Chapter 39: Nostalgia from years back

***

***

When Serenity woke up, the first thing she saw was his midnight blue eyes, staring at her tenderly with adoration.

"Good morning, love. Did you sleep well?"

She smiled softly and pulled the duvet up to her nose, hiding half of her face.

"Morning, Alessandro. I slept like a baby." Her muffled voice came.

Alessandro sighed, indeed.

After causing him multiple freezing shower and one hell of a sleepless night, she slept like a baby.

"Care to tell me why you're hiding your face?" He quirked an eyebrow

Serenity blushed so red that her cheeks bloomed like it had been stained with beetroot.

"I...I am sorry for last night. I caused a lot of trouble." She winched at the memory.

She acted like a wanton girl she saw on the movie, she had watched with Athena last time.

"You were not in your complete senses. There is nothing to apologize about it." Alessandro continued, "How do you feel right now? Is there anything uncomfortable or painful?" His voice carried a hint of worry.

"No, I am alright but...I feel bloated and nauseous. A cup of ginger tea will do me good."

Alessandro placed a hand over her forehead and then back on his, comparing the temperatures.

"I will send a Butler for your tea. The doctor has prescribed some meds to be taken after breakfast in case there is any side effects."

Serenity made a face.

He flicked her forehead and said sternly, "You are taking them in front of my eyes, Missy. Don't think you can escape."

"But I am fine!" She argued.

"Shsss."

Serenity turned her back on him with a huff but then she turned back again, this time with a little uneasy look.

"What happened to Athena?"

"I sent my men but they couldn't find her, knowing Athena, she must have hidden somewhere to deal with it herself. Your bestfriend, Ms. Kaptan found her in the woods of the apple orchard. Her brother Aaron Springton took her to the hospital. She has concussions and is still unconsious but there is nothing to worry about. She is out of danger."

"And Butter? What about her?"

"She is with Athena right now. But she will be back soon."

"I want to visit her. Will you accompany me, Alessandro?"

" I will pick you up by 3-ish in the afternoon. For now, I have to head to the office after making sure my baby has eaten her meal like a good girl she is." He smiled wickedly and leaned closer to her widening doe eyes.

Serenity smacked her throw pillow on his face and jumped out of the bed, rushing to the bathroom. She wasn't any Disney princess that wakes up with a breath of roses and fresh lilies. That would be embarrassing.

She could hear his rough chuckle all the way.

***

The Vitali men had covered and secured the entire perimeter around the villa before Alessandro step out of his car. Once his assistant informed him that everything was ready, he alighted and headed inside the luxurious Springton Villa.

Athena and Aaron weren't present at the moment. His men had informed him about the chaos of the aftermath between the Springtons.

Mrs.Springton had tried strangling her husband to death and he, in return, had slapped her. Verbal abuses and sounds of things breaking echoed through the area.

The Infidelity was something Alessandro prepared at the nick of the moment and he wasn't done with the scheming Springton. She dared to hurt his woman. He won't let her go that easily.

His men had already captured and hold hostages of the Springton couple when he entered the room.

Mr and Mrs. Springton was bounded and gagged, on their knees. Their faces reflecting sheer terror and shock.

Alessandro leisurely sat down on the single sofa chair. He brought his ankle over his other knee and relaxed. The darkness shrouded his eyes dropped the temperature of the room.

Jimmy placed an open brief case on the small table infront of him and took out two phials of deep red and blue liquids.

The guards took out the gag and the couple instantly heaved with deep breaths.

"What is all this about, Alessandro?" Adam Springton trembled.

"Alessandro, dear...What happened? Why are you treating us like this? Athena will be very sad to hear about this-"

"Your wife tried to drug me and Athena last night during the ball...fortunately I didn't touch the drink...BUT...unfortunately, my woman had to suffer the night because of it. Scheming against a Vitali is already a big crime and I don't forgive, Mr. Springton."

Adam Springton turned to his wife, glaring fiercely.

"This has nothing to do with me, Alessandro! You see...I am divorcing her. I have no hands in this scheme. Leave me out of this."

