La Famiglia Page 50

  “It’s good to see you two together,” Giovanni said.

  His reply was sincere but felt awkward in the moment. Both Mira and Marietta looked at him with distrust. Zia and Rocco arrived and his Bella lifted on her elbows with a wide grin. Tears coursed down her cheeks. There was such a flurry of excitement he had the urge to shut the reunion down and chase them all from the room. Mira needed her rest. She needed him, the inner beast whispered darkly in his ear. Trust no one with her. Keep her to yourself it said.

  “Love you,” Mira said, and pointed to Giovanni. She then put her hand to her heart to express herself. “I… love you. Gio.”

  Giovanni felt relieved. Everyone went quiet because the tears in Mira’s eyes showed how much she suffered when she tried to communicate. “Alone.” Mira said to Giovanni. “Me. Them.” She pointed at Mira, Catalina, and Zia. “Alone. You, go,” Mira said. She looked at him directly. “Please, Gio.”

  “We’ll be out in the hall.” Giovanni agreed. “Come let’s give them a minute.” He put on a brave face as if the request was his idea. It hurt that she dismissed him in front of the family. But her saying she loved him did soothe a bit of the sting. He reasoned she didn’t single him out. She wanted to see her sister and the other ladies. It made sense. There were too many in the room at once.

  He and the men left. Giovanni paused at the door. He glanced back to see Mira being hugged again by Zia. Their eyes met. She blinked and her gaze shifted elsewhere. With a sad smile he closed the door.

  “I was so worried. So scared!” Zia said with tears in her eyes.

  “I… good.” Mira managed to speak. Her words formed easier when she took her time and felt less agitated. As soon as Giovanni left the room the crushing weight on her heart lifted. “I feel… happy,” she smiled. She looked to Marietta and then to Catalina. “Do every… one… do you… know?” she asked.

  “Know what?” Zia asked. She looked across the bed at Catalina and Marietta. “What is it?”

  Mira smiled. She reached for Marietta’s hand again and squeezed it. “Sister. Mine. She is mine.”

  Zia straightened from her lean. She looked at Marietta and then back to Mira. “Sister? You two are related?” she asked.

  “Yes. Found out,” Mira sighed. She closed her eyes and tried to speak slow and precisely. “Giovanni knew. Kept it from us. Lied.”

  “Mira, he only meant—” Catalina interjected.

  “He knew. Lied,” Mira said with emphasis that silenced her sister in law. “No matter reason… wrong.” Mira swallowed and continued. “All knew,” she looked to Zia. “Rocco. Lorenzo. Domi. All knew. Because that’s… how it works… with the men. They know. We don’t. Their terms only,” Mira said.

  Zia put her hands to her mouth. She blinked at Marietta and for a long moment she stared at their hands. Understanding settled in and Zia lowered her hands to cover Mira’s and Marietta’s. “You’re upset with Gio?”

  Mira laughed. Tears welled up in her eyes. “Upset? No. Angry!”

  “Mira, please understand why he did what he did,” Catalina pleaded. “Please try to.”

  Mira shook her head. “He wrong.”

  “Mira?” Catalina pleaded.

  “Wrong! Wrong! He… is why… I’m in this bed right now.”

  “That’s not fair,” Catalina shouted. “Gio has been here every second, Mira. He’s been at your side. He’s been sick with worry for you and the babies. And let’s not forget it was you who got out of the bed and confronted him. You knew the risk and you did that. You put the babies at risk, not my brother!”

  Shocked Mira and everyone else fell silent. The accusation hit too close to her heart. It was true. She could have handled things differently. But the shock and pain over the truth made her react irresponsibly. In doing so she put her children’s lives in jeopardy. And the worst part of it was she never even considered her role in any of it until Catalina said so.

  “I… to blame. Me.” Mira wiped at her tears. She dropped her head. “Babies. My babies. I hurt babies.”

  Zia hugged her. “Hush now. They are okay. Let’s not focus on who is to blame. Let’s focus on healing our family. That’s what is important.” Zia kissed her face. “Gio loves you. Don’t punish him. He’s punishing himself already.”

