The next morning, Aurora woke up with purpose. After getting ready and grabbing a light breakfast, she climbed into her car and drove toward Sam's house. The plan for the day was clear: bring Sam to visit Miguel.
When Sam slid into the passenger seat, she looked nervous, fidgeting with the strap of her bag. "Thanks for letting me come," she said softly.
Aurora glanced over and offered a reassuring smile. "You're doing the right thing. He'll appreciate it."
The drive to the hospital was quiet but not uncomfortable. Sam seemed lost in her thoughts, and Aurora focused on the road, her own nerves bubbling under the surface.
As they stepped into Miguel's room, his face lit up when he saw Aurora. "Hey!" he greeted, his voice stronger than it had been the day before.
Aurora couldn't help but smile as she walked over to him. He reached out for her, and they shared a quick, affectionate kiss. It was short and sweet, but it spoke volumes about how much they had missed each other.
Sam, who had been lingering by the door, cleared her throat softly. "Hey, Miguel."
Miguel looked up, surprised but not unkind. "Sam," he said, his tone curious but welcoming. He tried to sit up a little straighter in his bed, clearly happy to see her, though his movement was slow and deliberate.
Sam took a hesitant step forward, her voice a little shaky. "I... I wanted to see you. And to say I'm sorry. For what Robby did. I know it doesn't fix anything, but... I feel responsible, and I'm so sorry for what happened to you."
Miguel's expression softened. He shook his head slightly. "Sam, you don't need to apologize for Robby. What he did—it's on him, not you. You shouldn't carry that guilt." He smiled, the motion feeling a bit unfamiliar on his face but still warm.
Sam nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, but she managed a small, relieved smile. "Thanks, Miguel. That means a lot."
Aurora stood quietly beside the bed, watching the exchange. She could see how much Miguel's forgiveness meant to Sam, and it made her proud of him. He was showing so much strength, even when he could have easily been angry or resentful.
After a few more moments, the conversation turned lighter. Sam mentioned how her parents were treating her like she was fragile after the fight, which caused Miguel to laugh—soft but genuine. Aurora chimed in with a sarcastic remark about the blandness of hospital food, making them both chuckle.
For a while, the tension from earlier seemed to lift. It was almost like the old times, when things weren't so complicated. Miguel's humor and quick wit were making an appearance again, and it felt like a small victory.
But soon, the peaceful moment was interrupted as Sam glanced at her phone. "Alright," she said, standing up and stretching slightly. "I think it's time we head out to get this fundraiser going. We've got a lot of work to do if we're going to raise the money for your surgery, Miguel."
Miguel's eyes shifted to Aurora, a mischievous glint appearing. He gave her a playful smirk. "Oh, so you're leaving me already? You just got here, and now you're off to leave me all alone in this sterile, uncomfortable bed?" He pouted slightly, his voice lowering in a teasing tone. "And here I thought we were friends."
Aurora laughed, shaking her head at his antics. "Miguel, stop it. You're lucky you're cute, or I'd leave you with no second thought," she teased, planting a soft kiss on his cheek. "Besides, we've got work to do. We need to get this fundraiser off the ground, so you can get back on your feet faster."
Miguel grinned, his eyes softening as he gazed at her. "Well, if it helps, I'll promise I won't complain about the attention. But just so you know," he leaned in slightly, his voice playful yet sincere, "I'm a little disappointed I won't get to see you in a bikini at that car wash"
Aurora rolled her eyes, but her smile couldn't be contained. "Miguel, I swear to God..." She laughed again, feeling the warmth of his words settle deep in her chest. "You're lucky I like you," she whispered as she kissed him again, this time longer and more lingering.
Sam, standing by the door, cleared her throat. "Okay, okay. I get it. You two have some serious chemistry. But we really do need to get going if we want to make this fundraiser a success."
Miguel chuckled but nodded. "Go, go but don't forget about me"
Aurora gave him one last smile, making sure he knew how much she cared before turning to Sam. "We'll be back soon. Don't cause too much trouble while we're gone," she joked, her voice full of affection.
