"I'm gonna make it up this mountain, make it to the top."

— Faouzia

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Mr. Vasquez, I must caution you about something." The doctor says. "The drug is not out if the system yet and we don't know who long the symptoms last. Her heartbeat is still very low but I think she is mentally receptive. We didn't give her any morphine."

He further explains, "It probably means she can hear you so make sure you don't say something that will make her stressed or underscored. Talk about all good things. Make her fight for her life. This our only hope now." He frowns. "She's on a ventilator, Mr. Vasquez. Don't let her condition get to you. It's just to help her breathe until her heartbeat gets to normal."

"She also has other injuries," he adds opening a folder. "Hairline fracture but no sign of brain swelling. Broken ribs, split forehead, minor damage to the lung and a some contusions all around the body. Her two nails were also damaged."

I can't hear any more.

"That's how I found out she was alive. She scratched the ground." I point to the door, "Can I?"

"Sure, just remember what I told you."

I hesitate opening the door but when I do the sight in front make me want to die there and then. Especially when I know it's my fault.

There on the bed she lies peacefully. One pipe is going down her throat while the other through her nose. A bottle of blood. Many many wires attached to her chest to monitor her breathing and heartbeat.

I take shaky steps towards her and sit in the chair, there is a bruise on the side of her jaw but she's still beautiful.

I take her hand on which there is clip with a wire attached. I bring it to my mouth and press a kiss to it.

"Hi, baby." My voice is a broken whisper. "You gave me a huge scare, Bella."

I hear nothing but the beeping of the fucking machine next to me.

I can't kiss her. I can't touch her.

"You just have to wake up now Victoria and come back to me." I kiss her hand, "I miss you. So much."

"Even my dad misses you but he probably won't admit it. He's so stubborn almost like you." I laugh but tears come to my eyes. "My strong, brave, beautiful girl."

I press my forehead against her hand but can't help the tears that follow.

"Please come back to me."

You should go home and freshen up." Mom says.

"I'm not leaving her side mom."

She rubs my back, "It's been two days honey. You should go get a nice bath and a proper meal. We will be here for her."

How can I leave her here? "Mom, I can't. I am not leaving this place unless it's with her."

Mom holds my ear and twists it, "Okay. Enough is enough! Get up!"

"Ow! Mom!"

"You will get up and go come. This is not a request!" She twists it harder.

"Okay. Okay, jeez woman." I stand up and she releases my ear.

"I'm calling Amara so he makes sure you eat." She taps a few times on her phone and holds it to her ear. "Hello dear... Christian is coming... Make sure he eats properly after he has showered... Yes tell Francis to shove the food down his throat if he has to... Good, thank you."

She glares at me. I don't like angry Karla. When was the last time she was angry at me? I don't remember.

"Go home and do as you're told and remember," she narrows her eyes at me, "You are still old enough for a spanking."

My cheeks burn, "Mom!"

"Go." She points at the door.

I huff and kiss Victoria on the forehead before leaving. She's still on the damn ventilator.

I ignore the complacent look on mom's face and make way outside. I start my car and leave for the house with three cars following me. Damn security!

Matteo is still on the loose. We had it all wrong. Luigi is not controlling fucking Matteo. Matteo is regulating Luigi.

In no time I'm outside my house. After parking my car I dart into shower the to take a shower. The quicker I take a shower. The quicker I will be back with Victoria.

I lock my bedroom door and start stripping throwing my clothes all over the place. I laugh, it's enough to give Victoria a panic attack.

I open the warm water on the shower and wait. I think about Victoria. According to the doctor she's doing well. Her vitals are all good but she still can't start breathing on her own.

The doctors can't tell how long the after effects of the drug will stay. They haven't tested it on anyone. The thing we know is that this drug is very recent and dominant.

Luigi financed in making this drug. I didn't even go close to that old hag, knowing I will eradicate him. Dad dealt with him.

When I finally stand under the hot water I finally realize how much I needed it. It relaxes my muscles to the core. I stand under it doing nothing for a solid fifteen minutes. I make sure to use lots of shampoo and body wash knowing how much Victoria loves the smell. Sometimes when she misses me she uses my body wash and shampoo because it makes her feel safe.

I remember thinking how much I love this girl when she told me this.

I finally get out of the shower feeling fresh. I dry myself and wrap the towel around my waist going into my closet. When I reach my dress shirt my eyes catch a pair of jeans. I pick it up and laugh knowing these are the same jeans Victoria tried so hard to make me try them on.

I smile at the memory and pull these on with my Polo Ralph boxers. I notice the rip on the knee that I didn't before. It's so Victoria. That girl is crazy for clothes and dressing up.

I don't remember seeing her her in the same clothes she wore before. She has this many clothes but always complains that she doesn't have anything to wear.

When do girls not complain about their clothes? Never.

I look for a T-shirt in the dresser and pull out a white one. It's tight in the arms and a perfect fit everywhere else.

I bet Victoria bought this.

I look around for some casual shoes if I have any and surprisingly (not) come across three shoe boxes at the bottom with converse of my size.

I towel dry my hair and leave them in a messy state not bothering to spend unnecessary time on them. I grab my wallet, cell and keys and put them in my jeans.

I get out of the room locking it behind me. I walk downstairs to the dinning hall to have a chow and as expected both Amara and Francis are waiting for me.

Amara giggles looking at my outfit, "You finally wore these clothes I see."

I look down at my attire and smile, "I guess I need a rest from my everyday life."

"I understand man. I needed the same that's why I've been pigging out." Francis laughs.

"We are having pizza today." Amara tells me. "Fuck fancy dishes."

I relax. "That's exactly what I wanted."

Pizza is an Italian dish but it's the dish you will hardly see in this house.

We eat in a peaceful silence but the tension is still there. We are all worried about Victoria. With the doctors but knowing what is going to happen next makes everything even more difficult.

But everyone is doing well and not focusing on the bad but we all have so much hope for Victoria that we believe this hope and optimism is going to make her feel better and bring her back to us.

We have started testing the drug on one of our men who volunteered himself. I was not okay with the idea due to Victoria's condition but he insisted. He's under observation and we don't know if he will survive or not.

His condition is not worse as Victoria's because he wasn't beaten up before given a dose of the drug. The other injuries are the reason she is on a ventilator. The doctor thinks the broken ribs and damaged lung was caused by kicks. The hairline fracture was probably because she hit her head in something hard.

I couldn't listen anymore so I went out of the room but my dad listened and didn't bother to tell me.

I gulp down my water feeling satisfied. I downed the whole pizza in one go. Damn, it feels good. I stand up to leave for the hospital again but Amara's voice stops me.

"I want to come along as well."

I shrug, "Okay."

"I'm ready. Let's go." She retrieves her purse from the back of the chair.

My phone rings in my pocket. It's Rico. "Hello?"

"Christian man," His voice full of panic.

Shit.

"It's Victoria."

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This chapter is dedicated to . Thank you for commenting on my book and your support. It means the world to me.