Chapter Nine
Isabella
Have you ever been present for something, but you couldn’t interact with anyone? Ever had a dream that you were on the outside looking in. Like your body was there, but you couldn't move it. You couldn't talk or scream? You can hear everything around you, but you cannot react to it at all?
That’s how I feel. I’m stuck in this purgatory world where all I can do is take in the things around me without being able to interact. I don’t know how much time has passed, but all I can do is relive the mistakes of my past. As I stare at the ceiling, all I can think about is what could have been.
Occasionally, someone comes in to check on me. They put their face in front of mine then shine bright lights in my face. Most of the time it’s Mia. Sometimes it’s Lo or Sofia. The one person who I haven’t seen is Gio. I’ve heard him though. He’s always there in the room. I can feel his presence. Sometimes he comes to the side of the bed and holds my hand. Other times, I hear him praying over me in English and Italian.
I want to reach out and tell him I’m fine. I want to tell him that Fillipo didn’t rape me. I wanted to scream at him when he left the room before Mia examined me.
Stay!
I wanted him there with me, because for the first time in a long time, I finally felt safe—ironic considering the events leading to tonight.
“Gio. Wake up, hun.”
I make out Mia next to the bed. I want to turn to see her, but I can’t. It frustrates and saddens me.
“What is it? Is she okay?’
“The labs came back. We still need to take her for a scan to check her brain, but it appears he used a strong paralytic. There’s nothing we can do but let it run out of her system. From what I read in the medical books, she can still hear, feel, and see. She just cannot move. I’m about to give her a mild sedative to allow her to rest. Her eyes have been open since you brought her back, which means she has been awake. I wanted to let you know before I did it.”
“Thank you.”
He must not have been far, because in the next instant, I feel his hand. Then I see Mia in front of my face. She offers me a small smile before speaking to me.
“I know you can hear me, Iz. You’re the strongest person I know. I’m going to give you something to help you rest, but I’m going to be monitoring you all night. Rest well.” She moves away, and I make out rustling sound.
None of that matters though because her face is replaced with his.
Giovanni!
I think the words, but my mouth won’t move. The sadness overtakes me.
“Cuore mio, I’m right here. I won’t leave your side until you’re all better. Rest well.” He pauses and looks down. Then his hand leaves mine as he caresses each cheek. “Don’t cry, baby. I know this is scary. I know you have been through a whole hell of a lot. Rest now, then you will be all better. Nothing else matters but you getting better.”
He leans down and presses his forehead to mine. I feel a cool sensation enter my arm. I focus on Giovanni as my world slowly fades to black.
∞∞∞
I struggle to open my eyes against the bright light of the sun. Why does my head hurt? Why is the sun so bright? I groan as I turn over and shield my eyes. Instead of the sun, I find the light overhead causing my pain.
“Ugh, how much did I drink?” I moan aloud.
As my eyes adjust, the room starts to come into focus. I recognize the room as one of Sofia and Bash’s, but I don’t remember why I’m here. My eyes settle on the couch against the wall. The figure there doesn’t surprise me; seeing him causes something inside me to settle. He looks so peaceful when he sleeps. I wonder why he’s on the couch instead of in his own room or in bed with me.
I attempt to sit up in bed, but my whole world starts to spin so I immediately lie back down. Groaning and moaning, I will myself to not throw up.
“Shh, it’s okay, Iz. I got you,cuore mio.”
My eyes fly open, consequences be damned. Giovanni’s hazel eyes shine as they stare into mine.
“I think I’m going to throw up, Gio. Make me feel better.”
He goes to stand, but I grab his arm.
“Lie with me, please?”