Sam gave a small wave, but her expression was more serious. "She'll be back before you know it. Take care of yourself, Miguel."
With that, the girls left the room, ready to tackle the fundraiser with a new sense of purpose. Miguel's playful banter still fresh in their minds, they set off, determined to make sure that his recovery would be as smooth as possible—and they would do everything in their power to make it happen.
The car wash fundraiser was going at full blast, and Aurora couldn't help but smile at the energy buzzing around the parking lot. The sun was shining, and the sound of water splashing, sponges scrubbing, and laughter filled the air. The team had worked hard to get everything set up, and now, it was all paying off. The line of cars waiting for their wash stretched down the block, and the music playing in the background added to the upbeat vibe of the event.
Aurora had just sent Miguel another batch of pictures, showing off the team working, everyone laughing, and the rows of cars. She could almost hear him complaining about missing out on all the fun, but she knew he appreciated the thought. His messages back were always filled with humor and flirty comments, keeping her spirits high as she worked.
She was busy wiping down one of the cars when her eyes flickered across the lot. Her attention was drawn to a tall, dark-skinned guy walking in. He was dressed casually, but his confident stride and the way he carried himself immediately caught her eye. What made her stop, though, was the way his gaze was locked on Sam. She watched as he took a few steps closer to the crowd, his eyes never leaving Sam as she worked at a car with a group of volunteers.
Aurora couldn't help but smirk, knowing exactly what was going through her mind. She turned to Sam, who was still focused on her work, and made a quick decision.
"Hey, Sam!" Aurora called out with a mischievous grin on her face. "I think someone's got their eye on you."
Sam paused, looking up with a puzzled expression just as Aurora nodded toward the tall guy, whose attention was still completely on her friend. Sam's eyes flicked toward him, and she immediately looked away, her face turning a little pink.
Aurora raised an eyebrow, her grin widening. "Go talk to him, girl. He's cute, and you know you could use a little distraction from all this washing and scrubbing."
Sam hesitated for a moment, clearly unsure of how to handle the situation, but then the guy took a step closer, and Sam's gaze flickered back to him. Aurora could practically see the inner battle Sam was having, but before she could protest, Aurora gave her a little nudge. "Go on, Sam. I'll be fine here. You deserve some fun, too."
Finally, Sam sighed, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You're terrible, you know that?" she said, shaking her head. But despite the teasing, she took a deep breath and made her way over toward the guy.
Aurora watched with satisfaction as Sam walked toward the guy. He smiled when he saw her approach, his demeanor warm but still a little shy. Aurora couldn't hear what they were saying, but she could see the easy way they started chatting, and Sam's body language softened as she relaxed into the conversation.
She sent a quick text to Miguel, teasing him a little about Sam getting her flirt on, but she couldn't help but feel happy for her friend. It was nice to see Sam get out of her shell, especially after everything that had happened.
Aurora's focus snapped back to the task at hand as more cars arrived, but every now and then, she glanced over at Sam and the guy talking, watching as her friend laughed and seemed more comfortable than she had in a while. Aurora couldn't help but feel a little proud. Sam might have been hesitant at first, but now, it looked like she was enjoying herself.
As the sun began to set, the car wash was still going strong, and so was the energy. Aurora knew that, no matter what, this fundraiser was going to make a real difference for Miguel—and the support everyone was showing him was more than enough to keep him fighting and moving forward.
Sam returned to Aurora, her face a mix of excitement and uncertainty. She couldn't hide the smile on her face, but there was also a flicker of hesitation in her eyes.
"So, his name is Zander," Sam started, her tone more casual than before. "He just moved here from LA, and he joined Topanga Karate. He's really nice. We talked a bit, and he's starting at West Valley on Monday. I told him I'd show him around."
Aurora raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a teasing smile. "Sounds like you two hit it off. Are you going to ask him to dinner next?"
