73. Family Ties & Weddings (Part 4)-2

Francesco sighed and whispered "You don't know what you are referring to..." He then reluctantly pulled away and stood up. He walked away from the bed to the window again "Why do you have so much faith in me? You shouldn't. I am not like him but .... I could become like him..." Adele stood up and walked to the window looking at Francesco who was staring into distance "Don't you think it is time your stop worrying. Don't let him mess with your mind. I know he is trying to make you feel like you have no control over who you become because you do. Your choices would make you who you are and not your genes.... For years you suffered at the hands of the man who was supposed to care for you as a father. He planned your life for you. He made your choices for you. He forced you to live away from your mother and even put restrictions on seeing your brother. He tried to influence your character but he failed killing your love for those you cared for. He didn't manage to make you forget your mother. He couldn't force you to fully become a careless brother. He couldn't make you forget me. Now you are a better man that he is. You have assigned Angelo to treat him for his rare disease. You are saving him. By showing mercy to him you are proving you are nothing like him. Families are supposed to care for each other and you proved it to him. He is in the town's hospital recovering all because of you..." Francesco gave out a bitter laugh as he turned to look at Adele "I have other reasons to save him. It is no mercy." Adele spoke "It doesn't matter what your motivations were. You could keep Angelo away who was his only hope. But you didn't. You said it yourself, the Don couldn't locate him." Francesco spoke "Adele, let's not talk about him on the morning of our wedding....." Adele spoke "You brought this up. Stop saying you will become like him. Why do you keep asking me if I am sure about this? I don't believe life gives anyone more than they can handle. I fell in love with you years ago when you showed honour. I know the soul I fell in love with. That is you. We are human and make mistakes. We all have flaws. No one is perfect. You have so much pain attached to your life. You were forced into a life you never even wanted. Its not your fault who your father is. He ruined your past so don't let him ruin your present and future by making you doubt yourself. I have seen your caring side and know you will be taking care of your family. Please don't listen to your father's words, about one day becoming like him. You will be better than him as a father and a husband." Francesco looked into Adele's eyes in silence. He stared at her eyes as though searching for something "You really have faith in me? I don't think I deserve you." Adele spoke "You think I deserve you? You saved my life and my families life years ago. You waited for me for ten years and did not kill my brother when he ran away to Ambrogio. You have showed me respect. You have honoured me and you have taken care of me. You are for my health and take care of me when I am sick. Don't you see we have in our relationship matches the terms of a marriage. That is why we are both ready to marry. What we have is more than just a relationship and we are ready to make our promises to each other official in a church." Francesco looked at her "Don't you have any worries at all about this wedding? Normally it is the bride who worries..." Adele sighed "I am petrified. I am afraid that I may not be able to fulfill my duties as a wife and mother. You are not the only one with doubts. My parents were perfect and gave my brother and I a good life. I am worried I cant be half as good in parenting. I am not ready to take responsibility to have a family but I don't know when I will be ready. I want to get married and I hope as time goes on, I have the strength to handle a married life. I am opposite of you. You are afraid of making the mistakes of your parents and I am afraid of not being able to live up to my parents' parenting and married life..." Francesco was looking at her with questioning eyes "Are you really afraid?" Adele nodded nervously "Yes. Of course. The thought scares me to start a family of my own.... Its a huge responsibility. But I tell myself, I may never be ready.... I should take the chance and get married. I know we both will be tested. We both have our fears and doubts. You worry because you don't want to fail your family and me too. I have the same worries. It doesn't matter what my father did and what yours did. Having the perfect family when someone is a child does not guarantee that they would be wife material or husband material. So don't let your father's shadow ruin your day. He hurt your family but you would not do the same. i know you won't...." Francesco took a step closer to Adele and embraced her gently kissing her forehead "I love you." Adele smiled "I love you too."