Athena
I was woken up by the sounds of protest coming from the Doctor, pleading with someone.
“Ma’am you can’t she isn’t-”
“Get the fuck out of my way you old worm!”
Was that Georgia? I groaned, sitting up. I didn’t want any of her bullshit now, I was way too exhausted to deal with it.
She burst into the room, her eyes zeroing in on me. “You.” She snarled.
I took deep breaths, trying to remain calm, “Yes, me.”
The doctor followed after her, obviously agitated, “Madam, you cannot be inside here, the patient still needs re-”
“GET THE FUCK OUT!” She yelled, spit flying from her mouth.
The doctor looked at me, seemingly lost, insure of what to do.
I nodded at him, “It’s okay Doc, leave her for me, I’ll handle this.”
“But-”
“Just go.”
With a final glance of disdain at Georgia, who didn’t even bother sparing him a glance as she was too busy glaring at me, he turned around and left, shutting the door behind him.
“Well Georgia,” I started calmly, turning to face her. “It was very nice of you to visit me, but as my doctor told you, I need my rest.”
“Cut the crap Raven,” she snapped, “I don’t have time for your bullshit today.”
I stared at her innocently, “What bullshit?”
She took a step towards my bed, her face concocted in naked fury, “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
“I am a very busy woman, you would have to be more specific Georgia.”
“What do you have to do with Luciano calling the police on his own family?”
I raised an eyebrow, “I didn’t know I was making decisions for him now, I am honored.”
“You know what I mean you bitch!” She yelled.
It was time to try diffusing the situation, I looked at her calmly, “Georgia, please lower your voice. I needs rest, and your outburst isn’t helping.”
She threw her head back, laughing bitterly. “Oh, I’m sorry, should I be quiet so you can continue whispering sweet nothings into his ear?”
I scoffed, rolling my eyes, “That’s absurd, Georgia. I’ve been here supporting Luciano. I have absolutely nothing to do with the decisions he makes for the family.”
“Supporting him?” She scoffed, “Do I look stupid to you? Huh raven? Do I look like an idiot?”
“This isn’t about that, Georgia.” I groaned, exasperation creeping into my voice now. I was tired of having the same argument every single time with this woman. “Luciano needs all the support he can get right now, from all of us. Can’t you see that?”
Georgia raised a carefully manicured finger, pointing it at me as her lips curled into a snarl.”I see you all right.” She said, leaning in to me “I see you sticking close to him, always whispering in his ear. What are you trying to gain from this, Raven?”
I rolled my eyes, trying to keep my voice steady ” You’re being irrational, Georgia.”
“Am I?”
“Listen to yourself, you are definitely irrational.”
“Fuck you Raven!”
I sprang to my feet, “That’s enough, Georgia. I’ve had it with your baseless accusations. I have no ulterior motives. I’ve been nothing but supportive.”
“Supportive? You’re trying to turn him against me, aren’t you? Trying to make him doubt our relationship!”
“Georgia, Luciano values your friendship.” I said, already tired. “It’s your own fault you don’t see that, it’s your insecurities, not mine.”
“Oh, please. I know your type, Athena. Always scheming, always trying to get what you want. I won’t let you manipulate Luciano.”
“Manipulate?”
“Oh don’t play with me you lying ass wh-”
“That’s a low blow, Georgia. Even for you.”
She looked scandalized, “What is that supposed to mean?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m not the one causing unnecessary drama. You on the other hand, seem to thrive in it.”
“Oh, I know exactly what I’m talking about.” She said stubbornly, “I see right through you, Miss Gonzalez. I’ll find out your true intentions, mark my words.”
I shut my eyes, trying to remain as composed as I possibly could, even though my heart was pounding at what felt like an insane rate, “If you choose to believe those baseless accusations, then go ahead. But don’t come crying to me when you realize you’ve been blinded by your own insecurities.”
“I won’t be blinded by anything.” She growled.
I rolled my eyes, “I am not trying to blind you Georgia.”
“Just you watch Raven,” she continued, ignoring me, “I will prove that you’re up to no good. Just wait and see.
