Chapter 46: Chapter 46: Hospital Visit

Chapter 46:

Hospital Visit

"...Thank you," Selene whispered softly, "For bringing such a kind, devoted son into this world. He's a good man. Stubborn, but I don't mind."

Delilah's breathing was ragged as always, and of course there was no response. Selene had just finished with her treatment. Though, it was always an ongoing process. Various tubes and machinery were hooked up to her in order to keep her alive and the Mana Degeneration in control.

Doctor Gerard had helped her, as he always did. Every day they had to give her a special injection of concentrated mana mixed with a substance known as "Aetherium Vitae". It was discovered several centuries ago, but only in the last century has it been truly involved in medicine and other areas of science.

Looking at Delilah now, Selene had but a single thought. "...He looks like her." She smiled softly, noticing the similarities between them. She wondered what his father looked like, but that only brought anger into her heart. No matter what he looked like, or who he was, it didn't change the fact he was their abuser.

Placing a gentle hand over Delilah's, Selene held it carefully. It was so frail that she felt she would break it with the slightest touch. "This woman brought Jace into the world..." A tenderness entered her heart.

"He loves you," She told her, smiling gently, "I'm sure you'd be proud of him...unlike my parents. Though, I'm not sure why I'm telling you this."

She found herself talking to this woman who she really didn't know. She found herself wanting to talk to her like Jace did. To inform her of what was going on. Was it because she was Jace's mother? Or was it the need and want for a mother like her?

"I think...Jace would want me to talk to you," Selene continued holding her hand even as she pulled her blanket higher to ensure her warmth, "I hope to see him again soon. Though, I hope the day you get to see him comes sooner than later."

Selene realized then that she wanted this woman to recognize her. The reason she talked to her was as a way to feel closer with Jace, but also to grow closer to her. The woman who brought him into this world and raised him.

The stories she heard of her were inspiring. She was a mother who did everything she could to protect her child. Of course, there was the difficulty of leaving her husband. "Is that why my mother..." Selene wondered for a moment before dismissing it. Even if that was true, it wasn't something she could address right now.

"I hope to meet you soon. Properly, of course, once you recover," Selene told her, determination entering her, "Which...you will recover. I love your son, and will do everything in my power to ensure you recover. Please, hold in there."

Just as Selene was about to release her, there was a sudden strength holding firmly to her hand. It was Delilah. Though she was still in a coma, there were stories of people still hearing things around them. "It could also just be a muscle spasm..." Selene reasoned, not wanting to get her hopes up.

Even so, Selene felt as if she had been heard. If that was the case, her heart was full of joy at the prospect that Jace's mother approved. One day, she hoped to get a more concrete answer.

As her hand slowly released Selene's, she made sure Delilah was comfortable before heading to retrieve Liana and Balek. They had been waiting while the treatment was being handled. Now was the time for them to meet.

-----

"Vesela?" Selene called to them by last name, as was the protocol.

Liana and Balek looked up at their mention. It was the first time Selene had seen him outside of his work clothes. After all, frequenting Radiance, Selene had seen him several times before. This, however, would be the first she actually interacted with him.

He wore rather simply clothing, and it amused her to see how closely it resembled Jace. "I guess I know where he gets his fashion from..." Balek wore cargo pants and a large, hooded sweatshirt over his muscular frame. Jace often wore similar clothing, though with a bit more of a parkour style.

"Yes," Balek answered their name, "That's us."

"I'm Marian, the nurse in charge of Delilah," Selene introduced herself, looking between the two of them, "You two are family of the patient, correct?"

Balek looked to Liana, suddenly uncertain.

"Y-Yes?" Balek crossed his arms, almost defiantly, "We were told you knew."

"Come on, father," Liana elbowed him in the side, "She's just doing her job by asking questions."

"O-Oh..." Almost sheepishly, Balek backed down, uncrossing his arms, "Sorry, I guess I'm just a bit nervous..."

"That's quite alright," Selene told him, smiling politely, "Please, if you'll follow me right this way, I'll take you to her."

Exchanging a secretive look with Liana, the both of them smiled to each other. "So...she went through with it." Selene could tell by the change in Liana's demeanor that things have gone well for her and Jace. She was glad, only a little bit impatient to see him again herself.

