The Godfather Legacy

PROLOGUE

"Tell me something, Ma." His voice filled with questions needed answers. He needed his guidance, the godfather's...his father but he's not there to help him. No one to ask council, no one to share his deepest thoughts but his own mama. "What did Papa think -- deep in his heart? He was being strong -- strong for his family. But by being strong for his family -- could he -- lose it?"

"You're thinking about your wife -- about the baby you lost. But you and your wife can always have another baby." Mama answered.

"No, I meant -- lose his family."

"but -- you can never lose your family," Mama said. At the moment he heard her say those words, his lips couldn't be stopped from disagreeing. As if he already knew what he has done. He never intended to lose his family but... "Times are changing." He knew sooner he would lose the only thing he hasn't that The Godfather has - family.

___________________________________________________

1961 - Las Vegas, Nevada

Lying on his bed, Michael recollected everything that happened in the past years. Many dead -- the family wasn't the same -- He's alienated -- Kay left him -- His children might be holding a grudge on him. He hated himself for what he had become.

"Oh, oh Michael, Michael you are blind. It wasn't a miscarriage -- it was an abortion. An abortion Michael. Just like our marriage is an abortion. Something that's unholy and evil. I didn't want your son Michael -- I wouldn't bring another one of you sons into this world. It was an abortion Michael. It was a son Michael, a son and I had it killed -- .because this must all end."

"...All end." Kay's voice echoed.

"Kay dreaded him. Kay...Kay. He can't help but made himself a villain in her eyes...a monster. The abortion -- He made that happened. That was his fault. He made Kay do it.

Now he's here, lying in bed, beside a stranger. A woman he chose to be with to pacify his longing for his wife. Yes, she's a beautiful woman but she's not Kay. Michael thought at how this woman would still be at his side even though she knew that he would never love her; that he would still be thinking of Kay even if she tried to. Michael knew she loved him, but he wouldn't believe how love would make her stay beside him. If he were to decide...

"Let's end this," His voice echoed in the room, "I -- I can't.." After he spoke, no one moved nor made a sound. Just as the light touches the woman's face, he saw her face with tears running down her rosy cheeks, her eyes closed. He didn't want to hurt Rita. But, He couldn't promise to love her back, much as she loved him. A punishment for her if he would continue to lie that he would learn to love her back. He slowly stood up and sighed as he picked his pants on the ground. The woman then hurriedly stopped him from standing, embracing his body.

Michael turned to face her, wiping the tears off her cheeks. Amidst the pain, Michael still saw her smile, that smile that caught his attention. As she realized her words meant nothing to Michael, Rita kissed Michael one last time, a longing and pained kiss; a kiss that is parting yet devoting. After the kiss, she let go of him. Before another woman of his life could walk away, Michael decided to turn his back from the only woman who dared to love him amidst his dark side. He decided to be the one who leaves and close the door.

­___________________________________________________

1997, The late Don Tomassino's Old Villa

Michael remembered his Mama's words about family. He started to piece everything, hoping he would know what he did wrong. His father was lucky, he thought. His father was with his family until his dying breath. Mama, a traditional italian wife, always supported his father. Maybe marrying an american woman was his mistake. Though, he would soon brush off his thoughts as the only thing he couldn't regret is to have a family with Kay. But he can't help but wonder if Apollonia would be there with him just like his Mama with the Godfather. Rage would soon fill him as he remembered that tragic day Apollonia was killed. It also didn't help when he started to blame himself on ruining his relationship with Kay. If only he kept his promise, and he didn't allow himself to sink deeper to the world that before he never wanted to be mixed up. But, as tragedies in the family pushed him to accept his fate.

He would sometimes thought of Marguerite Duvall. The woman he left when he thought it was the right thing to do. He knew that was the chance God has given him to have a family, but he blew it, just because he was afraid that he would ruin her too. Pain has started in his heart as he remembered everything. Maybe, if he hang on to it just a little longer maybe he would be happy after all. He cried as he felt rage and regret. The pain stung stronger in his chest, he bagan to catch his breath. He dropped the tangerine he was holding as he clutched hard at the armchair. He then collapsed on the ground. With little breaths he held on to his life. His consciousness drifting; his sight blurring.