The Mafia's Babies by Kaycee Romano (little readers TXT) 📕

"You really need to stay like that until I get back." Valerie ordered, a small smirk on her face.

"You are getting back at me, aren't you?" River narrowed her eyes at her.

The two nurses and her doctor, Dr. Jamie Dewells had left and her intern had come over to do the basic check-up. And she was enjoying every moment of it.

River was lying on her stomach, a few pillows under her to keep her spine straight. Jamie had decided it was the best position to assure minimal damage on both her injuries.

"Well, you know you deserve it."

River rolled her eyes, smirking at the poor girl's fate; she will be moving on to the next doctor soon and then she would come to know of her value.

"Well, it's just what's done." River chuckled.

"Just because it's what's done doesn't mean it's what's should be done."

River raised a brow at her.

"Bold of you to think that I haven't watched Cinderella."

"You have?"

"I have a five-year-old daughter who is obsessed with anything to do with sparkly things and tiaras." River explained.

Also, the mother of the said five-year-old herself is obsessed with all things Disney.

Valerie laughed as she set the clipboard down and took a seat.

"Honestly, Disney has evolved so much. I prefer the live-action over the animated because-"

"They met before the ball and hence it's not the superficial love showcased in the original." She finished for her.

She nodded in agreement.

"And the solutions to every problem isn't true love's kiss anymore." She added and River completely agreed.

"Growing up, I liked Barbie not because of the feministic side to the whole thing, but you know, it made sense. Girl or boy, follow your dreams and take action."

"Exactly.!"

River suddenly chuckled. "Look at us doctors, discussing away cartoon evolution."

She laughed again.

"Wait, where are my kids? They must be worried sick."

"They are here?"

"Just outside-" Before she could finish, the door was pushed open, Susan and Mateo walking in. Valerie jumped to her feet and looked like a deer caught in the headlights.

"Where are the kids?" River asked her mother.

"Went home with Sebby. The doctor said you can come home by tomorrow evening."

"I am so sorry we got lost in talks and-" Valerie started but Susan just patted her arm and smiled at her. "Thank you for taking care of my daughter."

"Just doing my job as her intern and friend." Valerie smiled. She had a really gorgeous smile.

"This is Mateo." River pointed at Mateo who was lingering around the door. Susan had moved to the foot of the bed or other side of the room or something so she couldn't see her anymore from her lying position.

"Hello, Mr. Adesso." She greeted him and turned back to her senior. "I should get going."

"Byee.." River sang as she walked out, waving.

"How are you feeling?" Mateo asked, taking the seat previously occupied by Valerie.

"Lighter now that I let all of the pent-up sadness and fear out." He nodded, no emotion on his face, "And... wiser."

He raised a brow.

"Mom, could you pass me my phone?"

"River-"

"Please?"

She dialed a number and pressed the phone to her ear.

"River?" Eric picked his phone up.

"Hey, do me a favor?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"Make a call for me." She said, a grimace forming on her face.

.

.

.

"Do you feel any pain?" Dr. Dewell tapped on the wound on her head.

"A bit." River replied.

"That's normal." He smiled. "There's no swelling, no major vessels damaged and no sign of hematoma. It's healing well. So I think there is no need for surgery."

"Phew.. The last thing I needed was my bush shaved off." She replied. Her hair was one wild nuisance but she loved it nevertheless and having it shaved away for surgery would have broken her heart.

"No tedious works until the braces come off." He added and then gave her a small smirk. "It means you have to strictly keep to walking."

River nodded, rolling my eyes. She was known in the hospital for running around like a maniac. And things were bound to get hectic soon because she had already missed three scheduled surgeries the previous day.

"You are all good to go by evening after the formalities are done." He finally said the words she wanted to hear, and gave her a side hug.

"That's against professional etiquette." River raised a brow.

"So is sleeping with Mateo Adesso." He winked and walked away while she mentally face-palmed.

"Everyone know about it, don't they?"

"Yep." Susan, one of the older and super sweet nurses, with her mother's name, laughed as she removed the drip from her hand. "You can start taking solid food. Your breakfast will be sent here soon."

River nodded. It felt good to sit up, cross-legged again. She had spent the whole day either on her stomach or side last day. And she was very weak after the panic attack. She hadn't had one in years so it took its toll on her.

'So stupid of me. My kids would have been scared out of their wits.'

Much to her chagrin, it had been decided that it was better the kids didn't visit their mother at the hospital anymore so they had to settle with face-timing. A few more hours and they would be reunited.

It was eight in the morning and River's mother had gone home to get her some casual clothes and maybe some lemon cookies. Hopefully some lemon cookies?

"River, there's something I need to tell you." Susan turned back at the door, looking suddenly tense.

"What is it, Sue?" She asked. She had been there at the hospital ever since she had started working there as an intern so they were pretty friendly. And she had River's mother's name so she felt that familiarity and affection towards her too.