VINCENZOI buttoned up my sleeves and ensured—for the umpteenth time—that my shirt was properly tucked. Next came my tie. I made sure the clip was in place and my hair—even though not gelled—looked good. I didn't have to look like some one dimensional superhero in a comic strip to make an impression. I knew why I took my time, and I'd be damned if I didn't get the desired result. Four days of being suave couldn't go unrewarded. Spraying some bit of perfume, I grabbed my satchel and left the room. From what my watch said, Padre should be anything but ready. I was wrong. He was perched on a couch, sipping what I knew was espresso. All dressed and ready for the day's business.He looked me over, I must say, quite surprised at my punctuality and maybe my clean character these past few days. I knew so, even though his expression relayed nothing. "Coffee?" he asked as I took a seat opposite. "I already have."Silence took form; all the while, I watched him. He locked gazes with me tw
VINCENZOI dropped on the bed, totally and utterly drained. It'd been a long day today. We'd left the airport to attend a conference which had nothing to do with how miserable I was. If anything, I'd enjoyed every bit of it. I'd learnt a lot. My problem stemmed from the one hour drive to Melbourne where Padre had some old friends. To cut the story short, time had been nonexistent. I loosened my tie and tossed it to the floor. Sighing as I admitted to the good side of the whole thing: connection, experience. If I embarked on, say, two more trips like this with Padre, I'd be fully made. I took a shower and got ready for bed. While dressing in front of the closet, my eyes fell on the nightstand and a flash of memory hit me. I'd been away from Rina for days, and while I didn't expect her to call, I felt sour. Bitter? Weird? I didn't know what to call it, but it was something. Most of the servants usually traveled home for the holiday and this fact further worsened my plight. By some u
RINAWe climbed the porch stairs and found ourselves in the living room. Sure enough, Mammà was here. She was together with Uncle Enrico. They both gaped at us like we were aliens. It took a second thought to remember the huge driver was with us. Perhaps, he was the reason they looked stunned.Alessio broke the silence by greeting, at the same time reminding me I was supposed to make introductions. Mammà, however, was quick to speak before I could. "Oh, Alessio." Her gaze switched to me. I knew what she was thinking. Definitely, once Alessio leaves, we'd be having a talk. She eventually quit staring and approached Alessio to give him a half hug. "Rina has told me a lot about you. I'm glad you two know each other."Okay? That was totally unexpected. I blew a breath and imagined flicking sweat off my forehead. Alessio went on to engage in a light conversation with Mammà and Uncle Enrico. I took that as a cue to disappear and get my shit together. I picked Nico's voice as I left th
UNKNOWN POVLeonardo had been a liar. He'd been pole-dancing in the ocean of delusion for as long as the mind could think up. But fortunately, his senses had returned. This morning would forever hold a special place in his heart. He'd been doused with realization, such that he now looked at his past self (which was from yesterday downwards) and cringed. What was I talking about? The fallacy that he was a villain to the core. One that would unleash mayhem without an atom of regret, when in reality he was nothing more than an eighteen-year-old chicken. I was a chicken. Really. I was. The moon goddess knew this which was why she'd let me be raised by two strong individuals. Zio Emiliano and my Zia. I…Shit. See? There I went again. Shaking, swallowing, rapid eye movement. My nervousness was out in the open, potentially attracting an eye. If I didn't take time, I would rat myself out. What was done was done. It had to be done. The law of Karma said so. To stifle my anxiety, I would p
VINCENZO This would be the third time I glanced at my parents since I became aware of a fact: it was blaringly silent here. Deader than a doornail. No matter that my parent's expression gave no clue, I kept stealing glances with the hope of getting a break in my investigation. No such luck, however. Defeated, I returned to my food. This should be one of those days when the atmosphere was gloomy for no reason. And I was talking about some nine, ten months ago, long before some girl had showed up and pulled my mind all to herself; away from the darkness that wrapped me round. Now she was gone, everything had deteriorated. Everything was worse than before. Still, I hoped Lucia's words were true. That Rina had until next week to return. It did seem like a year. With all the lameness that characterized my nights, I was in dire need of an escape. Fuck, I'd been patient enough. It was no easy thing being away from her, separated by distance in every sense of it. The bitch truly had block
