Diana - Chapter 284

She hasn’t woken up

Ethan look the opposite of alright, as he stare at the woman who still refused to wake up. It’s been more than 3 month and her stomach is even very obvious that she’s pregnant, yet she didn’t open her eyes.

He has questioned the doctors in fear and was told that she’s perfectly fine and the fetus is developing well.

They’ve changed the patches that support her stomach to a bigger size. The more she remained in a coma while pregnant, the more the doctor increased his coming to the place, since she need more medical attention.

He has grown beard already, as he refused to care for himself. He spend everyday speaking to her and begging her to wake up, since the doctor said she could hear everything he’s saying.

His phone ring, bringing him back to his senses. He reluctantly averted his gaze from Diana and pick the call, since it displayed Chris’s number.

“Hello!” he greeted in a weak tone.

Chris asked if he’s okay and what happened, “she hasn’t woken up.” Ethan said in a broken tone.

Chris cursed in his mind, because Stella doesn’t seem to be in the condition to hear such news about her daughter.

“It’s okay bro.” he said and was already excusing himself from the room, “I will be back, I need to discuss with him.” he said to the four people, who had no choice than to watch him walk further away from them, but to assure them, he didn’t leave the room, but only walk to a far edge.

“Bro calm down. It was a miracle that she survived in the first place, so have faith that she’s going to be fine.” he said.

“I’m scared man.” Ethan said, while his eyes still lingered on Diana.

“Don’t be scared and have faith. There’s a pressing matter here man.” Chris said, beads of perspiration surfacing on her forehead from the stares directed at him.

“What happened?” Ethan asked.

Chris explained to him that Diana’s parents are sick, because they couldn’t locate their daughter and he’s currently at the hospital they are in, right now.

Ethan went silent for a while, before asking him to give the phone to Diana’s mother.

Chris was stunned, because he assumed that he will need to plead with him and gave him excuses on the possible outcome of the situation if something happened to the parents, but everything went smoothly.

He had no idea that Ethan wouldn’t dare deprive Stella the right to see her daughter no matter what. Not after the stories he heard about the woman sacrifice for Diana.

Chris began walking towards them to pass over the phone. Stella sprung towards him immediately and nearly fell down, but was caught by Alex, “calm down.” Alex said,  but her eyes remained glued at Chris.

For some reason, Chris felt his heart broke. He couldn’t help imagine what could have happened if Diana didn’t survive then.

Seeing the parents like this, he felt really bad for them. He has seen Alex on newspaper, so he’s aware of his identity. He had no idea Diana has such influential father.

“He want to speak with you.” Chris who had increased his steps after Stella nearly fell down, said to her and passed her the phone.

Taking the phone from him Stella pressed it to her ear, “is Diana there? I want to speak to her.” she said. She desperately need to listen to her daughter’s voice, before she can be assured completely and make the next step of meeting her.

Ethan took a deep breath, which Stella understood that what’s coming after isn’t going to be very good.

“Can you be strong to hear what I want to say?” he asked.

Stella’s gaze turned sharp immediately, “is she there with you?” she asked.

Ethan replied that she is. For Ethan to be acting this way, only means she’s not in the condition to receive call.

She knew it. That dream isn’t an ordinary dream. Something happened to her daughter, but what?

“She’s alive right?” she asked.

Ethan replied that she is again.

“Tell me what happen to her?” she demanded.

Ethan summarize that she got into an accident, and her condition become critical, but she miraculously survived it. He explained that all surgeries performed on her, were successful, but she ended up in a coma.

Stella was already crying, while Alex who was also listening to Ethan’s voice was on the verge of collapse. He clutched his heart, while Tony quickly held him to take a seat.

“You need to be strong okay?” Tony said, while Alex nodded his head, his tears falling.

The phone was on loud speaker and Chris wondered why Ethan create a different story, but it’s for the better, because elaborating the real reason would only complicate things.

Ethan continued, saying that they shouldn’t worry that she’s under care 24/7 and her condition is stable. She only have to wake up.

Stella nodded her head, “thank you for taking care of her, but I will like to see my daughter.” she said.

There was a pause at the other side, which made Stella heartbeat quicken. “please.” she added.

Ethan was at lost for a minute there. He’s not sure whether to break the news about the pregnancy to them or not.

After assuming that it will be better if they talk about that face to face, instead of doing it on phone, he finally spoke up, “okay.”

Hearing that he’s willing, Stella breath a sigh of relief. Her lost energy refilled itself immediately. She suddenly became the one petting Alex. The fact that her daughter is alive is enough.

She has waited all these while, waiting for a little bit isn’t bad. She only hope she’s fine.

But a part of her couldn’t help but wonder why all this is happening. Why her?  Why can’t the girl be in peace?

While Stella was talking to Alex not to let the news affect his health, Ethan was speaking with Chris, asking if he can give them the location and all, but Chris said he will accompany them to him.

He should just relax and stop worrying.

You two are married?

The next day, at noon.

Hearing the sound of plane landing on the island, Ethan asked the nurse to look after her for a bit, while he head out to receive them.

