Disclaimer: Go back to chapter one.

A/N: I am so sorry it has taken so long. I have been in hell with work...twelve to fifteen hour days on a special project. Not fun at all. I will promise to be better or at least try to.

Thank you to everyone who reviewed Chapter Twelve. I hope you continue to enjoy it. Sorry I'm not thanking individually this time but I just want to get this posted before you think I forgot about it.

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Chapter Thirteen

"Chad, if you are done manhandling my brother's boyfriend, we can leave this airport." Paige said with laughter tracing her speech.

Chad pulled away from Marco, "But I missed him..." he whined, "You are a poor substitute."

Paige smacked him on the chest and Dylan maneuvered Marco away from Chad.

"You can't have him. He's mine!" Dylan said playfully.

"When did I become a trophy?" Marco asked.

"At least you are wanted. I was just told by my straight boyfriend that he prefers my brother's boyfriend to me. That just sucks." Paige said mildly exasperated.

Marco smiled at her, "Come on. I'm hungry. Airplane food sucks, even in first class."

The four got something to eat before dropping Marco off at home. He entered the foyer and looked around at the house. Still didn't feel like home to him.

He shook his head in dismay as he walked up the stairs to his room. He set his bags down and went into the bathroom. He took a quick shower and got dressed in his favorite pair of pajama pants and a too tight t-shirt. He started to unpack and halfway through the first suitcase he ran across something unexpected.

'Now how did this get here? Must have been Mama. I wonder where she found it?' Marco pondered as he fingered the soft, worn seams of his childhood teddy bear.

He thought he had lost it when they moved. 'Guess I just left you behind. I'm sorry old friend.' Marco apologized mentally to the bear in his hands.

He gently set his friend on the bed and finished unpacking. In the bottom of the second suitcase, Marco found an envelope with his name scrawled across the front.

He put the envelope next to his teddy bear, looking at it in confusion. He didn't quite know how to explain it but he was mildly depressed for some odd reason and that enveloped seemed to make it worse.

Mentally, Marco shrugged and went to stash the suitcases in the closet.

Marco walked back into his room and hugged himself lightly. He couldn't bring himself to read the letter or even open the envelope and yet he couldn't take his eyes off of it, either.

He was so lost in his trance that the doorbell ringing scared the living daylights out of him. His heart was pounding so hard and his breathing labored that he felt like he'd just run a marathon. He made his way carefully down the stairs trying to improve his current physical condition due to fright.

He definitely wasn't expecting to see the person on the other side of the door.

"Am I hallucinating or are you really standing in front of me?"

"I'm here," the person responded.

"Rosa, what are you doing here? Come in, please," Marco said as he moved out of the doorway.

She entered with grace before answering his question, "I moved here a few days before Grandmother's funeral. I hadn't had time to call anyone yet and the funeral didn't seem like the right time to announce my promotion and change of address." Rosa explained simply.

"You got a promotion...that's wonderful. Wait, did I know you had a job?" Marco questioned.

"No. I got a job at the ad agency that Roberto works for in Roma. They trained me there for the job that was becoming available there. A girl got married and pregnant in the same month and now she wants to be a stay at home mom. So, things changed and they needed someone here now. I've been with them for almost a year and a half now."

"Wow! I can't believe I missed so much. I'm sorry we haven't kept in closer contact." Marco smiled slightly, "I'm extremely glad you're here though. I was starting to get depressed being here alone."

Rosa looked around, "So, where's the blonde god?"

"He has a family he hasn't seen in ten days. He's at home with them."

"I know but I'm sure he'd drop everything if you called."

"I'm sure he would but I don't want to depend on him for something this stupid. I'll be fine." Marco stated firmly. "And besides, we just spent ten days and nights together."

"True."

"How long are you staying here for?"

"Only a few more minutes. I have an early morning meeting tomorrow. How was the rest of the trip?" asked Rosa.

"It was good. I showed Dylan around. Avoided Chris until he left three days after you did. Did you know that Chris and Dylan knew each other? They have a mild past and Chris is gay." Marco inquired of his cousin.

"Chris is gay...that explains a lot. But what's this about Chris and Dylan knowing each other?" asked Rosa digging for gossip.

"Chris was Dylan's first crush and kiss. Chris couldn't deal with the feeling that he was gay so he ran away. Dylan said the kiss was horrible. Chris propositioned Dylan while we were in Italy."

