Chapter 61
Mason and Wendy trailed behind Lily and Jake, who walked hand in hand a few paces ahead. The glow from the streetlights cast long shadows across the pavement, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
Lily's laughter drifted back toward them as Jake suddenly stopped at a brightly lit ice cream stand. They exchanged a few playful words before Jake began scanning the menu, clearly intent on indulging her sweet tooth. Lily squeezed his hand, her face lighting up with a joy that seemed to radiate through the chilly evening.
Mason and Wendy came to a stop a few feet behind them, giving the couple their moment. Wendy folded her arms before her, glancing sideways at Mason. His gaze was fixed on Lily and Jake, a softness settling over his features.
"She's happy," Wendy remarked, her voice low but warm.
Mason nodded, pushing his hands into his pocket as he leaned casually against a nearby lamppost.
"Yeah, she does," he said. He let out a small breath, his eyes still on the couple. "I like him for her."
Wendy tilted her head, studying Mason's expression. "Yeah?"
He turned to her with a slight smirk. "What? You don't?"
Wendy shrugged, "I didn't say that."
Mason chuckled, shaking his head. "Jake's... solid. Seems like he really cares about her." His gaze flicked back to Lily, who was now laughing as Jake handed her a cone topped with an absurd amount of sprinkles. "And I want that for her. Someone who cares and looks out for her well being."
Wendy nodded, a soft smile tugging at her lips as she watched Lily's delighted reaction to her ice cream.
"He's a good guy," she agreed.
Mason grinned, his gaze shifting subtly to Wendy as she stood under the soft yellow glow of the lamppost. Her voluminous hair framed her face perfectly, catching the light in a way that made the strands gleam with rich undertones. The black long-sleeve top she wore fit her effortlessly, hugging her figure in a way that emphasized her natural curves. Mason's eyes traced the gentle slope of her waistline, pausing briefly before moving up to her face, where her guarded expression only intrigued him further.
With a casual push off the lamppost, Mason closed the distance between them, his steps deliberate but unhurried. He stopped just short of invading her space, gazing down into her questioning eyes.
"What were you saying earlier?" he asked, his tone low and teasing, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.
"About?" Wendy tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing as she studied him. She was well aware of their sudden proximity, and her body tensed slightly, anticipating his next move.
"About being surrounded by all those glamorous Verve girls," Mason said, his voice rich with humor and a hint of something deeper. Slowly, he reached out, wrapping one of her long strands of chocolate-brown hair around his finger. The silkiness of it slid against his skin, smooth and soft as he twisted it gently.
Wendy's breath hitched almost imperceptibly, her gaze flicking from his hand to his face. "What about it?" she asked, her voice steady despite the way her pulse quickened.
Mason's thumb brushed the strand of hair, the curl spiraling around his finger like a serpent. His lips curved slightly as he tipped his head, examining the faint reddish hues glinting in the lamplight.
"You've got a bit of red in your hair," he murmured, his voice softer now, as if sharing a secret.
Wendy's brows knitted together, her lips parting in mild confusion. "And?" she prompted, her tone edged with a challenge.
"And it suits you," Mason said simply, his eyes never leaving hers. The corners of his smirk softened into something gentler, a flicker of sincerity breaking through his teasing demeanor.
Wendy blinked, caught momentarily off guard by his unexpected compliment. But she recovered quickly, a slow smirk of her own spreading across her face. "Are you done now?" she asked, arching a brow.
Mason let her hair slip from his fingers, watching as it fell neatly back into place. "Not even close," he said with a quiet laugh. He lingered in the moment, his eyes holding Wendy's as the smirk danced on his lips. He shoved his hands casually into his pockets, leaning slightly closer, his voice dropping to a teasing murmur.
"Now, tell me," he said, his tone light but laced with mischief. "You were jealous of the Verve girls, weren't you?"
Wendy rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest as she tilted her head back, exuding confidence.
"Jealous? Please," she said, scoffing.
Mason chuckled, the sound low and knowing. He stepped slightly closer. "I know you get jealous very easily, sweet girl. I've seen it firsthand."
Wendy's brows furrowed as she straightened her posture, her lips pressing into a thin line. "You don't know what you're talking about," she shot back, her voice calm but edged with irritation.