He got outside the main house and halted his steps, as he saw his parents coming as well. They’ve stepped down from the plane and was coming towards him, with Chris taking the lead.

He dragged his legs and moved closer to them, with his heart beating against his chest. Tony and Melanie frown as they were now standing in front of him.

Chris is not an exception, “dude… ” he couldn’t help but called.

Mel moved closer and held him, tears welling up in her eyes. She couldn’t believe this is her son.

His beards are bushy, barely showing his facial feature. He look like someone else entirely. The dark circles under his eye bags were too obvious to be real. It seem like it was drawn there, but they knew it’s real, as he wouldn’t draw such.

He look so lean, like he hasn’t been eating, while his irises were beat red, with tiny veins visible, if one look into his eyes.

His well built shoulders now look sag. He doesn’t look the same at all.

Melanie shook him with her tears dropping, while Tony frown hard. “what happened to you?” Melanie asked, while Ethan only shook his head and asked that they should go inside.

Stella and Alex remained still, also feeling scared, because they could tell Diana condition must be the reason why Ethan is like this. They had no idea how he look like before, so they couldn’t fathom how much changes, but he did look terrible.

Terrible enough for Alex to not be able to detect the resemblance in him and Nathan. That’s how much he’s changed.

Melanie refused to leave him and kept shaking him, “what’s going on?” she asked again.

“I’m fine mom.” Ethan said.

“you’re not fine, you’re not fine….” she said repeatedly, which breaking down in tears more heavily, whimpering like a little kid.

Even Chris still couldn’t break his gaze from him. He blame himself from leaving him. He should have stay and make sure he’s taking care of his health.

“Mom please, I’m okay.” he said and held her by her shoulder. He began walking inside, while the others followed.

Chris was walking in when he halted his steps and saw Tony rooted at the spot. “uncle, let’s go inside.” he said.

“What happened to him?” Tony asked, looking up to meet Chris’s eyes.

Chris took a deep breath, “he blamed himself for not saving his woman and his unborn child and make them got hurt.” Chris said and watch Tony’s eyes widened.

“Child?” he asked.

“Diana is carrying a child when the accident occurred. She nearly lost the baby, but it managed to survive…” Chris summarize the situation, but didn’t mention what the accident was, just like Ethan.

After listening to everything, Tony finally understood why his son suddenly look like that, but was still shocked with the pregnancy news.

He thanked him and they began walking in after.

Immediately they got inside the room where Diana and the nurse were, they all pursed in their steps.

Stella, Alex and Melanie’s eyes traced Diana figure from head to toes. Her bangs were neatly arranged on her forehead, with beautiful hairpin adorning them, while her hair were combed all the way, and resting on the left part of her chest, reaching down to her stomach area.

Their eyes lingered on her tummy, before Melanie broke the silence, “she… .she’s… pregnant.” she stammered, now understanding why Ethan look like he has lost his mind.

Stella and Alex look at Ethan’s finger, where a matching ring with the one on Diana’s finger, but in bigger size beautifully circled around his finger.

Aside from that, they were putting on the same outfit. If they haven’t heard about what happened, they will never agree that their daughter that’s lying right there is sick.

Except her pale skin, she look like she’s sleeping. Her pregnancy has improved her lean figure, which made her not so thin like before.

Ethan was looking down at his feet, when Stella spoke up, “you two are married?” she asked.

“Y.. yes.” Ethan stammered.

Stella took a deep breath and began walking towards Diana, same with Melanie, who still couldn’t believe she’s going to be a grandma soon.

Alex asked Ethan to let them have a chat, which they did. Just like Tony maturely inquired. Alex also demanded that Ethan should tell him the whole story.

Ethan explained everything to him, because he recalled that Diana told him her father knew about her involvement in the organization and all.

Ethan apologize for being incompetent and all, but Alex said he should be the one thanking him for loving his daughter unconditionally and was there for her, when they are not.

He told him not to feel bad, and even use himself as an example to calm him. He told him that if someone should feel bad and commit suicide, it should be him.

He asked him if he had heard his story with Shane and Ethan nodded his head. Like a father, he pet him and let him know that the best way to make up for one’s incompetent is to do ones best to make the person happy.

He made him realize that Diana won’t be happy if he sees him this way, so it’s better to make her wake up into a beautiful world, instead of a sad one….

Ethan wasn’t expecting this at all. His neck remained sag in front of him, as his tears dropped, while Alex pat his shoulder.

Tony who has gotten to the scene after speaking with Chris and was told Ethan and Alex went to talk, has went after them and managed to hear almost all they discussed.

“Thank you so much Alex.” Tony said from behind, making the duo’s head snapped towards his direction.

Alex smiled softly, “it’s fine.” he said and pat Ethan’s shoulder, “congratulations by the way.” he said to Ethan and excuse the father and son.

Stella leaned and touch her cheek to Diana’s own to feel her warmth. The day she has been waiting for. The day she’s staring at her daughter with peace of mind, instead of fearing that a psycho is watching from a corner and might hurt her child.

