Diana's check-up went normally. He still felt a certain reserve toward her, but he protected her, and slowly but surely, he was getting used to the idea that they will have a baby.
That evening, almost all the family members were in the spacious kitchen, including Diana, discussing the baby's room and the wedding that was to take place the following year.
Cristi, as usual, was absent. He hadn't seen him since that afternoon, but that was nothing new. Cristi could disappear for days and then come back home as if nothing had happened.
Still, he felt a certain unease. He wasn't sure where it came from. He only hoped that his twin brother hadn't gotten himself into trouble again.
The family was laughing at a joke Diana had made when everyone sitting on the couch and in the armchairs suddenly fell silent.
Not knowing what was going on, Bogdan turned around to see for himself what it was about. That was when he saw Cristi, carrying a blonde beauty in his arms. His blonde beauty.
His mother jumped up as if burned, heading straight for her son.
-My God, Cristi. What happened?
-I need to take her to the clinic.
Bogdan didn't know when exactly he had stood up, but he heard his own voice addressing Cristi.
-You need to?
-Yes. She hit her head, and since then she's been sleeping continuously.
-How did she hit her head?
-Long story. Are you coming with me, or not?
He knew his brother would come with him. He was sure of it.
-Yes.
Bogdan grabbed his jacket from the coat rack and opened the door for Cristi, then did the same with the car door. He got into the back seat, holding Maya tightly, while Cristi drove the car out of the yard. And they left, behind them, four pairs of curious eyes: their parents', Diana's, and their younger brother's.
On the way to the clinic, Maya didn't wake up at all. Cristi parked the car near the entrance, and this time Bogdan was the one who picked her up and carried her inside, into the office where they were expected for the consultation. There, Bogdan laid her on the bed and then stepped back, letting the doctor do his job.
After examining her, the doctor—and their good friend—recommended a cranial CT scan to determine whether she was suffering from a hemorrhage.
-I can do it right now, here at the clinic, but it will cost more.
-That really doesn't matter. Do what you need to do. We'll be here.
-If you say it's all right, then that's what I'll do. Please go and call the receptionist; I'll need her help. Cristi, you take the girl and carry her to the gurney outside.
Said and done.
Two hours later, Maya was dressed in pajamas and admitted for medical observation. The doctor told them it was a moderate cerebral concussion, and that all they could do at that point was wait, hoping Maya would recover completely.
-What were you doing with her, Cristi?
-I met her when I went to retrieve your file. I'm the one who punched that guy so I could get her out of there.
-Guy? What guy?
-One who takes a 'no' to mean 'yes.'
-My God…
-By the way, I left your file at the university. I thought I could go in your place for a while, keep an eye on her, at least until things settle down.
-It's fine, I can go myself.
-No, you can't. You have to take care of Diana. Trust me, I won't let anything bad happen to her. I'll stay tonight—go get some sleep.
-You're staying here?
-Yes. I'll let you know if anything changes. Take my car. I want it back in the morning.
-Thanks. Good night.
-You too.