betrayed

Rina Zante

Bit by bit, the wardrobe came into view. I fixed my eyes at it for a while before finally heaving up. My arms bore the under of my belly.

A huge yawn left my mouth. I was tired, even though the sleep had been long and peaceful. Then again, I didn't see myself fancying the idea of taking another nap.

My gaze moved to the curtains. It was well lit. A clock hanging next to it stated the morning had long started. Some minutes to nine.

Off to the bathroom, I couldn't say what would become of today. One thing was sure, however, I'd be out of town in a short while. As I brushed, a thought materialized. It was one that widened the soft spot that'd been attached to my heart ever since my belly became visible. The bathroom sink had inspired the thought. It looked just as cozy as the tub in my dream. Clean in its pale blue color and adorned with cloud patterns around. The dream had been lucid; I could remember details of it.

The babies had been having their bath. Just me with them, rubbing soap on their delicate bodies. Bodies so smooth and soft. Their babbles pervaded the air. Their smells, ever present.

I had my bath right after and returned to my position facing the wardrobe.

What now? I still hadn't spoken to mama and it troubled me knowing she was drowning in worry.

Someone knocked on the door, etching a frown in between my brows.

"Who is it?" No response came and instantly, anxiety took charge. The knock resurfaced. "Rina."

I breathed a sigh having recognised the voice and opened the door.

"I hope I didn't wake you." He stepped in.

"No." I waited for him to say what he came here for, but didn't. So, I decided to speak instead, "Do—"

"I—"

He threw on a little smile. "Go on."

I wrung my fingers together, trying not to keep my worry at bay. "Do you know how I can get through to my mom? She should be worried."

"Yeah. I've got a lot of burner phones back home. You can use them as long as you want."

"Florence?" I looked at Alessio, hoping that what I feared wouldn't happen.

He nodded. "Yeah. But not at the pack house. I don't stay there anymore."

I frowned in confusion.

"I've been away in my private studio ever since Father left."

My eyes slowly blinked, and my throat bobbed. The hurt caused by the death of a loved one couldn't be totally erased.

"What would you like for breakfast?" he asked.

"I'm fine."

"No, you're not. Obviously, I'd have gotten breakfast myself but…" He glanced at my belly. "I don't know what'd be good for you."

I didn't know how to react to that. Or what I should think. I only lowered my gaze, touching my belly.

"Rina…"

A knock interrupted him. He went to answer the door.

I turned, heading for the bed, now wanting to lie down.

"What for?"

I sent my gaze to the door as Alessio sounded pissed. There were little voices, definitely belonging to the person or persons on the other side.

"So that's how you guys operate? Butting in and inconveniencing your guests?" The person tried to speak, but Alessio wouldn't let them. "Tell your manager to go get a life."

He banged the door to their face, making me jerk.

He turned around. "Can you imagine? The manager wants to confirm if I came in here alone."

I frowned, finding it confusing myself, but then it clicked. It clicked and I shot from the bed.

"We have to get out of here. They're looking for me." I said, my heart thrumming. I searched around for my sandals, finding it under a study table.

"What are you talking about?"

I slipped my feet into the footwear and hurried to the door. Alessio held me.

"We have to go! We have to go now, Alessio. My babies."

He wanted to talk, however, he conceded. "Okay. Wait here, while I get my stuff."

"I'll come with you." I couldn't stay here one bit. I couldn't stay on my own.

"Okay."

I stood by the door while he sourced his luggage in the wardrobe. I couldn't help but ask, "Have you had your bath?"

He threw me a glance. "No. When we get home."

Good. I didn't mind. That was just okay. He flung open the wardrobe and stuffed his things into his bag. When he was done, he started towards me.

"Do you have a hoodie or something? I don't want them to see me."

He unzipped his bag and got out a denim hoodie. That with a pair of shades. I put on the attire and reached for the glasses, about to wear them when Alessio adjusted the hoodie to cover my belly.

I smiled gratefully and left the room.

Once out, he said, " I hope you don't mind."

"What?"

He drew me towards his side, his arm resting on my shoulder. No. I didn't mind. Together we passed the reception. He ushered me into his…car. I couldn't ponder on how unbefitting the vehicle was because he made his way back to the building.

"Hey," I rushed to the other side of the car, alarmed. "Where are you going?"

"To sign out."

I gulped. I'd feared he was going to do something else. He didn't make it into the building as expected. He made a complete turn and got into the car.

"Aren't you signing out again?"

"No need. They shouldn't know we've left."

I closed my eyes as relief washed over me and I relaxed back on the chair. The car started.

My eyes never left the road, neither did relief take its leave. I sent assurance to my babies by laying on them. We will be fine. I'd have faith in Alessio.

