Sacrifices

Sacrifices
Alessandro
I got up and said, “I'll leave the CDP.”
“What?!” they chorused.
“You heard me. If you still wish to expose CDP, go ahead. I have the resources to separate myself from the gang, and I'll make it very believable. I might even spice things up and ensure the brimstone of the public’s fury falls on you, Nonno.”
“B-Because of that woman?” My grandfather raged. “What do you think you're doing?!”
“Making a choice.” I chuckled. “Isn't that better than me spilling your blood all over this table?” I glanced at my fingers. “I am refusing to work with a family that disrespects not only me, but my wife. So, I'm pulling out. Let's hope you can maintain the legacy I built in CDP. Also…” I lowered myself to press my hands into the table. “I hope you two refrain from doing something stupid like this again. Just because I seem unlike myself these days doesn't mean the Alessandro you grew up with is gone.”
“Y-You-”
“I shouldn't keep my bride waiting any longer.”
I walked out, confident about my impulsive decision, eager to conclude the wedding, expectant to fulfil my desire to always be with Carrie.
~~~
“What in the shit are you talking about, Alessandro?! How can you leave CDP?!” Eduardo didn’t have a very calm reaction to the news.
Well, I didn’t expect him to find it amusing.
After I dropped that unexpected reply before my grandfather and brother, the wedding went on as planned, and within minutes, Carrie and I were pronounced husband and wife.
During the ceremony, I noticed the worried glances Carrie often flashed at me, and I knew more and more deeply in my soul that I won't regret my decision.
Right now, our guests are treating themselves to the scrumptious meal provided, and since they were very busy with that, it was easy for Eduardo to pull me aside and ask me the details of my earlier meeting.
And as it is, he is not taking things well.
“Alessandro, you have to sit on that throne. What’s the point of everything you’ve done so far if you back out now?” His head danced with disapproval. “I won’t allow this. I won’t.”
“Eduardo, I will always be a part of CDP regardless of this. I share blood with the roots of CDP.”
“But…” A heavy silence followed. “You won’t be the king.” His frown deepened. “Has this been your plan all along? Have you always wanted to back out at the last minute? Or does your family have something against you?”
“No.”
“Then, why?!” He stomped his feet. “Why do you have to leave?! This is a very crucial time for us.”
“I am aware of that.”
“Are you?” He glared. Then softened the glare. “If you are, why would you allow those… money-sucking fools drive you to this decision?”
“I made that decision, Eduardo. I understand your struggle, but respect it. You have to.”
“Is this true?” Carrie’s voice entered the conversation that was supposed to be shielded from outside ears. The simple gown she had changed into wrapped around her legs as she carefully walked in with perplexity all over her. “You gave up what you've been chasing for me? Why would you do that?”
“Carrie…” I met her halfway and held her hands, like always. “Yes, I did it to protect you and CDP. And to also protect myself.”
She stared deep into my eyes to figure me out.
Her neatly trimmed brows formed a furrow, and she whispered, “Liar. You are lying.”
“Carrie.”
“Alessandro, is it because of what I said? I-”
Swiftly, I hugged her. “Trust me, Carrie,” I whispered. “Just do that.”
“Alessandro.”
“We are together, that's all that matters.” She thankfully didn’t call me a liar again. Perhaps she finally sensed the truth in all I was saying. That’s a good thing. “Carrie…” I further secured our embrace. “Now, let's focus on us. Let's have each other for a long, long time.”
Carrie said nothing more, and I took that as her agreement to push the topic aside.
So, I maintained our hug and silently waved Eduardo out of the room.
Seconds later, she said, “I was very worried when Kante and your grandfather raised objections.”
“They were being selfish. I’m glad I didn’t give them a chance to ruin our fine day.”
A low sound that sounded like an attempt at a chuckle left her lips. At the same time, she patted my back, like a mother soothing her child.
“I didn’t think we would pull off getting married in a week. But we did. I am proud of us.”
“I put you under a lot of stress, didn’t I?”
“Yes, you did.”
“I am sorry, my flower. I just couldn’t wait. And now, I am feeling something I think they call happiness. Perhaps, I'm the happiest man on earth.”
“I always thought that statement was cheesy, but hearing it makes me smile. How nice would it be to hear that every morning?”
“It doesn’t sound like something I would say every day.” Inwardly, I added, ‘I'll show you that you really do make me feel these strange, exciting things.’
“No, it doesn’t.” Carrie exhaled; it was quite happy yet heavy.
Moments later, our feet began swerving to the rhythm that filled the party outside.
“Carrie?”
“Hmm.”
“Grazie,” I whispered.
“What for?”
We weren’t doing much, yet it felt as though we were dancing on high clouds. Neither were our eyes locked, yet it was as though I could see all of her.
“For choosing me, despite everything.”
“Thank you too.” She lifted her head from my chest to look at me. “Thank you for giving me hope. Thank you for making me feel less lonely. And, thank you… for caring for me.”
Damn it…
Our eyes delved into each other’s, and I continued to drown, more than I did on the night I first met her.
... I think I am crazily in love with this woman.
“Thank you, Alessandro, for giving me the best gift ever.”
Her head returned to my chest, and I was sure she could hear how insane my heartbeat had become. I doubt I ever felt this type of excitement when I had success streaks with my tasks in the CDP.
“I can’t wait to raise our child together. And though this sounds selfish of me, thank you for not listening to your family.”
“I had entertained their nonsense too much,” I laughed to chase the way I was feeling, but it wouldn’t go away.
Don’t get me wrong.
I have always known that I feel deep, intimate things for Carrie, but I didn’t think it was to this extent. I mean, I am now sweating in places I do not wish to mention.
But then, can a person truly know the extent to which they love or are loved?
I guess I’ll have to get used to these emotions that keep growing, and hope that they teach me how to be a good soul to my new family.
And perhaps, from there, I can learn a path that will lead me to a new desire that might annul the burdens of the past that will continue to cling to me.
“Carrie?”
“Yes, my love?”
I smiled. “I will always cherish you.”
“And I’ll always choose you.”
We remained in our hug, and silence followed.