[a/n : title is from Comeback by the Jonas Brothers]
"Good morning Mommy!" The three year old came up to Nini and gave her a hug. Nini, having just gone out of the shower, was caught off guard by the sweet boy, but couldn't help but hug him back.
"Honey, I'm still in my towel and my hair's still wet, you're gonna soak your shirt." She kissed the tip of his nose making him giggle. "Good morning to you, too by the way. What's got you so excited bud?"
"Daddy says I can't tell."
Nini heard some anxious footsteps and soon Ricky had appeared from the corner and immediately covered Joel's mouth with his hand.
"It's a surprise." Ricky smiled. "We can't ruin the surprise."
Nini looked suspiciously between the two boys. They're up to something, and she's not sure she wants to know.
"Hurry up and change, babe. We're going out for breakfast."
"I picked the place!" Joel said muffled by Ricky's hand.
"Did you now?" Nini asked ruffling his hair, "Well, then I can't wait to see what's in store for today."
"Chop chop, Nini. We don't have all day."
"Fine."
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For breakfast they had pancakes and bacon, which was something Nini made every other day, guess that's what you get for letting a 3 year old decide. They were great pancakes to be fair. Ricky and Joel had apparently divided their to do lists. Ricky would come up with activities and places to visit, and Joel was in charge of the food. Nini wondered if they were gonna have American food all day, and Ricky simply said : "Wait till you see what's for lunch."
Afterward they visited the Sagrada Familia, it was truly a masterpiece and seeing it from the balcony is so different from seeing it in up close like this. It was really nice to walk around like this. Ricky had Joel on his shoulders and Nini looped her arm into his. They passed by a bunch of street musicians and Joel was extremely enticed.
"Daddy can we listen for a while."
"Of course, bud."
"Can I get down?"
Soon as Ricky let him down the boy started dancing attracting the attention of some tourists that passed by. Nini leaned her head on Ricky's shoulder as they watched Joel's performance.
"He's so confident I don't know which one of us he got it from.." Nini said sighing. Her little boy was not little anymore.
"Well. Between the two of us, he definitely didn't get it from me ... I'm Mr Insecure.. So he probably got it from you, babe."
"I don't know about that." Nini said. "He's gonna be four soon, babe."
"Let's have a party. I'll come visit and surprise him."
"Yes please. Any excuse to see you." Nini kissed his lips. "So... for real, babe.. where are we having lunch?"
"My lips are sealed."
"Mommy, Daddy.. let's gooo! stop being gross.."
Nini responded by planting a big sloppy kiss on his rosy cheeks. The boy shuddered in disgust.
Ricky chuckled watching the two of them and took his hand, while Nini took the other as they strolled through the streets of Barcelona.
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Nini's fears were confirmed when they got to their lunch spot. Nothing is more American than McDonald's. As expected, Joel ordered the happy meal with nuggets and got himself a toy. He even went as far as to ask Nini if they could go to McDonald's again tomorrow so he could collect another toy. She pretended not to hear while Ricky gave her a sly look.
"So what's next on our agenda ?" Nini asked. "Texas style barbecue?"
"It's actually tradition. We used to just sit and chill at the park. Have some strawberry ice cream. So after this we're gonna ride bikes through Parc de la Ciutadella." Ricky said holding her hand, "I even rented a little bike seat for this guy.. you wanna ride with mommy or daddy?"
"Umm.." Nini loved his adorable little face and how he had his tongue out when he was thinking hard. "Mommy. Cause today is mommy's day."
"Okay bud. We're gonna be a team." She kissed his forehead and stuck out her tongue at Ricky.
"This isn't a competition." Ricky said, "It's family time. We're all one team!"
"Ok daddy. But mommy and I are going to win."
"Win what?!" Ricky asked incredulously, "There's no prize."
Nini laughed at how serious Ricky was taking this. "Come on, let's get going... I want that ice cream.."
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Nini was absolutely exhausted. It was a particularly sunny (and beautiful) day, and they'd just biked for an hour. Joel was super happy though, so it was worth it.
"Daddy, can we bike again tomorrow?"
"Only if your mom is up for it." Ricky said laughing, "Maybe earlier in the morning or later at night so we wont be under the sun."
"How about... you ask me again tomorrow, babe?" Nini handed Joel a bottle of cold water, "You might change your mind later. We've still got a lot to explore in this city."
"Yeah! Like that other McDonald's we passed by earlier." Joel said cheerily. The kid loves McNuggets.
"Right.. We'll explore all the McDonald's this city has to offer."
"Hey look! That guy's selling ice cream." Ricky beamed from ear to ear. "You guys stay here, I'm getting us three strawberry ice creams."
Later on when asked about it, Nini couldn't really recall what happened. One minute Ricky was getting ice cream, and the next thing you know he was on the ground screaming in pain. It all happened in a blur, and Nini had to have one of the onlookers tell her that Ricky had been hit by a motorbike as he was queueing.
