Felix doesn't say anything, even as I silently cry on the way home.
My mind replays the heartbroken expression Anthony had on his face as I turned away.
The promise we made to each other still ringing in my head as we reached my house and made my way inside.
The whole fiasco played in my mind for much of the rest of the week.
On Friday evening when I got home after a long day at work, I forwent stopping to eat, and quickly went to my room to finish packing my things.
When I finished packing, I slowly made my way down the stairs to finally eat. Opting to order some Chinese food rather than cook after the long day I had had.
It arrived forty minutes later.
I was growing tired of doing the menial things, and knew this was the only way to get out of the rit I had suddenly found myself in.
As I sat down on the table, my phone began to ring.
"What do you want?" I answered, clipped.
"We have a situation." Jasper said.
I frowned, turning to look at the clock on the top of my stove. "What type of situation?" I asked, ignoring my plate.
"The shipment we were supposed to intercept from the Bratva, to free the girls, it never showed." He informed me.
Oh fuck. This was bad.
"Where are you? Who is with you?" I asked, as I stood up and began to pace
"It's just Felix and me. We are working to find out what happened… Don't worry, we'll find out and get back to you." He replied.
I groaned, dropping my head in frustration.
"So, what do you need?" I asked, tiredly.
"I need you to find out where they have sent it." He replied urgently.
I growled under my breath, annoyed, before replying. "I'll get in contact with a friend of mine, he is good with this type of thing. I'll call as soon as we have something." I replied before hanging up and going to my computer room upstairs.
Nobody knew just how good I was at computers. And I meant to keep it that way.
An hour later I found the information I needed and sent it to Jasper.
He confirmed that he and his team we're heading over there, before I went back downstairs to eat.
I eat quickly before washing any dishes and placing them on the dry rack before heading up to bed.
By the time I head back up to my room to get some sleep it is almost one in the morning.
I knew I had to get up early to make my flight but I wasn't sure if I would hear the alarm with how tired I felt.
Luckily for me, I did.
It was far more difficult to leave for Modena, Italy than I ever thought it would be.
For many so many reasons, and the list only seemed to be growing.
For one, calling Loraine to explain the situation at hand. Only briefly explaining that I had a family emergency and that I wouldn't be coming into work for some time because I had to travel out of the country. Which promptly made me lose my job as a result.
But that's the least of my problems. Quitting the newspaper was a bonus even. I was growing tired of the boss's crap.
I was now jobless, and lost my cover and access to keeping tabs on certain people. Meaning it would be that much more difficult to do the job.
But that is the least of my worries.
For now I had to find someone to house sit for me, for the next year. Which wouldn't be an easy task. Especially since I couldn't ask any of my friends to do it because I knew my house was being watched, and that would set them in danger.
Luckily for me I had a few options, funnily enough I wouldn't have to look far because in the end, Emmett agreed to do it for me.
In the morning I noticed various things happening around me as the hour for me to leave quickly approached.
One, Anthony's car was parked across the street from my house, having gotten there sometime while I was asleep.
Two, my brother's bags were now sitting in my living room, as if he was about to move in.
Three, Emmett has taken the liberty to
put my bags into his Jeep for me.
Four, as I was getting ready to head to the airport Jasper and Emmett arrived and decided that they would drive me to the airport.
I argued with them but as they explained their reasoning it did make sense, in a way.
So, I relented and allowed them to drive me, just so I wouldn't have to deal with their pestering.
Within minutes we were in my car, driving towards the airport.
When we arrived, Jasper and I glanced at each other for a moment before he pulled me into a tight hug.
"Take care of yourself, and keep in contact…" He whispered, before pulling away.
I nodded in response, as Emmett pulled out my bags.
"Are you coming in?" I asked him before turning towards Emmett.
"No, I'll wait out here. Remember what I told you." He said, softly, before patting my shoulder.
"Sure. Sure." I replied as I made my way into the airport.
My brother smiled as I waved back at Jasper, as he pulled me towards the checkpoint.
When we were a few feet away he pulled me into a tight hug before he stepped back with a sad expression.
"Are you sure you want to leave?" He whispered to me once more.
I nodded, biting my lips as I pressed my face into his chest, attempting to memorize his scent before leaving. "Yes, I am. Don't worry, it'll be over before you know it. I promise to call you every chance I get." I muttered into his chest, tightening my hold on him.
"I'll miss you, sorellina." He whispers. (Baby sister)
"Me too, fratello. Addio." I say, stepping away. (Brother/ Goodbye.)