Sam flushed, shaking her head quickly. "No, no! I'm just being friendly. I don't even know where I stand with Robby right now. I mean... I've been through a lot with him, and I don't want to rush into anything with someone else."
Aurora's expression softened, understanding where her friend was coming from. "I get it, Sam. It's complicated with Robby. But, hey, it's okay to get to know someone else, too. You don't have to figure everything out right away."
Sam hesitated, looking down for a moment before meeting Aurora's eyes again. "But what if I'm not ready? What if I end up leading him on?"
Aurora's voice was gentle, but encouraging. "You're not leading anyone on, Sam. You're just getting to know someone. Nothing says you have to commit to anything. Besides, you deserve to have a little fun. And Zander seems like a cool guy. So what's the harm in talking to him, seeing where things go?"
Sam looked thoughtful, then sighed, rolling her shoulders. "Yeah, you're right. I'm not gonna jump into anything with him. But I could at least give him a chance, get to know him better."
Aurora gave her a playful nudge. "Exactly. You've got nothing to lose. Just go in with an open mind and see where it takes you."
Sam nodded, smiling a little more confidently. "Alright. I'll text him later and let him know I'm happy to show him around. No promises, though!"
Aurora grinned. "No promises, but hey, I think Zander will be happy to hang out with you."
"Yeah, I think he will be," Sam said, looking back over toward the car wash, where Zander was still talking to some of the other volunteers.
Aurora watched her friend with a soft smile, proud of how far Sam had come in a short time. "See? It's all about the small steps. Just take it easy, Sam. You deserve to feel good again."
Sam sent a small smile her way before turning back to the crowd, her phone already out to text Zander. Aurora felt a surge of happiness for her friend and a little excitement too. Maybe, just maybe, things were starting to feel a little more hopeful for Sam.
After the car wash wrapped up, the sun beginning to dip below the horizon, Aurora felt a sense of accomplishment, though it was laced with anxiety. She'd managed to keep herself busy throughout the day, but now, all that was left was the quiet, heavy anticipation of what tomorrow would bring.
Her phone buzzed, and she quickly saw that it was Miguel. A small smile tugged at her lips as she texted him back: I'll be there soon, baby. Ready for a quiet night with you.
She put her phone down, collecting herself before heading toward the hospital once again. As she pulled into the parking lot, she took a deep breath, trying to steady the storm of emotions churning inside her. Tomorrow was the big day. Miguel was scheduled for surgery, and though the doctors had assured them it was routine, she couldn't shake the fear that clung to her heart.
She parked quickly and rushed into the building, almost running down the hall as she approached his room. When she entered, Miguel was sitting up in bed, his expression lighter than it had been earlier in the day. His eyes brightened when he saw her.
"There she is," he said, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "I thought you were gonna forget about me."
Aurora smiled softly, shaking her head. "Never. I'm here, always."
That night, the hospital room felt quieter than usual, the soft hum of machines in the background the only sound accompanying the silence between them. Aurora sat beside Miguel's bed, her hand gently holding his, not wanting to let go, even as exhaustion tugged at her.
Miguel shifted slightly, wincing a little as he tried to make himself more comfortable. Seeing the way he was fidgeting, Aurora stood and moved toward his side.
"You're too stiff for that hospital bed," she said with a soft laugh, her voice gentle but full of affection. "You want some company?"
Miguel raised an eyebrow, a faint, teasing smile playing on his lips. "I could use the distraction. Think there's enough room for you?"
Aurora raised an eyebrow right back at him. "I'll make room."
Aurora helped miguel scooted over, shifting his legs and making space for her beside him. She climbed into the bed, careful not to disturb his position too much, and then settled in next to him. She stretched out, her body finding its place beside his, and they both sighed in unison, the comfort of being close enough to touch bringing a small, peaceful calm between them.
Aurora rested her head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart, feeling the rise and fall of his breathing. Miguel wrapped his arm around her shoulders, holding her close, as though he never wanted to let go. They didn't speak at first, both of them simply savoring the warmth of being together again, the quiet intimacy they had shared before everything had gotten complicated.