"Have you visited her before?" Selene inquired as they made their way through the quiet halls.

"...Unfortunately, no," Balek grumbled sadly, "We never had the chance before."

"I see..." Selene stopped before the door to her room, no other patients or doctors walking around.

This was a private wing for important patients. Which meant security and privacy. Noise was to be kept to a minimum.

"Then, allow me to warn you," Selene locked eyes with him, her expression and words serious, "If you've never seen Mana Degeneration in its latest stages...You may not recognize her."

Balek's face hardened, his jaw clenching. Not out of anger, but of steeling himself.

"I've known Delilah for years," Balek stated solemnly, "She's family. I'd recognize her no matter what."

His words were normal for those visiting patients. However, hearing them sounded quite sincere. There was emotion in them that wasn't fake. It only reaffirmed to Selene that those around Jace were more genuine than any of the people she's ever met.

"Still," Balek continued, taking a deep breath, "Thank you...for the warning. Please, can we go in?"

"Of course," Selene nodded, turning towards the door with her badge.

With a swipe of her badge, the door unlocked and into the dim light of the room they went.

-----

Despite the warning, the reality was still hard to face. Liana had always been there for Jace through everything. She thought she understood him. Understood the pain he was going through. After all, she was there with her own mother while she was on her deathbed.

Yet, as Liana saw Delilah now, she felt as if everything she thought was a lie. The black veins twisted under her skin, strangling her from within. They pulsed with a sickening slowness. She was emaciated to the point Liana had a hard time realizing it was a person, and not a corpse in the bed.

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The only thing telling her that she was alive, was the ragged breathing. Liana remembered her as a vibrant, beautiful woman with long, golden hair like Jace. She was always such a delight, even going through the abuse that her ex-husband put her through.

"Quentin..." The name even said in her head felt like ash upon her. Leaving a sour, disgusting taste in her mouth. The things he did to both Jace and his mother were horrific. The amount of times Liana treated burn marks and cuts were too many to count.

It's a miracle that Jace lived long enough to do anything about him, let alone Delilah. The bruises and broken bones were still fresh in Liana's mind. Despite all of that, Delilah was always wearing such a bright smile. Jace, on the other hand put on a tough face. Hiding his pain beneath an apathetic exterior.

"I never realized..." Liana slowly made her way over to Delilah, approaching with care and reverence. This was the worst state she ever saw her in. Jace was visiting her every day, alone. Watching as she deteriorated more and more.

"You're a stubborn fool..." Liana thought about Jace, her heart filled with emotions. "You didn't have to come alone..." Though she didn't hold that against him. He knew better now, and she now knew he wasn't just keeping them at bay. He was protecting them.

You might ask yourself why, or from what, but the evidence was clear before her now. He was keeping them from seeing his mother become something less than what they remembered. To preserve the good memories in their minds. To remember her for what she was, not what she is now.

However, that alone was foolish. Instead of them all sharing that burden, he took it upon himself. Liana now understood just what he was going through these past seven years. "You're indeed a stubborn fool, but...." Reaching a hand out to the frail one of Delilah, Liana held it gently. "Delilah, your son is in good hands now. I won't let him fall again."

Balek made his way over to Liana, placing a heavy, comforting hand on her shoulder. Smiling in appreciation up at him, the two of them looked at her for a good moment in silence. They took everything in as they both realized just what Jace took upon himself.

"That stubborn child..." Balek finally mumbled, shaking his head, "He saw her decline all this time...holding it all in."

"Yeah," Liana nodded, speaking quietly, "No wonder he broke down...I'll be honest, dad. I'm surprised he made it so long."

"...I guess he's tougher than we all gave him credit for," Balek sounded impressed, but there was a sadness hidden deep in his words.

"Still a fool," Liana stated defiantly, glancing towards Selene in the guise of Marian.

The two of them exchanging an understanding look. They both knew who Jace was, though Liana was impressed by how quickly Selene understood and learned more about him. He was definitely in better hands now, but no longer would they let him bear burdens alone.

"That may be," Balek mused, "But, now he has you girls. I almost feel sorry for him."

"He'll be fine," Liana smiled mischievously, though turned her attention to Delilah with a tender expression, "So, don't worry, Delilah...We'll take care of him, so you focus on recovering, alright?"