I shook my head, sighing deeply, “There’s no reasoning with you right now, Georgia.”
Her eyes narrowed as she squinted at me, “I don’t reason with lying rats.”
I was done with the argument, I really didn’t care anymore. Lying back on the bed and making myself comfortable, I turned away from her, “I hope you find a way to overcome your unfounded doubts. Luciano needs positivity and support, not this tension between us.”
I could feel her eyes on me, staring for way too long, but I ignored her, letting her steam.
With a loud hiss, she turned around and left the room, leaving me to my thoughts.
Well, that was that I guess. Trying not to think about it too much, I decided to take a leak
Almost from nowhere, before I could make it out of the bed, the doctor rushed back in, trying to help me up.
“No!” I snapped, gritting my teeth, “I can manage on my own.”
The doctor scoffed, irritation creeping into his voice, “I understand your desire for independence, Raven, but pushing yourself too hard can be risky. Your body needs time to heal.”
Something suddenly occurred to me. Luciano, he had cuddled me to sleep. Where was he now?
I turned to the doctor, “Where is Luciano?”
“Oh,” he said, rubbing his hand over the bald spot on his head. “He received a call sometime ago, some trouble at his headquarters I guess.”
My heart sank. Georgia might be right after all, I was way more trouble that I was worth if it was causing a rebellion he had to deal with.
“Fuck.” I muttered.
“What was that?”
I ignored him, trying to get up. ” I don’t want to be confined to this bed anymore. I want to regain my strength and get back to my normal life.”
It was a nagging voice in my head. Maybe if I was there, in person, things won’t be this bad.
“I appreciate your determination, Raven,” he said firmly, “But part of the healing process is accepting help when it’s necessary. Pride shouldn’t outweigh your well-being.”
“It’s NOT PRIDE!”
He raised an eyebrow, “Is that what you think?”
“It’s what I know!”
“You think taking someone’s help makes you weak, Raven? Strength lies in acknowledging your limitations and knowing when to ask for support.”
I didn’t need this motivational bullshit right now “I don’t need anyone’s sympathy. I’ve always been self-reliant, and I won’t change now.”
“I’m not offering sympathy, Raven. I’m offering assistance because I genuinely care about your recovery. I want to see you get better and grow stronger, plus your boyfriend over there would beat the shit out of me if something went wrong.”
“Well, I appreciate your concern, but I’ll prove to you and everyone else that I can do this on my own.”
He rolled his eyes standing aside, “Well then, if you please, Miss Gonzalez.”
With an air of defiance, I made my way towards the bathroom. Almost immediately though, I saw the trouble, as her movements become strained, doubt began to creep into my mind. I tried to maintain my balance, but my weakened state betrays me.
“I… I can do this. Just a little further.”
“Raven, please, let me help you now. There’s no shame in accepting assistance.” His voice was soft and sympathetic.
I hated it.
I struggled my voice trembling, “I don’t… want to be weak. I need to prove… that I’m strong.”
With one final effort, I tried to steady myself but stumbled, losing my balance and falling to the ground. Tears welled up in my eyes as a wave of realization hit me.
“I’m… I’m not as strong as I thought.” I sobbed, the tears flowing freely now. “I can’t do this by myself. I’m just… just so tired.”
In that vulnerable moment, the doctor rushes to to side, offering a comforting presence and a helping hand.
He wasn’t Luciano, but at least he was here, and that would have to do for now.
“It’s okay, Athena.” He said calmly, patting my head. “In my experience, it takes courage to recognize when you need support. You don’t have to face this alone. Let me help you get back on your feet.”
I sniffled, ” I… I don’t know if I can.”
“Trust me, Raven.” His voice was calm and soothing, “Accepting help doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human. Together, we’ll get through this difficult time.”
He hugged me close to him as I hugged back.
“It’s Okay Miss Gonzalez,” he said gently, “You will be fi-”
“WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON HERE?”
We jerked apart as I looked up in horror. It was Luciano, a terrifying look on his face as he glared at us in shock and awe.