The Nanny

•16•

The diagnosis was hard but life had to go on. I refused to let my sadness and diagnosis effect the children. They didn't need to know because I didn't plan on leaving. I don't know what came over me but something clicked. From now on I was living for myself, my children and no one else.

I needed to learn to love myself. It had been a week since I started treatment. I had done my blood work and had x rays taken. I hadn't told anyone but Valentina. I refused to tell Luciano. My pride wouldn't let me. I don't need his sympathy or pity because if he cared enough he would've asked.

So to him it was me going grocery shopping but for me it was having pins and needles prod at my body.

The doctor and I had already discussed a treatment plan and once my test results are back I would most likely go ahead with chemotherapy.

"MUUUMMMA" sounded loudly through the house followed by a loud cry causing me to break from my thoughts.

I ran towards the cries feet slamming against the oak flooring. "Chineke what happened." I shouted as I ran through the corridor nearing the room.

I rounded the corner to see Luna and Loai sitting on the floor covered in porridge oats. I looked back and forth to the countertop and the now empty plastic container on the floor letting out a scoff as I pieced together what happened.

You would've thought someone had died by the sound of that cry.

"My head" Luna wailed even louder bringing my attention back to her. I smiled moving to pick her up and rub her paining head but stopped when a flustered Luciano ran into the kitchen.

"A bit late" I scoffed as I picked up Luna hugging her close to me and rubbing her head as she sniffed into my jumper.

I took a moment to take in Luciano's appearance. His top was disheveled, buttons done up all wrong and his trousers hung loosely belt undone. I quickly bought my eyes up to his face before my mind could wonder noticing the hickey that stained his neck and the red lipstick that trailed after.

I couldn't help the nod and sour look that took over my face as I began to lower a now happy and kicking Luna to the ground watching as her and Loai ran off squealing.

"I did- I wa- you kn-" I held up my hand to stop a stuttering Luciano. " I get it your a man with needs glad to know you have your priorities straight." I stated calmly giving him a sweet smile as his face fell into a grimace.

He stood silently so I moved to get the dustpan and brush to sweep up the oats. Luciano's hand was quick to snatch the broom from me holding it out of my reach when I tried to snatch it back.

"You shouldn't be doing that" was all he said as I stood leaning on the counter plotting how I would get my broom back. "Why?" I barked back irritated by the fact he thought he could control what I did and didn't do. Luciano's glared angrily at me taking a deep breath as I stepped forward.

"I said why?" I challenged him again displeased by the idea that my time was being wasted. His angry glare didn't waver as his eyes challenged mine as of saying you know why. I quickly launched grabbing the broom and moving to sweep up the spilt oats.

Luciano murmured something under his breath as he turned to walk out of the room. "Exactly" I said kissing my teeth.