  She didn’t want to hear the defense of her husband. There was no defense for what he’d done. One minute she loved him with all her heart, but the next she wanted out. She wanted to break from the obsessive love that had now controlled her life and made them both into people she didn’t like. “I need help,” she said. She had to collect her thoughts to articulate in a clear precise manner. “Across the hall from my room. It is where I want. Babies. Babies’ room.”

  “We’ve already decorated the nursery, Mira,” Catalina said, with a sad smile. “I’m sorry for my harsh tone earlier. I’m sorry. It’s just that I’ve been so worried about you and Gio. I didn’t mean…”

  Mira shook her head and put up her hand. “Listen. Babies’ room. My room too!” Mira pointed at herself. She glanced up at Zia, then let her gaze connect with Catalina, and finally Marietta. “Room for me. Me and Babies. I want it. No Giovanni. Don’t tell Giovanni. Just do it.”

  “Mirabella,” Zia said. “I know this is a shock for you. I am so sorry that you were denied your sister. But the more important matter is your wellbeing and the health of the babies. No?”

  Mira nodded in agreement.

  Zia stroked the back of her head and smoothed her hair. “Don’t be ruled by your anger at your husband. It does him and you no good. Please. Let us focus on the blessing God has given us.”

  “I can’t. I don’t want to fight him. Hurt him. Need space. Help me.” Mira wept.

  Zia pulled her to her breast and Mira sobbed against it. The girls were silent before Marietta cleared her throat. “I’ll help you, Mira,” she said.

  Mira’s head lifted from Zia’s breast.

  “If you want me to. I’ll help. I can prepare the room for you and the children,” Marietta said.

  “It’s none of your business!” Catalina shouted. She went to Mira. “If you do this it will break Gio’s heart. He loves you, Mira. He loves you so much. Please. Forgive him. Talk to him. I know he will do whatever you want to make it right again. I know he will. Please.”

  Mira sniffed. She weighed Catalina’s words against Marietta’s offer to help. The only way she could gather the strength to understand Giovanni and forgive him was if he gave her space. She loved him too deeply to even try when he was close to her. She’d forgive him of anything. And if she did, what would become of them? She was tired of being controlled. She couldn’t take another minute of his insufferable hold on her heart. “Space. Focus… on my children.” Mira touched Catalina’s face. “Babies need me. Not Gio.”

  “Can I say something?” Marietta asked.

  Mira glanced to her. “Yes.”

  “You have to stay here for awhile. You will need help. We all see that you aren’t fully yourself. Why don’t you let us take on some of the burden.” Marietta glanced to the other women. She tried to speak in a reasonable tone. “We take turns ladies. Like shifts. We can help Mira dress. We can get her to the babies, whenever she needs to nurse them. That way you can have some space from your husband. And maybe when the babies come home you won’t need this space as badly?” Marietta smiled at her sister. “Don’t do anything rash. Trust me I’m the queen of overreacting. And I have a husband I’m upset with too. Focus on getting well. Let us help you do that.”

  “We are not going to stand here and conspire to break up my brother’s marriage!” Catalina said. “Focus on your family. That includes Gio. Space only divides you. Talk it out. Work it out. But don’t banish him from the hospital or his home. It’s not right!”

  “Oh calm down.” Marietta said to Catalina. “My sister just came out of a coma. Her world has been turned upside down. If she wants our help to get things right again we will do it.”

  “Your sister?”
Catalina frowned. “You couldn’t stand her a week ago. So don’t stand here and pretend like you two are so much in love.”

  “Enough, Catalina!” Zia shouted over a loud clap of her hands. “That is enough! No more fighting! I won’t have it!” Zia lifted Mira’s face in her hands. “Marriage is hard. It’s private. We will help you in any way you want. But you will have to speak with Gio and prepare him for your wishes. Out of respect.”

  “Agreed.” Mira glanced to the others. Catalina walked off with her arms crossed. But Marietta stood at the foot of the bed smiling. “Thank you. All. I know it… hard. We’ve been through so much. We’ll get through this.” Mira said with clarity. “Together.”

  The woman all nodded in agreement. They’d do it together.

  * B *

  “Congrats!” Lorenzo hugged Giovanni. He grabbed his cousin by the shoulders. “See! You see! It will all work out!”