RINAThe tram rolled to a stop, plunging my heart to the depths of my stomach. I watched in sheer horror as people milled out. Their faces, a total contrast to mine. “Excuse me?”I jerked and turned to see a lady next to me. “Hello? You’re blocking the way.”"Oh." I stood, allowing for her to pass. Sorry. My gaze followed her out before falling on the elderly creeping her way out of the tram. She and I were the only passengers left, but somehow, that didn't move. She whipped her head towards my direction, nearly hoisting me out of my skin. “Non stai scendendo?” [Aren't you coming down?] she asked, ignoring my show of fright. I gave a ghost of a smile, readjusted the strap of my bag on my shoulder and walked. I helped her down. “Sei sicuro di non esserti perso? C'è una stazione di polizia fuori.” [You’re sure you aren't lost? There's a police station right outside the terminal.]I managed a smile. “Sto bene, signora. Grazie.” [I'm fine, madam. Thank you.] She didn't take her
VINCENZOI turned the faucet and filled my cup with water. The generous gulp taken drove out steam, blessing me with a nice feeling. Sighing in satisfaction, I went for another cup. That fully got me back in the zone, and straight I went to my desk. Ready to continue from where I'd stopped.I was halfway through with making entries on the database; that wasn't to say I'd be free in no distant time. I'd still got work to do on the balance sheets—which included sending them across to the Chief Financial Officer today. Once these were cleared, I could then heave a sigh and focus on preparing for Sunday. I worked for some time before getting interrupted. It was Padre's secretary, Diego. He was set to leave, but had decided to make one more attempt at pissing me off. "How's it going?"One look was all it took to slap the smile off his face. And even as I'd returned my focus to the desktop, I could still see him gape like the fool he was. He eventually jammed the pit that was supposed to
RINAMammà's eyes suddenly came to me and she dropped the blouse she was folding. "Come on, dolcezza. Don't be moody."My response was a sigh, before I started fondling with the zip of the duffle bag."Do you want to come along? I'm not sure what the Luna would say but—" "No." Finding her words ridiculous, I let the zip be and wore a distant look. "I'm okay. It's just that…" I'm terrified of how these five days would be. "I'll miss you, that's all."Mammà merely smiled before resuming her folding. Five days without her around would be hell on earth. Need I say how?Abruptly, she stopped—giving me another pitiful look before drawing close. Her hands eased my shoulder. "Rina." Her voice was a drawl. Which happened whenever she cautioned me. "One day you will start a family. Now, what happens if your mate lives in a faraway land? How will you survive without me?"My brows furrowed in disagreement, her words getting me unnerved. "You know I won't let that happen."She lifted a curious
EPILOGUE Vincezo Moreno They were removing her off life support today. Jaw clenched, straight went my gaze. At infinity. Thunder droned at a distance. Clouds, gray, were laden with rain. It'd fallen all night. I'd taken an early morning flight, fortunately, and so, had been able to make it here. I didn't know if I should be comforted that nature empathized with me. Mourning along with me. Or I should break more, knowing that Rina had been to be next Luna, the reason why the skies mourned her imminent exit. I gave out heavy, fervent sobs, fishing out some tissue from the armrest. I wept into it. No. Grief hadn't left. It never would. As long as I lived, this was what I'd be: a grieving man. Wiping my nose, I set out to the pearl white walls of Andrea Filemone International Hospital. My fingers curved around the tiny velvety box. I held back the tears till I got to ICU: Room 4 and shut the door behind. The heart monitor beeped. My Rina still laid like a corpse on the bed, not d
Vincenzo MorenoDay 3: post operation. White stark walls moved behind as I was wheeled into ICU: room 4. My system was asleep, with just my ears acknowledging the clomp of feet on the floor, muddled chatters and the squeal the wheelchair had as it rolled on along the tiled floor.The nurse pushed in the door. My heart throbbed the instant I spotted her. It wasn't good for my recovery, as the doctor had said; I didn't care. I couldn't, not when she was involved. Something washed over me. Hurt that clawed at my core. The nurse placed me next to her and left. I lifted a hand, then placed it on Rina's. My cloudy eyes moved to her face.It was unbelievable, so much, because I'd thought I'd lost her. Almost pushed to tears, I kissed her hand—my eyes shut tight as I communicated using my mind. We'd converse this way until she recovered.I cannot believe it: I'm holding you. You are here with me, life and direct. There's so much that's to be said. So much I should let out that I have th
Vincenzo Moreno When I'd gotten a text from Alessio, I hadn't done the expected. Rather than steam with rage, I shut my eyes in relief, for it was all over. I would get Rina at long last and eliminate that son of a bitch.I'd gone straight to Padre and stood my ground. I'd venture into the jungle of Valle del Teschio. It'd been clear Padre was too interested in the whereabouts of the moon statue to see the emergency at hand. He'd been too distracted to think clearly. And not only that. This was my fight. My mess. And only I could clean it up. Nearly twenty-four hours down the line, I was marching into the unwelcoming forest, accompanied by an army of soldiers. The only thing I saw good about my pack was the level of organization it showed. The soldiers who were armed to the teeth were proof. They made up the emergency tactical unit. Always on their feet at the snap of the finger. The undergrowth impeded our movement; our determination was the driving force that kept us going. The
