Chapter 74

Alessia.

I didn’t know how long I had been pacing around the hospital hallway. I was sweating profoundly and my heart was pounding so fast that I was afraid it would pop out of its socket. Seeing the way Angelo’s body lifeless body was being carried to the emergency room really scared me to the core. I couldn’t find the tears to shed due to how shocked I was. I could only pray. Pray for his recovery. He would be operated on immediately because there was nothing to hold him. At some point, I was glad the hospital was able to get a donor for him. Even though they said it’s not guaranteed that it won’t cause complications.

What mattered to me was to see Angelo back to life. Angelo’s mom broke down in tears and requested the doctors to take her kidney. But the doctors declined knowing it would cause more harm than good.

We held on to the hope that the surgery would be a success. We were all gathered around. From Angelo’s mom, and Annie’s parents. Lillian, Kelvin, Elijah, and Marco. I knew right then that Angelo had a lot of people that cared about him.

“Angelo will be fine.” I heard Annie's weak voice whisper as she placed her hand atop my shoulder in a comforting way. I know they are all worried but I don’t think anyone could understand what I was feeling inside. I was only holding myself back not to break down in tears.

My phone vibrates from my bag. I ignored it not having the strength to talk to anyone. The call ended and came through again almost immediately. “Aren’t you going to pick up the call?” Annie asked.

“Later.”

Just when I thought the person wouldn’t call again, the phone began vibrating again. “I think it’s important. Just pick it up.” Annie uttered again. As weak as my legs were, I managed to get them up, fishing out the phone on the accord. It was my mom calling.

I walked further away from the rest and slid the accept button. “Hello, Mom.” I let out in a weak voice.

“Alessia. How is Angelo? Is he okay?”

“Yes, he will be fine. He’s in the operating room.” I bite my bottom lip on the accord. “Don’t worry he will pull through it. He’s a strong man.”

I don’t think whether that was enough to calm me down but it helped in some way. In hoping. “Alright, Mom. Where is Dad?”

“He’s—oh he’s here. He’s saying hi.” I heard Dad’s voice from the background. The two wished Angelo a speedy recovery and successful surgery. After the conversation, my mother's call came through too. She told me she had booked a flight to Italy and would be with me soon.

In the end, the tears I had been holding in made their appearance. Nevertheless, I wiped it off not wanting the rest to see. I trekked my way to Kelvin. “Kelvin, can you take me somewhere?”

He looked at me with a lifted brow. “Where to?”

“I want to meet him.” I declared. I didn’t have to mention the name for him to understand. He exchanged looks with Annie. Maybe it’s high time I see him.

“If you can’t then tell me the address I will go to him myself,” I added seeing the skepticism in his eyes. He heaved out a deep breath before nodding my head. “Sure let’s go.”

Annie got up from her seat and gave my shoulder a light squeeze. “All the best, Alessia. We’ll be right here waiting for Angelo.” I flashed out a smile and spared Angelo’s mom a look before taking off with Kelvin.

No words were spoken between Kelvin and I. Both of us left with our thoughts. It was not until we arrived at the gates of the jail station, that Kelvin spoke up. “Are you going to be fine alone? I can—”

“I will be fine. I won’t take more than twenty minutes.” I flashed out a smile and he returned one. “All the best.” I heard him mouthed.

As I stepped out of the car towards the gate, I took in a deep breath. I don’t know how the conversation will go but I won’t allow myself to leave with regret. The security at the gates asked me who I was and I told them. It felt somehow bitter to tell them I was the daughter of a convict.

I was led inside towards the meeting area. “Sit here. Mr. Enzo will be out shortly.” The security man told me gesturing to the seat. There was a big glass with small dots in a part where it would allow you to connect with the person from the other end.

It was going to be my first time meeting my father and I didn’t know how I would react to it. I didn’t know whether I would be able to hold myself back. Nevertheless, I composed myself and told myself that everything would go smoothly. The door from inside was opened and a man stepped inside.

My eyes fixated on him topped with my heart thumping so fast as if they would bulge out of their socket. There was no denying that man was my father. Even though I have a striking resemblance with my mother, but looking at the man in front of me says it all.

I gripped my thigh tightly as he sat down and had his eyes straight on mine. I wanted to open my mouth and talk but it was as if I had lost all voice. “So you're my daughter.” He commenced the corner of his lips slightly going up. That expression wasn't what I expected though.

“You do look a lot like your mother but I can see my resemblance. How are you?” I thought I would meet a regretful man but the man sitting in front of me looked different from what I had expected him to be.

I gulped down saliva before I said my first word. “I am here to have a word with you as a father and daughter.”

His eyes darted left to right. “I don't expect to see you here. Because I don't think there's anything to talk about between you and I.”

“Did you regret it?” I started again. “Having me.”

His eyes lingered on me for a while as if thinking of what to tell me. “I don't.”

I knew it. Something hit me in the chest. “But…”

“Seeing you today had cracked a small hole inside me. Annabelle has raised a good daughter. I knew you wouldn’t last had you been with me.”