  Giovanni grinned. He’d never been happier. He felt like he could breathe again. He hugged Lorenzo and then Dominic. He hugged Rocco. Nico, Renaldo, Leo and Carlo patted him on the back all in congratulations. More than twenty of his most loyal men had gathered in the small waiting area with their boss. Their support overwhelmed yet strengthened him. “The doctors say it’s a miracle.” Giovanni grinned. “A Battaglia miracle!”

  The men cheered. Giovanni laughed.

  “When can we take them home? Get them out of here?” Lorenzo asked over the roar of celebrating.

  “I’m not sure. The babies have to be stronger with their lungs fully developed. Gianni is almost there. Gino struggles. But he’s getting better. I know he is. I’m sure Bella won’t leave without them. So I’ll be staying here.” He glanced over at Carlo. “I thought you’d left for Sorrento?”

  “Not yet. One more person I need to see. No worries, Gio. I’ve called Santo. He expects me. He sends his congratulations,” Carlo said.

  It had all come to fruition. The healing first, the forgiveness next, all of it would make his family stronger. Giovanni felt alive again. His head was clear. It was time to settle things. “Mottola is the priority. Bonaduce and the `Ndrangheta won’t move into the Campania without him. I want you and Santo to visit Chiaiano and report if we have any allies left. Visit Father Andrew at St. Yves Parish. He will help you navigate those who want our protection.” Giovanni looked to his men. “There is only one way we will deal with Mottola and send a message to the `Ndrangheta. We grind him to dust.”

  Dominic cleared his throat. “The meeting with the clan bosses. I think we should take the lead and schedule it.”

  “A week. We bring Bella home I’m sure within a week. Schedule it at Melanzana. I’ll fly in.”

  Everyone agreed.

  “There’s something else.” Giovanni said, he scanned the faces of his men. “Something I want you to hear from me.” He glanced to Dominic and then Lorenzo. They both gave him the nod. He intended to say what was needed. Of course the decision was his, but he hesitated. His wife and her issues with family were a private matter. Still the men gathered were closer to him than any relative.

  “Bella, Mirabella, my wife, your Donna, she… we have learned that she has a sister. Lorenzo’s wife, Marietta.” Giovanni glanced to his cousin. “They were separated as children. They never knew of each other.” The silence was complete in the room. It lengthened while he struggled with the news. Giovanni scratched his brow. “The reason they were kept apart was because of who their father is. He’s… Marsuvio Mancini.”

  More than a few of the men exchanged glances. A soft rumble of voices rose.

  “It is shocking. Neither of them knew Mancini or what this blood tie means. But as men of my clan each of you do. And so do I.” Giovanni stared any man who looked him in the eye down. “With everything going on now, including the polizia di stato investigating us, this news is not good. I understand that. Mancini is going to make an issue of our connection. He wants to infiltrate the family. He thinks he can divide my wife and me. It’s why I’ve been so protective of her safety. Now we must prepare for what comes next.”

  * B *

  Marietta had wanted the moment alone with Mira. But she didn’t dare ask for it. When Zia insisted on helping Mira shower and change clothes the others did little tasks like tidying her things and helping Mira from one side of the room to the next. After her sister showered she truly did seem happier.

  “Let’s go,” Zia said to Catalina.

  “What? Why?” Catalina objected.

  “Give the sisters a moment,” Zia winked at Marietta. She ushered Catalina to the door.

  “Zia likes… you. Good,” Mira said. She buttoned the front of her shirt.

  “It’s all a bit overwhelming. Catalina is right. Just a week ago I didn’t want to know any of you. And now. I can’t stop thinking of us being sisters. Being separated.”

  “Sit.” Mira pointed to the bed.

  Marietta found a spot near the foot of the bed and she sat. “Do you want me to fix your hair? It’s kind of wrecked,” Marietta said with a smile.

  Mira touched her hair. It had drawn into knotty tangles. “Yes. Vistors come. I feel messy.”

  Marietta rose and found her purse. She located a comb and brush. She could feel Mira watching over her. She tried not to appear nervous. “About what happened. How I told you… all of it. I’m so sorry.” She glanced up at Mira. “I never wanted any of this to happen. You having your babies so soon or any of it.”

  “Understood,” Mira said. “Gio’s fault and mine.”

