Choose a side I

I was restrained by Hector and Sebastian again.

- We will. – Allan said to the doctor, as they took Celine out of the apartment, on the stretcher, trying to contain her.

- I'll go with her. – Milena looked at Sebastian.

- Are you sure? – Sebastian asked, without moving from his seat – She tried to kill Maria Lua, a one year old child. She killed my brother or sister... She must have been responsible for our son's death, while making you suffer, reminding you every day of the problems we went through. Do you really think she deserves your presence with her? Do you still believe she's innocent, after everything Barbara said?

Milena was apprehensive, with her bag on her shoulder, not knowing whether to go or stay.

- It's not a matter of choice, Milena – he continued – I'm not asking you to stay with me and not go with her. I'm just remembering everything she's ever done to you.

- I... I... - she looked at us, confused, until she made a decision - I need to make sure she's going to be okay. As soon as everything is settled, I'll be back.

We were silent as she headed for the door. Before leaving, Milena asked:

- You... Will you take me back when I get back?

- Always, Milena. Like I said, it's not a matter of choosing between me or your mother. We will always be together, my love.

She left and closed the door. Mandy came down the stairs slowly. I looked at her and then went towards her, receiving a strong hug:

- Grandma, I'm sorry for everything. I couldn't even pay attention to him.

- I went to help Ben – she explained – Do you want to rest a few days in the farm?

- No... I can't stay away from Hector, Maria... Ben... Sebastian.

- Honey, I'm scared of all this. Especially by Maria Lua.

- I'll double the security, Mandy . - Hector assured.

- Further? – Sebastian questioned.

- What do you want me to do besides that, Sebastian?

- I think you need to take a break, Heitor. Maybe Mandy was right and traveling would be a good alternative. They would be safe for a while.

- I can not travel now. What about North B.? What about Babylon?

- You have to see what your priorities are now, dear. - Mandy touched Hector's shoulder.

- We have no way out of Noriah North right now. Soon the lawyers will file a request for custody of Maria Lua. We need to be close.

Anon appeared and said:

- All copied, sir. We have all the pictures that prove that she tried to get the little one to fall into the pool.

- Let's go to the police station then – Heitor looked at me – We have to walk one step ahead of her. When she thinks about denouncing, she will already have a complaint against her. Anon, remove the cameras that face the stairs.

- There's only one, sir.

- Destroy it, please. Leave no traces.

- Yes sir.

- That after taking us to the police station. I'm not fit to drive.

- I'm leaving... It's late – Mandy kissed my forehead – Please keep me informed of everything. And if you want to spend some time at the site, I'll be ready to welcome you.

- It's too close , Mandy . Anyone would find them there. They would need to go further. Sebastian suggested.

- Italy? – Heitor arched an eyebrow , with an ironic half smile.

- Why not?

- No... Not now. I already said, not yet. – I reiterated my decision.

We stayed at the police station for a long time. I came to the conclusion that Maria Lua's party was simply chaos. But I should be grateful she's alive, because it nearly ended in death.

We were leaving the police station when Allan Casanova's car pulled up. Anon 2 helped him down, putting him in the wheelchair. Both were accompanied by Milena.

- What are you doing here? Hector asked.

- I came to testify – Allan looked at me firmly – I'll tell you everything I saw.

I felt my heart tighten. Of course, if the story that I had dropped Celine on purpose got back to the Sheriff, I would have to claim self-defense. But it was clear that she wanted to drown Maria Lua. What mother would be able to shut up in the face of that?

- How can you do that, dad? – Heitor shook his head – Do you doubt Barbara? There is evidence that Celine actually tried to kill... I repeat: “kill” my one year old daughter.

- I'll tell you everything I saw, Heitor – Allan continued, calmly – And what I saw was Celine losing her balance and blaming Barbara for something she didn't do.

I looked in his direction again, not knowing what to say.

- I saw the same thing – Milena completed – No one will doubt all of us. It will be her word against ours.

Sebastian went to the bride, hugging her. I realized how proud he was of Milena's attitude, of finally putting an end to her own mother's misdeeds.

- The lawyers said that there is no risk of Bárbara being arrested, since there would be a way to claim that it was without intention or even self-defense. I could even confess the question of the anger I felt when I saw my daughter in the pool, since everything was very clear in the images, regarding what Celine did. But even so, this would bring problems in the future in the custody request. Hector explained.

- No more problems then. Celine did everything to frame Babi, as we all noticed. And invented a lie. Allan smiled in my direction, looking tired.

I touched his hand and bent down, standing close:

- Thank you, Allan.

- I... I'm going to stay with her for a while at the hospital, until they release her. And then... - he looked at Heitor and then at Milena - Then I'll send her away from the mansion.

- Like this? Hector asked.

- If she tried to kill a one-year-old, what doesn't cross your mind to do with an old man with his foot in the grave?

- She wouldn't be capable of so much, Allan. – Milena said.

- We know that, my love – Sebastian said – And if she really is sent away from the mansion, be prepared. Let's meet the wrath of Celine Casanova... In this case, you, because I've seen everything she's capable of.

- She didn't break her leg... It was just a dislocation. The hand yes... Other than a few bruises, she'll be fine. – Milena observed.

- What a shame! - I'm sorry, sincerely.