"Adam!"

Jimmy picked up the two phial and nodded at Alessandro.

"Mrs. Springton...Mr. Vitali is generous enough to let you choose your retribution. The red liquid will stop your heart directly in matter of seconds, an easy death."

Mrs.Springton paled.

"...the blue liquid won't kill you but it will leave you seeking for death. It is your choice."

She screamed and crawled back In fright but the guards restraining her held her back to her position.

"NO! I won't choose! You cannot decide on my life! My daughter will avenge me. Athena will kill you all!"

Alessandro clenched his fist.

"Enough! Athena is supposed to be your daughter not a pawn to play with. You have ruined and destroyed her. And you dare to take it out on that innocent girl."

"Innocent?" Mrs.Springton laughed with a crazy look, "My daughter died ten years ago! My so called innocent girl died ten years ago! That shrewd is not my daughter! She is tainted, dirty and a whore!"

"Evalina!" Adam Springton thundered, the pained expression in his eyes visible as he stared incredulously at his wife. He never knew her heart had blackened so deeply into the grudge and hatred. He felt like he didn't know her anymore.

"How could you..."

Alessandro gritted, " It would be my pleasure to decide then." He turned to his assistant, "Jimmy!"

Jimmy walked over to Mrs. Springton weighing the two phials on either of his hands.

"No! Mr.Vitali. Spare my wife! She is ignorant. She hasn't woken up for ten years. She is still stuck in the past and this unforgivable deeds. I beg you!" Adam Springton folded his hands and bowed down on the floor.

Alessandro didn't flinch back neither did he lose his stance. Jimmy understood him wordlessly and put back the red portion.

The guards forced her mouth open as he forced the liquid into the frightened Mrs. Springton's mouth.

"Consider this my pity for the last time. We have nothing to do with each other from now on. The Springtons will continue to have the Vitalis protection for old times sake but nothing more than that."

Alessandro stormed out without a second glance.

***

"Why are you still here?"

Aaron placed the coffee next to her seat as he leaned against the wall infront of Athena's ward.

"She hasn't woken up yet." Butter replied, "Thanks." She took the coffee.

Silence followed, both engrossed in their own thoughts .

"You're her brother?"

Aaron clenched his jaws but nodded, "Sort of."

"Ew! You're into incest? That's disgusting!" Butter shrieked with a nasty look.

"What the-" Aaron choked, instantly moving away, "We are not blood related!"

She made a suspicious face, narrowing her eyes to slits as though she can see through him.

"And how did you even come into that conclusion?" Aaron remarked.

"I am not blind. I can see the way you looked at her like you're staring at your white moonlight duh"

He sighed tiredly, "It's complicated."

"Un-complicate it then." Butter clicked her tongue before her eyes widened. She quickly shook her head and waved her hands in a cross, "No, no, no, no need to un-complicate things. Complication is trendy nowadays. Forget everything what I just said!"

Aaron looked at her weird antics, rolling his eyes.

Butter turned to the wall and winch painfully. Why was she helping her love rival like a damn idiot?

"The patient has recovered consciousness."

.....

Athena watched the two people in her ward- one fussing around with her unstoppable blabbering and the other, dead silent and following her wandering eyes.

"You should leave." She turned to the younger girl with no emotions.

"Your voice is giving me a headache."

Butter shut her mouth quite dumbfounded.

"Uh- Sorry. I was just worried." She replied with an embarrassed look.

"I don't need your worry. Get out already."

"Athena. Stop." Aaron warned, "She was the one who saved you last night."

Athena scoffed and looked at Butter straight in the eyes, "Did I ask you to?"

Butter was speechless.

"Ms. Kaptan, can you please step out for a minute. I would like to have a word with my sister."

"You're not my fucking brother, Aaron! Don't forget that you were picked up from the streets. You are nothing but a charity case in the family!"

"Why are you being a bitch!" Butter stepped up to defend Aaron.

"My choice. Oh Gosh! Did I break your itty bitty heart? Get the fuck out of here."

"I was just trying to help, Athena!"