She went into panic mode, immediately picking up Joel and rushing to Ricky's side. There was blood but Nini pretended not to see it. Someone had called an ambulance, and a policeman had come around to get the crowd to stand back and give them some space. In her arms Joel was crying from the shock and chaos of the situation. But she made sure to turn him away so he didn't see, and then her sole focus was on Ricky.
"It's okay, babe." She tried her best not to tremble, but it was hard when she saw him in pain. She caressed his face with her hand. "It's gonna be okay."
Ricky's face contorted in pain and then relaxed ever so slightly. Nini could tell he was trying to hold it in for her sake.
"It's gonna be okay, Neens." He managed to say. Then his eyes started to close and Nini panicked.
"Baby, stay with me. Listen, the medics are coming, Rick." Nini said frantically, "They're gonna take care of you, okay..."
"Okay."
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"He's doing okay. He has some really bad bruises, cuts and a concussion." The nurse said in a thick Spanish accent. "He's lucky."
By the time Ricky was out of the ER, Joel had calmed down and was asleep in Nini's arms. Soon as she entered the room, she laid him down on the sofa, and waited for her husband to wake up.
They'd given him some painkillers so he could sleep comfortably. He was bandaged all over, and Nini could see the blue and purple from where he was hit.
Nini took out her phone to pick up a call from Red. She'd let him know the news as soon as they took Ricky to the hospital and he was probably worried.
"Hey."
"Neens. Any updates?"
"The doctors said he's fine. A concussion, lots of cuts and bruises, but other than that... he's gonna be alright."
"Good. Great." Red sighed in relief. "How's Joel?"
"He's asleep right now. But I think he was really scared by the whole situation."
"Poor guy.. he must be really shaken up." Red said, "How are you, though?"
"Well, he's gonna be okay, so I'm okay."
Just then she heard Ricky stir in his sleep.
"Red, I gotta go. I think Ricky's waking up."
"Ok well call me if you need anything, Neens."
"I will. Thank you."
"Nini?" Ricky had woken up and Nini felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She knew he was gonna be fine, but the sight of him in that hospital bed made her heart ache.
"Hi baby." Nini held his hand in hers. "How do you feel?"
"... fuzzy."
"Well, it's probably the pain killers and the concussion."
"I don't remember what happened.." Ricky said, "I was getting ice cream."
"A motorbike ran into you. The police told me motorbikes weren't even supposed to be at the park, so it was just an irresponsible driver." Nini kissed his knuckles. "The doctors said you'll be okay."
"How's Joel?" Ricky asked sadly.
"He's scared I guess. He's really worried about you..But I'll handle it. He's asleep now."
"I'm sorry."
"What could you possibly be sorry for?"
"It was supposed to be your day. I wanted it to be special for you, and you didn't even get your ice cream."
Nini couldn't believe this guy. He got hit by a motorbike and he was worried about strawberry ice cream?! Must be that concussion.
"Don't worry about that. It was a special day, babe. And it's not your fault. You were in an accident."
"I know but.. I hate that there's this pattern where you always end up taking care of me."
"I love taking care of you." She kissed his temple gently making sure not to hurt him. "You take care of me. I take care of you. It's how we've always been."
Ricky smiled softly but Nini could tell he was still upset about the day not going as planned.
"Ok, tell me what we were gonna do next after the ice cream."
"It was the grand finale. Iwas gonna make you perform at the park."
"What? I thought this was a day for me. Why am I the one performing?!"
"Because you're so humble, and you love to be behind the scenes. I just want everyone to see how amazing you are... and you haven't serenaded me in a while."
"Well. It's hard to when we're not in the same continent half the time. But it's a sweet thought baby... what song did you want me to do?"
"Well.. actually I wrote the song this time."
"What?! you have to sing it to me soon as you get out." Nini said squeezing his hand, "The last one you wrote for me was before our first engagement."
"Don't remind me." Ricky said shaking his head sadly, "Do you ever regret it?"
"Regret what?" Nini didn't like the direction that this conversation was going.
"Marrying me. Spending your life with me."
"Never." She kissed his hand. "Don't ever ask me that again."
Ricky nodded sadly and then he just kind of checked out of the conversation.
Maybe it was the disappointment of things not going as planned, and maybe it was also his meds making him sullen, but Nini was the queen of grand gestures, and she planned to live up to her reputation.
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"I'm back!" Nini popped her head into the hospital room cheerily, but Ricky had his back turned to the other side.
"I have a surprise for you." Nini tried again.
This time Ricky turned his head ever so slightly to look at her. Nini had somehow found someone in the hospital who had a guitar and was willing to lend it to her, and she also brought a paper bag with her.
"What are you up to?" Ricky asked suspiciously.
"I think someone needs cheering up.. and you did seem pretty concerned about the grand finale... so let's pick up where we left off okay?"
"I'm not sure what that means. Maybe it's the concussion that's making me slow."
