Chapter 093

Mirabella's Pov

Months later.

I'm huddled in the kitchen with my husband, whispering and giggling like conspirators. We're planning a surprise party for our twins, Mariano and Mariana.

A party to celebrate their sixth birthday.

It's been months since my children turned six, but I was skeptical about throwing a party for them for several reasons.

First, my son doesn't exactly like being surrounded by lots of people. He in-fact only enjoys the company of his sister and I do not wish to trigger him by forcing him out of his natural habitat.

Secondly, our worst enemy, my father, was roaming free and devising several means to harm my family. I didn't want to have us all in one place where he could easily hurt us.

Now, he's dead; hence, we're throwing an intimate party for the kids.

"Okay, so we've got the cake, the decorations, and the games," I say, ticking off each item on my list. "What about the guest list?"

Matteo replies, "Just family and close friends. We want to keep it intimate."

I nod, feeling a surge of excitement. "I've already sent out invitations to our family, closest friends, and business partners. So, that's settled."

As we finalize the details, the twins burst into the kitchen, their voices echoing in laughter as they jest over something unknown. Their inside joke as they'd like to call it.

My husband and I exchange a knowing glance, hiding our smiles.

"Hey, guys!" Matteo exclaims. "What is the banter and laughter about?"

Mariano's face contorts as though displeased by his father's input. "None of your business," he mutters.

Mariana smacks his shoulder, mouthing caution to him.

Matteo's mood is about to change when I step forward with a clear of my throat and place my hand on his back. "How about we set up a projector back in the garden and see a special movie tonight?" I suggest.

Mariana's face lights up. "Yeah!"

Mariano rolls his eyes, "I'm not interested."

"Nobody asked your opinion, killjoy," Mariana seethes before turning to her father and I, "we'll love to see a movie with you both."

"Thank you, my love," I coo at her.

As they move around, I hear Mariana squealing excitedly at the idea of sharing a movie night together as a family while Mariano grumbles about it. But little do they know, their movie night will become a surprise party, complete with balloons, cake, and all their loved ones.

As the sun sets, Matteo and I transform the living room into a festive space. We hang colorful streamers, set up a mini photo booth, and place a big banner that reads, "Happy 6th Birthday Mariano and Mariana!"

My heart races with anticipation. I can't wait to see the look on their faces when they walk in.

As the hours tick into minutes, we welcome our guests and lead them to their hiding places. Minutes tick into seconds and soon, we hear the twins approaching.

"Get ready," Matteo whispers.

I take a deep breath, and bob my head in a nod. The door opens and they walk into the dimly lit room, stopping in their tracks when they find the living room void of any living thing.

"Why's it so dark in here?" Mariana's little voice echo.

Mariano replies, "Because they forgot about movie night. I told you not to get your hopes up with-"

That one and his foul mouth.

We don't let him finish when we shout "Surprise!" in unison as the lights come on.

The room erupts in cheers, hugs, and happy tears. It's the first time in a long while since I've seen Mariano share a smile with so many people. Both my children are beaming with joy, surrounded by love and celebration. I feel tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I watch my babies grow up.

The party is in full swing, with laughter and chatter filling the room. Mariano and Mariana are having the time of their lives, playing games and running around with their uncles and aunt and grandmother.

But as the noise level increases, I notice Mariano starting to get overwhelmed. He covers his ears and takes a step back, his eyes scanning the room frantically.

His eyes find mine and he runs to me, his skin shivering. "It's too loud, Mamà. And too many people." he whispers, tugging on my hand.

"It's okay, baby, they'll leave soon." I try to reassure him, but it's too late. The stimulation becomes too much, and his face contorts in distress.

"Now, mamá!" He yells.

"Okay, okay. . . just let me take you to your room and then dismiss everyone, okay?"

He doesn't hear me. It's as though he's having an out of body experience. His breathing becomes harsh pants, his eyes frantic, both hands covering his ears.

"Come on, baby," I try to lift him up, but he slaps my hands away and takes to his heels.

He's pushing through the crowd, trying to escape. And then he accidentally knocks over a chair, causing a domino effect. Someone cries out in pain as they get hit by a falling decoration.

It's his sister. Her crying voice forces his feet to a stop. He runs back to her and tries to help her up when one of the nannies runs to them.

As the nanny tries to help Mariana, Mariano slaps her hand away. "Leave her," he grits through clenched teeth.

The nanny doesn't listen. Instead, she forces his hand away from his sister and anger instantly clouds his features.

I'm too late with both my voice and my feet. Because before I can stop him, he has already picked up a bottle, lunging it against the nanny's head while he screams, "leave my sister alone!"

The scream quiets down the room instantly, and the blood draws gasps from most of the attendees, all eyes landing on him. Realization dawns.

He's hurt someone and he knows it. He falls on his ass and curls himself up as he mumbles incoherent words.

"Stop fucking staring at him, you dumb fucks!" I scream as I rush to his side, trying to calm him down, but he's beyond consolation. He's curled up on the floor, rocking back and forth, his eyes closed tight.

"Mariano, baby, it's okay, it's okay, it's okay. . . you're good, relax baby," I whisper relentlessly, trying to soothe him.

But he's not responding. He's in his own world, trying to block out the chaos.

I look up to see Matteo rushing towards us, concern etched on his face. "What happened?" he asks, kneeling down beside me.

I shake my head, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "I don't know. He just got overwhelmed."

Matteo takes charge, gently lifting Mariano into his arms and carrying him to a quiet room. I follow close behind, feeling a mix of guilt and helplessness.

As we try to calm him down, I can't help but wonder if we should have done things differently. Should we have had a smaller party? Should we have prepared him better?

The guilt and worry swirl in my mind, but for now, I just focus on comforting my child, trying to make him feel safe again.

"It's my fault," I cry, "I shouldn't have organized this party."

Matteo's gaze shifts from our son to me, "don't ever blame yourself for things that are beyond your control, Mirabella, do you understand?"

I open my mouth to speak but I'm cut off when Mariano suddenly hugs into me, crying into my neck. "Te amo, mamá. Grazie. . . thank you for the party. And I'm sorry for how it turned out."

"Don't be sorry, baby," I whisper into his hair, kissing his forehead many times, "it's not your fault, okay. It's your nature and you shouldn't be ashamed of it."

"Okay, mamà." he sniffles, "I promise to make you proud from now moving forward."

Silence follows. Whatever gave him the idea that I'm not proud of him?"

I realize in this moment that my son isn't an emotionally handicapped kid. He feels every emotion, perhaps he feels them a little too much that it overwhelms him.

Maybe I've been looking at it wrong all this time and judging his character in a way that is far from the truth.

"Maybe it's time we take a break and fully focus on getting to understand our children better. Take that vacation you've always been wanting." I say, eyeing my husband who has a relaxed look on his face as he watches my emotional exchange with our son.

"Hm," he hums in approval. "But before that, I need everyone to get the fuck out of my house immediately."