“Why?”

“Because I am not a good man. Settling down with a family wasn't part of my goals because I grew up without one. So I didn't want to burden myself with a family of my own.” I didn't say anything and instead gulp down a bitter saliva.

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Just like that. So you will know your father isn't a good man. I could rot in jail you know. So I don't want you to have any regret meeting me. It should be a mutual feeling.”

If I said his words didn't hit me I would be lying. I didn't know whether I should hate him or have a soft spot for him. What I was feeling was neutral. I can't seem to figure out whether he was really a bad person or what life turned him into.

He leaned over the counter. “Listen Alessia, live your life to the fullest. Don't ever allow the harsh reality of the world to chain you down. Live for yourself and not for the world. This is my first and last advice to you as your father because obviously there won't be a second time.”

Okay, I told myself that I wouldn't break down. But all of a sudden, I felt a strong bile arose in my throat. He sounded like he regretted his actions and at the same time acting all strong. “I wish you and your family the best of luck in life.” With that, he sat up ready to leave.

“Wait.”

He looked at me in confusion, wondering what was there to talk about. I was also surprised at myself for stopping him. “Can I ask you a last question?”

My grip on my thigh tightened as I tried to muster the words out. “If you were given a second chance, would you correct the mistakes you made in your life? If yes, what would It be?”

For a moment, I saw something flicker in his eyes. “I will try and embrace the precious life given to me rather than take advantage of it. I will work hard on reflecting on myself and be a good father.” He flashed a smile. Anyone could tell it was a weak one.

“Take care, my daughter.”

It was when he was out of sight, the tears finally made their way out. My heart was hurting. It was my first time talking to him but why do I pain inside? Why do I suddenly pity him? He was my father after all.

**

The moment we returned to the hospital, I was greeted by my mother. The tears came rushing back. She pulled me in for a hug, running her palms over my back. “Everything will be fine. I'm here,” she whispered soothing words to my ears. I cried my eyes out. At everything. I felt as if a load had been rested upon my head right at that moment. We stayed in that position for a while before pulling apart.

She cupped my face into her palms. “I’m sorry for everything Alessia. And I'm ready to do whatever to be a good mother. You deserve all the happiness in this world. Please forgive me.”

Seeing the regret in her eyes ignited more tears out of me. “I have forgiven you, mother. I don't want to live my life with regret.”

“Thank you, Alessia.” we shared another hug before the voice of Annie broke us apart. “The doctor is out!” as soon as the words registered in my head, I made a quick dash to the doctor.

“I want you all to calm down, please. There is a patient in there.”

“How is he?” I asked.

“The surgery was a success. He would be moved to his room but no one would be able to see him now. Please let's hold on for now.” the doctor explained then he left.

“I told you the surgery will be a success.” Annie side-hugged me. I breathe out a heavy breath at the news. Thank God for life. I hope he won’t have any more complications after this.

Angelo didn't regain consciousness till later in the night. But no one did as much as leave the door. We were all waiting for the doctor to give orders. When a nurse came and delivered the message, we all rushed inside.

Our eyes met each other and he flashed me a smile. Even in his sick bed, Angelo's perfection doesn't seem to fade or lessen. I watched as he bonded with his mother. Since the day they had their first conversation, I noticed how bright the woman looked. She was no longer sick or showing any sign of weakness.

“Um…why don't we allow the love birds to have their moment.” Annie's voice cut through the silence. All eyes were then on me.

“No, I'm-” I didn't get to complete my sentence when they began making their way out. Just before Angelo’s mom could leave, she stopped and whispered to me. “I’ve given my blessing. Welcome to the Santoro family.” she patted my shoulder and walked out. I didn't know when a smile crept up my lips.

However, I was snapped back to reality by the familiar clearing of view. Angelo's captivating eyes attacked mine. He opened up his arms for me. Without wasting time I got into his embrace. “Thank you for fighting through it,” I whispered into his chest, my hands going tighter around his but still careful enough.

We pulled apart from the hug and he cupped my face. I saw nothing but love in his eyes. “And thank you for believing in me. I had to fight this for us.”

I melt in his touch. “I love you so much, Angelo,” I confessed feeling the love I have for him consumes my whole body.

Angelo rested his forehead against mine. “I fucking love you Alessia. So damn much. Marry me.”

I pulled away quickly. “What? You just regain consciousness from a tough battle.”

“And so? I didn't die. Did I?” He lifted a teasing brow. “Marry me,” he repeated. He didn't know how much that was affecting my heartbeat.

“You-”

“Let’s get married. I want to make you mine. Forever, Bella.”

There was always this feeling at the pit of my stomach whenever he called me the name ‘Bella’ it melted down my heart. “If you don't want to-”

“Yes!” I cut him up and exclaimed. “I will marry you, Angelo. Let’s get married.” A smile curved up his lips. The next thing, he grabbed the back of my face and claimed my lips into a passionate and heated kiss.