Impossible Love

Impossible Love 87

Maxieplus

Gianni had his big arm around my shoulder and I felt safe and warm. We all put the kids to bed and I kissed them goodnight then went myself, no drinks tonight just my husband and myself cuddled up in our huge bed, it always feels empty without the boys in it.

"You must tell me Antonio, why did your night change for the worse?"

"I can't tell you."

"I am your husband and you forget we tell each other everything."

"Not this time it's too dangerous."

"Then all the more to tell me, if you are in danger I must know Antonio."

"I don't think it's me that's in danger Gianni, it's gran."

"Tell me."

I told him everything I knew, I can trust him, and I also made him promise never to breathe a word to anyone about it.

"So you think gran is in some trouble Antonio?"

"Yes, I think it goes well beyond our way of thinking what trouble is. I think it is mafia, nazi trouble on a large scale, including the Gypsy. Please don't speak of it to anyone Gianni, I beg you."

"I will not my Antonio, we will keep our gran's secrets safe."

"Thank you." I started closing my eyes but that husband of mine is trouble within himself.

"You may suck on me now Antonio." I did what I was bid to do, that will take my mind off it for a moment.

We have grandad's small party today and after the kids were dressed and curls tamed I took more photos of them with their papa and uncles, the whole crowd had been invited and everyone made an effort to dress up. Little Sam screamed as the lift opened, he almost ran straight for the babies and they caught up once more. Lukas was ready to go hours ago, I had wrapped up a nice casual top for grandad, he will give that to him today. He offered me money which reminded me I gave him fifteen dollars for his envelopes that is his change from the wine. We had to shut the bedroom door while he placed it in the safe, then he thanked me with a hug.

It was a beautiful day and the kids had so much fun running around the back yard, in and out the trees and vines, they only see lawn at grans and the park, it's a novelty for them. Lukas stood by his planters and smiled proudly while I took more photos, gran was as usual in the kitchen and grandad was on the couch surrounded by gifts from our dear friends. He and Gianni were sampling a new wine and Iris was sitting in the sun having her first for the day. Sabine and Tony turned up then Pat and her husband Fred.

It wasn't a party like we are used to, it was a bit more sedate than that, everyone found their corners or sat at the big table under the grapevine out the back verandah. It's the Italian thing the hearth of the house having a big table, grandad also had a big concrete oven to the side he had built years ago. I remember when he did it, I had been complaining that my friend at school had one and it would be nice to be able to cook a pizza whenever I wanted it.

He did that for me but he may have also done it for gran because in summer she would always cook outside.

I watched Francisco throughout the day, apart from a peck on the cheeks for gran they didn't speak much, so I guessed he wasn't involved he was just the messenger. They will be leaving tomorrow and I won't be able to go to the airport with them because I have to go have another scan on my leg and hopefully I can lose the boot.

The boys offered to take them out, but they also wanted to come with me so they had sat and planned their attack to the very second. They will take them to the airport a little bit earlier and make my appointment with ten minutes to spare, depending on if they get a parking spot or not. I had laughed at their little plan but knowing them, it will be spot on, and they will make it to doctor Mike's surgery, which is just near the market. We had started using him after he helped gran with her stent, and it was the best decision we have made this year.

The food covered the table and with a bit of shuffling around everyone was able to sit at it with ease. The kids were all fed first because they had things to explore and this opportunity was too great for them to pass up. They had found a ball to kick and with their laughter, in the background, we all sat and picked what we would like to eat. Gran opened the oven and took out some baked potatoes garlic bread and a couple of roasted porks which grandad carved up. There were chicken wings, the roast, lasagna many sauces, and of course tomato sauce for the huge bowls of different spaghetti's, and I felt the love.

Sabine looked amazing she always looks that way when she goes out, and Tony doted on her hand and foot, he was so much in love with this woman like we all were. The boys whined to her about having to sleep on their own last night, and she as usual commiserated with them slapping Gianni's hand and telling him off for treating his brothers so shabbily.

He looked at me and laughed his mouth was full of pasta and he had a piece of pizza in his hand to sample when his mouth became vacant.

"Sorry, mama." He got out then he grinned at me and winked, he was remembering our lovemaking last night it's sometimes nice to do without an audience.

Iris had worn her pink loafers she has to keep up with her image, and I know they are very comfortable on her feet.

Pat and Fred talked mainly to Gino and Anna who is bouncing everywhere today I think she left her bra at home, and if I could pick one person at the table to be a typical Italian it would have been her. Sam was the first patient, gran found a small plaster to put on his scraped knee and the other three went out in sympathy so they all had to have one. Little things I noticed were happening today, gran wasn't any different to any other day and was up from the table every time something was missing or asked for, I really should be doing that. The desserts were magnificent and gran had to admit the ladies had done them for her she had run out of time.

