Episode 12

CHAPTER 11.

By Isabella.

After a while, Valentino returned with a pizza for us to eat in the room.

"Hey, pizza." Mariana exclaimed.

"Of course. For you ladies." He said.

"Thank you, Valentino." I blurted out.

"Don't mention it." He replied, taking my hand. "From now on, you'll live here. You have everything you need here and if you lack something, let me know. My parents are also happy about your stay at the house."

"I don't want to be a burden. I promise it won't happen again."

"Isabella. I want you to stay here. Besides... It was the only way." he said.

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

"I had to sign a document taking responsibility for you to prevent them from committing you, Isabella. I'm sorry if you don't like it but... I couldn’t let them take you there, I know what they do to people and I won't let that happen to you. However, in return, you'll need to see a psychologist."

I nodded in gratitude. I understood every word Valentino was saying. I felt good being here. I don’t know why. But I feel safe with them. I hit rock bottom and only now do I realize it.

After chatting with them both for a while, I fell asleep. The sedatives I had been given at the hospital, coupled with everything accumulated, took their toll.

"**************"

By Valentino

Isabella seemed better; however, I realized that it wouldn’t be easy to help her out of the depressive pit she was in. Luckily, she showed no resistance to staying at my house. The situation is strange. I am very pleased she is here, although I have many doubts. But I will clarify them as I get to know her.

While talking to Mariana, I realized she had fallen asleep.

"Mariana. Do you want to stay here? You can sleep with Issi or I can prepare a room for you."

"No, no Valentino. I'm going to my house. But if you allow me, I would like to come often to see her."

"Of course. You can come whenever you want. This is also your home." I said. "Now come on, I'll take you home."

As I drove her to her apartment, she said:

"You know… I always thought you were one of those selfish men who only care about themselves."

"I give that impression, don't I? But believe me that appearances can be deceiving." I said, smiling.

"I just want to ask you to take care of Issi."

"I will. I promise. Hey, how are things going with Felipe?"

"With... Felipe?"

"He’s my best friend, how do you think I wouldn’t find out?"

"He... I like him... But he's my boss, and that's not right."

"Oh come on... That doesn't matter. Furthermore, Felipe is a good guy. Trust me. Take a chance. You will thank me later." I replied, laughing.

After dropping Mariana at her apartment, I returned to the mansion to make sure Isabella was all right. I approached her room and noticed her sleep was restless. Probably, she was having a nightmare.

"My God, Ezequiel. Your absence hurts so much." I thought.

I entered the room and sat on the bed, hugging her.

"Wake up, Issi. I am here." I said.

"**************"

By Isabella.

"“It was a day like any other at the university. I was on my way out when I saw Ezequiel waiting for me. But he was not alone, he was with Julia, my friend. Ezequiel looked agitated. So, I decided to approach them and see what was happening."

"My love. What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Sole mio. I came for you."

"Is something wrong?" I asked, looking at my friend.

"No, no. I just came to greet Ezequiel." Exclaimed Julia. "I'm going to look for Matias."

"When she left, I looked at Ezequiel."

"What's the matter Ezequiel?"

"Nothing's wrong, my love."

"I didn’t believe him one bit. Absolutely nothing. I turned to leave, but he grabbed my arm..."

"Where are you going?" he asked, pinning me against his car.

"I have to go. I won't stay with a liar."

"Sole mio, how can you say that? I hate lies and you know it."

"Then tell me the truth. What's going on with Julia? And don't tell me it was just a greeting. You were tense."

"Love... It's just that I felt Julia was trying to seduce me. I know she's your friend but..."

"That must be your imagination dear. She is my best friend, plus she’s Matias's girlfriend."

"All right love. But please don't ever think badly of me again."

"Never." I said, kissing his lips.

"You know... I want to take you to your apartment and make love to you." he said, and I started laughing because he was so direct.”

I woke up suddenly, feeling two warm arms embracing me.

"Ezequiel, don't go." I cried out through tears.

"Calm down. I'm here, I am here." Valentino spoke.

Then I realized. Again, it was not Ezequiel who was hugging me. It was another man.

"I'm sorry, Valentino."

"Don't worry. Come here." He exclaimed, embracing me and stroking my arms.

After a few moments, I fell asleep again in his arms. I felt so good.

"**************"

By Valentino.

As I held Isabella in my arms trying to soothe her, my thoughts drifted to him. Ezequiel. My older brother. My role model, my everything. No one was more important in my life than him. His departure left a hole. A massive void in my soul. A month hospitalized in a psychiatric ward and another six months of medication, not to mention the aftermath, psychological support to this day. I looked at the time on Issi’s cell phone, as I didn’t know where I had left mine and seeing his photo only fed the pain. A photo of Ezequiel in his purest form. Being himself. Distracted, eating pizza. Being happy, simply being Ezequiel.

After making sure Isabella had fallen asleep, I propped her on the pillow and made sure she was well covered so she wouldn’t get cold. Then I left her room to head for mine, but something stopped me. I didn't go to my room. Instead, I went to his. To my brother’s. Everything is intact. Nothing has changed. I'll never allow it. The photographs, the posters, his Juventus painting, the neatly made bed, his clothes perfectly stored. Everything is still there... A photo of him with his favorite jacket. Him and Lennon, his dog. Lennon was never the same since the accident. He used to be a playful dog, but he passed away after my brother died. Some say he couldn't bear the sorrow of being without him. And the truth is I understand, I perfectly understand Lennon.

I sat on his bed and took his picture from the nightstand of both of them at the vineyard estate. His smile. I remember those days as if they were yesterday.

The pain is present knowing he’s gone. I hugged the photo and lay back on the bed. If he were here. If he had never gone out that night, everything would be fine. I miss him dearly. A part of me went with him. With my older brother, my example. My role model. However, I will seek justice. His death will not be in vain and whoever is to blame will pay dearly. Now I’m concerned about Isabella. My brother wanted me to find her. I'll take care of her as Ezequiel would. I just hope that when she learns the truth, she won't have a relapse.

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