The Salvatore Twins – Episode 8

The Salvatore Twins – Episode 8

 

© Happy William

 

.

 

★Anne★

 

.

 

Friday, which meant a boring day at work filled with filing out paperwork for the weekend, emptying out my tray and Jack’s in preparation for the new week come Monday.

 

I suddenly had this “I don’t want to go to work today” thing coming up with me. Obviously because going to work meant seeing Emilio, now that he and Jack were partners in business. But maybe he mightn’t go….. or he’s still in bed. Which reminds me of his being sick the night before.

 

Was he okay?

 

I brushed the thought aside as I hollered to the twins to come out for breakfast. Toast and scrambled eggs.

 

“Good morning bebies, slept well?”

 

“Hi mom.”

 

“Good morning mom.”

 

They both rubbed their eyes and then became aware of the food in front of them.

 

“Lian say grace.”

 

Luckily she didn’t pray about me and Emilio getting back together as Leon did, but she did mention Emilio’s health and that got me wondering more than I should’ve.

 

.

 

With breakfast over and done with, I called Wendy over.

 

“Mom will daddy come today?”

 

“You bet he will,” I replied assuredly because if there was anything, or anyone Emilio wouldn’t fail, it was this pair of cute eyes in front of me.

 

“But he was unwell. Maybe we should go visit him,*?” Lian chimed in.

 

“Aw mommy’s gotta go to work, OK? Your auntie Emilia would keep you guys posted. And when your dad comes, you can go back with him. Sound good?”

 

“Yeah,,” they chorused.

 

I kissed each of their foreheads.

 

“Bye.”

 

On my way out, Wendy was just making her way in.

 

“Hi Anne,” she greeted.

 

“Hey Wen” I replied. “Uhm, Emilio might be about to take Leon and Lian with him anytime soon, so they should be prepared.”

 

“Aren’t you coming home?”

 

” ’Course I am. Might be a little late though. ”

 

“On purpose? You can’t tell me otherwise because it’s Friday for gossakes. Offices close early for the weekend.”

 

“Yeah yeah.”

 

“You’re avoiding him aren’t you? If it’s really over between you as you claim, then you shouldn’t be playing this rat and cat game,” she said solemnly. “You’re my friend, Anne. I’ve known you since we were teenagers in the orphanage. You truly love Emilio. Let love lead, and forget about any sh*t that’s hardening you. OK?”

 

Without waiting for me to reply, she tapped my shoulder and went inside, already chattering with the twins.

 

I sighed.

 

Let love lead.

 

Was it that simple?

 

Shaking my head, I boarded a cab and drove to Gunther America.

 

★*★

 

**★**

 

★*★

 

It was twelve in the afternoon, and Jack Gunther had been involved in series of meetings. Which meant I was quite busy contrary to what Wendy said.

 

But in all the bustle, I noticed Emilio’s absence.

 

I mean, he’s just made a partnership with Gunther America, and knowing him wee, he wouldn’t miss any form of meeting esp if it involved a new partnership. I was a bit worried.

 

Returning my computer to homepage and arranging some stray papers, I went to Jack’s office, ignoring the whispered gossips of other employees.

 

*I still can’t believe she had a thing with Mr Salvatore*

 

*I agree with you, the man’s so hot and she’s do plain. Good looking, I’ll give her that, but Anne lacks class compared to Mr Salvatore*

 

*And didn’t they talk about kids? The twins?*

 

*Mmm hmm, no wonder she always refused the attention of Mr Gunther*

 

*Guess she’s got class after all*

 

Their sneers and gossips faded when I knocked the door.

 

“Mr Gunther?”

 

He raised his head up from peering into his laptop and gave a small smile.

 

“I thought we were on first name terms, Anne. Or have you forgotten because of Mr Salvatore?”

 

“Uhm, no , no Jack. That’s not it, sorry.”

 

He nodded. “It’s okay. So, you’re supposed to be on break. Any problem?”

 

“No, I mean yes….maybe?” I sighed. “I was just wondering why Emilio hasn’t come today?”

 

He hid a grin and kept a sober expression. “Earlier this morning he told me already. He called in sick.”

 

“He did???” I repeated horrified.

 

“Yeah, you didn’t know?”

