I looked at Roy and said
“I’m so sorry to hear about your wife, I know what it’s like to lose somebody close to you.”
“I was devastated at the time. I thought I’d never get over it. I couldn’t eat, sleep or work for quite some months. Then one day I woke up and somehow I knew I’d be ok. I loved my wife very much and I know she would want me to be happy again and now thankfully I’ve met Tammy.” He said. “Tammy hasn’t had it easy either. I’m really happy for the both of you.” I replied.
Saturday finally arrived and we were all met for dinner. Simon and Victoria were going to meet Roy for the first time.
I decided to have my hair and nails done, which my sister Lizzie kindly offered to do. I treated myself to a lovely black lacy dress.
I got ready and when Marco picked me up later that evening, he looked me up and down and said.
“You look stunning Bella.”
“Mmm, you don’t look too bad yourself Marco.”
When we walked into the restaurant, Simon and Victoria were already seated. This time Simon shook hands with Marco and they all sat down. Hopefully this time they’ll get off to a better start. I thought. The meal was lovely and we all chatted about Tammy and Roy. Then Roy told them the story of how they’d met. Simon stood up and lifted his glass.
“I’d like to make a toast to Tammy and Roy”. We all raised our glasses, and then he looked at me. “I have something very important to tell you all.” He took a deep breath.
“I’ve been offered a job in New York and after long consideration I’ve decided to take it. It’s an opportunity I couldn’t turn down because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ll be teaching classical guitar at a university in New York. I have to be in New York before the end of the month. But that isn’t the only news; Victoria and I are getting married.” He couldn`t bring himself to look at me.
I felt like my heart had just been ripped apart, the brother I loved so much and had always been there for me would now be leaving for pastures new.
Putting on a brave face I said how happy I was for them. Tammy and Roy gave them both a hug and wished them good luck for the future. I knew this was an opportunity too good for him to turn down but it was still hard for me to digest. The worst announcement was yet to come.
“Because we have to be in New York by the end of the month, we’ve decided to get married before we go. The registry office has a free opening for next week, so we went ahead and booked it.” One week. I thought.
“I know its quick but we don’t want a fuss, just a quick civil ceremony.”
I couldn’t take all the news in, my head was spinning. I quickly got up and made my excuses and ran to the toilets, nearly knocking over a bottle of champagne chilling in an ice bucket. I could hear people’s voices in the distance, my head was spinning and I collapsed to the ground. I could hear a faint voice and tried to open my eyes. Marco was leaning over me.
“Bella, open your eyes caro.” He said gently. I must have passed out.
Marco and Simon carried me outside and put me in Marco’s car and he drove me home.
Marco was very concerned and asked me to see a doctor, but I knew a doctor couldn’t fix a broken heart. I hoped that he wouldn’t be able to see the hurt in my face, although I knew he must have been wondering why I’d passed out. I told him that I was just exhausted from studying too much.
After a few days’ rest it was time for Simon and Victoria`s wedding.
Victoria looked very beautiful, she wore a cream silk gown, and because she was very tall and slim, it hugged her slender figure; she carried the dress off perfectly. In her hands she carried a small posy made of lilacs; which complimented the colour of her eyes and hair.
Simon wore a dark navy suit with a pale blue shirt and looked incredibly handsome. I couldn’t take my eyes off him.
After we’d taken several photos outside the registry office, we all got in our separate cars and made our way to Victoria’s favourite steak house.
Lizzie arrived with James in tow. I was surprised to see them both there as she’d told us that she was really busy at the salon. However, she said she would have never forgiven herself if she’d missed her own brother’s wedding and managed to find someone to cover for her.
Everybody enjoyed the day and we all wished Simon and Victoria all the best in their lives together in New York.
Marco looked at me and said.
“You don’t look well Bella, I worry about you. You look a pale and your eyes are black.”
I admitted that I hadn’t been feeling well for the last few days and decided perhaps I should see the family doctor.
I made an appointment and luckily he could see me straight away. After the doctor had examined me he asked if I had been sexually active lately.
“Yes I have.” I told him.
“I can’t be sure Miss Green until the tests are confirmed, but I think you may be pregnant.” As I sat waiting for the results, I realised I hadn’t had my period this month and I had assumed that stress had been the reason.
The tests confirmed that I was indeed pregnant, now all I had to do was tell Marco. How was he going to take the news, I thought to myself; we hadn’t been together very long.
I went directly to the restaurant where Marco was working to tell him the news. He led me to a table in the corner of the room, luckily he wasn’t that busy. He only had to look at me and he knew.
“You gonna ave a baby, Bella! I know it when you fainted in the restaurant that it is possible and you ave been looking sick lately.”
Marco was so happy, he picked me up, swung me round then looked at me and asked.
“Bella what about you, are you happy caro?”
How could I tell him I wasn’t happy? I lied and said.
“Of course I’m happy!”
The day arrived when Simon and Victoria were leaving for New York; we all arrived at the airport to wave them off. I put on a brave face but as soon as the plane left the runway, my heart felt empty. How was I going to manage without Simon nearby?