Miguel was the first to break the silence, his voice low and steady. "I'm scared, you know," he admitted, his words almost a whisper in the still room. "Tomorrow... it's the surgery. What if something goes wrong?"
Aurora's heart ached for him, for all he had been through, for all the uncertainty he was carrying in that moment. She squeezed his hand, pressing a soft kiss to his chest, just above his heart. "You're going to be okay. I know it. I won't let anything happen to you."
He looked down at her, his eyes searching hers. "What if it does? What if I wake up and everything's different? What if I can't be the same... Miguel?"
Aurora gently lifted her head to look him in the eye, her fingers brushing against his cheek. "You are Miguel," she said softly, her voice full of warmth and certainty. "And no matter what happens tomorrow, you'll still be you. You'll still be the guy who can make me laugh even on my worst days. The guy who showed me what it's like to really care."
Miguel's eyes glistened, and he swallowed hard, nodding slightly. "You make it sound so easy."
Aurora smiled, brushing her lips against his in a tender kiss. "It's not easy, but it's the truth." She pulled back slightly, looking at him with a playful glint in her eyes. "And when you wake up, you're going to be better than ever. I'll be right here, and I'll bring you your favorite snacks, because you're going to need all the strength you can get to fight off my terrible taste in movies."
Miguel laughed softly, his fingers tangling with hers as he relaxed further into the bed. "That's the kind of motivation I need."
For a moment, they simply lay there, tangled in each other, as the world outside faded away. The sounds of the hospital were distant, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Aurora felt a sense of peace settle over her. They didn't need words to understand each other. The quiet comfort of just being there together was enough.
Eventually, they fell into a rhythm, their breathing syncing as they relaxed. Miguel's hand found its way to her back, pulling her a little closer. "Stay with me tonight," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Aurora nodded, kissing him softly before resting her head back against his chest. "I'm not going anywhere."
She closed her eyes, letting the warmth of his body, the steady sound of his heartbeat, and the weight of their shared promises lull her into a peaceful sleep. For that moment, they were just two teenagers—two people in love—holding each other through the fear and uncertainty, knowing that no matter what tomorrow held, they would face it together.
The soft beeping of the machines, the quiet hum of the hospital, all faded into the background as Aurora stirred awake. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the dim light of the room and the comfort of Miguel's arms still around her. For a moment, everything felt calm, peaceful, like nothing could ruin the world they had created in that hospital room.
But then the sound of footsteps approached, followed by the soft voice of a nurse calling out from the doorway.
"Mr. Diaz, we're ready for you," the nurse said gently.
Aurora looked up, her heart sinking as she realized the moment had come. She sat up slightly, looking at Miguel, who was still a bit groggy but already aware of what was happening.
Miguel met her gaze, his eyes soft but filled with warmth. "I'll be okay, Aurora. I'm not going anywhere." His voice was reassuring, but his hand tightened around hers, a small sign of the fear he was trying to hide.
Aurora smiled, trying to push away her own anxiety. "I know you will," she whispered, leaning in to kiss him. The kiss was tender, full of love, and even a little desperate, as though they were both trying to hold onto each other before the unknown pulled them apart.
As the nurse stepped forward, ready to take him to prep, Miguel's hand slipped from hers, and for a brief moment, it felt like the world was spinning a little too fast. She stood up, her knees a bit shaky as she adjusted to the thought of him being wheeled into surgery. She touched his arm one last time.
"Good luck," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "I'll be right here when you wake up. I promise."
Miguel gave her a small smile, his eyes full of love and gratitude. "I'll hold you to that," he whispered back, before the nurse gently ushered him out of the room.
Aurora stood in the doorway, watching him being taken down the hallway, her heart aching in her chest. The silence after they were gone felt oppressive, but she forced herself to turn away. She took a deep breath and made her way to the waiting area, where she knew Carmen and Yaya would be waiting for her. She needed the company, the strength of those who loved Miguel as much as she did.
