The Balotelli-Bale Series Book #3: The Italian Belle

Chapter 33: Fist Fight

Marianna's POV
The sun is trying to shine on my son and I.

After the paternity test, Castle took me shopping for some baby things. I was not interested in having him spend money on Nicko but he insisted that it is his gift for everyday he didn't know my son. We got so many things for Nicko and he even bought me a phone, gave me his number and insisted if there's a slight problem I shouldn't hesitate to call him. He's heaven sent. He's a kind understanding man. But as much as I pleaded him not to tell Nate just yet, he said it's not up to him but he will talk to Helena about my request. I want Nate to hear it from me.

"Do you like your new crib?" I spoke to the sleepy little boy in the white crib Castle put together.

He doesn't like where I live. He insisted that I move into the penthouse he shares with Helena but I can't do that. I can't be suddenly dependant on her when I have done this alone since I found out I was pregnant. I turned him down. He was sad about it; especially saying goodbye to Nicko. But if it wasn't for Castle, I would still be locked out of my house. He paid the rent. I insisted to pay him back but he refused. Where were these generous people when I was at the basement of rock bottom?

I still can't believe Helena made it all go away. Even the court case has been thrown out. It's such a privilege to have people in high places; people who get things done with one phone call. She didn't need to run around like I did. She must really be a powerful woman! I can't forget how fast she got Virginia Ross -a woman who bullied me- to give Nicko back in less than an hour! Just one phone call!

Being back to this house reminds me that I have unfinished business with Bernadette for what she told the child services lady. Because of her I almost lost my Nicko. I'm still yet to understand how he got the bruise on his side. Castle had him checked out at the hospital. It's not serious and he will be okay.

First thing tomorrow morning, I'm going to the diner to find out if I still have a job after five days of absence. I haven't even seen them to explain my absence. I'm not expecting too much.

I watched Nicko dozing off until he gave in and fell asleep.

I wanted to go to bed too. For the first time since he was born I'll have the bed to myself. But just when I pulled the cover so that I can get underneath, someone knocked the door. It's almost nine in the night. Who could it be? I want to ignore but that person will keep knocking and wake Nicko.

Having no choice I opened it. I came face to face with Bernadette. She has an accusing expression on her face. She even has the nerve to try and peek into my house. "What?"

"I don't know how you got him back but I won't stop till you lose him!" She poked my chest.

"Why are you so jealous?" I poked her right back. "Is it because you lost your son and I still have mine? Get over it. I'm not losing Nicko." I wanted to close the door but she pushed it wide open.

"You don't deserve that child! You hurt him! You shouldn't be a mother! You're a bad mother!" She yelled attracting unnecessary attention. The usual nosy culprits came out of their apartments to serve as spectators to round two of my confrontation with Bernadette.

When she called me a bad mother, I lost it. I punched her in the face. This woman does not know what I have been through to raise and protect Nicko. She has no idea the hurdles I had to jump just to stay alive! I will not tolerate her anymore. My fists mercilessly descended on her one after another. Her screams are deafening me yet fueling my aggression. I didn't stop punching her until a strong pair of arms yanked me away. I kicked in the air and cursed Bernadette with all the obscenities I could think of. The neighbors surrounded her but nothing more happened because the door was slammed shut and I was hurled on the bed.