"DID I ASK FOR IT? NO! LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE! YOU'RE SO FUCKING ANNOYING." She screamed, her eyes blazing with indispensable anger.

"Athena, calm down!" Aaron rushed to her side and pulled her to his chest, "Step out, Ms. Kaptan!"

"DON'T TOUCH ME! DON'T FUCKING TOUCH ME!" Her maddening screams continued to heightened. The machine checking her pulse began to beep loudly.

"Shss Athena, it's okay. Calm down! It's fine...You're safe. Calm down." The more she struggled, the more he tightened his hold on her.

Butter staggered back in shock.

"Get out, Ms. Kaptan." Aaron raised his voice sternly drifting her out of her shock. Butter nodded and gulped as she ran out of the room.

Athena's screams slowed down behind the closed door and heart wrenching cries sounded.

Butter sighed deeply, running her fingers through her hair. She had seen the look on Athena's face. It was frightening, her blood shot eyes were incoherently glaring into spaces, teeth grinding so hard and the veins in her neck showing up from the pressure.

"Butter!"

"Huh? Serenity?"

Butter quickly stood up as her bestfriend showed up along with her boyfriend.

"How is Athena? And...what happened to you? You look pale."

She shook her head, "No...I don't know but Athena woke up and she..."

"And she?" Alessandro frowned.

"She started behaving wildly."

"Fuck!" Alessandro cursed under his breath before rushing into the room.

"Alessandro-"

Serenity was about to follow him in when Butter hold her back.

"I don't think we should go in. Let's wait for them here."

Serenity looked at the closed door silently and agreed. Both the girls sat down on the metal chairs.

...

Alessandro quickly pushed Aaron aside and hug Athena.

"Calm down, You're safe. You're not there. You are not there, Athena. Focus on my voice."

She cried her heart out in his embrace after finally recognizing the warm subtle scent. Her weak mental state drained her out and soon she drifted back to unconsciousness.

Alessandro laid her down carefully tucking her in with gentleness.

He glanced at Aaron who was staring at him back with conflicted eyes.

"You knew it." He said coldly, "You knew Athena gets overwhelmed when she is cornered especially after her vulnerability is exposed."

Aaron shut his eyes, turning away.

"I...I didn't realize."

Alessandro scoffed and marched towards him.

"One reason why I specifically order no one to disturb her when she gets into such situation is because of this. I trusted you, Aaron. You're only a disappointment in the end. She could've had a heart attack. She could've died!"

"What about you, Alessandro!" Aaron countered, "Where the fuck were you when she was fighting everything on her own! She was severely injured and on the brink of death when I found her. You were busy running after your puppy love that you completely disregarded her well being."

Alessandro looked away. In his defense, Serenity was more important to him than any other woman. But Athena was someone who have gone through a lot by his side. They were more than comrades in arms. He was tied at that moment. He could only pick one woman and he chose Serenity in a blink.

Although he did send his men after Athena, he didn't care enough. Because he knew Athena more than anyone else. If he had gone after her, she would be saved before she endured the worst all alone.

He was a bigger disappointment.

"Fuck off, Aaron!"

"Is that all you can say? You're such a pussy Vitali! You abandoned the girl who went through hell and back to protect you just for a bitch you met barely a month ago- "

His head snapped to the side as Alessandro's fist drilled onto his face.

Aaron scoffed in disbelief, he brought his wrist to the corner of his mouth, wiping the torn skin.

"Do not disrespect my woman! Aaron Springton. I will let this one slide on regards of our long friendship and I won't be so merciful next time. I will make it up to Athena. And whatever we had is between us. You don't fucking know what we have gone through so shut the fuck up!"

Serenity stood up and rushed towards him as Alessandro stepped out of the room.

"What happened? Is she okay?" She asked worriedly.

"She needs rest. We must not disturb her, love. I will bring you back soon. Is that alright?"

She smiled, nodding her head. "I am fine with it. And Oh! I sent Butter back with Jimmy. She didn't get any sleep last night so I asked her to go back."

"There is a park nearby. Would you like to take a walk with me?"

