Antidote [18+]

Veinte.

Engagement party.

Rage.

Regret.

Disbelief.

All these emotions were coursing through Seth. This couldn't be possible, right? Alexander had to have some kind of plausible explanation for this.

Alexander reached for Francesca's hand that was sporting the diamond ring and inspected it, "Anillo de mi abuela."

Francesca nodded, "Your father mentioned that, I'm honoured to wear a family heirloom."

Wasn't he going to correct her? Say that it was a mistake. Wasn't he going to give some reassurance? Seth felt sick because Xander was neither confirming nor denying it.

"I need to make a phone call, un momento por favor," he said.

A moment? He needed a fucking moment?

"Are you okay?" a soft voice pulled him from his thoughts.

He couldn't even be mad at her, she had no idea. She was beautiful and he couldn't deny that; sun kissed skin, wavy raven hair and big almond shaped eyes. Seth felt the nausea creeping in, now he really had to ask himself if it was worth it coming here.

"I-I'm okay," he managed to pipe out.

"How long have you and amore mio been friends?"

Four years of Italian classes and this is what he had to register? His boyfriend being called 'my love' by a woman, life definitely had a good sense of humor.

"I-, uh, I'm going to take a walk, bello conoscerti."

"Wait!" she called, "You speak Italiano?"

Seth pretended not to hear her as he walked past Alexander who was shouting aggressively in Spanish over the phone. Priorities, Seth thought as tears blurred his vision. With tears streaming down his face he walked briskly into the gardens and sat on the bench underneath a large willow tree.

Maybe he should've stayed home, this trip wasn't what he bargained for at all. He was hoping Xander would at least follow after him but he never did, the thought made the tears fall harder. It hurt.

"¿Estás bien?"

Seth looked quickly wiped the tears from his face, he was sure he looked like a mess. He looked up to meet eyes with an old woman in a gardening hat and gloves, she looked so sweet.

"Yes, I am."

"Mijo's amigo, ¿sí?"

"Alexander's friend?" she nodded, "Yes, I'm his guest."

He refused to answer to 'friend' but Xander's family obviously didn't know and Seth wasn't sure what their feelings would be towards the situation, so he kept quiet about it.

"Bueno!" she smiled, "Vamos," she took off her gloves, grabbed him by the hand and led him on another cobblestone pathway which led to a back door.

A beautiful marbled kitchen and there were so many spices from whatever was cooking on the stove that was filling the air. The woman gestured for him to sit at the counter while she washed her hands.

"You must be hungry from such a long flight."

He was but he was far too sick to even eat right now. She uncovered a bowl with dough and began to knead it on the counter that had some flour sprinkled on it.

"A little bit," he gave her a small smile.

"Pandebono y empandas para ti."

Seth watched her intently as she explained the process to him, within 40 minutes they had everything in the oven. She had shared baking stories with Seth then he realized that this woman was a baking goddess and he still didn't know who she was.