"Oh, don't I?" Mason said, his grin widening as he leaned slightly to the side, as if circling her without actually moving. "I still remember Aspen and how you reacted when you thought I was interested in Daphne. I saw the way your jaw clenched every time I mentioned her name."
"That wasn't jealousy," Wendy shot back quickly, her cheeks flushing despite her best efforts to stay composed. "That was concern. Daphne's practically your sister-in-law. I was worried you'd do something idiotic and backstab your brother."
"Right," Mason drawled, clearly unconvinced. His eyes sparkled with amusement as he added, "So, all those glares were just... concern? That's what you're going with?"
Wendy let out an exasperated breath, and rolled her eyes.
Wendy let out an exaggerated sigh, throwing a hand to her forehead as though she were in the middle of a tragic play.
"Fine! You got me," she declared dramatically, her voice dripping with mock despair. "I can't stand the thought of you being with anyone else, Mason. It eats me alive every second of every day. You're the love of my life, and the mere idea of those Verve girls batting their eyelashes at youâoh, it's too much to bear!" She clasped her hands over her heart and spun in a slow circle, as if on the verge of fainting.
Mason leaned against the lamp post once more, his arms folded, watching her with a growing smirk.
"Be careful, darling" he said, his voice full of playful warning. "I might actually believe you."
Wendy stopped mid-spin and straightened up, her expression suddenly sharp as she pointed a finger at him.
"You should believe me. After all, I've been pining for you in silence all these months," she said, her tone a perfect mix of sarcasm and over-the-top sentimentality. She batted her eyelashes for emphasis, drawing a low chuckle from Mason. "Oh, Mason. I will die without you."
Mason's grin spread, shwoign off his faint dimples. He felt his belly clench from the way Wendy unintenstly moaned out his name. His eyes were glued to her once more. Watching her as if she herself was the apple Eve ate.
"Don't say my name like that," Mason chuckled and shook his head.
"And why not?" Wendy asked.
"It's going to lead us to bad bad places, Wendy Darling."
Wendy smirked, her soft features sharping like a vixen. She stepped closer and placed her palm over Mason's chest. Pushing back back gently, she rose to her toes and whispered in his ear.
"Mason," she moaned ever so quietly. "Oh, Mason....yes...."
Wendy's smirk deepened, her eyes glinting with playful defiance as Mason's breath hitched ever so slightly. She pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, her lips curving into a grin that was both mischievous and daring.
"See? Nothing bad happened," she teased, her voice light and airy, though her palm still lingered against his chest. "Darling."
Mason chuckled low in his throat, a sound that was equal parts amusement and warning. "You might not like where this ends."
"Oh, I think I will," she countered, her tone saccharine and dripping with challenge. She dropped her hand from his chest, her fingers lightly brushing against the fabric of his shirt as she stepped back, watching him carefully.
Mason ran a hand through his hair, his smirk faltering for a second as he fought to regain his composure. "You're dangerous, you know that?"
Wendy tilted her head, her expression feigning innocence. "Me? Dangerous? Never. I'm a perfect angel."
"If angels behave like this," Mason leaned in closer. "Then I'm going straight to hell."
"Don't worry," Wendy replied, her voice smooth as silk. "I'll save you a seat."
Mason let out a genuine laugh this time, shaking his head as he looked at her with something that bordered on admiration. "You're something else."
"And don't you forget it," she quipped, giving him a wink before spinning on her heel and striding away, leaving Mason standing by the lamp post, still smiling.
_____________________
Theo
Theo leaned back against the wooden pew, his shoulders relaxing for the first time in what felt like days. The light streaming through the stained glass bathed the church in warm hues, soft golds and gentle blues washing over his face. His gaze lingered on the angel above the altar, her wings spread wide, a symbol of unwavering grace. For once, the heavy weight he always carried in his shoulders seemed to lift, replaced by something lighter, something warm and steady.
His lips curved into a small, unguarded smile as he let the silence of the space seep into him. The angel's expressionâcalm, compassionateâseemed to echo the way he felt now, like he was standing on solid ground for the first time in a long time. The world outside was complicated, loud, and full of sharp edges, but here, in this moment, he felt... at peace.
