Page 63 of Prideful Union
“Why?” Giulia cries.
“Because of what you told me. About Franco. I didn’t know if I could handle it. I didn’t know if you loved me.”
Giulia shakes her head. “Honey, I love you so much. Never doubt that. Let’s talk, just you and me. Can we do that?”
He slowly nods.
“Wait,” Lucia says before they leave the room. “Luca, you really tried to do that? Kill yourself?”
“Yes. If it weren’t for Santino, I would have. He broke his ankle helping me.” Luca won’t meet her eyes. “I know you have an opinion, Lucia, but I can’t talk with you right now. Mom and I need to talk.”
Giulia ushers him out of the room, leaving just Lucia and me behind.
“Did you really save Luca?” she asks after a moment of silence.
“I did.”
“I didn’t even know you’d left until you called me. But I didn’t answer because I was still mad. I should have answered.”
“It’s all right, Lucia. I understand why you didn’t.” I let out a rough breath. “I lied to you. You were angry with me. I went after Luca for you because I knew it would make you happy. I’m tired of making you unhappy. I like seeing you smile. I like seeing you have fun while dancing. I saved Luca foryou. You need to know that.”
She looks at me with wide eyes. “I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t need to say anything. Not right now.” I nod at my foot. “I need to rest my foot now. We can talk tomorrow.”
She’s silent as I walk away. I take a moment to pause, though, giving her a chance to say something.
When she doesn’t, I keep walking.
CHAPTER 19
Lucia
Luca tells me he needs to go home.
After last night’s incident, I’m not surprised.
“How are you feeling?” I ask him while he starts packing his suitcase.
“I have a major headache. Hungover. Like shit. Choose your pick.”
I place my hand over his suitcase, making him stop. “I mean the fact you almost died last night. You almost … killed yourself, Luca.” My voice hitches over the word. “That’s not nothing.”
“I know.” He won’t look at me. “That’s why Mom and I decided I should head home. She’s getting me into rehab.”
“How was your talk with her?”
“It was good. But there’s still a lot I need to deal with.” He sighs deeply. “How are you dealing with all of this, anyway?”
“It hurts me. Knowing the truth isn’t easy, but I’m not going to let it define me. Franco hurt Mom, and she had us. It’s not pretty. It’s not simple. But it’s what happened, and I’d rather know the truth than not. Mom reassured me she loves me. Loves both of us.” I squeeze Luca’s hand. “What Franco did was neither of our faults. So, it hurts, but I don’t feel shame for it. I have Mom. I have Santino.” I still haven’t talked to him since lastnight after he saved Luca. It’s a lot to take in. “I have you. I have the rest of our family. I feel like I’m going to be ok. Now, I want you to be ok. So, go home, and get the help you need. I’ll support you. Always.”
He finally glances at me. “I love you, Lucia. I know I don’t say it often, but I do. You’re my twin.”
“And you’re mine. Can I have a hug before you go?”
He nods slowly and opens his arms. After a moment, we let go.
“Take care, brother,” I say to him.
