Defiance

Luis

Luis compelled Eduardo to drive him to the hospital against his better wish. The white walls and smell of antiseptic reminded Luis of the time when he had woken from the accident. It was an experience he would never reminisce by himself. He had woken up feeling out of sorts and caged. To cap it all, fear slammed through him when he looked around and couldn't remember a single thing about his life.

Returning to the hospital after all these months brought those memories rushing back. He shifted uncomfortably as they say in the waiting area. Eduardo noticed his discomfort and just squeezed his shoulder.

Not long after, the nurses came out of the ward, allowing them to go in. Together, they walked into the hospital room. Their mother sat at the foot of the bed massaging their father's feet. Luis sucked in a sharp breath at the sight of his father. From all Eduardo had told him about their father, it was hard to believe he was staring at the same man.

Rafael Ortega lay lifeless on the hospital bed, and for a man of his size, he looked so small. It was almost like the hospital bed could swallow him. His face looked pale and void of any blood. At their entrance, Irene raised her head from her actions and smiled at her boys. Luis returned the smile as best as he could. Eduardo beehives towards their mother and put his hands on her shoulder. She gave him a grateful smile at the gesture.

"How's he?" Eduardo asked.

"He's alive." Irene replied flatly. "No changes yet, but he's alive." She turned towards Luis and gave him a congratulatory smile.

"I heard all about your therapy from Eduardo. I'm sorry I couldn't be there." Luis heard the sadness in her voice, so he just waved her apology off. It was unnecessary. She had other important things to deal with than watching him fall on the floor countless times.

"I'm glad to see you on your feet." She smiled again, and this time, it was a genuine smile. "What brings you by?" Irene asked. Luis and Eduardo shared a look at the question. Luis could finally see why Eduardo had been against his plans. But this was something he had to do for himself.

"Mother," Luis began, "I thought you should know that I've not changed my mind about returning to Madrid."

Irene stared at Luis like she couldn't hear him, and even if she did, then she definitely didn't understand him. Luis could see the blank expression on her face.

"Mother," he tried again

"I won't allow it," Irene said forcefully. She whipped her head towards Eduardo and pinned him with a look.

"Talk to your younger brother." She commanded. Eduardo gave Luis a pleading look, but Luis was having none of it.

"Mother, please.."

"Look at the state of your father, Luis Ortega. Look at him, lying helpless on this stupid hospital bed. He dedicated his entire life to Makin sure that you become the man you are today, and you know why? It's because he always wanted you to follow in his footsteps. You were supposed to be the sole heir to Tegasol. Your father can't do it right now because he's sick. And so he's counting on you to take his place. Do you know the risks we're at? Do you know all we stand to lose if we don't take control of the shareholders? I want to hear none of this, Luis. Get over yourself."

Irene's face was red with anger and one could see smoke blowing off through the orifices on her face. Luis was not deterred.

"Mother, just like I keep telling Eduardo, I can't be a man I don't remember, and I have a strong feeling that this might be the only way to return to myself. I barely remember the man lying in front of me and now you tell me that all my life I've been trained to take over from him. I can't do that if I don't know how. Allow me to remember, mother." Luis was practically begging. He could finally under the reason behind Eduardo's warnings. Now wasn't a good time for their family, considering their father's condition.

"We need you here, Luis. All these things are unnecessary. You have me and you have your brother. We're going to help you get through this. We are going to help you." Her eyes were imploring him to listen to her.

Luis looked away for a moment. He couldn't withstand the pain behind those eyes. It wasn't just about him. He didn't just want to go back to Madrid just because he wanted to remember. He felt like there was a part of him he needed to recover and that part of him was in Madrid. That part of him is something he needs back to make his life complete.

With a heavy heart, he looked back at his mother, steeling his heart against the pain in her eyes. He took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry, mother, but I can't, so what you want me to do? I'm sorry to disappoint you, but my mind is already made up. I'll leave in two days."

"You will do no such thing." The pain behind her eyes had disappeared, and in its place was fire. Scorching fire.

"You want me to be this man, Luis Ortega? A man who I'm not. From the time I opened my eyes in the hospital, all I've heard is how I'm supposed to do great things in Tegasol and carry on the family legacy, but all I've been since then is useless. That's what I am. I don't feel like an heir, I don't feel like a son of the Ortega family and I definitely don't feel worthy. Let me redeem myself. Sorry to disappoint you."

With those last words, Luis exited the hospital room. He would let no one dictate his life. Not especially when he didn't have a life.

"Luis. Come on man, wait up." Eduardo's voice rang out behind him. Luis paused, causing his brother to ram into him. Both of them tumbled forward, holding each other and breaking their fall.

"If you're here to preach some more,"

"Come on, I'll drive you home." Eduardo cut him off from his protests. He had been about to get it on with him about talking him out of his decision. But to Luis' surprise, Eduardo did nothing of such. Instead, he put his hand around Luis' shoulder and guided him out of the hospital to the car.

Luis narrowed his eyes at him and followed him to the car. Suspiciously, he buckled himself in and waited till Eduardo pulled out of the hospital parking lot. They drove in silence. Luis stared out the windshield the entire way.

"Do you really plan to leave in two days?" Eduardo asked, breaking the silence. Luis have him an uncertain look before puffing out a breath.

"I'd leave right now if I could. I just want to make sure I'm leaving everything in order." He answered. Eduardo nodded.

"I'll get Russo to prepare the plane. You could leave tomorrow."

Luis whipped his head with force at the mention of the plane. His eyes were almost bulging out of their sockets. He knew he had money, but he hadn't realized how much money.

"A plane? You mean, we own a plane? A private airplane?" Eduardo chuckled at the question.

"The company plane, actually. But, yeah, it's ours. Dad only bought it under the company's name to stay out of the eye of the FBI and international Police." He answered. Luis whistled. He was loving his life more and more.

"And Russo is our personal pilot?"

"Hell yeah. As long as you're ready, he'll take you."

"Make the arrangements for tomorrow."

Eduardo gave him a knowing smile, and before long, he pulled into Luis' townhouse. Together, they walked to the front door. Eduardo returned to the hospital after making sure Luis could manage without him. Luis had to convince with all evidence he could muster.

Luis didn't have to pack much. He just took his drugs and some of his essentials and put them all in one suitcase. Anything missing would be gained in Madrid.

Come morning, Luis was ready. The driver Eduardo had assigned to him was primed and ready to go. He drove Luis to the private airstrip that had their family crest, the same logo for Tegasol, all around. There was no need for checking in and other protocols. Before one could say jack, Luis was settled in, and the flight was in the air. He took out his book that had every information on Spain. He couldn't wait to touchdown.