Luca, seated beside him, shifted slightly, leaning closer. His presence, as solid and steady as the church itself, was comforting in its own way.
"How did it go?" Luca asked, his voice low but carrying an unmistakable undercurrent of expectation.
Theo's smile deepened, his chest swelling with a quiet kind of joy. He turned his head just enough to glance at his father.
"It went well," he said. "She's packing right now. I'm picking her up tonight."
For a moment, Luca said nothing, but Theo caught the faintest glimmer of approval in his father's eyes before he leaned back, arms folding over his chest.
Theo returned his gaze to the angel, the warmth inside him spreading further. She'd said yes. Daphne was going to move in with him. The thought of her laughter echoing through his space, of her presence filling the quiet corners of his life, made his heart feel full in a way he hadn't realized was possible. As the angel above seemed to smile down at him, Theo let out a slow breath, his shoulders sinking even further.
Once church ended, Theo and Luca parted ways. Theo stepped out of the church into the crisp afternoon air, the faint warmth of the sun brushing against his face. He walked with his hands tucked into his pockets, his pace unhurried, his thoughts still lingering on the conversation with Luca.
Daphne was moving in.
The words felt surreal. He imagined her smile when he'd pick her up, the way her eyes might light up as she stepped into the space they'd share. For the first time, the empty walls of his apartment wouldn't feel so barren.
As Theo turned a corner, his gaze caught on a small storefront.
Verdant Bloom, the sign read, the name painted in soft green letters above a display of vibrant plants spilling out onto the sidewalk. He stopped, hesitating for only a moment before stepping inside.
The scent of fresh soil and greenery greeted him, earthy and calming. Rows of potted plants filled the space, from small succulents to sprawling ferns. Theo wandered through the aisles, his fingers brushing lightly over leaves as he searched for something... meaningful.
Near the back, his eyes landed on a lush monstera plant, its wide, glossy leaves fanning out like an offering. It was sturdy, vibrantâalive in a way that reminded him of Daphne. He picked it up, the weight of the ceramic pot grounding in his hands, and brought it to the counter.
The shopkeeper, an older woman with silver hair and kind eyes, smiled as she rang him up. "For someone special?" she asked.
Theo nodded, a rare softness in his voice as he replied, "Yeah. She's... moving in with me and she likes plants."
The woman's smile widened. "Well, plants make a home feel warmer. I'm sure she'll love it."
Theo carried the monstera with care as he left the shop, the ceramic pot pressing cool against his palms. The warmth in his chest hadn't faded; if anything, it burned brighter. As he walked the rest of the way home, he imagined Daphne placing the plant in a sunlit corner, her fingers gently adjusting its leaves.
For the first time in a long time, the thought of home didn't feel emptyâit felt like something to look forward to.
_______________________
Lily
Lily sat in the corner of the library, surrounded by her books and her scattered notes. The dim light above her cast a soft glow over her study materials, and the muffled rustle of pages turning around her provided a comforting backdrop. She was in the zone, furiously reviewing her calculus formulas. But as she reached for her water bottle, a strange sensation washed over her.
Her vision blurred momentarily, and she felt an odd, familiar lightheadedness creeping in. Her hands trembled as she tried to focus on the words in front of her, but they seemed to swim on the page. The faint thudding in her chest quickened, and she instinctively gripped the edge of the desk, her knuckles whitening.
A cold realization struck her and Lily gasped.
This was the prelude to a seizure. Her heart skipped a beat as she connected the dots: she had missed so many doses of her medication in the frenzy of finals....and there were no more refills left....she was supposed to call her doctor.
Panic began to claw at her as her breathing quickened. Lily gathered her books and shoved them hastily into her bag, her movements frantic and uncoordinated. Her mind raced. She needed to get to her dorm room, where she could lie down safely.
Gripping her phone, she unlocked the screen to dial Wendy or Jake. She felt her feet stumble and her head sway with each step. Her vision barely focused on the small no signal message at the top of her phone screen.
The walk to the library exit felt interminable. Lily's legs wobbled beneath her as her dizziness intensified, each step growing heavier, her surroundings blurring further. By the time she reached the heavy wooden doors, her vision had tunneled, and her breath came in shallow, uneven gasps.