Melanie also held her palm and was still staring at her stomach.

Stella also stare at it and smile. “I hope you can be a better mother than I am to you baby.” she said and took a deep sigh.

Melanie stare at her friend and shook her head, “don’t say that Stella. You’re a good mother and you did your best for your child.” she said.

“I wasn’t a part of her life Mel.” Stella broke into tears, looking at Melanie in the eyes. “she’s going to be a mother, start her own family, but I’m just meeting her. She’s no longer a girl I can cuddle and shower with warmth, she will be busy doing all that for her own family from now on, she’s grown and I didn’t play any role in her growing up.” Stella cried more loudly, as she pour her heart out.

“She’s alive and will be able to do all that because of your sacrifice Stella. Don’t break down now, because she will need you more than you can imagine. It’s not over, it’s just the beginning.” Melanie said.

While they were talking, a drop of tears rolled down Diana’s face, vertically down to her earlobe, which went unnoticed by them.

Stella’s hand slowly reach for Diana’s stomach and caress it gently, while Ethan and the others came in at that moment.

For the first time, Ethan forget the guilt about selfishly asking for the baby to be kept. It seems everyone is happy with it.

He’s the first to notice the drop of tears as they move closer. Everyone was stunned as he rushed towards her. He touch the liquid and felt it all the way to her eye, to confirm if he’s dreaming or not.

After almost three month, she finally showed a reaction. “she cried.” Ethan muttered softly, while he rushed out towards the doctor’s quarter. He’s glad the man has increased his staying and was still around.

They were all happy that Diana showed a reaction, but a part of them worried about Ethan. They doubt if he’s going to remain sane if Diana stay too long to wake up.

The way he reacted a while ago, was like none of them existed. It’s like Diana is the only one he’s seeing in the room.

Stella and Alex already understood a lot about being in a coma, which is why they weren’t as freaked out as Ethan. They pray she wake up soon and not take too long, but who know she’s going to react on the day they arrive.

Meanwhile, Diana who was unconscious believed that Ethan is dead. The fact that she was defeated means she lost, and Austin has promised to I kept Ethan with that zombie virus.

She didn’t want to witness all that. Hearing Ethan’s voice and many more, we’re like hallucinations to her. She’s determined to remain in her dream world, not wanting to wake up into the dreadful reality, where Ethan is no more.

When she heard Stella’s words, she recalled that she promised the woman that they will meet again and many more recollection about the woman’s sacrifice for her and all, which was what brings forth the drop of tears.

While Ethan went to fetch the doctor, Stella began communicating with her. Telling her to wake up that she’s carrying a child and shouldn’t hurt it by refusing to open her eyes.

She said lots of things, and even got to Ethan’s part, saying that he’s suffering because he couldn’t handle seeing her this way.

Another tear escape her eyes, which everyone noticed these time. Chris also rush out after Ethan to tell them another tears came out. He can’t wait to have his friend back.

Diana wondered if Ethan was really alive and she has been ignoring all his pleading for her to please wake up since all these while, assuming them to be hallucination.

Stella wiped Diana’s tears and gently caress her face, “mom is here baby, please wake up. There are lots of things we need to talk about.” she said, placing a soft kiss on her forehead.

30 minutes later, everyone were outside the room, while the doctor and the nurse were inside, examining Diana.

Ethan pace back and forth, like a husband waiting outside the labour room for his wife to deliver, while everyone couldn’t take their eyes off him.

Melanie didn’t feel good about his condition at all, but they knew whatever they told him wouldn’t get into his ear, unless Diana wake up.

The door opened and the doctor finally came out. Within a blink of an eye, Ethan was already standing in front of him.

Stella would should be all emotional, couldn’t compare to this young man at all. She’s glad he loves her daughter, but also worried for him.

The way his body his shaking alone is worrisome. At the end, they stay behind and let him approach the doctor alone, while they look at their direction, waiting for the good news.

“So…..” Ethan held his fist tight and look into the man’s eyes. He doubt if he could handle any bad news this time.

The doctor smile at him and ask him to put his mind at rest. Ethan shook his head I’m denial. That’s what he’s been hearing from the man since all these while.

The doctor continued, by asking him to get the wheelchair they prepared for her to the room, as she might wake up anytime from now.

Ethan breath heavily, while the rest of the people let out a sigh of relief.

The doctor said that he will need to leave the next day to get some drugs for her, so that her moving around from now won’t affect the fetus.

“Thank you so much.” Ethan said, and dashed inside. He rushed towards her and held her hands in his own, giving it a gentle squeeze and peck her lips softly.

A smile blossom on his face, as he stare at the devices displaying her heart rate and others. He has stared at them far enough to realize there’s finally a changes.

The rest of the crew has came in and was watching him. Stella find herself being a normal onlooker, while Alex disappeared in the background.

They wonder just how much these two love each other for Ethan to be acting like this.

His head snapped towards them,  and they all find themselves holding their breath. He smile at them and gently place Diana’s hand on the bed.

He stood up and walk towards them, “please look after her for a while, I need to shave.” he said and walk out of the room.