"No, he didn't! That is beyond rude. Do you realize that we sound like a bunch of girls at a slumber party gossiping about boys." Rosa stated with a laugh.

"I've missed you, Rosa. I'm glad you will be closer." Marco said solemnly.

"I've missed you too, peanut. I'm only about an hour away now so we'll see each other more often." Rosa said using his nickname.

Marco blushed lightly at the term of endearment. He hadn't been called that in years. He walked Rosa out to her car.

She kissed him on his cheek, "Love you, little cousin. I'll see you later in the week."

"I love you too, Big Cousin."

He walked back into the empty house and up to his room. The stark white envelope still lay where he put it almost an hour earlier. It gleamed brightly against his burgundy comforter. He felt like it was mocking him with the secrets it held and the news it contained.

Marco had a sinking feeling as he sat next to the letter. He picked up his teddy bear in one hand and the letter in the other. 'Well, here goes nothing.' Marco thought as he cuddled his friend in his lap for comfort as he opened the envelope.

He withdrew three separate letters; one in his mom's handwriting, one in his father's abrupt script and the last in his grandmother's.

He laid the three letters side by side on the bed in front of him, trying to decide which to read first.

"Guess I should get the one with the most potential to hurt out of the way first, huh teddy?" Marco questioned to the bear.

The bear of course sat there with a blank expression in his black button eyes.

He picked up the letter written in Italian and unfolded it the rest of the way carefully.

Marco,

I know we've never gotten along. For that, I'm in deep regret. I have been told repeatedly these last few weeks what a wonderful person you've become.

I started out to hate you because I feel my son married beneath him with your mother. I decided it was easier to hate you than to accept you as a product of something I don't approve of. Once again, I am truly sorry.

I know if you're reading this, then I'm already dead and buried. I left explicit instructions that you read this after the funeral. I hope you found it in your heart to attend my funeral. I also hope against all hope that you'll forgive me of my past indiscretions where you're concerned. Oh, to be able to live my life over again. But alas, I can't.

Please, my dear child, don't make my mistakes ever. Be happy with yourself. Don't hold a grudge, especially a stupid one that affects innocent people in the process. And love like there isn't a tomorrow.

May God Bless You

And All Those You Love,

Noona Del Rossi

Marco had tears streaming down his face as he finished the letter. He'd never guess that his grandmother regretted her decisions. He never knew her motives for them either.

He picked up his father's letter next. No knowing what to expect, he opened it tentatively. Kind of like he was afraid it'd explode once fully opened.

My only child,

I know that we haven't been connecting lately. Mostly, this is my fault. I know it and have come to terms with it. I haven't been able to accept the fact you're gay. I'm still not sure if I fully accept it. But if that is what makes you happy then far be it from me to stop you. I'm sure Dylan is a good guy, seeing he faced all of us for you. That takes courage.

Now, the hard part...I know you think what I just said would be hard but it gets worse. I lied to you. Your mother and I will be returning to Canada long enough to pack. I was offered a new position back here in Roma.

Now, before you start hyperventilating. You have a choice to make. This is probably going to be the hardest decision of your life.

Choice one: Pack up at the end of the school year and move back to Roma with your mama and me.

Choice two: Your mother and I will sign over guardianship papers to Rosa and you can stay in Canada with her. She's over 18 and it would work if she agrees.

We will need your decision when we return to Canada in two weeks. I know it's difficult and I'm sorry to spring this on you like this. I hope you can forgive me for the lack of consideration that this probably conveys.

Love,

Papa

Marco sat trembling with the note clenched tightly in his fists. His tears were flowing freely by now...he couldn't get them to stop. They just kept coming.

The extremely loud peal of the telephone jarred Marco out of his trance. He looked at the object with distrust. Seeing Dylan's number on the caller ID, he forced his hand to pick up the receiver.

"Hey, Dyl."

"Are you okay? You sound depressed or maybe that you've been crying."

"No, I'm not okay. I'm not sure if I'll ever be okay." Marco spit out forcefully.

"Marco, hun, what's wrong?" asked Dylan with concern.

"My mom, I think, put an envelope with three letters in it in my suitcase. I've read the ones from my grandmother and my father. I haven't gotten to Mama's yet." Marco said on a sigh.

"What did the letters have to say? If you don't mind me asking." Dylan said with some hesitation.

