You Are My Life

Chapter 24

THREE YEARS LATER

Alexander ran away from Gabriella into Bryan's study. "Dad! Please, come play with us."

"Sorry, Bryan. I tried to keep him out. Alexander, daddy's working, let's let him finish."

"Okay, Gaby." And Alexander ran out.

"Bryan, you need to get out of this office. Go, take a shower, go out, put the bottle down."

"Leave me alone, Gabriella. Go take care of my son. That's what I pay you for not to be my friend."

As she left the office weeping she bumped into Joe and Sebastean. "Excuse me, I have to tend to Alexander. Bryan is in his office being his charming self." She said walking away.

Joe and Sebastean walked into the office. "Get out, I don't want to listen to you two!" Bryan said, throwing a glass towards them.

"Not even if we have news about Chris?" Joe said.

"What is it?"

"They found her and the baby, Bryan!"

"Where are they?"

"They found her a year ago in Italy walking barefoot on the streets. No ID, wouldn't speak a word, she would just hold into the baby tight. So she was interned in an asylum. It wasn't until one of the doctors traveled to America that he saw the missing posters and was able to get in contact with the police. She'll be arriving this afternoon. So I suggest you clean up and stop drinking, because she isn't herself and you're going to be strong." Joe said.

"But are they okay? She and the baby?"

"You have a healthy daughter, but Chris is broken." Sebastean said.

"What do you mean?"

"It's as if your father broke her soul. She has no spirit, no voice. They say it's some kind of shock but she hasn't shown any progress. They are hoping that her coming back home will help." Sebastean said.

"Are they bringing her here?"

"Yes, so you have to make sure everything is ready for her and the child." Joe said.

"What's her name? The child?"

"She still hasn't been baptized. She's been called Baby Jane. Here's a picture." Joe said, handing her a picture. There a toddler version of Chris looked up at him. Same black hair and smile.