Her fingers fumbled for the door handle as a wave of nausea hit her. The world tilted dangerously, and her grip faltered. Panic surged anew, and a small, trembling voice in the back of her mind urged her to sit down and call for help.
Clutching her bag strap, Lily leaned against the doorframe for support, willing herself to push through the suffocating haze engulfing her.
After a few seconds, Lily's fingers slipped from the door handle as her knees buckled beneath her. The weight of the world seemed to press down on her chest, her breaths shallow and labored. Her vision darkened at the edges, the distant murmur of the library growing muffled as she sank slowly to the cold, tiled floor.
Her hand instinctively braced against the ground, but her strength was waning. Pale as a sheet, her skin was clammy, and beads of sweat dotted her forehead. The tremors in her hands spread, her entire body feeling unsteady, as though she might shatter if she moved too quickly.
"Lily?"
Lily thought she imagined her name. Everything sounded as if she was miles away from reality. Her eyes fluttered and her head pressed against the cool tiles.
"Lily!"
Spotting her pale and limp body on the floor, Gabriel pushed aside the chairs at the library and hurried across the room. He crouched beside her, his heart pounding as he took in her condition. Her usually vibrant features were drawn and ghostly, her lips trembling as she fought to remain conscious.
"Hey, hey," Gabriel murmured, his voice softening as he gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "What's going on? Are you okay?"
Lily's eyes fluttered open, dazed and unfocused, and she tried to speak, but only a faint whisper escaped her lips.
"Shh, don't push yourself," Gabriel said firmly, glancing around for help. "I'm here. Just stay with me, okay?"
Carefully, he shifted her so she was leaning against his arm, his other hand brushing a strand of hair from her damp forehead. "You're gonna be fine," he said, though his chest tightened with worry. "I've got you."
Without hesitation, Gabriel slipped his arm under her knees and lifted her effortlessly, cradling her close as he strode over to the couches meant for comfortable reading. He lowered Lily gently onto the worn couch. Her head lolled slightly as he adjusted her, making sure she was as comfortable as possible. Her pale face glistened with sweat, and her shallow breaths sent a pang of worry straight through his chest.
"Stay with me, florocita," he murmured, brushing her hair away from her face with trembling fingers.
He quickly pulled out his phone, his hands slightly unsteady as he scrolled through his contacts and hit the call button. "Come on, come on," he muttered under his breath as the line rang.
"Gabriel?" His mother's calm, familiar voice answered on the second ring.
"I need your help, Ma" he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I'm in the library, and Lily.... she's pale, weak, and I think she's having some kind of seizure or episode. She looks really bad."
"Oh my god," Carmen's gasped. "What do you mean? Did you call for help? Is she conscious?"
"Barely," Gabriel replied, glancing down at Lily. "Her breathing's shallow, and she's not really responding."
"Keep her on her side if she starts seizing, and don't leave her alone. But Gabriel, you need to call an ambulance immediately," his mom instructed.
"I will," he said. Looking around, Gabriel spotted a small group of students seated nearby, their faces filled with concern. "Call 911!" he called out, his voice firm and commanding.
One of the students, a young man with glasses, nodded and immediately pulled out his phone. Gabriel returned to Lily, crouching beside her and taking her hand in his.
"Tell me what to do," he said to his mother on the phone.
Carmen's voice came steady through the phone, a lifeline amidst Gabriel's swirling panic. "Okay, listen to me carefully, mijo," she said. "First, make sure she's safe where she is. Is there anything near her that could hurt her if she starts seizing?"
Gabriel quickly scanned the area around Lily. The couch was clear, but the small coffee table nearby made him uneasy. He reached out and shoved it further away, ensuring she had enough space.
"It's clear," he said, his voice tight.
"Good. Now, if she starts seizing, you need to turn her onto her sideâgently, but quickly. That will help keep her airway clear," Carmen instructed.
Gabriel nodded, even though she couldn't see him. He adjusted Lily slightly, making sure she could be moved easily if it came to that. "Okay, what else?"
"Don't try to hold her down if she starts convulsing," Carmen warned. "Just make sure she's safe and her head is supported. Use something soft if you canâmaybe your jacket."
