Chapter 65

Alessia.

“Hey, Anita. Since you didn't bother to call me, I am doing the work.”

“I'm sorry Alessia. I've just been caught up with work lately. I wanted to call you since the day you guys left but I've been so stranded at home.” I could hear Anita’s frustration through the phone. I hopped into bed, stretching my legs.

“Stranded where?”

“At Aunt’s house. She's sick so my mom pushed me there to take care of her since she won’t have the chance to.” I sat upright. The person she calls Aunt is Angelo’s mother. “You're referring to Angelo Mom right?”

An exasperated sigh left my lips. “Yes. She's been sick for like a week now and she doesn't want to go to the hospital. Before you say anything don't tell Angelo.”

“He doesn't even know? Why?” I asked my brows creasing. “Because she doesn't want him to. They are not on good terms. She hates to see Angelo’s face.”

“But it would break him if he finds out later on. How serious is it?”

“She slipped while taking a shower and dislocated her left arm.”

“You want me to keep it away from Angelo? I can't do that.” I got down the bed ready to leave the room. “Please Alessia. I'm begging you don't tell him anything now. This woman is not only physically sick, she's not okay mentally. Ever since she left her husband and daughter. I know Angelo deserves to know but I'm taking care of her now. I will tell him myself when it's the right time.”

“When do you think is the right time? After she gets worse? What she needs is hospital care, not home care.”

Silence followed for some seconds before her voice came through again. “I know. Trust me I do. I suggested it too. But the woman is not easy to convince. I will do something about it. Please don't mention a word to him. Now back to you.” I sat back down in bed. If I said her news didn't bother me, I would be lying. It had disrupted my mood.

“There's nothing much from my side. I met my mom two days ago.”

“Really? How did it go?”

I told Anita everything. “I'm sorry you had to go through that, Alessia.”

“It's fine. At least she didn't abandon me completely rather she was my shining armor in disguise. I like the fact that we’re starting to get along.”

“And what did your parents say?” I heaved out a sharp breath.

“They're okay. They apologized for keeping it a secret from me. And I understand. I can't be angry with them because they did nothing wrong. If there's someone I should resent, it has to be my father. And we are currently working on bringing him down.”

Anita’s voice came out in a whisper. “Are you okay? I mean, will you be okay to see your dad go to jail?”

I asked myself the same question last night. Yes, I can’t erase the fact that he was my real father but it doesn't mean I will turn a blind eye to his wrongdoings. He didn't only destroy my mother’s life and take everything away from her, he had a hand in Angelo’s father and sister’s deaths. “Unless he begs for me and my mother’s forgiveness and turns himself in if found guilty, I don't think I will have any sort of soft side for him. I don't want that kind of father.”

“I'm sorry, Alessia. I wish I was there with you right now. Where is Angelo by the way?” That was a question I had no idea about. When I woke up in the morning, I didn't see him. He later sent a text that he would be back before dinner. And right at that moment, it was almost dinner time. I wonder what he was up to.

“He stepped out. But he'd be back soon.” I told Anita.

“Alright. I hope you guys are good. You know….not fighting.” I could practically picture her raising a teasing brow.

“For now we are good.”

“What do you mean for now? If Angelo did something—”

“Calm down he didn't. He has been acting all lovely towards me these days. Kis—” I halted my words realizing what I was trying to spill.

“Was I about to hear you say kissing? As in you guys have been kissing? In your parents' house?”

I shifted the phone away from my ears due to her loud voice. Why did my mouth have to blurt that out? “Um…Yes, Mom. I'm coming. I have to go Anita. Talk to you later.” I ended the call without waiting for her response.

I placed my hand over my chest. “She almost got me.” I threw the phone away and walked out of the room.

I got downstairs and went straight to the kitchen where I found Mom cooking. “Hi, Mom. You're the one cooking today and not the maid.”

“Yes, she had an emergency today. And because I invited Mrs. Annabelle over for dinner.”

“What? You invited her over?” I asked, my eyes briefly widening.

She turned to face me. “Yes, Alessia. I want us to eat together. I have been thinking a lot. The woman has helped us right from the beginning. When we had nothing. I didn't tell you how we met her, did I?” I shook my head no.

She reduced the flame from the gas cooker before turning to me. “I met her at the hospital. You know I have been going from one hospital to another for checkups after one doctor told me I can't conceive. I was so desperate because I wanted a child. That same day the fourth doctor told me the same thing I got from the three hospitals. I lost all hope. That is how I met her. She gave birth that same day. It was as if she knew I needed a child. She gave you to me just like that. And promise to watch out for us. She didn't leave our side. I will forever be grateful to her. That is why I am requesting this from you, don't hate her.”

I grabbed both her hands and squeezed them. “I don't hate her, Mom. And I'm sorry that you went through that.”

She flashed a smile. “I'm glad we have found you. We raised you with love and care. Thank you, Alessia for not leaving us.” I didn't say anything and hugged her tightly. “You are my mom. And you will always be. Dad too.”

**

Silence prevailed in the room with only the utensils making contact with the plates. At some point, I was happy to see the people I hold dear to my heart comfortable with each other. I thought it would be awkward for them even though it was for me. But Mom and Dad are comfortable with Mrs. Annabelle. Maybe because they have been in contact for like forever. I tried calling Angelo again. He said he'd be back before dinner time and he hasn't shown up.

“You’re calling Angelo right?” Mrs. Annabelle spoke up breaking the silence in the room. “You have been staring at your phone since. Don't worry he'd be back.”

Mom and Dad fixated their eyes on me. “I need to have a word with that boy. He should stop making my daughter worried. Where did he go?” Dad asked.

Mrs. Annabelle chuckled. “I think your daughter is so used to him that she can't bear him being away from her.”

For the life of me, my cheeks hit up. I turned the phone screen facing down. The rest of the dinner went by with everyone chitchatting until it was time for Mrs. Annabelle to leave.

I walked her out of the house after she said goodbye to my parents. “Thanks for the dinner, Alessia,” she uttered patting me on my back. “Next time, I will invite you guys over.”

“Sure.”

“Take care. And stop worrying. Your man is safe in New York City.”

“I—”

She didn't give me a chance to speak up when she walked away. I didn't say I was worried about him getting involved with another woman.

Well, there are a lot of beautiful women in New York City. You might not know. A voice in my head says. “I

will deal with him when he gets back.” I tried to call him again. However, my phone was being snatched.

“What—You’re finally back.” That was what I said before turning on my heels.

“Alessia, can you—” Mom didn’t complete her sentence seeing the way I stormed up.

With my arms folded across my chest, I leaned my back on the wall next to his door and waited for him to come up. When he did, I attacked him. “Where are you coming from? You went to meet a woman right? Is that why you couldn’t pick up my call? Because you don’t want me to distract you with your woman? And because you know I will complain right?”

I didn’t know why I didn’t stop talking. Mrs. Annabelle's words triggered my head. Angelo’s lips curved up into a smile—a smirk. “Marry me. I like you.”