"...She's in good hands," Selene finally spoke up, her words quiet though respectful, "I will do everything in my power to ensure her recovery."

Liana saw her father eye her, as if measuring her words. She knew her father had always thought of Jace and Delilah as family. Nadine and Delilah were so close that they may have been one person. Every time her mother talked about Delilah; it was with a love that ran so deep she wondered if her father would have had any chance if Delilah didn't disappear.

"Or...He'd have had his hands even more full than with mother," Liana found the thought amusing, but things turned out this way. In a way, she was grateful. Otherwise Jace may have never been born if Delilah stayed. Maybe even being her actual brother. "That...would have made things weird." Liana shook that thought away.

Even though he grew up like one, he wasn't her brother. He was more than that. It was only a shame it came at the cost of such a life. To live the way they did had to have been terrifying. Liana was reminded of all of that while seeing Delilah.

"So, are you going to tell her?" Balek asked Liana teasingly, "Or just that you'll take care of him?"

"...Shut up," Liana blushed, flustering about, "I'll tell her..."

Selene smiled knowingly, a gentle smile. Liana was grateful they didn't complicate anything. It made everything so much easier.

"Delilah..." Liana whispered, bringing her fragile hand up to hold in both of hers, "I finally confessed to Jace. I know you knew...Everyone but him knew, but now...he's fully aware, and I plan to keep it that way. In fact, he has several people who love him."

The only response was ragged breathing, but that was fine. She only needed to listen. The atmosphere was somber, yet held a warmth to it. A love that was familiar. "...Mother?" Looking around, Liana couldn't see her, but wondered if she was there.

Jace had told her the dead often anchored to places of importance. Sometimes those places were people. It comforted her knowing her mother might be nearby, watching over them.

"Thank you," Liana smiled lovingly, "For bringing such an amazing young man into my life, and for being such an amazing woman. I can't wait to talk to you again. To see your bright smile."

Out of the corner of her eye, Liana caught Selene's eye. A silent conversation being had between them, with Selene shifting her eyes away coyly. An amused grin spread across Liana's face as she realized that Selene had said a similar thing to Delilah. "Yes, he's definitely in good hands."

"Father, do you have anything to say?" Liana looked up at him, to which he nodded.

"Yes, I have so much..." Her father smiled, though the pain behind it was real, "I don't know where to start. First thing first is...I miss you. You always brightened the room. Nadine always talked about you, and I know she wouldn't want you to join her just yet."

Her father stepped around Liana, and with very careful hands took hers from Liana, and placed it back under the blanket to ensure her warmth. He was always a tender person. One of the things her mother always called him was the "Timid Brute". He could fight with the best of them but would rather talk than throw his fists.

"I've done everything I could..." Balek whispered softly, "To ensure I filled in for both you and Nadine, but...I am only one person, and no one can replace either of you. Still, Jace has become a fine young man. He's still growing, but he's learning."

She could hear him holding back tears as he spoke. She placed a comforting hand upon his wide back, receiving a grateful smile from him.

"It's hard being a single father, I won't lie," He chuckled softly, "And as much as I wouldn't change anything for the world...I can't wait for the day you return to us. I know Nadine, my love, is watching over us. She has to be, right?"

Liana's heart tore at her, for he still didn't know how true that statement was.

"I can't replace either of you," He stated, but held himself strong, "But I will do my best for all our kids. Jace is my son. Liana is my daughter. The two of them are finally together. He has his hands full, but...I survived, so I'm sure he will too."

"Dad!" Liana slapped his back, causing them both to chuckled, "Come on you, sap. You've done amazing. Truly, father. So, don't sell yourself short."

"...Thanks, sweetie," He smiled, nodding in appreciation towards her, "Well, with that being said, I don't want to take up too much of your time. You have to rest, Delilah. Return to us soon, yeah?"

Standing straight, her father collected himself. Taking a deep breath he readied himself, and with a nod to Liana, the both of them were escorted out by Selene. It was a somber visit, but one filled with love and warmth.

As Liana stepped past the threshold of the room, she felt that familiar feeling stay behind. She smiled to herself, knowing her mother was there, watching over Delilah. There was a love there that ran deep, so she may have her own words to say to her. Content with the visit, Liana held her head proudly, impatient to return home.

-----

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