Gabriel shrugged off his hoodie in one swift motion, folding it and placing it beneath Lily's head. His hands were still trembling, but he forced himself to stay calm.
"Got it," he said.
"Keep an eye on how long the seizure lasts," Carmen added. "If it goes on for more than a few minutes, or if she doesn't wake up afterward, it's critical the ambulance gets there quickly. Call as many times as you have to. Do you understand?"
"Yeah, I understand," Gabriel said, his jaw tightening as he looked down at Lily's pale face.
"And Gabriel," Carmen said, her voice softening, "keep talking to her. Even if she can't respond."
Gabriel swallowed hard and nodded again. "Okay," he promised.
He ended the call, his focus narrowing on Lily as he gently took her hand again.
"I'm here," he murmured, his voice low and steady. "Help is on the way. Just hang on for me, okay? I've got you. You're safe. I'm not going to let anything happen."
He glanced at the student who was still on the phone with emergency services, ensuring they were relaying the urgency of the situation. Then his attention returned fully to Lily, his heart aching as he watched her fragile frame tremble slightly.
"You're going to be okay, angel," he whispered, stroking her hair. "I promise."
Gabriel felt his chest tighten as Lily's body suddenly went rigid. Her hand, which had been loosely resting in his, twitched violently, and before he could process what was happening, her entire body began to convulse.
"Lily!" he exclaimed, panic lacing his voice.
Her head jerked back, her muscles tensing and releasing in rhythmic spasms. Gabriel quickly moved into action, recalling his mother's instructions. He gently turned her onto her side, his movements careful but swift. Her face was pale, and her lips parted as her breath came in uneven gasps between the jerks.
"Shh, it's okay. I'm here," he murmured, his voice trembling despite his effort to stay calm. He slid his folded hoodie beneath her head, cradling it to prevent her from hitting the hard couch.
The seconds stretched endlessly as her body continued to seize. Her eyelids fluttered, and for a brief, harrowing moment, her gaze seemed unfocused, as if she wasn't fully present. Gabriel's heart pounded in his ears, his own breaths shallow as he kept her safe.
"Stay with me," he whispered, his throat tightening. He gently brushed her hair back from her damp forehead, his touch light and protective.
One of the students nearby approached cautiously, their voice a hesitant question. "Is she going to be okay?"
"She will be," Gabriel said firmly, though the uncertainty gnawed at him. He kept his eyes on Lily, his focus unwavering. "Just stay back and let her have space."
The convulsions finally began to subside, and her body slackened slightly, though she remained unresponsive. Gabriel exhaled a shaky breath, his relief tempered by lingering fear.
"You're okay," he said softly, leaning closer to her. "You're safe, Lily. Just hold on."
His jaw clenched as he looked toward the door, willing the ambulance to arrive faster. Time felt like it was crawling, every second amplifying the weight of his helplessness. He stayed by her side, his hand resting lightly on her arm, grounding herâand himselfâin the moment.
After a few more minutes, the distant wail of sirens grew louder, cutting through the tense silence in the library. Gabriel glanced toward the door, relief washing over him as the paramedics rushed in, their uniforms a blur of blue and white.
"She's over here!" he called out, his voice firm but edged with urgency.
The paramedics moved swiftly, their faces calm and professional as they assessed Lily. One of them, a woman with kind eyes, knelt beside her and began checking her vitals. "What happened?" she asked Gabriel while another paramedic prepared the stretcher.
"She had a seizure," Gabriel said, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside him. "She wasn't responding at first, but she started breathing normally again after a few minutes."
The paramedic nodded. "We'll take it from here."
They carefully lifted Lily onto the stretcher, securing her as Gabriel stayed close, his hand briefly brushing hers. She looked so small and fragile, her pale face framed by damp strands of hair.
"You can ride with us if you're a friend or family," one of the paramedics said, glancing at Gabriel.
"I'm coming," Gabriel said without hesitation, following them out of the library.
The ambulance doors swung open, and he climbed in, settling onto the bench seat beside Lily. As the vehicle began to move, the paramedics worked efficiently, attaching monitors and administering oxygen. Gabriel's focus, however, never wavered from Lily. He held her cold hand as the ambulance took off like a bullet.
