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THE HOSPITAL
Maria and Carmen had left a few hours after Ricardo and Gabi arrived back to the hospital. Ricardo stayed visiting with his brother for some time. They talked and laughed - Gabi was glad to see Antonio so much his old self again. She had pretty much left them to talk alone, taking a walk to the nursery for a few minutes and gazing at the beautiful new babies. "So, have you and Gabi worked through things yet, Ricardo?" Antonio asked with an encouraging tone. "No, she’s been real worried about you. The only reason she came back was because you were so sick. I told her you would want her here and that I would lay off about working things out." Ricardo said with apparent disappointment. Antonio was glad that Gabi had come to be with him. He still loved her as much as he did the day she left Sunset Beach, if not more. Antonio knew they would never be together, but the fact that she still cared so much for him made his heart full. "You just need to give her time, Ricardo. But don’t let her go." Antonio spoke the words he knew his brother needed to hear. It hurt to say them, but Antonio would do anything for his brother, including sacrificing the woman he loved. "I know, man. I will have her back ... soon!" Ricardo shook his head with determination. "Hey, you two. I’m not interrupting, am I?" Gabi called out from the doorway. Ricardo jumped from the chair, "No, you know, just brother stuff. Can I give you a ride back ho...to Surf Central, Gab?" "Actually, I need to speak to Antonio for a little while." Gabi tried to control the enthusiasm in her voice, for Ricardo’s sake. She couldn’t wait to be alone with Antonio and finally tell him about their baby. "Okay. I’ll give you a call tomorrow, Gab. We need to talk." Ricardo walked to Gabi and kissed her lightly on the cheek. Gabi accepted his kiss, which made Ricardo very happy. "I’ll see you tomorrow, T." "Yeah, I think there letting me out of here then. Good night, Ricardo," Antonio called to his brother. Gabi watched Ricardo leave then headed to the chair next to Antonio’s bed. Antonio felt his heart race as he watched Gabi walk across the room and sit down. She was so beautiful tonight. He could see that she was truly happy – he could see it in her eyes. "So, have you and Ricardo had a chance to talk since you’ve been back," Antonio asked quietly. A smile broke across Gabi’s lips. "Actually, I wanted to speak with you first, Antonio." Antonio watched as Gabi’s eyes danced. He had never seen her this excited before. "Gabi, you look like a kid on Christmas," Antonio remarked with a laugh. Gabi touched Antonio’s hand and he felt a shiver run up his arm. He loved the way her skin felt so soft against his. He could lose himself in her touch. Gabi sat silently for a moment, sensing Antonio’s excitement at her touch. "Antonio, I am so thankful that God brought you back to us," she said feeling those familiar tears welling up. Antonio dropped his eyes from her and she could see his brow furrowing slightly. "Antonio?" she said somewhat puzzled. "Gabi," Antonio’s voice was very serious. "God has given me a second chance. He was taking me away from this world...from everyone that I love." Gabi fought to keep the sobs from escaping her at the thought. "God gifted me by giving me back my life. He knew that there were things here that needed my attention." Gabi smirked. "If only you knew," she thought to herself. "Antonio, I..." "Gabi, please let me finish," Antonio interrupted her gently. "Gabi, I have prayed and prayed for God’s understanding of what happened between us. I asked him to forgive me for betraying my brother." He looked into Gabi’s soft brown eyes. "And he has, Gabi. God has forgiven me and given me a second chance." Gabi’s smile faded as she sensed what Antonio was getting at. "A second chance to be the priest he wants me to be...to be the priest I know I can be." Gabi’s heart sank as she heard Antonio’s words. "No, no." the voice in her head was panicking. "I am going to be a good priest, Gabi. The best priest I can. I am more committed than ever to God and my church. I know that you and Ricardo are going to work through everything, Gabi. I know you will be together. And be happy. I want that for you both." Gabi pulled her hand away from Antonio’s and rose quickly from the chair. She walked to the window as the tears fell onto her cheeks. How could this be happening? Gabi needed Antonio to be with her forever. They were going to have a baby...how could he be saying this now. Antonio sat up straighter in his bed. He could see Gabi trembling as she stood staring out the window. "Gabi...is everything okay?" Antonio asked, the concern growing in his voice. Gabi closed her eyes when Antonio spoke. The sound of his voice was so gentle, so loving. "I am going to be a good priest...I am more committed than ever..." echoed in her head. She couldn’t tell him now...there was no way. Antonio was committed now more than ever before. He owed God for bringing him back to them all. She couldn’t ask him to choose ... not now. Gabi’s heart was breaking into a million pieces. "Gabi, please look at me," Antonio pleaded. "I’m sorry, Antonio. I...I have to go." Gabi turned and ran out of his room without saying another word. Tears flooded her eyes as she ran to the stairway and out of the hospital. "Gabi, wait!" Antonio called after her. "Wait!" He lay back against the pillow and closed his eyes, wondering what had sent her running.
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