Book 2: Chapter Eighty-Three - Matteo Meets Mariella

Book 2: Chapter Eighty-Three - Matteo Meets Mariella
In an hour, they wrapped up all the work at home and went out to fetch the girls. Matteo grabbed Amelia’s hand, and for the first time in years, they got a taste of their newfound freedom. Life was indeed beautiful, and they had wasted a lot of years in captivity, in constant fear of death. But not anymore! They were now free to live life the way they wanted.

With every step he took toward his daughter’s school, Matteo’s heart filled up with apprehension. Would Mariella accept him in her life? Would she love him as Angela loved Marco? He had wanted to be in her life but was helpless! At five, would she understand his inadequacies? 

He gripped Amelia’s hand, having second thoughts now about this meeting. What if she insulted him in front of the entire school? 

“What’s wrong, Matteo? We’ll be late. Mariella’s dispersal is fifteen minutes earlier than Angela’s. I have to hurry to collect both on time. We will then visit the administrative office.” Matteo released her hand and stood near the school gates. 

“I’ll wait here. Why don’t you get them and meet me here?” 

“No, you’re coming with me. Everything will be fine. Don’t worry so much.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him inside with her. Matteo felt like an alien, with all eyes hooked upon him. 

“Why are they staring at me? Do I look like a criminal or something?”  

“Goodness, no. You look quite handsome, actually. They’re staring because they’re used to seeing me alone. This is the first time someone accompanied me here.”

“Do you really think I’m still handsome?” 

“Yes, obviously.” It pacified Matteo, and he smiled with relief. They went inside the pre-primary building to collect Mariella. 

Matteo watched with wonder a little girl with golden hair and eyes the color of amber whiskey rush out, straight into Amelia’s arms. His heart filled up with intense love for the little creature. She looked so adorable! 

“Mama! I missed you so much!” She clung to Amelia while Matteo waited patiently for her to notice him. 

“Marie, I want you to meet the most special person in our lives,” said Amelia, and the little girl’s gaze fell upon Matteo. 

“Papà? Where did you find him, Mama?” she squealed excitedly, releasing Amelia instantly. 

“He found us, sweetie!” Mariella stopped in front of Matteo and he kneeled down before her. 

“How did you find us, Papà? Are you a superhero? Mama said you were fighting the bad men to save us,” she whispered the last part as if it were a secret. 

“I’m not a superhero. I’m just your Papà!” said Matteo with tears in his eyes. He opened his arms out to her, eager to hold her against his heart. She ran into his arms, accepting him unconditionally into her life. Her tiny, soft hands wiped his tears away. 

“Don’t cry, Papà! Did they hurt you? It’s okay. I’ll take care of you and make you better.” 

“Thank you, Marie. I love you so much!” He picked her up in his arms while Amelia wiped her eyes at their heart-touching interaction. 

“I love you too.” She rested her head on his shoulder while her arms wrapped around his neck. Matteo gave Amelia a grateful smile for giving him the greatest gift of his life. They held hands and walked down to the primary building to pick up Angela. 

“Will she remember me? She was just born when I last saw her,” said Matteo with a sigh. 

“She does, Papà. She isn’t little anymore. Angela knows everything,” said Mariella, and they smiled at their bundle of joy. 

“Oh! Then I’m relieved.” Mariella wriggled in his arms and he placed her down. 

“Come Papà, I’ll take you to Angela’s class.” She grabbed both their hands and led them toward Angela’s class. Matteo smiled at her antics, not tiring of them at all. 

Within minutes, Angela emerged and stopped in her tracks at seeing Matteo. Although just a year older than Mariella, she considered herself a big girl already. 

“Uncle Matteo? I missed you so much!” she said, coming over to give him a hug. 

“Did you fight the wicked men? Did you hand them over to the cops, Uncle Matteo?”

“Yes, my dear.” He kneeled down and hugged her close. 

“I’m proud of you, Uncle Matteo!” She released him and waved at a friend who passed by. They walked down to the administrative office and spoke to the concerned person. It would be their last day at the school and the girls felt upset. 

“Why are we leaving, Papà? Please, can we stay? All my friends are here.” 

