His Collateral

Chapter 30

I stepped into the quiet house, the silence feeling oppressive without Alessandro's presence. It wasn't unusual for the house to be still, but his absence made it feel eerily empty. I knew Christy and Marco were waiting for me in the living room, but I couldn't muster the energy to face them yet.

As I walked in, they jumped up from the couch, bombarding me with questions. But I just shook my head, unable to speak, and continued up the stairs to the room Alessandro and I shared. I shut the door behind me, seeking solace in the memories that lingered within these walls. The silence was a welcome respite from the chaos of the day and I let it envelop me, trying to process the emotions that swirled inside me.

I stepped into the bathroom, desperate for a reprieve from the ache within. The hot shower cascaded down, easing my tension, but the pain lingered. As I emerged, I felt a sense of emptiness, like a part of me was missing.

I walked into our closet, searching for something comfortable to wear, when my eyes landed on Alessandro's clothes. A lone tear escaped, and I felt a lump form in my throat. I reached out, grasping one of his shirts like a lifeline. I slipped it on, feeling his warmth and scent envelop me.
As I made my way to bed, the emptiness felt suffocating. Our relationship may not have been traditional, but the bed still felt cold and empty without him. I snuggled into his shirt, clinging to the familiar comfort it brought, and lay down. The silence was deafening, and I couldn't shake the feeling that a part of me was missing.

I lay in bed, my mind consumed with thoughts of Alessandro. Every minute felt like an eternity not knowing how he was, what he was doing, if he was safe? The uncertainty was suffocating.
It was now impossible to fall asleep. I tossed and turned, feeling restless and anxious and before I knew it, tears began to fall and I couldn't stop them. Hours passed, but the ache didn't subside and I lay there my body shaking with each sob.

Eventually, exhaustion took over, and I drifted off to sleep, my tears soaking the pillow. Even in slumber, my heart remained heavy, a constant reminder of the emptiness.

THE NEXT DAY:
I lay in bed, unable to muster the strength to get up. Morning had arrived, but I didn't care. The chirping birds and the warm rays of the sun couldn't penetrate the darkness of my room, thanks to the drawn curtains.
Just as I thought I was alone, I felt a gentle presence beside me. Mary had come in and sat down, her soft voice whispering my name. "Bella, dear, it's time to get up." But I didn't respond. I couldn't respond.

Mary's hand reached out and gently stroked my hair, but even that comforting touch couldn't rouse me from my sorrow. I remained still, lost in my thoughts, unable to face anyone.
I turned away hastily covering my face with the duvet, but she gently pulled it away, her eyes filled with concern.

"Bella, Mr. Marco is coming over to discuss something important with you," she said, her voice soft but firm.

I sat up too quickly, my head spinning, as I processed her words. Could it be? Could Marco have news about Alessandro?

Maybe his release?

I swung my legs over the side of the bed, my eyes fixed on Mary, as I asked, "What does he want to discuss, Mary? Did he tell you?"

My voice was husky from crying, and I could feel the puffiness of my eyes as I walked over to the mirror. I gazed at my reflection, taking in the red, swollen eyes and the pale skin.
Mary followed me, her hands on my shoulders. "I'm not entirely sure, Bella. But I think it might have something to do with...Alessandro."

I spun around, my heart racing, as I grasped at the possibility. "Do you think he'll be released?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Mary's expression was sympathetic, but she offered no answers. Instead she led me towards the bathroom. "Let's get you cleaned up, Bella. Mr. Marco will be here soon."