screw this break she was taking for herself.
Not waiting for Vincent’s response, she stormed out of the apartment and immediately headed for the hospital.
Vincent sighed and glanced at the message he had sent to Klaus, asking about his well-being and Josephine’s surgery, but there was no response.
“Punk,” he mumbled, grabbing his jacket and heading to the hospital.
Morticia arrived quickly and found the family waiting. Ava stood up, sighing.
“Where’s Klaus?” She was too worried to challenge her mother right now.
“Ask Finn, dear.”
Morticia walked towards Finn. “Where’s Klaus?”
“Sorry, he asked not to be disturbed by anyone. Give him some time,” Finn informed softly.
“I’m not anyone. Tell me where he is,” Morticia pressed.
“He is in the room at the end of the hall,” Finn replied, gesturing towards the hall behind her.
“Oh,” Morticia breathed, but before she could leave, Finn called out.
“Morty?”
She looked at him.
“May I ask you something?” Finn asked, and Morticia nodded. “You and Klaus… are you two together?”
Morticia frowned at the question. “What if we are?”
Finn quickly flashed her a smile. “Nothing… I’m just wondering.”
For a fleeting moment, Morticia noticed his eyes flash with pity, or perhaps she was mistaken.
She spun and left for Klaus. There, she spotted him seated on the floor, his head resting against the wall with his eyes closed.
“I said I don’t want to be dis…” he started but paused when their gazes met.
“Bunny?” He called her name as if not believing she was right there in the room with him.
“Klaus,” she called, her voice breaking.
Klaus stood to his feet immediately; she could see the dry tears in his eyes.
“You’re… you’re here,” he stuttered.
“I’m sorry,” she apologized. “I’m really sorry.”
Klaus quickly rushed to hug her, wrapping her in a tight embrace. His tense muscles slowly relaxed.
He had been praying silently for her to come, to appear just once. It took every ounce of strength not to go out to find her.
She was here.
Morticia hugged him back, patting his back gently. He kissed her neck softly and then hugged her even closer. Her arms tightened around him.
He then whispered those words that shattered her heart further…
“I’m scared… I’m really scared….”