Forgotten Luca (The Four 1)

I went around the bed and grabbed Gio's wheelchair. I pushed it to the side of the bed and said, "Get in. We’re going for a ride."

The teenager shot me a dark look, but I didn't care. I put on my best stern expression and said, "Get in the chair, Nick." When he didn't move, I added, "It's a beautiful day outside. Violet's going to be leaving soon and I want every moment I spend with her to be one she’ll remember, so we’re going outside to the playground so she can play in the sandbox because it's one of her favorite things to do." I kept my expression firm even as I wondered if I was allowed to take Gio outside. It wasn't like he could run away, since his legs weren't strong enough yet.

It became a standoff and I instinctively knew it was one of those things that if I backed down, I'd lose any progress I'd made with Gio. I reminded myself he was still just a child and needed rules and boundaries. I crossed my arms in what I hoped was an "I can do this for as long as you can" look.

I had no idea how long he held out for, but when he let out a huff and then began swinging his legs over the side of the bed, I wanted to do a victory dance. But I acted like it was no big deal and did my best to help him get into the chair. I pushed him around the bed and stopped next to the chair Violet was sitting in. I scooped her up and then deposited her on Gio's lap. I wasn't sure who was more surprised, Gio or Violet. I silently begged Violet not to freak out. Her wide eyes stared at Gio as he stared at her. I gave the wheelchair a tiny push and found myself hiding my smile when Gio's hands automatically came up to hold the little girl so she wouldn't fall off the chair.

By the time we reached the hallway, Violet was babbling about nothing in particular and was trying to show Gio the doll Marilyn had brought for her. Gio didn't speak, but he did nod his head as the toddler showed him the doll’s movable limbs.

Fortunately, none of the nurses tried to stop us when we left the building. Gio actually squinted when we went out into the sunlight, but I also sensed him relaxing a bit. Maybe I was imagining that last part, but maybe not. I was just going to keep going with the flow to see what happened.

Violet began to wiggle with excitement when she saw the sandbox. Gio managed to hold on to her and he even told her a couple times that we were almost there. I quickened my stride and got us to the sandbox and put Violet down so she could play. Then I maneuvered the wheelchair to the bench and locked the brakes. I sat down next to Gio and just enjoyed watching Violet do her thing.

"Where is she going?" Gio asked out of the blue. I was so surprised that I actually stared at him for a moment. I gave myself a mental kick so I could answer him.

"Her great-aunt has come to get her. I can't remember if I told you, but Luca found her a few weeks ago. She's the only relative left, but luckily she wants to take care of Violet."

When Gio didn't respond, I was certain the question was just a one-time thing, but after another minute he said, "You don't want her?"

"I do," I said. "But it's not about what I want. It's about what's best for Violet. And I'm not what's best for her."

"Why not?"

"I'm not ready to be a parent," I admitted. "When you have kids, you're committing to something that’s so much bigger than yourself. Your entire life becomes about them and that's the way it should be. I'm still trying to figure things out and it wouldn't be fair to Violet. She deserves someone who's going to be there for her one hundred percent.”

There was another long round of silence, but I didn't pressure Gio to speak. As far as I was concerned, we’d had our little miracle for the day. More than one, actually. I couldn't wait to tell Luca that Gio had not only agreed to go outside, but that he’d spoken as well. I wouldn't tell Luca what Gio and I had actually talked about, but he'd be beyond elated to know that his son had taken those tiny steps.

"Kurt wanted kids," Gio murmured softly. I hadn't expected him to bring up his abuser. I reminded myself that he still saw the man as his husband, as the love of his life.

"Was that something you wanted?" I asked casually.