Chapter 17 The Call
SANCIA
Me: Antonio, I miss you so damn much. I wanted to call you, but Papa had taken my phone away.
Antonio: I know, baby; I tried calling you too when my father told me our engagement had been broken, but it wouldn't go through. I could hear his frustration and anger over the phone.
Me: Where are you, Antonio? What are we going to do? I was pacing as I asked him this.
Antonio: I love you, Sancia; I'm not giving you up, especially to that monster. Nobody knows this babe, but I'm here. Do you think you can see me? My heart jumped in my chest with hope and anticipation.
Me: Antonio, are you saying you are in the States?
Antonio: Sì, mia bella ragazza(yes, my beautiful girl). I can't stay away; I'm already in Las Vegas. Do you think you can make it?
Me: Yes, yes, definitely. I'll find my way.
Antonio: Good, when can I see you?
My brain ran a mile as I tried to recall something Mama had said earlier. My eyes widened.
Me: In two days. That's the only day I could sneak out. We're going to choose the wedding dress. There was a long, uncomfortable silence after I said that. I'm sure he's thinking of the past.
Antonio: All right, I will send you the address of our meet-up place. I love you, Sancia.
Me: I know, and I love you too.
Antonio: I gotta go now. Stay safe and be careful, Sancia.
Me: You too, Antonio, and bye. I ended the call. I hugged the phone to my chest as I exhaled, feeling strong for the first time.
When I raised my head and glanced at Christina, she was staring at me with a smile on her face. I feel my lips stretched in answer, the first smile I've had in days.
“So, how did it go?” she asked, stepping closer. I plopped on my bed, and Tina did the same.
“Antonio is here, Tina, he's here for me,” I said, voice teary.
“He's here? As in here in Vegas?” Her eyes were wide with surprise. We both know it was dangerous for him to come here from Italy. Papa wouldn't want him here, and I'm absolutely sure he didn't give him his permission.
“Yes, he loves me, Tina, as much as I love him. I'm no longer alone. Together we can find a way out of this mess,” she nods.
“I've always known he loves you, and you were never alone, Sancia. I was here for you the entire time, but you wouldn't let me in,” she said, tears welling in her eyes.
“I know, and I'm so sorry. But I was in a bad place, Tina; I still can't believe Papa would do this to me. He just gives us away to his enemy, first Isabella and now me, like we were burdens he couldn't wait to part with, and don't get me started on that devil. I hate him so fucking much, you don't know how much.”
Now that I was talking about it, the tears were finally coming so fast that I didn't know what to do with them.
So I let it all out as Tina hugged me, and I wept bitter tears in her arms until my tears dried out and my eyes turned puffy. She was still stroking my hair and back when she asked.
“What are you going to do? Now that Antonio is here.”
“We are going to meet. He's at a hotel now. He already sent me the address of the place,” I said, getting up from her thighs; I tucked my dirty hair behind my ears as I sniffled. I can't remember the last time I washed or brushed it. I lick my lips and hold her hands.
“Tina, you have to help. I know we're going to choose the wedding dress tomorrow; I need your help to sneak out and meet up with Antonio, please,” I begged. She nodded.
“Of course, Cuz, I'll help you any way I can,” she said, smiling at me. I hugged her excitedly.
“Oh, thank you so much, Tina; this is why you are my favorite cousin,” I flattered. She giggles.
“Okay, okay, let me go. God, you stink,” she said, pushing me away, but I tightened my arms around, giggling. “Come on, go take a shower and wash your hair. We can discuss the plan when you are done.” I finally let go and smell myself; she's right; how did I fail to notice it?
“My God, I stink; how could you stand this? Stand me?” I said, scrunching my face.
“Because I love you.”
“I love you too,” I mouthed.
“I know I'm fucking awesome.” We both burst into giggles, then remembered it was the middle of the night, and we didn't want to be caught.
“Shhhh,” Tina shushes. I nodded, smiling, feeling a lightness I hadn't felt in days. Antonio is here despite his fear of my father, his capo. I've talked to him and will see him soon.