Marco chuckled slightly, "I don't mind. My grandmother apologized for hating me and wants my forgiveness. Funny thing, I think she had it years ago. I never hated her for hating me, I just never understood it. As for dad's, he's taking a new position in Roma. He and Mama are coming home only to pack." His voice had turned back to the sad tone it held at the beginning of the conversation.

Dylan's heart stopped beating right then. He couldn't breathe with the very thought of Marco leaving him. "What does that mean for you?" he managed to choke out.

"This is where it gets interesting. I can either move back to Roma or I can stay here with Rosa as my legal guardian." Marco told him almost bitterly.

"And you're going to choose..." Dylan prodded.

"I can honestly say, I don't have the foggiest idea." Marco replied.

Dylan was glad Marco couldn't see how his answer affected him. He was visibly shaken and quite wounded. "Well, I guess I'll let you go then." Dylan said trying to hide the hurt in his voice. He wasn't doing a good job of it.

Marco hung up the phone slowly and stared at it. He couldn't believe he'd let Dylan believe he was going to leave. Well, maybe he was going to leave but he shouldn't scare Dylan with the idea of it. 'Oh God, this sucks! How could I be expected to choose between my parents and the man I love,' Marco though in disgust.

It dawned on him that he hadn't read his mother's letter yet. He held the paper in his hands before unfolding it, hoping for a sense of comfort or even love. It sounded stupid, even to him but still he hoped.

He unfolded it and smoothed it flat on his mattress. He looked at the neat, precise handwriting without actually reading it first. The flow of the letters against the stark white paper did give Marco an odd feeling of comfort. It was as if even though he felt his world was crashing down around him, something is constant...even if it was only his mother's handwriting.

He began to read:

My dearest Marco,

This is probably the hardest thing I've ever had to write. I want you to know this is killing me. I love you more than anything in the world, mi bambino.

I can't sit by idle as you're faced with the toughest decision of your young life.

I think you should stay in Canada. You're happier now than I can ever recall seeing you. I think it is large part due to Dylan and the rest of your friends from Degrassi. I don't want to see that smile fade ever again.

So please, my only child, put your happiness first for once. Stay where you want and know you're loved.

I will always love you. This can't and won't change. So please, for me, just be happy. Make the choice with your heart. Your head can reason anything into sounding like a good idea.

All my love,

Mama

Marco was too numb to cry, anymore. He understood his mother's pain on this but didn't want her to make this choice for him.

'Follow my heart...See where it leads...'

Marco got up and walked to his computer. He flipped it on and signed on to his email.

The most recent addition caught his eye immediately. The time and date stamp read it had been sent less than two minutes ago.

'Hmm...wonder what he's got to say' Marco thought as he clicked on the message.

He scanned it and decided it wasn't a joke, span or something stupid. After catching a few words here and there he also noted its importance. He scrolled back to the top and started from the beginning.

Marco,

I should call and say what needs to be said but I can't risk being interrupted. I may never finish if you interrupt.

I don't want you to be swayed by this...wait, yes I do. But I don't want your decision to be based on this. I had to let you know how I feel.

I don't want you to go.

I love you. I want you here with me. You are my other half and I don't feel complete without you. I can't go on knowing that you won't be here and that we're ending. Tomorrow just isn't worth it without you.

I don't mean to make your decision harder than it has to be but I want you to weigh all your options. I hope I am included in your decision. I don't know what I'd do in your situation.

I love you with everything I am and have, Marco Del Rossi. Know this above all else.

Dylan

Marco stared at the words on the screen.

Just then an IM popped up from Paige.

A1chick- Why's Dylan barricaded in his room crying?

BaddaBoom- Not Now Paige!

A1chick- No Del Rossi. NOW! Tell me what's going on

BaddaBoom- I'm trying to decide if I should stay here or move to Italy with my parents. Happy now?

A1chick- No wonder Dylan's freaking out. He thinks you're leaving.

BaddaBoom- DUH!

A1chick- Are you leaving?

BaddaBoom- I don't know.

A1chick- For what it's worth...?

BaddaBoom- Go on...

A1chick- you'd be desperately missed...and not just by Dylan.

BaddaBoom- Thanks Paige. I'll keep that in mind.

BaddaBoom has signed off.

Marco leaned back in his desk chair, 'I'd be desperately missed, and not just by Dylan.'