"Do you even have to ask? Of course!"

Alessandro clasped her hands in his, cherishing the soft skin of her small hands. They walked out of the hospital.

The security in charge had alerted their men to guard the perimeter. They stood camouflaged with the backgrounds. Serenity and Alessandro walked along the path, enjoying the serene environment and each other's company.

"I heard some things last night at the ball."

He glanced at her, unconsiously tightening the grip on her hand.

"What about?"

"Just..." She shrugged with a half hearted smile, "Just things..."

"Does it bother you?"

"I trust you, Alessandro....'People's talk don't bother me and I don't care about the past. The present and the future matters to me'...that's what I've been reminding myself but Alessandro, the curiosity is instilling a seed of doubt unconsiously."

"What do you want to know?"

They sat down on a bench infront of the little lake. A few gorgeous swans were paddling across some distance. The heat of the sun shaded by the branches of trees around. Serenity drew in a deep breath. She have no idea the depth of her question in Alessandro's life but she knew it was indeed a disastrously significant one with unsaid boundaries.

"Mrs. Springton...she mentioned about an abduction case...which rooted the relationship between you and Athena..."

Alessandro stilled.

Serenity quickly shook her head, "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to-"

"No." He cleared his throat and looked away before turning to her, "It's alright. Perhaps it is better for you to know so you can be prepared."

He brought her hand to his lips, planting a soft kiss on her wrist.

" It happened ten years ago. I was in Derry when I was taken away. When I woke up, I was in a cell with two other kids- Athena and...Honey. A total of 40 and more kids were abducted from all around the world. We had no answer to any questions at first, I had initially thought that we were held for ransom but..they were far worse than what I expected. It was a living nightmare. 'Virgin Blood worshippers' that's what we called them, a cult with corrupt sect of followers that are brainwashed into being child predators. They have their secret society based on a private island in the Pacific."

"For over a month before the rescue came, we were tortured...physically, mentally and...sexually." His emotionless eyes stared off at a distance.

Serenity was speechless, the tightening grip on her hands told her that he was hurting. It must be painful to reminisce the tragedy of the past. She wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him from the side.

"It's okay, Alessandro."

"I had witnessed hell on Earth. The trauma still haunt me from time to time. The ones who abused me were mostly women and to this day, I don't like being touched by women."

"Oh Alessandro!" She whispered, "I am so sorry you had to go through it and I am so proud of you for not letting it ruin you."

He chuckled humorlessly, "But I am already ruined, love. Don't you see that they made me into a monster? The doings cannot be undone no matter how hard I try to deny it."

"No, Alessandro. You are a good person. You have never laid a hand on the innocents. The way I see it, it is not the past that defines a person, it is their present and their endeavors to become a better self. You are not a monster. Don't be too hard on yourself."

Alessandro looked away.

"Respect my choice, Alessandro!" She yelled all of a sudden

He, stupefied, stared back at her with wide eyes.

"Choice?"

"I choose you, Alessandro. Even if you doubt yourself, don't doubt me!" She huffed and turned away with her arms crossed.

He blinked before letting out a hearty laugh.

Alessandro slowly pulled her waist on his lap, nuzzling his face on the side of her tender arm.

"My love...What have you done to me..."

Serenity winked mischievously,

"Magic?"

"Oh what happened to the third Girl...H-Honey, yes Honey. Where is she now?"

Alessandro stilled for a second.

"Only two of us survived."

She let a silent gasp.

"I know she is in a better place now."

He nodded.

Noticing the gloom looming over the atmosphere, Serenity quickly changed the topic.

"Wait- Alessandro! If you are uncomfortable with unfamiliar women touching you then what about me? Our first encounter was..." She shuddered, "forget it, but why did you insist on having me? "

"Your words...I remembered those exact words said by a little five year old with purple eyes that I met in Athlone."

Serenity wondered aloud, "What words?"

Alessandro looked at her, hiding the small smile creeping up his face. He shook his head admirably.

***

Athlone, Ireland

11 years ago.

