Chapter Nine: A Strange Type
As Georgia stravagated back, Luciano was sitting next to Arianna. She was steadily becoming weaker. Sylvia brought the baby boy in and set him in Luciano's arms. Luciano sat holding the baby. Arianna awoke and reached out for his hand.
"Luciano I need you to know something. I love you more than anything, I always have. I don't want you to forget that. Georgia is a good friend and if the need arises, I know she'll take good care of you and Anthony." Luciano squeezed her hand as he found himself without words. Soon, he thought, Rodolfo will be back and she'll be all right. Luciano fought to hold back the tears.
Georgia awoke in Nick's arms. She was afraid to move. She lay there listening to his breathing, calm and slow. Slowly, his eyes began to open. Georgia exhaled, not even aware she had been holding her breath. Georgia hugged Nick tighter.
"I thought you were gone! I don't know what I would do without you." Georgia stood up and walked into the little kitchen of Nick's apartment. When she returned, she was carrying two glasses filled with orange juice. She put her's on the bedside table and handed the other to Nick.
"So, Mr. Duke, what adventure do you have planned for today? A little mischief and mayhem?" Nick laughed as she said this. "I don't know about mischief and mayhem, but I thought we should go to your parent's house. Then, we should go see the Mulhollands. After that, we can go to see Sky and Alice. I'm curious to see what happened last night."
Georgia suddenly felt overwhelmed. She scooted closer to Nick, as he put his arm around her. She sighed heavily as she thought about the upcoming events. Suddenly, the phone interrupted her thoughts. Nick reached over and picked up the phone on his bedside table. Sky's voice was clear and focused to Nick.
"Nick, Arianna is sick. Luciano hasn't moved from her bedside. Tonight we all have to meet at the embassy to make sure she's all right. Oh, by the way, I have some wonderful news to tell you. Can we meet you for lunch?"
"Sure. Actually, Georgia and I have something to tell you and Alice. When do you want to meet?" Nick was planning lunch while Georgia got a quick shower. When she was finished, she came out of the bathroom with a towel on her head. Nick told her about Arianna and about the plans for lunch.
Luciano stood as his father-in –law entered the room. Dr. Dethridge was carrying a small bottle. Sylvia lifted Arianna's weak head as Rodolfo poured the vial into her mouth. Arianna soon fell into a deep, peaceful sleep. Sylvia told Luciano to go sleep and, although reluctant at first, he agreed. Luciano had dark circles under his eyes and he looked at least five years older than he actually was.