Grandad opened his presents and had more wine then he went to sleep with Lukas in his arms while the babies slept on the big fluffy rug. I felt warm and I didn't want to leave this place anytime soon, I sat back and appreciated everything they had done for me growing up, it's a shame I didn't so much when it was all happening.

"We will go home now Antonio." Gianni woke me I had curled up in my old chair and gone to sleep.

"What time is it?'

"Just before six Antonio, the babies are in the car with my brothers and now I have only one big baby to carry out."

I got up and kissed grandad he was still asleep and gran was at the front door, Gianni didn't try to pick me up and I walked confidently on my leg to kiss her and then go home.

I could hear Iris singing in the back seat, and Leon laughed and said.

"Our Iris has a lovely voice Antonio, I think she would like to do the duet with our Carlos."

"On the new cd Leon?"

"No, it is too late because it will be in the shops tomorrow. Maybe the next one."

He leaned over the seat and whispered in my ear.

"She will need lessons Antonio," Then I burst out laughing just as Gianni opened the gates to our car park.

Iris was put to bed and her loafers were placed on the chair next to it. Carlos had carried her up to our apartment there is no way she will be sleeping in her flat tonight. We opened a wine after the kids were kissed and settled, then sat on the balcony for a time. My boot was standing by the lift I felt no urge to put it on, I had no pain, well maybe a small muscle spasm or two. Gianni pulled me onto the sunbed and I cuddled up in his arms, the next thing I remember was Carlos's bum in my face when I woke up.

I had slept through the night peacefully so I kissed Gianni and threw my leg over him to go to the toilet then to check the kids.

Lukas was in front of the tv and the babies were calling out for me, so I checked them out then released them to go find their papa, which they did because I heard the screaming and giggling coming from my bedroom.

No gran today because she needs a rest after yesterday's major effort. Iris wobbled out and I gave her a headache pill and water to take.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Yes thank you Antonio as always I slept very well."

"I think you signed a contract with Leon last night to be the backup singer on Carlos's new album." She looked at me through bloodshot eyes and groaned.

After making us coffee I sat with her in the sun, Gianni came out and kissed us both, and then it was the boy's turn to tease her.

They will leave in the next hour or so, Angie and Francisco have to be at the airport and I need to go see doctor Mike.

Gran's problem was weighing heavily on my shoulders and I constantly was praying everything would be all right for her, even though I didn't know what the problem was. My biggest question was why did Roberto send the document with Francisco, why not mail it or bring it himself, that confused me.

Angie came up and she started making breakfast, there was no need for that but she said it was a thank you gift for letting them stay in the other apartment.

They were already packed and ready to go and all we need to do is prepare the kids and say a teary farewell to them. We all ate something and I went and showered, Gianni and I will walk to the surgery and the kids can play in its playroom while I am attended to, but I will wear my boot.

The boys were the ones that cried when we said our goodbyes, and Angie had tears as she kissed her babies farewell.

"Do not let Mister Mike release you before we get there Antonio, we have questions," Leon said.

"What questions?"

"Antonio you want to know everything, just questions. Come on Angelina we must leave on time." He looked at his watch and said.

"We are already two minutes behind." Everyone laughed as they went downstairs to get their luggage.

"What are you doing Iris?"

"I will go shower and meet you at the surgery if you don't mind Antonio."

"The walk and the fresh air will do you good."

She left and I started dressing.

"Not so fast Antonio." Gianni bent over the bed and I took his tight ass gladly, we had plenty of time.

He walked me up the street and my leg felt fine but he insisted I wear the boot so I hung it on the back of the stroller, he had Lukas on his shoulders, we had to leave a little early because we knew we would be stopped every forty steps or so. People want to look at the babies it was a given we would run into people we knew. Iris had caught up with us and she looked a lot better, she even had a bounce in her stride.

The surgery wasn't busy and a nurse took the babies into the playroom and as they happily played she did the scan. She was thorough and it took longer than I thought but I enjoyed the rest under the bright lights. Iris watched the kids and Gianni watched me, he didn't want anyone interfering with my goods if they have to make me go to sleep.

"That's okay Antonio everything looks very good, how are you going with the walking?" She smiled.

"Good, I have been exercising it a bit and now all I have is some small muscle pain now and then."

"That will disappear soon its healed very well."

"Thank you, when do you think I can see Mike?"

