Ch 6:Quel ch’è fatto, è fatto – What is done is done

[ I'm sorry. This is a really long chapter, took me forever.  Enjoy!]

1:30 AM – 49 Ely Rd

Riverview

Susie sat in her bed with only a silk leopard print sheet draped over her, concealing her naked body. Her skin was moist and glistening with sweat.  The room was muggy with the soft scent of his cologne hanging in the air. She wore a satisfied smile on her face as she watched Hal rummage frantically through the pile of clothes that were scattered over the carpet.  He was also covered in sweat, and his hands shook nervously as he quickly fastened the belt of his police uniform pants. He slipped into his red undershirt, and yanked the top of his police uniform that had been hung over Susie’s bed post. He darted out of her room without a word, only the small sounds of the metallic clinking of his car keys in his pocket.

They had just had Woo Hoo.

Susie closed her eyes and ran her fingers as if tracing her lips. She could still feel his lips against hers. She got up once she heard the sound of his car tries scraping the gravel of her driveway. She smirked menacingly, and peered out the window to watch him drive off into the distance.

Oh, Hal. I’ve got you right where I want you, she thought.

Pretty soon, I’ll have you all to myself whether you like it or not.

Susie Broke had been madly in-love with Hal, but he had never noticed her. It was only until she found herself working at the police department that she was able to get closer to Hal. She knew everything there was to know about him. She often watched him and followed him everywhere he went. She wanted – had to have him.

She knew very well that Hal was married. In fact, she knew his wife very well.  Isabella had been previously engaged to her brother, Buck Broke. Hating Isabella for taking Hal from her wasn’t enough; Oh no, She resented Isabella for breaking her brother’s heart.

Ch 5.1: Hal

Since the day we brought Anna and Angelina home it’s been harder on me. It was already hard enough for me while Bella was pregnant. Her mood swings were driving me flipping nuts, but on top of that I had to bust my ass to provide for us. I tried to be a man, and be strong for Bella.  I tried to do the best I could with my girls.

I couldn’t.

I’m a quiet person, and I usually keep my emotions bottled up inside. It’s difficult for me to openly say that I have a problem. I guess my pride is going to end up killing me one day. I know that Bella is going through as much as I am. However, I took an irresponsible route and I have done things that I wish I could take back. I’ve started drinking to get away from all my problems, but it’s only made things worse.  I know it’s stupid to keep running from reality, but…

I can’t go home and look at my wife the same way. I’m disgusted with who I’ve become, and what I’ve done. I guess I should explain… It was a long night. I was patrolling Four Bridges Park.

I was done with my shift, and I decided to stop by the bar to get some drinks before I went home for the night. I hadn’t really intended to get THAT drunk, but once you’ve had a drink… You need another, and another. I’m retarded, Stupid, and an idiot to be wasting money buying drinks when we really need this money at home.

Anyway, I was with my partner and a few other people who we usually drank with. One of them in particular was a woman named Susie. My partner had taken off, and Susie and I were the last ones from our group left.

Ch 5: Bella cosa tosto è rapita – A pretty thing is soon taken

[Note: I’m trying out a new style of writing. Let me know if it works or not.]

“Hal, can you –“she began as she reached over to the other side of the bed, only to find that he was not there. She sighed and closed her eyes for a moment before dragging herself out of bed.  The baby’s cries echoed throughout the bare walls of the house. Isabella made her way slowly across the unlit hallway toward the baby’s room.  “We really have to get some lights in here.” She thought to herself, as a slight frown formed on her face.

Isabella crept into the room and ran her hands over the wall searching for the light switch. The light flickered on and with a small buzzing noise went off.

“Ugh. The damn light is out”, she said to herself.

She squinted towards the crying and could see a silhouette of Anna sitting up in her crib.

“It’s ok, baby. Mommy is here.” Isabella whispered to Anna as she pulled her out of the crib and into her arms. She was relieved that the crying did not wake Angelica who was still sleeping soundly in her crib.

She made her way again down the dark hallway into the kitchen.  She turned the light on, and continued to pull a bottle of milk for the baby out of the fridge. She warmed some water and let the bottle sit in the pot to warm the milk. She glanced over at the clock which had read 3AM.

“Hal should’ve been home hours ago. It’s his turn to be on baby patrol. Where the heck is he?” She thought starting to get annoyed.

She had spent the day at work hunched over her desk looking over documents, and typing up an article to be published for the newspaper the next day.  When she got home that evening, the house was a mess. There were dirty bowls and dishes scattered over the counter, and the bathroom was flooded. There were old news papers littered on the front lawn.

Isabella had a call from the IRS at work earlier in the day, advising her that the repoman was going to show up because she hadn’t payed her last bill. She couldn’t afford to.  She had spent all the money buying diapers, and things for the girls. It seemed as though no matter how hard they worked, the were unable to make ends meet.

