Scorpia sits down behind her desk, picks up her phone, and calls Bruno. "Good morning brother. How are you today?"

"Good morning my sweet sister. I'm doing excellent. I'll be at the hotel tonight to teach my first boxing class there. Are you coming too?"

"Oooh fun. I'll be there. I just need to get gym clothes from home. Will you bring my gloves and mouthguard?"

"Of course! I'll see you tonight."

"Bruno! Wait! Did you buy a ring yet?"

"Erm... no."

"You ass! Go and buy one right now! And ask Lexy where and how she would like to get married. I'll see you tonight!"

She hangs up and makes eye contact with Bart. "Bart, I need to go by the cafe before tonight to pick up some gym clothes. Bruno is teaching a boxing class tonight."

Bart nods and says: "Okay. Tell me when and I'll take you."

She nods and reads through the mountain of e-mails waiting for her. There's a knock on the door and a nervous Esperanza appears in front of Manon's desk.

Scorpia says: "Esperanza. Good morning. What can I do for you?" The woman comes over to Scorpia's desk silently and Scorpia smiles at her. "Sit down and tell me about it."

Esperanza sits down and softly asks: "Manon told you about my old neighbor right?" Scorpia nods and waits for Esperanza to continue. "She needed a room too, but when she arrived... She's pregnant Scorpia... I didn't know."

"How old is she Esperanza?"

"Fifteen. She is about six months pregnant, but hasn't seen a doctor all this time... If I had known..."

"Where is she now?"

"In her room."

"Please get her for me. I want to talk to her."

Scorpia waits for Esperanza to leave and dials the number of the family doctor in the hospital. He is happy to hear from her and she explains what she knows about the young, pregnant girl. The doctor tells her to bring the girl over as soon as possible. Scorpia hangs up, rubs her temples and asks Bart and Manon to leave the office, to give the girl some privacy.

She looks up and sees an extremely nervous, but pretty girl walk in with Esperanza.

Scorpia says: "Please sit down ladies."

The girl looks at her, eyes full of fear, and softly asks: "Do I have to leave because I am pregnant?"

Scorpia says: "No. I do expect some things from you, but you definitely don't have to go. You don't know me yet, but I do not kick people in need out."

The girl visibly relaxes and Scorpia says: "Tell me everything. How did this happen and how are you feeling?"

The girl tells her that she became pregnant after having sex with her boyfriend for the first time. She was too afraid to tell her parents because they didn't know she was sexually active. She ignored her growing belly and hoped and prayed it would go away.

"Oh, sweetie. Now what? Do you want to keep the baby? Are you still in touch with the dad?"

The girl takes a deep breath and says: "I would really like to live here and work with Esperanza. Esperanza has always been like a second mother to me. I'm not in touch with the father of my baby anymore. He didn't want anything to do with me when he found out I was pregnant. My parents are really angry... I don't know. I don't think I can do this."

Scorpia studies the girl, sees the strength deep inside of her, and smiles at her. "What's your name?"

"Marisol."

"Okay, Marisol. You can live and work here. And I think Esperanza would love to help you with this pregnancy. What I expect from you is that you come with me to the hospital to find out how you and your baby are doing. And I expect you to do what the doctor tells you and that you will take excellent care of yourself."

The girl starts to cry softly and Scorpia says: "You don't have to know if you want to keep this baby or not, he or she is not going anywhere. And whatever you decide, I will help you with it. So please don't worry about that. Will you come to the hospital with me?"

The girl looks her straight in the eye and nods.

Scorpia gets up to hug the girl lovingly. "It will all be alright Marisol. You're not doing this alone anymore." The girl cries even harder and Scorpia rubs her back.

Esperanza's eyes show so much gratitude that Scorpia's eyes well up from it.

Esperanza walks out of the office and Manon and Bart carefully walk in. They look at Marisol and Scorpia asks: "Bart, can you take me and Marisol to the hospital?"

Bart grabs the key to the van and says: "Of course. We'll take the van. That's more comfortable than the Charger." He looks at Marisol's belly, without a trace of judgment in his eyes, and Scorpia smiles.

"Manon? Keep an eye on the office for me. And if anyone needs me, they will have to come back later. This is more important."

She walks out of the office with Marisol and Bart and catches a glimpse of Dani getting into her car in the parking lot.

Bart says: "I'll go get the van."

Scorpia looks at Ciro's office and watches him rub his hands over his face. She exchanges a look with him and he seems to understand that she can't talk right now.

Bart drives up to the entrance and Scorpia feels Marisol's hand grabbing hers. Scorpia gently squeezes her hand and smiles at the nervous Marisol. Bart gets out and opens the door for her. He gallantly helps the girl into the van and asks her if the seatbelt is not too tight. Scorpia looks at the sweet, blonde guy with pride in her heart. Ice-cold when he needs to be and damaged, but with a caring heart in his chest.