He sighed, before nodding and letting me go.
Within the next two hours I am through airport security, and waiting to board the plane.
I feel smaller in my brother's old university sweater as I sit in the proper seat. Then it all went by too quickly, and before I knew it, I was getting in the plane, waiting to go to Italy.
I do know the flight lasts around ten hours. We arrived in Rome at about twelve thirty the next day.
As I am heading to the baggage claim I receive a call from my uncle Marcos informing me that he is by the entrance waiting for me.
"La mia piccola gioia." He greeted, extending his arms as I made my way towards him. (My little joy.)
"Uncle Marcos." I greeted with a smile.
"How, eh, are you, my dear?" He asked me in a thick Italian accent.
I sighed, fighting to keep the smile on my face as I answered. "Better now that I am here." I replied.
"Let us go, then. Your Nonno and Nani are ecstatic that you are actually here. Nani won't believe it until she sees you for herself." He said as he led me back to the car.
I laughed in response, as he took my luggage and opened the door for me.
Four hours and fifteen minutes later we finally arrived at Casa dell Amore. Or the massive villa-style mansion, that is surrounded by acres upon dozens of vineyards, and orchards.
I don't relax until my eyes finally see it, when I do I let out a sigh, for I feel safe, and content for once in six years.
All isn't well, though.
Before I can get out of the car I receive a phone call from Emmett, to inform me of what has happened back home.
It seems Senior tore Anthony a new one after he caught him trying to follow me here, to Italy.
This news doesn't surprise me, what does surprise me is that Senior stopped him.
Apparently after angrily scolding him, he finally put his foot down. Stating that he promised to leave me alone, and so help him he and the rest of the family would keep it. No matter how painful it was.
This was the news I needed to finally relax. It was like a breath of fresh air.
No stress, or fear since I arrived.
No calls in the dead of the night to rush me out of bed.
It was exactly what I needed to hear.
I've missed my beloved Nonno Felip and Nonna Franny, along with the rest of my family. It had been too long since I could come for a visit.
Sadly, it seems that my happiness seemed to be numbered, since upon arriving I was informed that my beloved Nani Marie's health is deteriorating as the days go by.
I didn't want to believe it, until I saw her.
I remembered the days that we used to have to practically drag her away from the kitchen, when Em and I would visit during our school breaks.
Now, my beloved Nani only sits in her rocking chair staring vacantly out of the window, at the scenery before her.
"How is my Nani doing?" I ask as I place my hand over my Nonna Franny's as we both watch Nani rock slowly back and forth.
When I first arrived Nani was caught by surprise by my arrival. It would seem no one wanted to inform my Nani in case it was a farce.
She was so happy to see me, she pulled me into a tight hug and began to cry heavily in my chest.
I always promised her I would stay with her until she was old and fragile, as I look over at her I feel a tug at my heart realizing I too broke my promise to her.
Her voice startles me out of my stupor.
"Mi Isabetta, come sei cresciuto." She said when she finally let me go. (My Isabella, how you've grown up.)
"Not good, Tesoro. It seems your great Nani is getting ready to part from us." My Nonna says, sadly. (dear)
I can feel sadness seep my being as I think about losing yet another family member.
"How long?" I asked, thickly, turning to watch my beloved Nani rock happily back and forth as she looked out the window, onto the vineyards, and orchards.
"We don't know, tesoro." My Nonna answered truthfully. (dear)
"Isabetta,"
Her voice caused us both to rush forward and towards her hurriedly.
"Sono qui, Nani, sono qui." I say, as she takes my hand into both of her small, delicate hands. (I'm here, Nani, I'm here.)
"Voglio vedere la mia dolce Isabetta sposarsi con un giovane ragazzo italiano, prima di morire." She said, slowly. (I want to see my sweet little Isabetta be married to a young Italian fellow, before I die.)
"Nani…" I whisper tearfully.
"Per favore, umorriza questa vecchia morenta." She says, patting my hand lightly. (Please, humor this dying old woman.)
"Dammi un momento." I reply tearfully, before quickly standing up and heading out of the room, out onto the veranda. (Give me a moment)
As I step out, I walk passed all the furniture, towards the cement railing as the tears fell freely down my face, I let out a faltered sigh.
What do I do? What do I do?
I can feel my scalp beginning to get irritated, as I keep running my hands through it. Not that that mattered.
No, what mattered now was what Nani just asked of me. Her request left me dazed, and frankly terrified of losing her.
But what can I do? Can I really complete her request or do I let her down?