The time passed in the hospital like a snail.
It was painfully slow. All I could do really was watch some shows on my laptop and read. I wanted to do some work but my parents did not allow me to. Thankfully my bandages could be removed a couple days in and my swelling was nearly gone. The bruising had also subsided and looked much better than before.
To help pass the time my parents took turns staying with me and would bring little games for me to do. It was usually card games or board games like chess. Once I was able to speak more fully and looked much less scary, they asked if my grandparents could come.
The initially wanted to come the day after Dean visited but I had them hold off until I was physically more able to be independent. If I could mitigate their worry and concern as much as possible I at least wanted to give them that.
So when that time came, my grandparents stopped by all together to see me. The first in the room was Grandpa Beau and Nana June. While Nana June looked a bit more composed, Grandpa Beau had visible dark circles in his eyes. He was still proud and stoic but I knew he was heartbroken.
It had been many years since the last time any of us got hurt and he hated seeing us in poor states.
The next to come in was Papa Benito and Mama Ines. I was initially surprised they did not come in right away but once they did I understood why. They both looked like a mess. Usually they were put together but here they were battered and messy. It seemed they were scared of what they would see.
Papa Benito in particular was beside himself seeing me like this. The first thing they said to me was a slew of apologies. It was difficult to make out everything as tears and gasps made their words unintelligible. Though I had not said anything, I was sure my mom told them everything and they felt guilty. Apart of me was glad that I did not need to directly tell them as I was unsure if I could subject myself to that. I did not want them to feel guilty or as though it was their fault in any capacity. I am not a child, I was fully knowledgeable and made my own choices. As careful as we try to be, none of us could have anticipated this happening.
However, I felt slightly childish for not being capable of just being upfront with them.
Once I managed to pry them off and calm then down Mama Ines took my hands and gave a tight squeeze as though I were a lifeboat. Her hands which normally were warm and steady were now cold and shaky. That anxiety she felt was ever apparent especially as it now was crashing down.
"We are so sorry, I can promise you he had never once shown to us this side to him and neither did his family. We should have known better and just let you handle things. We promise to never intervene in your love life again."
Just when the guilt was going to eat me, my ears piqued at their last words. Even though my parents are the main ones who would approve my marriage, my grandparents would have a strong say. My mothers side of the family I was least concerned over as they had nothing to do with the taboos or laws in place. Also for sure my grandpa liked Dean so he would not likely protest. But my grandparents on my fathers side did have a stronger distance with the Cortez family.
I remember when I was in elementary school my parents hosted some event at home. I recalled that day strongly as I had worn a white dress which got dirty when another kid had pushed me into the dirt as we played outside. I had just changed into a blue dress when I heard my grandfather argue with my dad.
He was angry the Cortez family were invited. Even though my dad tried to explain that it was business and it is worse if they do not invite them, but my grandfather still chided him. Even just being on talking terms my grandfather did not agree with.
But it had been years since then. Now that my father was fully in power it was less likely to be a big weight on their head as at the time my grandparents still were slowly transferring everything to my dad.
Assuming everything went well with Dean and we decided to get married I wondered whether they will allow him to. If they upheld their word, which they likely would as it was in their nature, it was one less wall I had to climb over. This was why even though Dean and I just became exclusive we have to consider these points before becoming official as they could easily nip it in the bud before anything could grow.
"It is so good to see you guys. It has been so boring just sitting here. But I just want to say I really appreciate the sentiment. I don't blame you for what happened as I had full discretion to decline but I took that leap of faith anyways." I leaned over and gave her a tissue as she went to the table that was off to the side to take a seat.
"Have you heard anything from that runt?" Grandpa Beau spat out angrily killing any good vibes we had going.
Truthfully I had blocked Dantes number so I had no way of knowing if he did try to contact me. "Not that I know of no. But based on who he has talked to already, it has been made abundantly clear to him that nothing will come out of it." My dad had let me know how he and Dean had run into each other.
I was surprised he was not angry at seeing Dean violent but I suppose he liked that someone was doing what he itched to do himself.