Unforeseen

Fast Forward:

Several months had passed after hearing the women's conversation and still, it continued to stay with me. Why didn't Nicholas make more of a point to tell me what really happened? Why didn't I know the whole story? Why did Danny dying have so much of an effect on him, and why did he get so worked up over being the one to tell me? It's not like he cared, he should be used to ruining my life by now.

Upon wakening one morning I took a trip out to the mailbox to get some fresh air. In retrieving the bills, I found an unmarked white envelope amongst them. There was no return address and no name of who should be receiving it. Not even my address could be seen on the front, which led me to believe someone had been here to see that it was personally dropped off. Heading into the house I opened the envelope to find a letter that was written out to me. 

Dear Abriana, 

First off, I want to begin by apologizing for all the things I have put you through. Not just for the events that feel like they happened yesterday but for everything before that as well. For all that lie in the past. You may not know this or believe it but I never meant to hurt you. I had known for a long time that I couldn't make you happy, and I also knew rather quickly about you and Danny's blossoming affair. Despite what my family wanted me to do, which I am sure you know what that means, I did the opposite as they did not know all the details that occurred within our relationship.

I was truly happy that you had moved on and found what you were looking for, something that I couldn't give you but something you so desperately deserved. A man that made you happy. I also apologize for showing up at your doorstep as I did, but I thought it would be the only way to get your attention and try to have a conversation. You may think me selfish, but believe me, when I tell you this is not a selfish act, in regards to me wanting to talk to you, it is not to clear my conscience or explain that I'm innocent. I truly want to tell you the story, the whole story. You deserve that at least. When you feel up to it, please stop by the house. Don't be shy for I have told the family that I had written you this letter and asked you to come. We will be expecting you. 

With Sympathy, 

Nicholas

Upon finishing the letter tears slowly began to roll down my cheeks. Tears that formed for so many reasons. I felt as if I was going to get the closure that I had been seeking for so long. Even if this was an unspoken way of him just trying to clear his conscience at least I knew we would both be getting what we wanted in the end. To be honest I was a little worried about going to the house, unarmed, even though he assured me it would be safe. I pondered for a little while when would be the right time. Should I go now, should I go later on today, should I go tomorrow? So many questions began to form in my mind I felt as if my head would pop off.Feeling like I was in control for once gave me the courage of a lion, and with that, I started up the stairs to get ready.

It turned out to be too much of a dreary day out for a stroll which was quite a shame since I could've used the long walk. Catching the bus at the corner of the street I chose to take the last seat in the back. With each stop, the bus lost more and more people until eventually only I was onboard. Much time had passed before reaching the end of the road where I was dropped off.

Standing in front of me was a long path weaving its way up to the Manchini household. To my surprise there was a car at the end of the driveway, no doubt waiting for me. Walking towards it a familiar man removed himself from the driver's side seat and patiently held the back door open for me.

"Hello Abriana, it's nice to see you again," Alberto said with an almost invisible small on his face as he greeted me warmly. He treated the moment as if it was a perfectly normal day almost like I never left.

"Alberto my friend, you're looking well. I can see the Manchini's are taking good care of you still." I couldn't help but laugh while patting hisovergrown belly.

"I've missed you too but not your sarcastic remarks," he said as he shook his head in disapproval.

"Oh my, you have changed, you used to laugh at my jokes not scold me for them. I guess we don't exactly have each other's back anymore."

"Well, you didn't exactly have my back, after all, I was your bodyguard, not the other way around. But unfortunately, a good bit has changed my dear since those times. I've still kept an eye on you though, you were my girl, and I could never allow harm to come to you whether you decided to leave us or not." Alberto had a talent for clarifying and sometimes over clarifying everything.

"May I ask you something?" I asked after a small pause. 

"Ask away..."

"Have you heard from my father?" After the inquiry escaped my lips, I was unable to stop myself from wincing. 

"There is much that needs to be discussed but neither here nor now is the time. Please, if you'd be so kind." Alberto began motioning towards the back seat of the car.

After sulking I reluctantly got into the vehiclejust as the rain arrived. It was a short trip up the road to the house by car. It would be a fair assumption to think it would've taken a good bit of time if I would've been on foot. Reaching the front of the house Lorenzo, the Manchini's oldest butler was waiting at the door.

"Good afternoon Abriana! We've been expecting you! Please follow me down to the library." Lorenzo appeared to be in good spirits when he saw my face, despite the way I acted the last time I was here. He placed a soft hand on my lower back as we walked, guiding me through the house.

"The library?" I asked. "I remember the house being extremely large, but I don't remember it having a library before."

"It was an addition that was just recently finished, it's within the study." Lorenzo was quite pleased with himself as he described the secret location. It seemed as though I was the first personhe was able to share this information with.Therefore, allowing him to explain it with pride.

"Within the study, how does that work?" For some reason, my mind couldn't quite grasp the concept. 

"I will show you." Lorenzo proudly smiled at me. He was very much enjoying dragging out this undisclosed information.

Upon entering you couldn't tell anything was different about the place. The study looked exactlythe same, just as I had remembered. It felt like I was stepping into a memory walking into that room. So many family discussions and secrets were held within these walls. Lorenzo walked over to the shelves towering over the back of the desk, it was then that he began to pull on it, and without warning the whole shelf slowly started to open.