Nini held up the paper bag and took out the contents.
"You did not?!" Ricky smiled for the first time, and Nini would give him a million cups of strawberry ice cream if he would keep smiling like that.
"I did too." Nini laughed, "One spoon for two. Here let me feed you."
"I can do it.."
"No you can't. You're all bruised up, pal. Plus you're usually such a baby when you're sick."
"If you insist." Ricky said trying to hide a smile.
"So this song you wrote... is it for me ?" Nini asked getting a spoonful of ice cream for Ricky.
"Yes." Ricky licked his lips and tried to swallow slowly, preventing a brain freeze. "Of course it's for you. Who else would it be for?"
"Well. I was just confused because you said I would be singing it. So I'm singing to myself?"
"Maybe it's more like a song for us?" Ricky thought to himself. "More ice cream please."
"There's Ice cream?" A small voice suddenly burst their bubble. Joel has apparently woken up and probably wants ice cream.
"Hi, buddy." Nini said picking him up, "Did you sleep well? and yes there's ice cream."
"Yeah. But I dreamt that daddy got in an accident."
"Oh sweetheart, I'm afraid that's not a dream." Nini looked at him sadly, "We're at the hospital, but Daddy's gonna be ok. You wanna sit with him while I get your ice cream?"
The boy simply nodded and Nini set him down beside Ricky.
"See, daddy's okay, he's just a bit bruised right now.."
"Hey buddy, I'm sorry for scaring you." Ricky said. "I'm alright now. You don't have to worry."
"Does it hurt?" Joel asked.
"A little." Ricky kissed the top of his head. "But ice cream helps."
"Does this mean you don't have to work tomorrow?" Joel asked.
"Yeah. I think I won't be working for a few days, pal."
"Mommy can we stay here with daddy? Someone's gotta give him food and water."
"I'm perfectly capable of-"
"Of course we're staying. We can't leave you alone." Nini said, "I'm staying for a few more days, babe. Just till things are settled here. "
"What about work? and Joel's school?"
"Work is remote. I talked to Joel's teacher, she understood our circumstances and she'll email me some of the materials they are learning in class. So I can teach Joel from here just to make sure he won't fall behind."
"Okay." Ricky smiled. She always took care of everything.
"Miss T is the best, daddy." Joel was smiling ear to ear. "I'm gonna marry her one day."
"If you say so, buddy."
"Okay... now who's ready for the grand finale?" Nini pulled out the guitar and started strumming. "So where's this song that I was supposed to learn and play on the spot?"
"It's in my phone!" Ricky said trying to reach it. "Ugh. I can't reach it.."
"Easy, Rick. Let me get it for you."
Ricky pulled up the sheet music on his phone and showed it to Nini. She began strumming gently to get a sense of the song.. It was beautiful. It really described their relationship and how they keep coming back to each other through every twist and turn.
"Come back to me baby I'll come back to you.."
Nini starts to sing (Comeback by the Jonas Brothers)
Joel and Ricky clapped and cheered for her when she was done.
"That was great, babe." Ricky said looking proud. "Exactly how I imagined it."
"I want you to sing it to me before bed, mommy."
"It's a beautiful song." Nini looked at Ricky with unshed tears. It perfectly described their relationship. No matter what they keep coming back to each other.
"What's it mean daddy?"
"It means that we will always fight for each other. Whatever happens we'll try to be there for each other because we're family."
Nini couldn't take it anymore and she had to excuse herself from the room, because she didn't wanna cry in front of Joel.
She managed to find an empty supply closed and finally let the sobs take over. It had been a long, difficult day. She was glad that Ricky was fine, but she'd been replaying the scene over and over again in her mind. It made her sick to her stomach just thinking about all the what ifs. What if the biker had gone slightly faster? What if the paramedics had come a little later? What if he hadn't gone to get the ice cream? What if Joel had gone with him?
Things could have played out so many different ways. But this is the particular situation that they've been given, and thus far they have managed to stay on top of it. Nini had been maintaining a strong facade the whole day, but Ricky explaining the song to Joel was just too much.
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By the time Nini returned to the room, Joel had managed to squeeze himself into Ricky's bed and fallen asleep in the crook of his arm.
"My entire world." Nini smiled at the sight in front of her.
"You okay?" Ricky asked and tapped the space on his other side. "Come here."
"I'm okay. I should be asking you the same thing." Nini said walking over. "Tell me what hurts, baby.."
"I'm just a little dizzy and bruised." Ricky said as Nini cradled his face in her hands. "I'm more worried about you, babe."
"I'm okay, baby." Nini said kissing his forehead. "I was just really scared. I can't lose you, you know that."
"You won't." Ricky promised, making sure to look in her eyes. "I'm planning on spending the rest of my life with you and this kid. You can't get rid of me that easily."
"You're okay." Nini said convincing herself. She took a good look at him, even in this state he looked unbelievably handsome. "We're okay."
"We're okay, babe." Ricky smiled.
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