"In a few moments, I will take this in for him to look at first." Smiling she darted off to see Doctor Mike.

It was as if someone had opened the flood gates when the boys arrived, I didn't get the chance to ask them if Angie got through customs okay, they started nursing me as soon as they saw me. I was sat down and made comfortable, offered all sorts of drinks, and they complained to the nurse because there were no cushions for my now healed leg.

She realized who they were and had to have selfies taken so she could upload them to her Facebook, Iris with a big grin on her face was invited also. That kept them busy as Mike called me into his office.

"You are good to go Antonio, I believe you are already walking on it so there will be no need for physiotherapy."

"Good I was trying to avoid that because I'm needed at work."

"No your not Antonio, if the doctor says you need physio then you do it," Gianni said sternly.

"He just said I didn't need it Gianni,"

"Oh." He shut his mouth.

"Now I want to give the boys the once over, we need to get them used to seeing doctors and I want to play with them for a minute." Gianni went to get them and when they arrived they were all eyes and the boys wanted to know what was wrong with them.

"Just a check-up Leon nothing is wrong," Mike said.

"Well, why do you look at them?"

He shook his head but Leon stood his ground.

"Maybe I will become a doctor and let the little kids enjoy themselves instead of putting needles into them."

"They aren't having needles Leon,"

"I will stand guard Mr. Doctor Mike, and will watch your hands then."

He burst out laughing then he had to have some selfies also, even the kids got a look in.

They were deemed fine he just wanted them to be comfortable with him it helps when they are sick if they have his trust. The last complaint was, there is no wheelchair for my comfort to go home and that was it, I have no idea why they wanted to come here anyway, maybe they do worry about me.

"We will now go to Angelo's and have coffee and cake Antonio, we must be seen as strong, not weak, and do not limp Antonio it shows weakness." I burst out laughing, Iris was the one to slap Leon this time as we walked the short yards to Angelo's main street entrance.

Both Angelo and Bella were there, not a lot of customers but it is early and he will get the lunchtime trade soon. She almost looked radiant as Angelo watched her from the back, he couldn't help himself he came up behind her and kissed her neck several times.

"Is our Angelo hungry Bella?'

"Seems that way Leon, he does that quite often." She giggled.

He sat with us and ordered a coffee while Bella flitted around she was in her element in this restaurant and had a constant smile on her face.

"So maybe she's the one Angelo?"

"According to my grandfather if she isn't, I am going to be banished, but yes Antonio she is the one for me at long last."

"Good, I agree with him whole heartily." I licked my lips and smiled at his gorgeous face, Gianni kicked my good leg.

"Behave."

We had a pleasant relaxing day back at home Iris dozed and I played with the kids, Lukas was happily drawing pictures for everyone and the three babies were learning how to play with their blocks. Gianni and the boys fixed lunch and everything apart from that nagging problem gran has, was perfect in our daily lives. But as you well know something always happens to upset the balance.

Gran and grandad arrived the next morning she was making breakfast and grandad was telling Lukas on the sofa what a wonderful day he had on Sunday. Copious amounts of hugs and well done's were awarded to our son who was pretty much puffed up with pride. He has school today and I went to find him a cool outfit, the kids came up with Iris and we sat and ate grans amazing breakfast. The day started pretty normal and when we got to the cafe the boys went to have their meeting with Nina, Rick Conners new album was playing on the radio and as I listened I thought he's on a winner here, it was so different from his rock and roll.

Gino had little Sam with him today and he sat in amazement at all the trucks and workers that had gathered once again in the car park. They had allowed the stall owners in to use the parking spots while they did the two-story car park, so we got our old spot back, which made it easier for us.

It was a nice day out and the market was becoming busy, I noticed two police officers and two detectives, I think, wandering in. They came up to me and asked me where they could find Leon and Carlos Cartasso, Sabine walked out of her shop and I called the boys downstairs, I didn't want a big fuss in the office because Gino was holding a meeting with some buyers there.

"What is this all about?" I said to one suit.

"We are just making inquiries and want to talk to them." I hadn't seen these cops before and wondered if they were from around here, and I was confident if there was any trouble the boys would be able to clear it up. They came down the stairs very casually then they walked over. The head man, I think, asked their names and they replied accordingly, then he asked them to accompany them down to the station, I learned when they introduced themselves they were federal police not local.

"What is it all for sir?" Leon asked.

"Just some inquiries Mr. Cartasso please come with us." Sabine was right onto them and gave them a mouthful of questions that they didn't answer.

Gianni was coming down the stairs and he almost asked the same ones, but we were powerless because as they were walking out four more cops arrived with a van to take the boys away.