The babysitter left a few minutes after Isabella got in the house, leaving her alone with the twins and the huge mess.  She fed, bathed, and dressed the girls before leaving them to play, and going off to get started cleaning the mess.

It was already 11PM when she had finally finished cleaning, and putting the girls to bed.

Isabella held Anna closer to her chest and rocked her gently to calm her down while the milk warmed.

“Here’s your milk, baby.” Isabella said easing the bottle into Anna’s mouth.  It wasn’t long until Anna had started to doze off.  Isabella heard a car pulling up in front of the house, and walked quickly to meet Hal walking in through the front door.

“Hey Bella, I didn’t think you’d be up.” He said pulling Isabella closer to give her a kiss. Isabella could smell the alcohol in his breath.  She moved out of the way before Hal could kiss her.

“Where have you been? “, she asked growing more and more impatient.

“What do ya mean, babe? I was working. “He said slurring his words, and tossing his hat to the side. His hair was disheveled, his eyes were red, and his face was flushed.

“Don’t lie to me, Hal! I can smell the liquor in your breath! It’s 3AM! I bet you were with your partner drinking again. You can’t keep doing this to me! You can’t just come home at whatever time you want. You’ve got two daughters that I need help taking care of! I’ve been working all fucking day and I’ve only had a few hours to sleep. I have to wake up to go back to work in 3 hours. I can’t do this alone! I just can’t!” Isabella yelled with tears streaming down her eyes.  Anna was startled by the screams and had begun to cry.

“See wad you did?”Hal said smiling as he staggered closer holding out his hands as if to hold Isabella.

“Hal, go wash your damn face, and don’t come to bed until you’ve sobered up” Isabella screamed.

“Come on baby. Don’t be like that.”

“I’m serious, Hal.” Isabella said as she turned and rushed off into the baby’s room with tears running down her face.  She cried quietly as she rocked Anna to sleep so that she wouldn’t wake Angelica. She could hear Hal in the kitchen opening and closing cabinets and muttering loudly. She heard him stumble into their bedroom, and back to the kitchen. “I’m sick of this” he mumbled under his breath as he walked by the door. This only made Isabella feel worse. She shut her eyes tightly as if trying to wake herself from the nightmare that her life had become.

Anna finally went to sleep, and Isabella glanced down the hall to see Hal sprawled on the floor with his pillow. Isabella entered the bathroom to wash her face before going to bed. She sobbed as she crawled back into bed.

“Why does he do this to me? I don’t know how much more of this I can take. She thought as she buried her face into the pillow to muffle sound of her crying.

Hal had started drinking a year after the girls were born.  At first only on occasions, then every weekend, and now it seems to be a daily occurrence.  He was promoted to lieutenant and after work he and his partner stop by the pub for drinks.  Isabella and Hal initially took turns watching the girls, but this routine was quickly put to an end when Hal kept turning up home later and later.

Isabella has fought with Hal many times about his drinking problem, but nothing ever seemed to change.  It was as if her words meant nothing. She had just given up, and was beginning to feel powerless. She couldn’t figure out where down the line something went so wrong that it had to be this way.  Hal used to be the first one to get up when the girls woke up crying at night.

Hal was a great father, when he wasn’t drunk. He had spent a lot of time with the girls, but now Isabella would be lucky if he changed a diaper. He became a completely different person when he was drunk.

Isabella couldn’t help but wonder what life would’ve been like if the would’ve waited to have the twins. She had begged Hal to go with her to couple’s counseling but he refuses to acknowledge the fact that he has a problem and it’s ruining the marriage. He didn’t stop to wonder how his behaviour could possibly affect the girls in the future.

Isabella’s head was swimming with thoughts and before she knew it, It was already time to get up and dressed for work.

[Note:  I originally intended to make this chapter covering Anna and Angelica all the way to children, but i thought it would be easier if i broke the chapters up. After all, things continue to change. I wrote that Hal started drinking because I'd make him go into town to get reports on people. I'd go off to contol someone else, and i come back and he'd always be at the bar drinking!  I didn't get to take enough screenshots. I apologize. I'll be better about it next time.]

Ch 4: Che sarà sarà – What is to be, will be.

Being married with Hal has been a rollercoaster ride.  I mean, He is wonderful to me, but I’m not going to sit here and lie. We argue a lot. What couple doesn’t? He can be such a rompicoglioni, pain in the butt, sometimes!  We usually argue about things that are not even worth arguing over. We take it our frustrations out on each other.  We are tired of living the way we are, but what can you do about it, Y’know?  We always work things out. Hannah says it’s not healthy for our marriage, but she doesn’t know what we are going through.  I don’t think it’s hurting our marriage. It’s just what we do. I can’t ever see myself without Hal and I’m sure he feels the same about me.