 

“I…. kinda,” I managed to say sheepishly.

 

“You guys aren’t talking, right?”

 

Sighing, I said, “its complicated.”

 

“Anne take this from me as a friend, not your boss. Nothing should be complicated. You have kids— two wonderful kids together. You’re both still in love —”

 

“Oh no we aren’t —”

 

“Wait, lemme finish. You’re both still in love. It’s crystal clear if you ask me.”

 

He leaned forward. “Anne if there’s anything you need to do now, it’s to let love lead. Forget about the past.”

 

“That’s the second time I’m hearing this today.”

 

Now he actually grinned. “Then maybe it’s true. Go to him, okay?”

 

I nodded.

 

“I mean right now. Take the rest of the day off.”

 

“Oh Jack I can’t I —”

 

“@s your boss, I’m telling you to go. Don’t be stubborn.”

 

I laughed.

 

“Okay. Thanks.”

 

I walked out, stopping long enough to grab my bag and keys, and switch off my system.

 

I hailed a cab, and waved to Martha, a friend of mine from the cafe near the office, and got in after giving him my address.

 

………★………

 

★★★★★★

 

………………….

 

★Jack★

 

.

 

With the grin still on my face, I picked up my phone and dialed Lia.

 

She answered on the first ring.

 

“Jack?”

 

“Yeah. So far I think everything’s in motion. She should be worrying her head off soon.”

 

“God I hope so. This is like the only way we could come up with for Ann to see how much she still loves my brother,” she said feelingly.

 

I nodded though she couldn’t see me.

 

“It’ll work.”

 

@fter a brief pause, I asked, “Are you free this evening?”

 

“Why? Wanna take me out?” she asked in that teasing way of hers.

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Where?”

 

“Wherever the evening would take us.”

 

“OK, that’s if everything go well for Lio. I’m game.”

 

.

 

.

 

★Anne★

 

.

 

“Guys…. why the long faces?” I asked once I stepped into the living room. My babies were lying about on the floor, whining and looking dull.

 

“Mommy…daddy…. he said he’ll come and take us to spend the day in his house,” Lian said.

 

“But the day’s running out, and he hasn’t even called!” Leon added.

 

Then they continued their whining.

 

Wendy was at the breakfast bar whipping up something for an impromptu lunch.

 

“You’re back early…with all the weekend work you said you have going on,” she stated without taking her eyes off the sandwiches.

 

“I’m worried about Emilio,” I admitted. “He hasn’t been by?”

 

“Nuh uh. Call him.”

 

Like a remote controlled android I pulled out my phone and dialed Lia.

 

After several rings the call went to voicemail.

 

” Lia, it’s Anne. Is something wrong with Emilio? The kids are pretty worried that their date would be ruined. I’m worried too. Call me. ”

 

“You should call Emilio, don’t you think?’ Wendy asked after the beep of the end call as she took a tray of sandwiches and milk to the twins who pouted and turned away.

 

” It’s not necessary. He’ll come. ” I went to the twins. “Eat up babies, so that you’ll save up strength for when daddy comes.”

 

That seemed to get to them, because they hurriedly sat up and began to eat.

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

Hours have passed.

 

It was sunset now.

 

Wendy had gone back to the orphanage.

 

I clutched my phone to myself like it was my lifeline as I waited for Lia to return at least one of the dozens of calls I placed to her.

 

I began pacing about the bedroom where my babies had gone to sleep feeling desolated, and boy was my conscience eating me out.

 

*If anything bad happens to him, you know you won’t forgive yourself*

 

But nothing bad could happen, right?

 

Not wanting to wake them, I went to the parlour and paced a little.

 

The time said 05:26 PM.

 

Gosh!

 

I tried Lia again.

 

Still voicemail.

 

Oh come on!

 

*Try Emilio*

 

No I can’t do that, my pride won’t let me.

 

*Pride? That’s what all this is about? How would your pride feel when something bad happens, and you knew you could prevent it but you didn’t?*

 

Sighing deeply, I sunk into a sofa.

 

05:35pm.

 

05:37pm…….

 

05:40pm……

 

The vibration of my phone in my hand woke me to the realization that I dozed off. And it was six pm.

 

Lia.