Marco knew he had friends but he hadn't thought to take them into consideration on this decision. Maybe, he should.

Marco went to bed with a heavy mind and an even heavier heart that night. He simply couldn't decide yet.

Marco spent Monday avoiding phone calls, emails and persistent knocks on the front door. He needed time to sort things out before facing school the next morning.

By Tuesday morning, Dylan wasn't sure if he could face Marco and school. He got up and showered, dressed and headed for his car with Paige in tow.

Paige had been after him to talk about Marco moving since she found out on Sunday night. It was like he'd already decided to leave and forgot to mention it to him.

"Paige, shut up! If Marco leaves, he leaves. End of story. Close the book." Dylan yelled at her over the incessant chatter.

Paige flinched and shrunk back into her seat. Dylan didn't yell often but this seemed worse than most. They rode to school in total silence.

Marco had an equally hard time getting ready for school that morning. He didn't want to face everything he could potentially be leaving.

At school, Marco's friends had quickly heard of Marco's impending departure.

He'd either get strange looks of expectation or complete avoidance. Even Ellie wouldn't come near him in the beginning of the day.

Paige cornered him in the hall after the first few classes.

"So, have you made a choice?"

"No, but by telling everyone that I am leaving is making it easier. Everyone is avoiding me. Not that I'm complaining because I'd rather not face it." Marco said testily.
Paige just humphed and walked away.

Marco managed to get through the rest of his morning classes and the beginning of lunch without talking to anyone else. He ate quickly outside on a bench and then retreated to the safety of the library. He was alone for about five minutes before being interrupted. His best friend sat down next to him.

"So, were you planning on telling me that you were leaving or were you going to wait and let me find out after you'd gone?"

"El, I wouldn't leave without telling you. I haven't decided if I was going yet."

"That's not what I heard."

"El, I was seriously considering staying but if everyone's so dead set of me leaving, maybe I should." Marco retorted angrily.

Ellie looked at him in shock, "You mean you might stay?"

Marco nodded as Ellie threw her arms around his neck.

"My decision isn't final yet. My house may not be a home but I've got some great friends here. The only thing in Italy is my parents. My cousins don't even live there anymore." Marco admitted shrugging.

"So stay." Ellie said firmly. "You've got me, Paige, Craig, Jimmy, Spin, Ash, Chad and most of all, Dylan. He's devastated at the thought that you're leaving." Ellie told him. She knew that last statement would give him something to seriously consider.

Ellie went to get up but Marco grabbed her arm, "Wait. What do you mean, devastated?" Marco asked curiously, wondering if she'd spoken to Dylan.

For some reason even Ellie couldn't explain, she got angry. "If you'd stop avoiding each other like children, then you'd know he looks like he hasn't slept in days, his clothes are wrinkled, and his eyes are blood shot and swollen. He looks like he's been crying for days and could start again at any moment. You are killing him with this. Paige even spoke nicely to me today of her own free will." Ellie rushed to say.

Marco knew something big was up if Paige spoke to Ellie about all of this. "Oh El, you know I love you. I'll tell you my decision when I make it."

She smiled her slight smile at him and walked away from him. Leaving him alone with his thoughts. After all, he had a huge decision to make.

Marco looked around the library and suddenly felt the need to escape. So he got up, grabbed his book bag and went outside.

He pushed open the exit doors only to come face to face with Dylan. The older teen looked like he had been hit by a Mack truck. He also looked ready to bolt at the mere sight of his boyfriend.

Marco reached for Dylan but he backed away too quickly.

"Dylan..."

"No, I can't do this right now. I'll talk to you later." Dylan said choking back his tears.

Marco watched as the love of his life fled from him. He couldn't handle it anymore and went to sign out for the rest of the day.

Mr. Radditch wasn't happy about letting him leave but couldn't stop him since his parents had given him permission to sign out whenever until they got back.

Marco stopped at his locker before leaving for the day. He opened it up and saw something float out of his locker. He looked down at the floor and saw a note.

He noticed the familiar scrawl of Dylan's handwriting on the outside.

Marco bent down and picked up the note, staring at it in confusion. He knew better than to read it now. He held it in his hand as he switched out his books. He'd read it when he got home.

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Please Review. I'll try and get up Chapter 14 which is half way written up soon. But I want reviews first...they inspire me.