Regrets

When Doves Cry

1976

"I can't believe this," Alexandra choked out, "I mean, I can, just... well, that's why we planned to Pennsylvania in a couple months."

Earlier that day, Alexandra's husband of only twenty-four hours had been shot. If she was being honest with herself, she knew the day would come when they'd have to fight for their lives- she just didn't expect it to be so soon and at such a young age. But that was the reason the two were going to move out of New York to move to a more open, yet still populated area- more specifically: Philadelphia. It wasn't as busy or as crowded as New York City, but just perfect for the two of them to still be living in the crowded area they were accustomed to, but not too crowded.

Alexandra knew the hazards of being in a relationship with someone whose family was a big family in the mafia. She knew that there were hazards just being associated with the family, especially with how many rivals the Razzano family had- and a size that had grown since Frank had decided at eighteen years old that he didn't want to take part in the family "business" anymore. His family was understanding and urged him to do so if he wished, saying that it was his life and that his name shouldn't make a difference in his life. The family had done everything they could to protect the young couple from those who didn't like his decision... but they knew nothing about someone calling him and threatening his life, no matter what was done about it.

David and Raquel had gotten over to their friends apartment fifteen minutes after they received the call. Neither of them understood the request- "no Jimi Hendrix"- until they arrived at the apartment and had it explained to them. At first they thought it had to do with the fact that neither Frank nor Alexandra liked music by Jimi Hendrix, but once they arrived at the apartment, it was clear to the two what she had requested... thankfully in this case, they didn't like music from the singer and guitarist, either.

Alexandra shook her head slightly and used her wrist to wife off her eyes and cheeks, forgetting about the box of tissues her best friend had placed on the table. "I'm sorry," she said quietly, "I'm just... I'm kinda all over the place right now. I don't think everything's really sunk in yet."

"No, no, it's fine," Raquel said gently, "It's ok to feel the way you're feeling right now. To be honest, I'd actually be worried if you didn't feel the way you are."

Alexandra nodded a bit and looked down sadly. "I can't believe this. I mean, just yesterday was the wedding, and this morning we were eating breakfast and now he's... not here." Her eyes began to sting with tears again.

Raquel's heart broke at the sight of her best friend crying. Since the two had known each other, she'd only seen her friend the way she currently was only three other times. One: when her brother had left to become a soldier in the Vietnam War. Two: when she had her miscarriage and found out that she could never have children after that. And three: when her father had passed away after a five year fight with cancer. It was a rare thing to see her so upset and distraught, and when did you did see it, your heart would shatter into a million pieces.

Raquel leaned over and gave her friend a comforting hug. "I know, honey," she said gently.

Alexandra pulled away a bit. "No, you don't," she said in a shaky voice, "I'm sorry, Raquel but you have no idea what I'm going through, ok? David wasn't killed only twenty-four hours after you two were married. He's still alive, ok? I mean, you just... you just... I'm sorry."

Raquel rubbed circles on her best friend's back to try and calm her down. "It's ok," she confirmed, "And you're right, I don't know. And it's killing me to see you this way, it really is."

"I'm just really confused right now."

"I know that, and that's alright, ok? Look, other than from his life insurance and his will, did Frank leave you anything?"