 

I quickly swiped right and placed the phone to my ear.

 

“Hello Lia, I’ve been trying to reach you since twelve. What the hell’s going on?”

 

“I’m sorry Anne, I’ve had no breathing space running here and there to make sure Lio is okay.” she sounded breathless.

 

“H-h-how’s he? W-what’s wrong?”

 

“First we thought it was a fever that would go away, but it seemed that the fever intensified each passing hour. The doctor’s been by, but right now he thinks Lio has to be admitted. But Emilio doesn’t want to be. He insists on seeing you first he —” her shaking voice broke to a whisper, “He feels he’s going to die.”

 

“What? Tell me you’re joking.”

 

“No Anne. He said that he’ll try to stay awake for you. But if you’re not here, then he’ll finally accept that you don’t love him anymore, and he’ll die. He just wants to….oh Anne you gotta come please, Emilio can’t… he can’t…”

 

“Lia gimme the address now!”

 

I hurriedly scribbled it down as she rattled it off, then hung up and called Wendy to see if she could find time to come and stay with the kids or take them with her. She agreed and I was out of the door and into a taxi.

 

“Fortuna….Crescent Hills…. STEP ON IT!”

 

While the driver speed, I prayed deep in me….

 

“Oh please God… please nothing should happen to Emilio…. I love him…. I love him so much that I’ll be torn if anything bad happens to him….”

 

The driver gave me a confused glance and faced front again.

 

My breaths were coming in quick , I was agitated………

 

.

 

I paid off the driver.

 

“Keep the change!”

 

I hurried up the steep hilly walkway.

 

It was dark now apart from the streetlights and illuminations from business and commercial centres that gave New York the an quality of the city that never sleeps.

 

The gate swung open and I entered.

 

Before I could knock, the door opened and Lia stood there smiling.

 

“You came.”

 

“Where’s Emilio!”

 

“Follow me.”

 

She led me through the finely decorated mansion but I didn’t have time to admire it as a more greater thing was on my mind.

 

Instead of a room, she led me out the backdoor and into what I guess must be a garden; I wasn’t sure because unlike the house the garden was dark.

 

“Where’s Emilio, Lia?” I asked uncomfortably.

 

“Go up there,” she whispered sadly. “I’ll go inside in case you want to be alone.”

 

So saying she close the door.

 

Wait…

 

.did this mean he was dead?

 

it can’t be!

 

What of my kids…..what of me!

 

Slowly, with guilt and regret tearing at my insides, I walked to the far end of the garden where a table like bed was.

 

It was so dark I couldn’t see, but this was his grave?

 

No. It can’t be!

 

With a loud wail, I flung myself unto it and cried….cried more than I cried when I discovered he lied to me, or that I was never going to see him again.

 

*You’re never going to see him again*

 

“No, this… can’t…. this can’t be Emilio you cannot….. you cannot just go. What about Leon and Lian? What about me, Emilio! I’m…. I’m so….so sorry that…… I don’t believe it, you’re gonna get up right away and tell me that this was all a prank to get me confess the truth about my feelings to you , right? Because that would be so much better. I…. you can’t just go Emilio I…. I love you…. I’ve never stopped! Wake up so I can tell you this to your face you goddammed….ma

 

n…..”

 

I was sobbing and hiccuping so hard.

 

He’s going to wake up.

 

He will!

 

And right in that moment, the lights came on revealing the most beautifully decorated garden… flowers and garden benches and garden gnomes all over the place.

 

And WHAT!!?

 

The coffin like bed I’ve been crying on was empty!

 

Jeez, what’s going on???

 

Then I heard clapping behind me.

 

I rose to my feet with my tearstained face and turned around to see….

 

Lia.

 

Jack.

 

Wendy.

 

Leon.

 

Lian.

 

And even Cosima and Augusto and Felipe and Sophia and a little boy!

 

They were all smiling and grinning so widely, blowing whistles…

 

What the hell IS going on HERE?

 

Movement caught my eyes, only for me to turned back and see Emilio looking as healthy as ever, on his knees, with a white rose between his teeth, and in his hand a velvet NOx containing my engagement ring from six years ago.

 

F****CKKKK!!!!

 

To be continued

ALL EPISODES