  Marietta froze. She looked up at Mira. The look on her face and the tone in her voice felt odd. Before any of this began, Mirabella the black Barbie doll married to the mean ole Don, was happily in love. Marietta could sense the change and it didn’t feel right. “He only did what he thought was right I suppose.”

  “No. He did…. the thing that serves him. Man he is.”

  Marietta walked over with the comb and brush. She looked over Mira’s hair. The tangles were all the way to the root. “Do you relax your hair?” she asked.

  “Press it,” Mira said.

  “What if I put it in two braids?” Marietta asked.

  Mira nodded. “Nice. Like that.”

  “Our mother. What’s her story?” Marietta asked.

  “Runaway. Sixteen. Boy from her hometown. An older boy. Name is James. Ended up in Philadelphia.”

  “That must be where she met Marsuvio Mancini?” Marietta concluded.

  “Maybe,” Mira said softly.

  “And the drugs? How did that happen?” Marietta asked.

  “Don’t know. Grandparents never explained. Never. Don’t want to know,” Mira said.

  “I understand,” Marietta said. “I think your husband knows.”

  Mira looked up at her. “Why?”

  “Lorenzo said he only knows part of the story but your husband knows the rest. I hate to ask this but…”

  “Giovanni to tell me? He won’t.” Mira half-joked.

  “You’re upset with him. I understand it. I was mad as hell at Lo,” Marietta chuckled.

  “Was? Forgiven him?” Mira asked her with a deep frown.

  “Of course I’ve forgiven him. He’s my man,” Marietta shrugged.

  “Lie and manipulate you? He did,” Mira said.

  “Honey I love that man. The good and bad in him. That’s what forgiveness is. Love. Lo puts it down, he takes care of business and me. I ain’t going to throw that out of the window because he made a mistake.”

  “Mistake? More than a mistake,” Mira said.

  “True. But it’s our first mistake together. He did things and I’ve done things. Now I want to wipe the slate clean. I don’t care for your husband but even a blind man could see how much he loves and cherishes you. Catalina was right when she said he was here every minute. He wouldn’t leave your side. He didn’t even eat. I was here. I saw it.”

  Marietta completed the part down the center of her sister’s head. She began to braid down the left side. She did s
o in silence. When she finished she walked around the bed to do the other side.

  “I’ll ask him,” Mira said.

  “Don’t you want to know?” Marietta asked.

  “Part of me. Yes. Part of me afraid.”

  Marietta paused. “Gonna give it to you straight about your man. He’s a mafia Don. You’re a mafia Don’s wife. Lies and manipulation are in the wedding contact. Don’t sit here and say you never knew this would be your life,” Marietta said. “You’re my sister and a part of me. We’re married to two of the meanest damned men this side of the world. We got to be strong.”

  “No fantasy,” Mira said sadly in agreement. “I know… now. There’s just this.”

  * B *

  Catalina waited. Dominic entered the hall. She left Rosetta and Zia. She walked straight for him. He looked up at her once she drew closer. “We need to talk.”

  “Not now, Catalina,” he said.

  “It’s about Mira and Gio!” Catalina insisted. She tried to keep up.

  He looked back over his shoulder. Giovanni was laughing with Carlo and Lorenzo in the hall. He hadn’t seen him look happier. He nodded to Catalina and they went inside a patient room. He wasn’t fully inside before she turned on him with tears in her eyes. “Things are bad, Domi. Really bad!”

  “What are you talking about?” Dominic asked.

  “Mira,” she wiped her tears. “She blames Gio for everything. I’ve never seen her like this. She wants to separate from him, possibly end their marriage.”

  Dominic ran his hand back through his hair. “No, she knows that won’t happen. She’s just upset.”

  “No! She wants us to set up a room for her and the babies. Separate from Gio. She wants us to take shifts at the hospital to keep Gio away. You didn’t see the way she spoke of him. She blames him, Domi! I think she hates him.”

  “Okay. I’ll take care of it.” Dominic said. “Calm down.”

  “You can’t take care of it! That’s the point. You should have prevented this! Gio lied to her, he broke her heart. And I know what this feels like,” Catalina said. “So do you!” Catalina put her hands to her eyes. “I don’t want my family to fall apart. But how can we help them if we can’t keep it together? Huh? I love you, Domi. I love you and that doesn’t matter anymore to you. Does it?”