I glanced at the guy behind the wheel. Even from where I was—at the back seat—I could see his entire focus laid on the road. He hadn't said a thing since we left the motel. He wasn't his usual self because of how strained our relationship had become. The good times felt like ages ago.

"How has school been?"

"Same," he said. "Nothing special."

I nodded inwardly and turned to the window, watching trees zap past us. "Professor Tomaso is still at his no A policy?"

"You know it. Ever unchanging as the weather."

I frowned and took my eyes to him. Just then his smile shone, right before he chuckled. I couldn't help but smile too. This was the Alessio I knew. This was the guy I'd thought I knew before everything went downhill. That memory sprouted a lump in my throat. I looked back to the window. Our drive went back to being silent.

"You really are in the minds of people, Rina. I know I was a jerk and what I did should have changed your perception of me or people in general. You must have wondered if there are people who truly care about you. There are."

I watched him, my lips screwed shut.

"Remember Professor Maria? First semester?"

My brows jumped.

"She's been asking after you. Wondering your sudden disappearance. Went through…him first, then came to me when she made no headway."

I swallowed as the lump in my throat grew in size. "How did you know?"

"She told me."

My eyes grew wet. My tightening airway caused me to croak, "What did he say?"

"Vincenzo?"

Alessio turned briefly to me, then faced the road again. "I'm sorry." He shrugged. "I don't know. He probably ignored her."

I almost cackled dryly. I was dumb to have thought Vincenzo had tried to assure the professor I was okay. So stupid to think he had any form of humaneness left.

"There's a lot to talk about. And I'm glad you are here now. I'm so glad you're back now."

I doubted I was.

***

Alessio pulled by his driveway at 1:39. The sun at its peak, as if mad that I dared step my feet onto the soul of Florence. My body was clammy and pressure was starting to build at the waist from the long hours of sitting.

Alessio helped me out of the car and shut the door.

"Do I?" He made gestures of wanting to carry me into the house.

I rolled my eyes. "Don't be silly."

He settled for taking my hands as we entered what was definitely a family-sized apartment, not some cut-out box serving as just a studio. The walls bloomed of teal, with lines of varying patterns running along. Not much went on in the foyer. Just some couches, an oil painting and a chandelier.

A hallway ran from the foyer to the other end of the room, and just some feet away from the foyer, stood the staircase.

"You might have to stay upstairs. I'm sorry. My stuff's scattered around down here."

I let him lead me upstairs to what would be my room. He was about to open the door when something occurred to me.

"How long do I have to stay here?"

"My place is yours. You're always welcome here."

"Not that." I parted my lips to speak. I couldn't believe he still hadn't figured out how wanted I was.

"I hardly get visited. Not even my mother. You can stay here till we figure out what to do next."

I accepted. Nodding like a child who'd been given assurance. Alessio let the door open and I came upon a fairy-room. The same teal-white theme going on.

"Bathroom's at the left, closet to the right."

I looked at the right to find a door. Before I could make connections, Alessio chipped in. "I'll heat up the water for you; then make some hot chocolate. Will croissants do?"

"I'm not hungry."

"You haven't had anything apart from the snack we got on the road. You need to eat something, Rina, for the kids."

My heart melted just hearing him say the words 'kids' with ease.

"I'm just tired, and really need some sleep. I'll eat later." He wasn't convinced. "Thirty minutes tops. If I'm not down yet, come up and wake me."

"Okay."

He started out; then stopped. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to tell me."

"Thanks."

All I did for the next minute or so was to survey the room. That was how I got to the closet I talked about. An actual room that'd been dubbed a closet.

Seated on the bed, its softness lulled me to sleep. I awoke not long afterwards because my tummy grumbled.

As I came down the stairs, I picked voices. That of Alessio wasn't mistaken and for the second time today, he didn't sound happy. Someone else was here. Meaning that I should head the hell back to the room. I turned back to leave when…

"Really? Acting up after what I've been through for you?" I stopped in my tracks. My eyes swayed left and right.

"You are not supposed to be here. Don't you get it? She's upstairs." I took a gulp and another, turning around to continue with my trip downstairs. I wasn't going to confront them. I'd only peep and slip back into my room, or better still out of here.

Little by little, the voices got discernable. And by now, tears laid taut on my lids.

"I'll just find a way to keep this out of her reach. You go back. I'll talk to you later."

"I can't."

"And why's that."

"Because…"

There. Our eyes met. My stun mirrored hers as I caught a particular object resting on Alessio's palm. I spun on my heels, and bolted towards the exit. Halfway through, just when I was a leap away from the foot of the staircase, a solid pain cut through the back of my head.

And that was all before everything went black.