When she entered the waiting area, her eyes instinctively went to the corner where Carmen and Yaya were sitting. They both stood as soon as they saw her, their faces a mix of worry and hope. Carmen stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Aurora in a tight hug.
As Aurora sat down in the waiting area, the weight of everything seemed to settle on her shoulders. Her nerves were still on edge, and her mind kept drifting back to Miguel in the operating room. She looked over at Carmen and Yaya, who were sitting together, quietly chatting. But as she glanced around the room, her eyes landed on Johnny, standing off to the side by himself.
He wasn't the same cocky figure she remembered. His posture was slumped, his face etched with exhaustion, and his eyes had a faraway, almost haunted look to them. He was wringing his hands, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his jacket like he didn't know where to put them. It was clear that he was struggling, his thoughts clearly not on the present moment.
Aurora, despite everything, felt a pull in her chest. She knew Johnny was important to Miguel, that the older man had been a mentor and something of a father figure. And despite the tension between Johnny and Miguel, it was obvious he was hurting—hurting for Miguel, for Robby, for what had happened between them all.
She took a breath, standing up from her seat and walking over to him. The distance between them felt like a chasm, but she had to try. If Miguel trusted him, if Miguel cared for him, she couldn't just ignore it. She didn't want to.
Johnny looked up as she approached, his face softening a little in surprise. "Aurora, hey," he said quietly, his voice almost hoarse. "Didn't expect you to come over here."
Aurora stopped a few feet away, her voice gentle as she spoke. "I thought you might need someone to talk to," she said, her eyes searching his. "I know... I know how much Miguel means to you."
For a long moment, Johnny didn't say anything. He just stared at her, like he was processing her words. Finally, he let out a shaky sigh, his shoulders slumping even further. "I feel like I've failed him," he said, his voice breaking just slightly. "I've failed both of them." He wiped his face with his hand, and Aurora saw the cracks in his tough exterior. The bravado, the self-assuredness he always carried, was gone. It was replaced by the raw guilt of a man who knew he had let down the two most important people in his life.
Aurora's heart softened at the sight. She had seen Johnny in a different light before, the sensei with his tough demeanor, the man who had taken Miguel under his wing in ways that weren't always easy to understand. But now, she saw the man behind the title—broken, conflicted, and overwhelmed with guilt.
"You haven't failed him," she said quietly. "Miguel knows you care. And he knows you're here now. That means more than you think."
Johnny's eyes met hers, and for the first time, she saw the faintest flicker of hope in them. "I hope so," he muttered, his voice raw. "I just... I don't know if I can fix this. With Robby... with Miguel. Everything's a mess."
Aurora stepped closer, her expression softening. "You don't have to fix everything right away," she said. "Just... show them you're here. That's all you can do."
Johnny nodded slowly, clearly taking in her words. He rubbed his face again, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Miguel means a lot to me. And I can see he means a lot to you, too."
Aurora smiled softly, though it was filled with both sadness and understanding. "He does. I just... I want him to be okay. We all do."
Johnny nodded, and for a moment, they both stood in silence, sharing a quiet understanding of the pain they were both experiencing. But then Johnny straightened up, like something inside him shifted.
"I'm not good at this," he admitted, his voice rough but determined. "But if Miguel trusts you, and you're the one making him happy... then that means a lot to me. You've got my support, Aurora."
Aurora's heart warmed at his words. She hadn't expected Johnny to offer such a sentiment, but there was something sincere in the way he said it. Despite everything, despite the complicated relationships and mistakes, Johnny was making an effort—just like Miguel was.
"Thank you, Johnny," she said, her voice soft. "It means a lot."
Johnny gave her a small, almost sad smile, nodding. "I'll be here, no matter what happens. Miguel's got a lot of people who care about him."
Just then, Carmen and Yaya approached, and Johnny gave them a brief, respectful nod. But as they all stood together, the mood in the room lightened slightly, a fragile sense of understanding and unity forming between them.
Johnny might not have all the answers, and he might still be working through his own pain, but he was trying. And in that moment, that was enough.