She sits down on the passenger seat and Bart gets behind the wheel. He starts the van and looks into the rearview mirror at Marisol and gives her a reassuring nod. Scorpia whispers: "Thank you." The corner of Bart's mouth tilts up slightly as he makes his way over to the hospital

He parks in front of the door and helps Marisol out of the van. He moves to open Scorpia's door, but she's already getting out of the van herself. He looks guilty and Scorpia rests her hand on his cheek. "Don't worry about it. You're doing everything right. Thank you."

His face shows relief and he says: "Let me know when you're coming back out."

"Thank you, Bart."

Scorpia takes Marisol with her into the elevator and makes her way over to the doctor's office when they reach his floor. She knocks on the door and it gets thrown open.

"Scorpia! Come here!"

The doctor hugs her a bit too tight and Scorpia yells: "Doctor! I can't breathe!" Marisol chuckles softly and Scorpia looks at her. "Are you laughing at me?" Marisol can tell she's not really angry and nods. "Well, thanks doc. My reputation as a cold-hearted bitch is ruined now."

Marisol softly says: "You're very sweet actually."

The doctor looks at the girl and says: "You are very perceptive, sweet girl. Shall we get the ball rolling to find out how you and your baby are doing? We will find a comfortable room for you to stay in and the nurses and doctors have to come to you for it all. That way you don't have to walk and you can just relax."

The girl nods and the doctor takes her to a comfy room. He sits down next to the bed and says: "Different people will come in here. We will draw some blood to test that. They are all kind people, who will not judge you. We just want to make sure you and your baby are healthy and stay that way, okay?"

Marisol nods and closes her eyes.

Scorpia strokes over Marisol's hair and says: "Just let it all happen, Marisol. I'll go and visit a good friend here in the hospital. But I'm in the building. So if you need me, I'll come right back. Okay?"

The girl nods and whispers: "So tired."

The doctor walks out into the corridor with Scorpia and says: "That poor girl. Going through something like that alone when you're that young. You don't know anything yet and you're still a child yourself. And now that she can relax, the exhaustion rises to the surface. I'm glad she has you, Scorpia. We will take excellent care of her. Physically and mentally."

Scorpia's eyes show gratefulness and she says: "I know you will doc. You are the only one I trust her to. It's great to see you again. I was worried about it. Afraid it might trigger something..."

The doctor looks deep into her eyes and says: "It does. But it's not fear or panic, that's crystal clear. You're strong Scorpia."

Scorpia smiles at him and asks: "Is Ricardo here today? And if so, where can I find him?"

The doctor nods and says: "Yes, he's here. And he's flourishing since he is running the research. You can find him on the seventh floor. He has a couple of offices and research rooms there. Follow the blue arrows on the floor when you step out of the elevator and you will find him."

Scorpia hugs the doctor one more time and gets onto the elevator.

She stares at the blue arrows on the floor when she steps out of the elevator. She chuckles and follows them. The first room she reaches is an office and she looks through the window. Ricardo is sitting at his desk and she knocks on the door, before opening it.

He looks up and blushes. 

"Good morning doctor Hulk. It felt a bit like walking around Ikea. But I did find you easily this way."

Ricardo chuckles and says: "Yes, sometimes you just have to do something that is not very adult, but a lot of fun. A wise woman taught me that. We didn't have any room numbers or signs yet and kept having to pick everyone up at the elevators. This is easier."

He looks her over, probably wondering what Scorpia knows about last night. But Scorpia stays silent and sits down on the edge of his desk.

The door flies open and a young man comes running in. He yells: "Ricardo! Doctor Jones has replied. He wants to work wi-" He goes silent the second his eyes land on Scorpia, who is looking at him with an amused look on her face. "Woah! Sorry! Erm..." He turns around and runs out of the office.

Ricardo grins and says: "That was Xander. Very enthusiastic and an excellent researcher. But you apparently have an effect on him."

Scorpia laughs and says: "You don't have women sitting on your desk several times a day?" Ricardo blushes again and Scorpia says: "I'm sorry. I didn't come here to tease you. Did you have fun last night?"

Ricardo nods.

"I'm glad. Did you end up inside your apartment with her? Logan was worried about that."

Ricardo blushes again and says: "Yes. She even stayed the night. I like her a lot. That sounds silly, right? To say that about a topless waitress?"

"I don't think so. They are women earning a living by serving drinks. And if you would have paid attention to your surroundings in that bar, you would have known that I'm the last person to judge you or her for it."

Ricardo shoots her a questioning look. "But wouldn't it be weird if I would ask her out?"

"Do you want to? Do you have her number? Besides, if she didn't like you back, she wouldn't have stayed the night."

Ricardo's tone changes to a softer one when he says: "She's in nursing school and pays for it with the money she makes at the bar."

"Really? Good for her. She suits you. So you even talked."

He looks deep into her eyes and tries to find out what he's missing. "Scorpia? Why did you send us there?"

She smiles wide and says: "You have more guts than Ciro and Dino. They didn't ask about it."

Ricardo asks: "And Logan?"

"Logan didn't have to ask, because he did look around the place. If you're back there, you should have a look at the pictures behind the bar."

She gets up and says: "Show me around, Ricardo. I need to get back to a pregnant girl I brought her for a check-up."