The assigned trainings for the month was to be held in Ireland. Padrino had shipped young Alessandro to his country side territory in the wee hours of the morning.

Drained and tired from the long journey, Alessandro accidentally slip into a nap before Padrino arrived.

Furious on the lack of awareness of his arrival, Padrino threw the little sleeping boy into the freezing cold River.

Alessandro flung awake, gasping and drowning in unconsciousness. The strong current of the water tossed his little body around, forcing him to fight back.

"Padrino! Save me!" He cried out loud.

The old man smirked and laughed at his misery.

"Be back here before the sun hits the sky! If not, the consequences would not be in your favor." With that, he turned back and leisurely walked back to his manor.

Alessandro fought hard with the current but his little strength was nothing against the superior natural force. It drifted him down stream, far away from the manor. Alessandro wasn't familiar with the new place, he quickly noted the landmarks and the route, plastering them on his smart brain.

Finally when the current subside, he swam back to the shore but by then he was too far from the manor. The time given was short. To be back before the sun hit the sky meant to get there before the mid-day.

He laid down on the muddy shore, catching his breath. The hunger and exhaustion taking a huge toll on him.

Finally, he proceeded with his journey. On the way, he feasted on some wild berries, filing handfuls in his drench pockets.

Halfway through, he heard the sound of a little squeaky cry. Alessandro had heard tales of maiden cries deep in the woods and demons taking young children for lunch from the cook back in the estate. Unlike other kids who would've crawled to the protective embrace of their mother's arms in fear, he had always wanted to experience it himself. Maybe he could kill the bad demon and prove to his Padrino that he is a brave boy.

The little boy walked steadily, his steps silent and careful.

The babyish cries was now accompanied with loud snotty noise. It sounded like a girl, a baby girl.

He hid behind the shrubs and stare at the little clearing,disappointed. There was no ghost nor demons. It was clearly a human. A little girl perhaps, in play school. She had the uniform of Junior infant, a small hat and a sling back too small to even carry a book.

Alessandro was about to go back on his way when the cries grew louder. He clicked his tongue and walked towards the girl.

"Why are you crying?"

The girl rubbed her eyes with her little fist and wiped her eyes with the back of her sleeves, two line of snots running down her nose to her mouth.

Alessandro grimaced in disgust.

And then her unique purple eyes stared at him.

"Amethyst." He exclaimed, oblivious.

"Huh?"

"Your eyes look like amethyst."

The girl looked confused, "Em-tist?"

Alessandro sighed and shook his head.

"How did you even get here? You're too small."

Her pouty lips started trembling, Alessandro winch, he was not going to like what would happen next.

And then she started bawling her eyes out again.

"Stop! Why are you crying now?"

"I...I- I....lost...bunny...ran....gone...no...Killy...home!"

Alessandro could barely make out any words off her incessant rambles.

"You got lost?"

Her head bop up up down and he took it as a 'yes '

"You came with your parents?"

She shook her head.

"Your friends."

She nodded while wailing.

Alessandro was irritated with the annoying girl who won't stop crying.

"STOP IT! I AM GOING TO LEAVE YOU IF YOU DON'T STOP! Then the wild animals can come and you will make a nice lunch for them!" He shouted

She quickly shut her mouth, a little hiccup escaping here and there.

"I am trying to help you here so don't cry."

Her lips started trembling.

"I will leave if you cry again! I won't help you!" He threatened, taking a step back.

The little girl was frightened that the only company she had in hours would leave her too.

She ran into him and clung on his waist.

"Noooooooooo, don't leave me. I am a good girl. I always do my- my homework on time. I don't waste food and I go to church on Sundays. I can sing lullabies too. So you should help me to gain good points from God!"

****

How was it?

Good?

Bad?

Or just meh..?

Hiyaaaaa mudbloods, I am back! The long break was refreshing but indeed I almost forgot half of the plot.

But don't worry, Lady author got back on her tracks soon.

VOTE, COMMENT AND SHARE (if you want faster updates ahehehhe *squeaky evil laugh *)

Until then,

Adios,

Stella Cadante.