"What is going on Antonio?" Gianni asked.

"I have no idea, but I am sure Stavros will know in a few minutes." I looked over at him he was on the phone, probably to his nephew Shane.

"They can't just come in here and arrest people Antonio, there must be a reason." Sabine was upset.

"They just said it was an inquiry, but I don't know why they need the federal police for that." I was worried because if they had done something wrong I wanted to know about it, and should have known.

Stavros hung up as we all stared at him, Gino and Pat came down with Nina thank god the meeting had finished.

"Antonio, Sabine, Gianni. The boys are being interviewed about the disappearance of someone called Josh Long do you know that name?"

It was familiar to me but we all said no.

"Well he's the man who caused all that trouble with the girls from Sydney, he disappeared ten days ago and the federal police have been called in because the boys were seen on security camera going into his apartment block. Also when they looked deeper they found that the Cartasso, specifically the boys, have links with the mafia, the police chief handed the case to the feds."

"What?" I nearly screamed, I was mad as hell, I knew that the boys playing mafia would get them into trouble one day.

"That is all nonsense Stavros, come on Gianni we must go and get them released." Sabine went back into her shop to get her handbag.

There was a crowd of onlookers so I suggested we take our meeting into the back room. Gino headed for the florist shop, I don't think he was all that interested, his son is so much better company for him today.

Pat went back upstairs and the rest of us opened a wine and sat out the back.

"Let's not be too hasty they will find out the boys were only joking about the mafia, probably they will get their butts kicked for wasting their time and sent home." I rationalized the situation.

"What if they cannot prove they had nothing to do with the disappearance Antonio?" Sabine said.

"Then we prove they haven't done anything wrong, Stavros did they say what date the boys were seen at the apartments?"

"No but I will find out." He left and I looked at Nina she was sipping on her wine and smiling.

"What's up?" I said.

"There's never a dull moment around here Antonio, it will be interesting to see how the boys get out of this one." Iris started laughing because it was a ridiculous situation and I must say, a little amusing.

Stavros found out the date and we looked at the boy's appointments on the computer Gianni was almost in tears he wanted to go to the station right away and Sabine was pushing him to do it.

"They only had one appointment that day at six, it just says `important business'

"Delete it just in case the cops confiscate the computer," I said, then I looked at my phone to see what I had been doing that day, but nothing stood out to jog my memory, then I remembered.

"It was the day they went for Carlos's singing lesson. Remember Gianni they came in late."

"Yes Antonio, maybe the teacher lives in the same apartment building."

"We have to find him so the boys have an alibi."

"He had singing lessons?" Nina asked.

"Yes."

She couldn't stop laughing and poured another wine for herself and Iris.

"Does he know the lessons didn't work?"

"Yes." I started myself, how unprofessional I was being.

Gianni talked us into going to the station, all of us went, the babies were okay where they were and will have a nap soon, so we all headed for the car.

There was room to squeeze them in the van, and it was like a group call on the computer everyone was talking at once. Gianni was the worst he started crying halfway there and I tried to console him, a little.

We barged into the station on mass and Stavros demanded to see his nephew Shane. Finding chairs and trying to fit in wasn't easy, the two cops behind the counter were giving us all sour looks. After we settled and Stavros was called into the back of the station something quite unusual happened, gran walked out with a big bag in her hand, and the weight of the world on her shoulders.

"Gran what are you doing here?" Gianni said. She focussed then recognized her family and snapped out of her funk.

"Nona, what's happened." I stood up.

"Nothing Antonio, you are always suspicious of this old lady, why are you here?'

"We come to help my brothers escape."

"They are fine Gianni do not concern yourself with them. I have just dropped off their lunches and they are in good spirits."

"What? how the hell did you know they were here?" I nearly screamed. She turned on her heels and got in my face, something she does quite often, and she said.

"Because they called their old grandmother, they were hungry."

"They were hungry, they were bloody hungry?" I could hear Iris laughing in the background.

"Have they been charged with anything?" I thought I had better ask.

"I do not know Antonio, they called, I came with the food, enough food to feed the station I think."

"So you talked to them?"

"Yes Gianni, I told them not to microwave the food it will spoil. Now if there is nothing else I must go. I have kept Nono too long, his parking meter will be ready to eat some more of his money."

"Grandads here?'

"Yes Antonio, in the car parking, we are using one of his birthday vouchers to have a doubles spa and we are late."