"Marisol?"

Scorpia nods.

Ricardo smiles wide and says: "I knew it. I told my mom that she should come out and tell you and that you wouldn't kick the girl out."

He gets up and Scorpia asks: "So does this mean that you won't hug me anymore? Now that you've taken a pretty girl home?"

Ricardo pulls her into his arms and she rests her head against his chest. "There will always be hugs for you. I was just worried that you would... judge me."

Scorpia says: "I never would. And you know it! Go over to the bar tonight, have a drink, and be sweet to her. And look at the pictures behind the bar while you're there."

He nods and says: "Come with me. I'll introduce you to the team."

Scorpia is introduced to three nervous, young people. "Guys, this is Scorpia. She is the main reason for this research."

Xander asks: "You're Scorpia. But you're..."

"I'm what?"

"You look so strong."

Ricardo says: "She is."

The young girl looks at her with big eyes and asks: "And you're the boss of Scorpia Enterprise, right?"

Scorpia smiles at her and says: "Yes, Sara. I am."

The other guy, who's name is Lee, looks her over inquisitively. "You look very stable. Which is remarkable after everything you've gone through in the hospital."

Scorpia says: "And in my private life. You'll probably hear more about it on the day of the interview."

Ricardo shows her the other rooms and says: "They are really driven and serious. But after reading your file they expected a broken woman. I have tried to prepare them for how strong you are now. But they have only seen the worst cases in their textbooks and in the hospital. You never hear about the people who make it through. And then you can't believe they exist."

Scorpia looks at him and says: "Another reason to do this research and raise more awareness about it. Because if the healthcare professionals don't believe there's a chance at recovery, the patients are lost."

Ricardo says: "Yes. Thinking of you only makes me more driven to make this possible for others too."

Scorpia's tears well up and Ricardo wraps his arms around her. They stay like that for a while and feel each other's gratitude.

They walk towards the elevator and Scorpia says: "Good luck Ricardo. In work and love. You know where to find me when you need me."

The elevator doors close and her thoughts go to Marisol.

She arrives at Marisol's room and hears her laugh. She relaxes and walks into the room. Scorpia makes eye contact with the woman sitting next to the bed and recognizes her as the doctor who did her evaluation.

"Scorpia! You brought us an extraordinary young woman!"

Scorpia nods and smiles at Marisol.

The doctor looks at her and says: "You look good. And this mom to be has a perfect bill of health and is smart and strong. She did a lot of research herself already and did her best at living healthy. She didn't know it al yet, but I am impressed. We wrote her a recipe for pre-natal vitamins, her blood didn't show anything out of the ordinary and we did an ultrasound. She is about five months pregnant and the baby is, for as far as we can tell, perfect."

Marisol smiles wide and rubs her tummy.

Scorpia sits down on a chair next to the bed too and shoots the doctor a grateful look. The doctor asks: "Did you visit Ricardo?" Scorpia nods and the doctor says: "That research is going to shake up the mental healthcare world. I can't wait."

"Me either. I hope we can cause doubt at least."

"Doubt is already there Scorpia. What happened to you and the way your sitting here now, makes psychologists and psychiatrists doubt their methods."

Marisol looks confused between the two women and Scorpia says: "Sweet Marisol, the only thing you have to do is take good care of yourself and that little baby in your belly. I have a complicated past and you will probably hear more about it sometime. But right now, it's not important."

She gets up and asks: "Doctor? Is Marisol allowed to go home?"

"Yes, she is. All you have to do is pick up the vitamins and that's it. She doesn't have to come back in. Unless there is anything you worry about. Our door is always open." Scorpia helps Marisol up and thanks the doctor.

Marisol almost skips towards the elevator. When the doors close, the girl says: "They all said I did very well. The baby is healthy. I can do it."

Scorpia smiles at her and says: "I already knew that. You're a strong woman. You are going to be successful at whatever you decide to do."

Scorpia sends Bart a message while waiting in line at the pharmacy on the ground floor. As soon as they walk out of the hospital, they spot Bart waiting for them. And he helps them both inside the van. He gets behind the wheel and asks: "Everything okay?"

He looks in the rearview mirror and sees the bright smile on Marisol's face. Scorpia says: "Yes, better than okay. I already saw was she was smart and strong. But the doctors were impressed by her too. Marisol and the baby are perfectly healthy."

Bart nods and starts the car.

"Bart, can we go by the cafe? So I can grab my gym clothes?"

"Sure. I'll stay with Marisol."

────────────────

We are now reaching a part in the book that is difficult for me to write about. I'm still doing it though. It's part of my healing. These upcoming couple of chapters hold a lot of my personal feelings, about various things.

At the same time, they are chapters I can't wait to share.

The boxing lesson in the hotel is going to be fun.

The interview is going to be difficult, but healing as well.

And the visit to the orphanage...

Well, I guess what I'm trying to say is stay tuned for a look into my heart. More than before in this book.

Thank you so much for still being here for the ride.
I appreciate that more than I can ever explain.