Later that evening Marco took me to a nice restaurant and proposed. I immediately said yes, as I wanted to get married before the baby was born.
Three weeks later we got married with no fuss or frills. This wasn’t the way I’d planned my wedding or my life. As a little girl I always dreamt of a fairy-tale wedding, with an ivory wedding dress and a horse and carriage, however, I knew they’d just been childish dreams.
Eight months passed and my baby was ready to be born. Tammy and Roy gave us a cheque for a wedding present and it was more than we could have ever imagined. We decided to buy a lovely house just outside Lighthouse Cove in the country, which had lots of land and a few animals.
Marco helped me paint the baby’s nursery; we didn’t know what we were having so we painted it in neutral colours.
I wrote to Simon often, and he wrote back. I told him I was now married to Marco and we were expecting a baby any day now. He wrote back and said he was very happy for me.
I hoped in time that the feelings I had for my brother would disappear, especially when I knew the feelings I had were wrong.
The autumn leaves had just starting to fall, and I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. She weighed seven pounds and we named her Violet. She had a mop of dark curly hair and the biggest velvety blue eyes I’d ever seen. Luckily she was a very content baby so I soon got the hang of motherhood.
At around the same time, Tammy announced that she and Roy were going to get married the following summer. She wanted a big white wedding with all the trimmings and told me that Simon and Victoria were also going to attend.
After Violet was born Marco was very busy and worked long hours at the restaurant. I hardly ever saw him; we became like passing ships in the night.
The festive season was fast approaching once again and the weather was getting colder. I found being in the country could be rather isolating at times, so Tammy did her best to keep me company when
Roy was away at work and Lizzie often came for a coffee and a chat.
One day, Lizzie and I were sitting at the kitchen table drinking our coffee when she told me that she and James weren’t getting on at the moment. She wanted to start trying for a baby, but James wasn’t too keen on the idea. Lizzie began to cry.
“I think James is having an affair; he’s always late home and he never kisses me anymore. Maybe it’s just me.”
“Don’t be silly Lizzie. Anyone can see that James loves you. He wouldn’t do anything like that. You’re worrying for nothing.”
She nodded her head in agreement.
“You’re probably right. Anyway how are you? You look a little down today.”
“I’m ok, but I miss living in Lighthouse Cove. I feel rather isolated here. I can’t just pop out for a walk on the beach when I feel like it.”
“Yes, I can imagine.” Lizzie then admitted that she missed our parents. She took a deep breath and said.
“Do you remember the time when Tammy sat us all in father’s office and told us that Ben was our father’s child? Do you remember the comment she made when I said I’d been kissing my half -brother. She said Ben wasn’t our half-brother.”
“Yes, I do remember that.” I said. I then went on to tell Lizzie that I’d found the key to the safe, the one Tammy had been looking for.
“I think we should just leave it. Whatever the secret is behind the key doesn’t matter now. Things should be left the way they are.” Lizzie said.
I agreed, however, I did often wonder what secrets there were.
CHAPTER FIVE
December soon came and it was bitter cold outside, everyone was rushing around busily doing their Christmas shopping.
I decided to invite the family over because it was Violet’s first Christmas.
I went to do some shopping in Lighthouse Cove. I parked my car near the high street and put Violet in her pram. Whilst walking down the street I bumped into Tammy.
“Hi love, do you have time for coffee? I have something to tell you.” She said excitedly.
“Yes I do. Let’s go to that nice little café on the corner, they have really nice cakes.” I answered wondering what she had to tell me.
The café was very busy; however, we managed to find a little table in the corner where Violet’s pram wouldn’t get in the way.
“Have you heard the news Bella? Lizzie’s expecting a baby. She called me this morning as soon as she’d found.out.”
I was rather surprised to hear the news.
“That’s strange! She told me that James didn’t want a baby. He must have changed his mind. I think I’ll pop over and ask her.”
After we’d finished our coffee, I called into Lizzie’s shop to ask her if she was really pregnant.
“Yes it’s true Bella, I’m pregnant, but James doesn’t know yet. I came off the pill quite a while ago. I was desperate to have a baby.”
“Are you crazy Lizzie? James won’t be happy.” Lizzie looked worried.
“Well I won’t tell him then.”
I laughed.
“What are you going to do when you start showing? You can’t hide your pregnancy forever.” I couldn’t believe she could be so stupid. Violet began to cry, so I told Lizzie that I needed to go home and give her a bottle.
Violet was nearly three months old and a very happy baby. It was going to be her first Christmas so I wanted to make it special. I couldn’t wait to decorate the tree.
I began baking; the smell of Christmas food always made my mouth water, and reminded me of my mother when she used to bake. I missed my parents so much, especially this time of the year. I put on a CD with all the Christmas songs and sang out loud at the top of my voice.