She smiled and left, not another word, nothing else was said. They ordered lunch off my gran, they had actually called her and not me? I was ready to go back to the cafe when the two feds walked out, one was wiping his brow with a handkerchief and the other was shaking his head. Stavros came out smiling he looked at us all then said.

"They are okay, and can go home anytime they wish, they have requested Gianni to pick them up at five-thirty because they have to sing some songs and play some cards with the cops in the lockup."

"What? bloody hell I have had it with that lot, Gianni, get in the van now!"

I started walking outside then I heard lots of laughing.

On the way back to the market not a word was spoken, I have had enough and they knew it.

When the time came I sent him to pick Lukas up, I wasn't in the mood and had sat with the babies watching the workers for some of the afternoon. He ran in to find me and hugs were given out with many kisses for me and his brothers, and little Sam. He had a painting for Alice and Bianca they stuck them on the back wall where his others were.

Gianni enticed me into the cafe with a glass of wine and by then I had settled down. But when I was watching with the kids out the back door I remembered the bunch of flowers the boys had placed on the new concrete, and I wondered if it was for good luck or a sorry gift for Josh Long's demise.

Back at the police station, the boys hugged their new friends goodbye, and they got in the car to go home.

"We got them good Antonio, you should have seen us," Leon said.

"Well it didn't seem too bloody bad to us, what did they want anyway?"

"They thought we had abducted that crazy man, they had heard we were mafia and wanted to ask us."

"I told you telling stories would get you into trouble one day, you got to stop doing that."

"What stories Antonio?"

"The ones about the mafia, those stories."

"It is of no concern of yours or theirs Antonio, we are the mafia our ancestors were also mafia and we will always be mafia."

"Did you tell them that?"

"Yes Antonio, but they started laughing at us so I told Carlos to sing a tune to put them off their game."

"And did he?"

"Yes of course he did, they didn't even applause they just walked out."

"Why didn't you tell them you were at the apartment building to have a singing lesson?"

"Because big mouth Antonio, it is a secret, nobody will know my Carlos had a lesson."

"What happened Leon." I'm sick of the bullshit.

"The men out the back heard my Carlos sing and they wanted to hear him sing some more, then they were hungry so I rang our gran, then they wanted to play cards with us."

"Sure and you want me to believe all that do you?"

"It is the truth Antonio, something you have very much trouble telling us sometimes, but we always catch you good." He laughed then he kissed Carlos.

Iris couldn't stop laughing and she laughed louder when we got in because the boys were telling her they invited the feds to come on her little radio show.

I have no idea what was said in that interview room, but if they think I will believe their stupid story they had better think twice.

I opened a wine when we got in and my leg felt good so I fixed the kids up, then Iris and I sat outside. I could hear them talking to Gianni in hushed tones but I don't care anymore.

It was a normal night we sat on the steps and caught Anna and Gino up on what happened, well the boys did, and laughter was heard several times. Gianni nudged me and told me to lose my long donkey face so I put a fake smile on.

"Now you look like a goat Antonio, smile properly for me."

I tried, really I did, but it just didn't work tonight.

He knows it's not just about me and the boys, he put his arm around me and kissed me.

"Everything is all right Antonio you must trust her to do this whatever it is and maybe when it is all over she will tell you."

"I know, but I want to help more than anything. Nothing has ever happened to them except my parent's deaths and that was huge. They live a peaceful life and you know gran she will do anything for anybody, today is a testament to that."

"We will find out some things Antonio, leave it to me."

"No you don't, please do not say anything Gianni I'm warning you, not even Roberto is to know we know."

"I will not then, seeing that you are warning me." He grinned.

I didn't quite know what he meant but I do know he won't be able to help himself, he would only say something to fix me, not the situation.

I went upstairs a little early I wanted the kids to go to bed and get a good night's sleep, they have to get back to some sort of routine. I thought long and hard about them and it is us keeping them up late, we need to be more responsible with them otherwise they will start getting very cranky.

In the quietness of the apartment I settled them down and Lukas was the first to say he was tired, he had a big day at school and he also has an appointment with gran tomorrow, they were making more sauces.

I took half an hour to myself and read more on the D'Corsico family it was so interesting there were some photographs but not very good ones and there was no mention of Maria D'Corsico, my gran at all except that small one I first read on Wikipedia. They eventually came upstairs and I went to bed.

By the next day, I was almost having panic attacks I was so worried about her, Gianni kept me busy but I was too far gone to concentrate on anything.

"Why don't you walk home Antonio, have some time to yourself and maybe have a rest," he whispered to me, I was useless where I was and I wanted to read some more, so I kissed him and the babies and left work around lunchtime.

Donations to Nifty are always welcomed.