Aces & Spades

Secrets

Isabella:

Luca drives us to the nearest hospital, where we sat for around three hours in the overcrowded waiting room, before it was finally my turn to see the doctor. We step into the whitewashed room, only containing a small teal bed with a paper like curtain to split the room in half. Inside sat a frail woman sitting by her desk, gesturing at Luca to take a seat, with me sitting on the bed. 

"¿Qué puedo hacer por ti hoy?"

[Translation: What can I do for you today?]

I tell her all my symptoms, making sure not to miss any details as she types everything down onto her computer.

"We need to take an ultrasound." She speaks with a thick Spanish accent. I nod my head and follow her into a room, leaving Luca behind in the waiting room. 

I lay down onto the bed in the dark room as another lady spreads a cold gel over my lower stomach. She presses the probe down harshly, whilst her eyes scan the screen. 

"Congratulations!" She beams a smile, turning the screen to show me. "You're twelve weeks pregnant." 

Her words echo through my mind. I'm pregnant?

How can this be? We were careful every time- oh no. My mind wonders back to Massimo's birthday where lust and love took over. 

The rest of her words become a blur to me up until she points her finger on the screen. "And that's the fetus." She says. 

My eyes rest onto the small image on the monochrome screen. That's my baby. 

I feel my eyes brim with tears. That's my future. I want this future. 

From this moment on, I knew that I would love this baby with all my heart. Images of a happy life with Massimo and our child flash through my mind. 

Teaching him or her to ride a bike. Teaching him or her how to swim. 

But how was I supposed to tell Massimo? He was clear about his intentions. I don't want to mess up his duties as the mafia leader.

"Would you like to hear the heartbeat?" She asks. 

I long to hear the sound of the new life growing inside me but I can't. Not without Massimo. This was important for me and whether it was for him, he deserved to be here.

"Not yet." I say with a small smile. 

She prints out a picture of my baby and hands it to me. I tuck it into my purse before leaving to meet outside with Luca.

"Is everything okay?" He asks me as he stands up from his seat. 

"Yeah, it's just a bug like I said." I give him a brief smile before we start to head out. 

"Wait!" I hear the sonographer call out. "Here are some prescriptions for your pregnancy-"

"You're pregnant?!" Luca gawks loudly. 

So much for keeping this a secret. 

I take the piece of paper from her, thanking her quickly before leaving the hospital with Luca trailing behind me. 

"In what world is a bug the same as a baby?" He questions.

"Please don't tell Massimo. I'm not ready yet." I plead.

"I won't but you should tell him soon enough." 

"I'm just scared." I feel my tears return for a different reason. "What if he doesn't want that kind of life with me. To settle down with a family? I love him Luca but what if-"

"Stop. Stop overthinking everything. You won't know what he feels like until you tell him. It's not bad to tell him when you're ready, but you can't keep it a secret forever. I know Massimo, he may not look like it but he's a softie at heart especially with kids. He has always wanted them he just won't admit it, but he has. And I know that he loves you, it's been quite obvious since we came here just for- never mind but you get what I mean."

He's right. 

I blow out a sharp breath as Luca's phone goes off. 

"Well hello to you too Massimo."

I let out a small snicker as Luca mimes Massimo on the phone. 

"Yes I will. Ciao."

"Is everything okay?" I ask.

"Yeah everything is fine."

"Great because I have an idea." I feel a smirk tug onto my lips

"Which is?"

Massimo:

"Luca will stall Isabella for a few hours whilst we get this ready."

I say to the team. 

"Yes Mr Giordani. And where would you like us to set up the gazebo?" One of the women say.

"Opposite the table and chairs." 

She is going to love this.

I ring the number of the best Spanish restaurant in town ordering us some of their most popular dishes to bring in a few hours. 

I watch as the team sets up my date idea, placing everything to perfection. 

"Mr Giordani, the designer wants to know which dress you would like." 

"Tell them to surprise me." 

I couldn't care less what Isabella came in. She looks beautiful in everything. 

I start to get to work on my corner of the date idea. I place the blanket down, adding a few rose petals around it and... done. 

I look down at my work, before shifting my gaze to the work being done by the team. Mine looks like shit in comparison to that. Okay fuck my idea, lets go with theirs instead. 

Isabella:

"This is perfect." I hold up a newborn baby onesie, stating 'Yo amo a mi papa'. "It's fun and cute!"

[Translation: I heart my dad]

"It seems like a good way to tell him." Luca agrees.

"But when is it the perfect time to tell him?" 

"Don't worry about that, it's all underway." He replies. "I think we should start heading back to the villa." 

I go to the cashier of the souvenir shop, but Luca gets their quicker, paying the man with a hefty tip. 

"You didn't have to do that." I say with a smile. 

"I'm becoming an uncle, Isabella, of course I have to do that." He says. 

We start to walk back to the villa, stopping to take a few pictures on the way. By the time we got back, the sun was already setting on the horizon. 

"Massimo!" I call out but no one answers. I head in towards our bedroom. "Massimo where-" I stop, spotting a black garment bag splayed across the bed. A small note sat on top of it.

Meet me by the beach my love. Yours, Massimo. P.S. Don't get too comfortable in that dress. 

I giggle at his end remark whilst unzipping the bag. Oh my-

Ciao my loves I hope you are well. WOW first off I guess this might've been a bit expected but some things are better left unsaid...

How do people think Massimo will react when or if he finds out about the news? And Spanish is not my strong suit so if there are any mistakes, comment and I'll change it ASAP.

I can't believe we are at 30k AHHH! I love how our family keeps on growing.

Stay tuned for the next chapters where shit turns CRAZY. That's all I'll say for now...

Stay safe I love you all! xxx