This is a flashback set about 16 years ago
The sun had not yet risen. The stars were bright in the sky, constellations clear as day. If you really listened, you could hear the faint chirp of the crickets and the running water of the nearby stream.
I've always loved this house. Despite its large size, it's homey and you never feel alone. The walls are adorned with family photos and children's drawings. I even have some stuff up there from when I was a boy. This home has belonged to my father's family for a long time, even before I married into the American mafia.
The property is upstate, smack in the middle of nowhere. In other words, the perfect escape from the bustling city.
I'm here with my two sons, and my beautiful pregnant wife. We're having twins soon and I couldn't be happier. Hopefully one is a girl.
Bianca is due soon and we wanted to make her feel special and pampered before the babies arrive and everyone's attention will be on them.
Father and Mother are arriving later today along with my big brother's family. They are all staying until the babies are born.
"Do you think he'll come this time?" My wife asks me.
"Probably. He would never miss the chance to be here for the delivery."
"Hopefully she doesn't though."
"What is it with you two? She seems like a lovely girl."
"It's a facade honey. She's secretly a jealous bitch under all that makeup and big puppy dog eyes. She's just so annoying. Ask Mari when she gets here."
"Well-"
"She's also a total liar. For someone raised in the mafia, you'd think she'd know how to lie well."
"True, but-"
She mutters something under her breath and I wisely decide to drop it. I know better than to question a hormonal pregnant lady. Especially when said lady is Bianca Lombardi.
We're talking about my sister-in-law, Valentina. She always comes to family gatherings, sucking up to my parents. My brother however, doesn't always accompany her.
Soon, my entire family is at our dining room table. Enjoying family recipes fresh from the kitchen and joyful conversations.
I here the front door open, followed by a high pitch voice. Bianca and Mari groan and then put some fake smiles on their faces.
"I'm here!"
A ginger haired woman comes around the corner with a big smile on her face, and a birkin in hand. Always with a god damn birkin. I swear it's 50% of her personality.
"Ah, Valentina. So lovely to see you." My mother says, embracing the woman. "Where is my son?"
"Oh he's just working. Stressed over a new club. He's very sorry and says he'll come to the next one." Lie.
"That's what you said last time. Same club?" Francesco questions, eyebrows raised.
"I'm not involved in his business ventures. Don't ask me."
"And my grandson?" Father asks.
"He isn't feeling to good at the moment. He's with his father." Lie.
A little background on Valentina. She is the second born child of the Sicilian mafia boss. Just as I was arranged to marry Bianca, my brother was arranged to marry her.
Soon after the wedding, she became pregnant with their first child and not long before the birth, something terrible happened.
Her older brother, the Sicilian don, his wife and their only child, died in a tragic accident. My brother was then forced to take his place as the new don.
"How are you feeling Valentina?" My mother asks.
I forgot to mention, Valentina is also pregnant. She is only a few months along and isn't due until the end of the year.
"I'm doing wonderful. Thank you Alberto."
The meal continued and as the sun set, we sat by the fireplace, discussing plans for the baby, when the front door is opened again.
"Oh my goodness!"
"You're here!"
I see my brother's smiling face enter the room and embrace each and every one of us. I missed him.
"Darling! I didn't know you were coming!" Valentina says, annoyance clearly evident in her voice. But why?
"I finished quicker than expected and wanted to see my beautiful sister before she gives birth. Congratulations by the way. I'm so sorry that I haven't reached out sooner." He says.
"We're just happy you were able to make it." My wife says with a smile. A genuine smile.
"Where's my grandson?"
"I'm right here Nonna!"
"Andreas! Darling I missed you so much!" She says kissing him all over his face. It's unfortunate that we don't get to see Andreas a lot. His cousins adore him.
"Go on upstairs. Your cousins are in the playroom."
Gio is 6, Alessandro is 4, Angelo and Enzo are both 3 along with Andreas, Luca is 2 and Dante is just 1 year old.
"Is Dante there too?" He asks. Andreas only had the chance to see his baby cousin once while my boys have gotten to see him a lot.