“We’re going home to Sicily, Marie. We have an enormous mansion there. You’ll find a lot of new friends.” He didn’t tell her that their actual home was in New York. Maybe after regaining his strength, they would return to New York. Matteo needed to check up with the boys about his shop. He wondered if they were still managing it. He would have to check his bank balance, too. 

After completing the formalities, they returned home for lunch. To their surprise, his Mama and Marcello were already back. Marcello gave him a bear hug and cried like a baby. 

“I thought I had lost you forever, bro.” Matteo wiped his eyes and held him close. 

“I too lost all hope of reuniting with you all. It was only because of Carlos that I’m here with you.” 

“Where is Carlos? I couldn’t even thank him?” said Amelia, serving the children their lunch. 

“They’ll come over in the evening,” said their Mama. 

“So, when are we leaving? This place suffocates me. I want to go home to Sicily.” 

“Soon. We will start packing today.” 

After lunch, Donovan sent some men to help them pack up. Marco and Viola, too, returned to help. Matteo felt too exhausted to help and slept with Mariella, who hadn’t left him for a minute. Amelia didn’t mind at all. Mariella needed a father figure after longing for one for five long years. She felt heartbroken to see Angela interact with Marco while she couldn’t. 

“Emilia, rest a while. You’ve been working since dawn. We will handle this,” said his Mama. Amelia nodded and trudged towards her bedroom to rest her tired body. She lay down beside Mariella and closed her eyes to catch up on some sleep. 

A kiss on her lips woke her up. She smiled at Matteo hovering over her in the silent room. Where was Mariella? Had she overslept?

“Where’s Marie?” she asked, sitting up with alarm. 

“Marcello and Marco have taken Marie and Angela to the nearest park. Carlos called to say they are on the way here.” 

“Oh, I’ll just freshen up. We haven’t made dinner for them!” she gasped with horror. 

“Don’t worry. Mama has made everything, and we all helped.” 

“Oh, why didn’t you wake me up?” she asked, feeling guilty. 

“You needed the rest, cara. It’s okay, we’ve handled it. Now get ready and come over soon.” Amelia couldn’t erase the contented smile from her lips. Matteo made her complete. He had a simple way of taking care of her. With his presence, life seemed rosy again! She was glad she didn’t give up. Maybe she should thank Evita, too. After all, it was because of her that Carlos rescued Matteo. 

She changed into a pretty blue dress and emerged from the bedroom. “You’re looking so beautiful, Emilia!” appreciated his Mama. 

“Thank you, Mama. Why didn’t you wake me up? I could have helped with the cooking.” 

“You have been cooking for us every day for the last five years. It’s okay to take a break, dear.” 

“The packing is done, more or less,” said Viola, sitting beside them. The men returned with the girls and Matteo helped Mariella clean up and change. 

After a few minutes, the doorbell rang, and Marcello ushered the guests inside. Amelia smiled at Carlos. “Thank you, Carlos. I’m indebted to you for life.” 

“No, big deal, Amy. Matteo and I are distant cousins, anyway.” His wife gave her a shy smile, and he introduced her to everyone. Amelia greeted Rosetta when Nikolas, Brooklyn, Ryan, Megan, Brandon, and Genelia came inside. 

“Amy!” squealed Gia with delight, hugging her older sister. “I’m so happy you too found your happiness, just like we did.” 

“Yes, all because of all of you.” She led them to the sofa to sit while Viola served them drinks. 

“Mostly because of Evita. If she wouldn’t have called me, we would still be in the dark,” said Brooklyn. 

“Yes, I’ll call her. She has transferred all the money Rafael had earned from Synergist Trading to me. He made a will stating it should go to you, Gia,” said Amelia, while Genelia gaped at her. 

“Why did Rafael hand it over to Evita if it was meant for me?” asked Genelia with a scowl. 

“Carlos, you know about it, don’t you?” Amelia prompted, and Carlos nodded. 

“He died after making the will. Ross was hunting for the money, and I transferred it to Evita. I didn’t read the will, so I don’t know who should receive what. Ross thought the money was with you and targeted you, Genelia. It was only when he died did Evita come out of hiding and met Amelia.”

“Why Amy? Why not me?” 

“Evita is Matteo’s cousin, so it was easier to connect to Amy than you.” 

“I don’t want the money,” said Genelia. 

“Neither do I,” said Ryan.