Choosing Jada [Book 2]

My Son

My nerves had improved after spending almost 2 weeks without seeing or hearing from Alessio. No one followed me to my home. No one kept tabs on me. No one is out of the usual. I've kept my eyes open the whole time, yet no one stood out. I truly had gotten safe from him, he wasn't joking about waiting for me. I couldn't tell if that was better or worse. I didn't have to see his face, but I kept looking for it.

Matteo looked like his father more and more. Even as I held him in my arms as I made breakfast, a croissant with eggs. It was not easy having a baby trying to lift his head and look around while cooking with one hand. He tried to steady himself and was doing pretty well. He had improved so much in 3 months. It was astonishing to look at.

I had never felt anything beforehand, but I felt some guilt in this moment of peace. He truly thought I was dead. Lorenzo truly held a huge secret from me for nothing in return. He helped find me all the resources I needed, including my physical therapist and the home my son and I live in now. From his best friend and basically brother. He did so much for me. But I didn't think about how hard he took this. I figured he would be okay, that he would move on pretty easily after my funeral.

The look her gave me the first time, it was like he had truly seen a ghost. He seemed the same, yet different. I always thought Matteo looked like Lorenzo more than me. His skin had gotten darker over time, but he came out pale as a ghost almost. Now he had this light brown skin with olive undertones. He had the same dark brown eyes and always had this resting mean face like Alessio. He was stubborn, too.

It was frustrating as time, but I loved him with all my soul. Matteo was my everything, and I would protect him with my life.

Suddenly, my phone rang as I placed my plate down, causing me to stumble a bit. I quickly steadied myself before looking at the caller ID. Maybe it was Alessio calling me trying to force my hand. Maybe it was finally happening. The caller ID read Lorenzo.

"Hey," I answered.
"Hey, Jay. How are you doing?" Lorenzo asked. 

I sighed, knowing this call would come. I think it was best to take a chance and move with Matteo. I could just move to a new spot in Italy. Maybe north Italy, in a big city. It's harder to find me then.

"I've been better. We need to move Lorenzo."

It was silent for an uncomfortable amount of time. 

"What happened?" He asked softly. 

He led me in all the right directions, helped with housing, and some money to get started. He was a great friend when he didn't need to be for me.

"It doesn't need to be out of Italy, just like away from Trapani. Like anything north of here would be best -" I started to blabber on about, but he interrupted.

"-Jay! What's going on? Why do you need to leave. What happened. Just let me know. I can help."

"I ran into Lorenzo," I blurted out. 

Again, more silence. I have no idea the relationship between Lorenzo and Alessio anymore. He never talked about him with me or what happened. I never asked either. I was trying to move on. But my past came flooding in like the damn was just broken. I had to take care of this sweet, crazy boy of mine. 

"H-how? When? What?!" Lorenzo said into the phone loudly.

"I have no idea why he's here. We fought like 2 weeks ago almost. He was here trying to get away. He said he left everything an-" I started to explain, but he spoke over me again.

"What the fuck did you tell him!" Lorenzo screamed over the phone. 

I paused for a moment.

"Watch how you talk to me, for one. Two, I didn't say anything besides to leave us alone. I want nothing to do with him. I'm not being dragged back into his mess. I'm afraid what his plans are with me. I didn't fucking do anything."