Ghost from the present (18+)

#Eleven aftermath: In which she learns her husband's true intentions.

I stare at myself in the mirror absentmindedly, thinking about earlier tonight as I brush my hair. I've already changed into my nightgown, ready for bed since Rocco said I could go on ahead since he still had some work he needed to do before he'd turn in for the night. My attention gets drawn outside as one of the motion sensor lights from the garden turns on, I follow the familiar dark figure with my eyes as I put down my brush and move closer to the window. It's Luca who's darting toward his car and I can't help but chuckle softly. He's probably avoiding Rocco so he can go and return that bag she forgot earlier... I smile as Luca reaches his car and starts the engine, his car slipping slightly on the gravel as he speeds off in the darkness of the night. Dios mio... How many times do I need to tell you to drive more carefully, mi Hijo.

Just when I'm about to turn around I see Micah darting out of the mansion throwing his hands in the air out of desperation. I sigh and turn around heading for the closet. I'd better go down and talk to him. Quickly I put on some comfortable clothes and a pair of slippers before heading back downstairs to see Micah sitting at the bottom of the staircase dragging his hands through his hair in frustration. I sit down next to him and pat him on the head lovingly as I mumble.

'Don't worry about it, Micah. He'll be fine. I know you only want to protect him, and I'm grateful for that. But unfortunately, we can't follow them around every second of the day.'

'I know that. I just wish he would tell me when he heads out, so I at least know where he is.'

Micah grumbles honestly and I smile at him as I lower my hand. I know Micah would easily throw his life away if it would mean he could save Luca's. It must kill him that he's been put on the back burner.

'Just give this some time, I'm sure you've noticed the change in Luca ever since he met Karma. Rocco and I see it as well.'

'Is it a good thing, though?'

He whispers almost afraid to voice it out loud. I turn to him smiling, understanding his awareness.

'He needs you more than anyone to stand beside him, Micah. No matter what path he chooses, have faith in my son. He'll come around, you'll see.'

Micah nods and smiles halfheartedly at me as he stands up and he wishes me a good night before heading back to his quarters. I decide to go to the kitchen and pour myself a drink since I'm wide awake by now. I take a second glass out of the cabinet and put some ice in it, along with my husband's favorite brand of bourbon. I hate it when we get into an argument, so I know I won't be able to fall asleep until I get some peace of mind and talk to him in private. I turn off the lights in the kitchen and head for Rocco's study. As I enter the hall I notice the door is slightly ajar and the hushed tones of Rocco talking with Sonny ring in my ears.

'Yes, I saw him speed away just now. If he wants to piss off he should at least learn to do it quietly...'

'What did you expect? Did you actually think that putting a gun on him was the right way to go about it?'

'He needed a push. Though I didn't anticipate that Elena would take the situation so seriously.'

Sonny's low rumble echoes through the hall as he snickers at my husband's words. I halt in front of the door and see Rocco sitting on a leather couch opposite of Sonny, looking outside and smiling softly into the distance as he whispers.

'My wife's a dime in a dozen. Isn't she, Sonny?'

'And you better not forget that, cariño.'