Halfway to the hospital, Lily stirred, her eyelashes fluttering as a faint groan escaped her lips. Gabriel leaned closer, his heart leaping at the sign of life. "Lily?"
Her eyes blinked open, glassy with confusion and fear. Her gaze darted around the ambulance, her breathing quickening as panic set in.
"Gabriel?" she rasped, her voice trembling.
"I'm here," he said quickly, taking her hand in his. "It's okay. You're safe. We're on the way to the hospital."
Her fingers curled tightly around his, her grip surprisingly strong despite her weakened state. "What... what happened?"
"You had a seizure," Gabriel explained gently, keeping his tone calm. "But you're going to be okay. The paramedics are taking care of you."
Tears welled in her eyes, her fear palpable.
"You're safe. I'm here," Gabriel squeezed her hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles in a soothing rhythm. "But I've got you. You're not alone."
The ambulance rocked slightly as it sped through traffic, the paramedics continuing their work. Gabriel leaned closer, his presence steady and reassuring. "Just keep holding my hand, okay?" he said softly.
Lily nodded weakly, her grip on his hand never loosening. Despite her fear and disorientation, Gabriel's steady voice and warm touch anchored her, offering a small measure of comfort as they raced toward the hospital.
"Can you call my brother?" Lily whispered.
"Of course," Gabriel said, racing for her phone in her backpack that he carried. "I'll tell him to meet us at the hospital."
_____________________
Theo and Daphne
Daphne stepped into Theo's apartment, her arms full of bags and her cheeks flushed from the cold. The space smelled faintly of cedar and something distinctly Theo, grounding and familiar. She turned her head, a bright smile lighting up her face as she chatted animatedly about the movers and all the other stuff she still had to move into storage.
Theo followed close behind, carrying the last of her things, his steady presence balancing the whirlwind of her energy. He set her suitcase down by the couch, his gaze flickering to her as she took in the penthouse, now hers too.
"This place needs more art," she said, laughing softly. "We can hang a big can-"
As Daphne moved toward the couch, her words trailed off. Her eyes caught on something she hadn't noticed beforeâa lush monstera plant sitting proudly on the coffee table. A small red bow was tied neatly around its pot, a simple but thoughtful touch.
Her breath hitched as she turned back to Theo, her voice soft with surprise. "What's this?"
Theo's expression was unreadable but his voice warm. "I thought it might make the place feel more like home. For both of us."
Daphne blinked, her throat tightening as a wave of emotion surged through her. She reached out, her fingers brushing one of the plant's broad, glossy leaves.
"Do you like to?" Theo asked when she stood silently staring at the plant. "Poor thing will be alone here until your other plants get here."
Daphne slowly pulled her hand away before looking back at him with wide, tear-filled eyes.
"It's perfect," she whispered, her voice breaking. A tear spilled down her cheek, and she laughed softly, wiping it away with the back of her hand. "Theo, this is the best thing you've ever given me."
"Why are you crying?" Theo's eyes searched her face as he stepped forward and placed his hands on her cheeks.
"I don't even know why I'm cryingâ" Daphne laughed. "It's just... you bought me a plant."
"Yeah....so?" Theo asked slowly.
"To welcome me home," Daphne whispered, her voice breaking as more tears filled her eyes. "Somehow that's more special than anything else."
Theo stepped closer, his brows knitting together in a mix of concern and tenderness. "Hey," he said gently, his hand resting on her arm. "You don't have to cry over a plant."
Daphne laughed again, the sound watery but genuine. "No, you don't get it," she said, looking up at him with a radiant, tear-streaked smile. "It's not just a plant. It's... thoughtful, and kind. I'm moving into a home. With you."
Theo's expression softened, and he gave her a small smile.
"I love you," he said simply, his voice low and steady. "Welcome home."
Daphne stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him and burying her face against his chest. Theo stood still for a moment before his arms came around her, holding her tightly.
As they stood there, the penthouse seemed to settle around them, no longer just his, but theirs. And in the corner of the room, the monstera stood as a quiet witness, a small but powerful symbol of a new beginning.
What do you think will happen next with the Silvanos?