Marco had taken Violet with him to do some Christmas shopping; and to get my Christmas present. So while they were out the way I decided to have a long soak in the bath. I slid into the hot water. Heaven. I was so exhausted I fell asleep. Loud knocking on the front door woke me with a jump. I leapt out of the bath; pulled on my bath robe and looked at the time. It was late and Marco and Violet still weren’t back. The knocking was getting louder, so I rushed downstairs to answer the door. Two police men were standing there and they asked me if they could come in. I knew by the look on their faces that something was wrong. I showed them into the living room. I could hear my own heart beating, as I anxiously waited for the news.
“Do you have a husband by the name of Marco Antionini?” One of the officers asked in a very serious tone.
“Yes I do and a baby daughter who is eleven weeks old. Can you please tell me why you are here?”
“We are sorry to inform you that there has been an accident.” One of the officers said.
“Please just tell me if they are ok!” I screamed.
“At this stage we can’t tell you their condition, we suggest you go straight to the hospital.”
I quickly went upstairs and got myself dressed and followed the police to the hospital. My head was spinning. I called Tammy and Roy and told them what had happened and asked them to let Lizzie know. There was no point in them telling Simon and Victoria at this stage.
When I arrived at the hospital I went straight to the accident and emergency department and asked them where my husband and daughter were. They told me to wait in reception and that a doctor would be along shortly.
Not long after Tammy and Roy arrived. They told me Lizzie was on her way.
Eventually a doctor came over to us.
“Mrs Antionini, your daughter has only suffered minor cuts and bruises but we are going to keep her in over night for observation. However, your husband has suffered multiple injuries and is in a coma. His condition is critical at the moment, we’re carrying out more tests, but I’m afraid if he survives, he may be paralysed from the waist down. The next twenty four hours will be critical.”
We followed him to see Violet who was fast asleep in a cot. Tammy gave me a hug and told me everything would be alright. He then took me to a room where Marco was; he had tubes everywhere and looked so pale and helpless.
Lizzie arrived and as soon as she saw me she burst into tears. I’d never seen her so emotional before and asked her if anything else was wrong.
“I’ve lost the baby.” She sobbed.
“I’m so sorry Lizzie.” When did that happen?”
“This morning!” She said. “I suppose it wasn’t meant to be. At least it happened now and not later. I don’t have to tell James anything now.” I gave her a hug and told her that there would be other times.
“Anyway, enough of me, how about Violet and Marco?
“Violet’s ok, but unfortunately Marco’s in a critical state. The doctor told me the next twenty-four hours will be critical.”
The next morning Violet was allowed home, but we didn`t feel much like celebrating Christmas under the circumstances and decided to put it on hold.
Luckily Marco pulled out of the coma later that day, but remained paralysed just as the doctors had thought.
Two months later it was nearly springtime. And Marco was finally allowed home to celebrate Christmas.
With looking after my husband and daughter, I didn’t have much time for myself. Marco was incredibly difficult, but under the circumstances I suppose I couldn’t blame him.He told me that the driver of the car that had hit them had apparently passed out at the wheel, so no one was to blame.
Later that week Tammy popped round to tell me she’d heard from Simon and that he would be coming home for the wedding. I felt my heartbeat quicken just by hearing his name.
Over the next couple of months, I helped Tammy select her wedding dress and we found a lovely Venue for the reception. The place looked like Cinderella’s castle perched on top of a hill.
Violet had a lovely nature and had just started to call me Mama. Marco gradually started to improve with the help of physiotherapy and after further tests, was told he would eventually be able to walk again after all.
We decided to should sell our
home and move back to Lighthouse Cove, I was very happy because I felt very lonely in the countryside.
Tammy mentioned that there was a cheap guest house for sale by the beach, and with Marco not being able to work this would be the perfect opportunity.
We managed to find a buyer for our house and Roy kindly gave me enough money for a deposit. We moved into it at the beginning of June, a month before Tammy and Roy’s wedding.
Tammy told me know that Simon and Victoria would arrive about three weeks before the wedding. I couldn’t wait to see Simon; Two years had passed by and I missed him so much.
With the guest house really busy and looking after Violet I didn`t have time to think.
Marco had started walking short distances and was improving every day.
Looking in the mirror one morning I noticed how tired I looked. My hair that was once shiny and full of life looked dull and lifeless, my complexion was pale and my eyes had huge bags underneath them. We’d bought the guest house in the middle of the season when it was in full swing. I knew that running it would be hard, but I never thought it would be this tiring.
One morning after making twenty breakfasts for the guests, I decided to go and have my hair cut and styled. I felt so much better afterwards and liked the new me.
I went back to the guest house and unpacked most of our boxes from the move; we had our own private quarters with four bedrooms. Luckily Lizzie had Violet for the day so I had some time to myself and could get some unpacking done. Feeling content and positive I decided to go and see Tammy. She was really happy to see me and excited about her pending wedding.
She looked at me.
“I can’t believe I’ll be getting married in a few days.” Then her face dropped. “I am so afraid Bella.”
“Why?” I asked.
“Look what happened on my wedding day to your father Bella, he died before we even had a chance to get married.”
Bella Page 5