Rina ZanteFire crackled in the background. It was one marker that showed the girl on the floor, whose legs laid sprawled and eyes closed, was alive. That, together with the occasional forcing of air into her nostrils. I hadn't seen my period in months; so the growing pain around my belly felt strange. It'd started yesterday with just a dull throbbing. Now, it came more frequently, resembling my period with its undulating intensity. A low and a high. At the onset, I'd worried something was wrong with the babies. And even as I'd figured what could be amiss, dread sank deep into my bones—chilling my blood. It wasn't supposed to happen now. I pressed my teeth into my upper lip as the painful wave waltzed across. It wasn't supposed to happen now. A tear of heartbreak escaped. I couldn't have the babies here. Not now. My heart wept out of disappointment. I'd had faith the moon goddess would come through for me. I'd been in Central Temple, in my dream, happy like never before as I ca
Leonardo (Alessio)Everywhere was soaked in green. Even the air. It oozed of the scent of herbs. I got out of the car, which was something I'd looked forward to since the journey began. Not just because my bones ached, but also the car had been suffocating in the figurative sense of it, and till now, I couldn't explain how or why I was subject to guilt. Leaves rustled and twigs snapped from the weight of my feet as I trudged ahead, stopping in front of a beastly truck. This was our new home for the meantime. Until we got to the endgame. The hood bore dust and leaves laid strewn over its surface extending to the bottom rim of the windshield, bringing to my notice a poster of Mario Domenico—a well-known survivalist. A wooden wall was mounted at the tail region of the car. The wall formed a convex hood above the windshield. I went to the side of the truck for further inspection. There was a door, a pigeonhole notched close to the back tyre, a large window towards the back. And a ch
Vincenzo MorenoI forced open the door, cutting Dr. Yolanda short. "See it now? They've fucking succeeded."Initially taken aback, Dr. Yolanda sent her gaze to the receptionist standing beside me, eliciting an explanation for why I had barged in from the dumb girl. Dr. Yolanda didn't show she was mad. Rather, she waved the receptionist away, turning to me. "I'm currently having a session, Vincenzo.""This is a matter of life and death. Definitely it's worth looking into with immediate effect." She paused, eyes fixed at me, and pressed back against her swivel chair. "What is it?"I frowned. "Yes. What is it?""You don't expect me to talk…now." I looked at the client seated across from her. "So, it's private. Surely, it isn't something too pressing you can't spare some minutes." I glared at her, the intensity almost lethal. Yet, she held my gaze, not at all intimidated. "Go on, Vincenzo. The longer you stand there, the less your chances of meeting with me." After several seco
UnknownA four lettered bitch. Something cruel and unfair. A tyrant who everyone feared. None questioned it. None could challenge it to a fight. That was what life was. Life wanted me to be like everyone. Accepting the shit it threw my way with open arms. It was an absolute impossibility for me to succumb because none of it made sense. How was it that one was favored, and the other person disposed of like garbage? Alessio Salvatore wasn't better than me. He hadn't been taller nor with more powers. In actual fact, we both—like other babies—had been born with zero abilities. He hadn't been more facially endowed, nor blessed with an angelic cry. We'd both had the potential to keep our parents up at night with our wails. Yet, he'd been chosen over me simply because he'd been the first to arrive. I had been seen as the lazy one. Belief had it that I still was attached to the other world, and so would have a negative impact on the true born and everyone around me.They hadn't blinked be
Rina ZanteBit 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 the
Vincenzo MorenoHer room was a brown monochrome. Fairly furnished and with large panel windows. I couldn't stop myself from wondering if every therapist's office was this way. Depressing. Dr. Yolanda edged close and handed me a cup of coffee. "I'm going to be honest with you," she said while lowering to her seat. "I'm glad you called."Her gaze spoke volumes. She expected me to lay my worries bare—my greatest pet peeve. However I had no choice. I wanted none of these anymore: torn away from Rina, waking up miserable, and being in exile. "Do you want to talk about it?" I stroked my thumb over the handle of the cup, then sent the hot beverage sliding down my throat. "How much time do I have?" I asked. "Forty five minutes, but I'm willing to make it an hour."Why? Because I'd make an interesting study?My focus laid on the coffee as I mentally prepped myself to talk."I want all this to end. I just want to wake up and see this as part of the past." A short pause followed. "I don'