"He's asleep right now baby. You'll see him later." Mari tells him and Andreas runs up the stairs, excited to see his cousins.
"Sick, huh?" My brother smirks. Valentina just rolls her eyes.
As the night progresses, I can't help but feel like something is going on between my brother and Valentina. Whenever she leaves the room, I can see the wheels in his head turning. He's thinking too hard for something not to be up.
While everyone leaves for their rooms, I wait until we're alone.
"Are you ok?" I ask him.
"Yeah. Just stressed."
"Liar. You can always talk to me. I'm your brother."
He sighs.
"I really wish I could. I want to. But I can't."
"Why?"
"Because I can't see anyone hurt."
Who would get hurt? How?
"Tony, just remember that no matter what, I'm on your side. I'll always be there."
"Same here, but where is this coming from. It sounds like you're saying goodbye."
I'm answered with silence.
"You're not saying goodbye, are you?"
"Not forever. Good night Antonio. I love you." He walks away and heads to his bedroom.
What was that? Why is he saying goodbye? What is he planning. No. What is Valentina planning. I just know that woman is behind this.
My brother would never miss the chance to see his family. My brother has always been a lover. He didn't want to be a don. That's why he married who he did and I married Bianca. He would always make the best jokes and his laugh and smile was contagious. I haven't seen it in a while.
I'm not letting him leave until I get answers. I will not stand by and watch this woman ruin my brother's life.
I make my way up the stairs and into my bedroom where my wife lies in bed, reading a book.
"Penny for your thoughts." She says as I lie down next to her.
"Something is up with him. He's different."
"He's been different for a while. I don't like Valentina just for her shitty personality."
"Tonight is different though. It's as if it's worse. He was on edge the whole time and it seemed as if he was hiding something."
"I noticed that too. Do you think it's about Valentina or the baby?
"Maybe. I just want him to be ok. In the kitchen just now, it sounded as if he was saying goodbye."
"Was he?"
"I don't know. All he said was it wasn't forever."
"It's late. Sleep on it and talk to him tomorrow."
The next day
"I told you last night, I'm ok."
"But you're not. You haven't been for a while. We all see it."
"Antonio, it's better if you don't know. Stay out of it."
With that, he walks off.
Since our conversation, he's been avoiding me. I know he'll crack if I do it again. I'm conflicted on whether I should just go for it, knowing that he'll feel better once his feelings are out. Or if I should leave it and have faith in my brother that he'll find a solution. Not wanting to risk a fight, I leave it. I hope I don't regret it.
Today we leave for the city, Bianca's due date fast approaching and we still have a lot of preparing to do.
"We have to get going now." Valentina says.
Unfortunately Valentina, Andreas and my brother can't join us in the city and have to return to Sicily.
"Bye bye!" Andreas yells from his car seat.
"Bye Andy!" All his cousins shout back.
After Valentina gets in the car, my brother gets out and walks over to us.
"Arrivederci. Ti auguro ogni bene e mi dispiace."
*Goodbye. I wish you all the best and I'm sorry.
"Sorry for what?" Francisco asks.
"Sorry that I won't be there."
"The hospital?" Bianca questions.
"Yeah." He hesitated. Why?
My father approaches him,
"Addio figlio mio." And continues to whisper something I cannot hear.
He says one final goodbye and they drive off.
Our cars soon pull up and we load up the trunks with our luggage. Just before I open my door, guards come running.
"Boss!"
"Get back!"
"The SUVs are rigged with explosives!"
"They have the seal of the Sicilians!"
No. He wouldn't.
"Get in the cars! Go after them!" I scream.
"The soldiers are already after them sir."
It all makes sense now.
The secrets, the absences, the lies.
He planned to murder our family.
My mother is in tears, Mari and Bianca try to comfort her, trying to hold in their own at the same time.
My father is yelling orders into the phone.
Francisco is doing his best to comfort the confused children.
I just stand there, feeling the betrayal of my brother. My best friend. My twin.
That was the day we lost Stefano Lombardi.
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Hi guys! Sorry it's been so long.
I hope you liked this chapter, it took a while.
Keep your comments and theories coming, I love reading them.
The next update is already on the way!