We still don’t have much, but the house sure has expanded. It’s been really helpful to have two paychecks coming in. We’ve got a few rooms laid out that are just waiting to be furnished.  I’ve been promoted to an Anonymous Source Handler.  I really think that my career is starting to pick up.  Hal has also been doing quite well. He’s a Desk Jockey in the Law enforcement field, and he’s doing just fine.

We had been married for a little over a year and we hadn’t even – well… I hadn’t thought about having children. Hal kept hinting that he wanted a baby. He “accidentally” borrowed a pregnancy book from the library and read it. He then tried to get me to read it. He also kept saying things like, “When I have my baby boy I’m going to teach him to play football. It’s a man’s game.” I didn’t want to have children just yet. I don’t think I want to bring a child into this situation.

However, life always has a funny way of doing things. Yeah, I got knocked up.  It is what it is. The pressure was definitely on.  Where were we going to put this child? Well, I worked hard at work to try to save up as much as I could, and I ended up in the hospital. I was forbidden from working until the baby was born. This put a lot of the pressure on Hal, and he decided to take up a side job to help bring in more cash.

I decided to take this time off to work on my first book. I received a few dollars each time I submitted a few chapters. It helped buy small things for the baby’s room. We decided to turn the only bedroom that we had into the baby’s room. As I mentioned briefly, we already had a living room, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen ready to be furnished. The master bedroom was still under construction.

It was hard to decorate the baby’s room since we didn’t know the gender but I did the best I could. It’s the only room in the house that has a window! I’m really damn fond of that window.  I get all excited when I see it. I walk by it and each time I’m say to myself, “Damn, that’s a spiffy window”.

Oh, here’s a funny story. At one point I was feeling really homesick for Italy. Every time Hal and I argued I told him I was “going to go back to Venice, and leave his ass.” Hal took me out to dinner one night after work to this little Italian restaurant. It was really sweet. It was a beautiful night. We couldn’t afford anything too fancy, but it was a nice treat either way.

We were getting ready to leave and we stopped to talk for a bit while waiting for the cab to arrive. So, some random old lady comes over and compliments Hal right in front of my face. I was just thinking, “What the hell does she think she’s doing?!” I got a little upset, and I started to flirt with him. Y’know, to give her the “beat-it-lady-he’s- mine” vibe, but she didn’t leave. Instead, and not for nothing, she’s got big I coglionis (balls) to try and pull this one; She went and flirted with Hal too. I was surprised that Hal didn’t tell her anything!

I kept shooting him the laser glare, and although it was not his fault (I guess?) and this all happened within a span of a few minutes (or seconds?), I – was– furious. I was pissed the heck off.  I started cussing him out in Italian, and English. I called him just about every name I could think of.  Meanwhile, the lady left, and Hal was just standing there looking at me as if I had 5 heads or something. He kept trying to get a “But –“in, but I just kept cutting him off. I took my book, and sped off towards the cab that had been beeping for us to get in.  “I don’t need you, Hal! Why don’t you go home to your new girlfriend? you good for nothing!”  He kept begging me to calm down, but I just don’t know what came over me. Plus, I was pregnant! I had an excuse, Right? Right!

So, I’m walking away and I can see Hal from the corner of my eyes watching me walk away. I see that he is pulling a book from his pocket.  The commitment issues book to be exact and I flipped the heck out, again.

I turned around, and I made a huge scene.  “You can’t commit to me?! Why are you reading that book, huh?! Do you regret marrying me, Hal? DO YOU?!”. I slammed my fists into his chest, which probably hurt me more that it hurt him. He grabbed my hands and shook me, saying “CALM THE HELL DOWN, BELLA.”I broke away from him, and said “You know what? Forget you!”  I made a dramatic exit by getting into the cab and sticking my head out of the window and yelling and shaking my fist up at Hal as it drove off.  People were looking at him, and all he could do was shake his head and say “She’s pregnant”.  He got home that night and I was already knocked out.

The next morning, I apologized, and he said he had already forgotten about it. We were getting ready to go out to see symphony. Hal teased me about how big my belly was getting. He said if it got any bigger I was going to tip over. That morning I had really bad cramps but I figured it was because the food I ate the night before did not sit well. Also, that whole thing I pulled the night before probably made it worse.

We didn’t even drive around the corner when my water broke.  Hal started panicking and I started yelling. You can call me a jerk, if you want, but that was the biggest pain I’ve EVER experienced.  We got to the hospital and I was just a mess. I was yelling at the nurses, and the doctor. I was yelling at Hal, “YOU DID THIS TO ME!” it was my favorite thing to say at this point.  Hal thought I should give a natural birth, but I was not having it. I snapped, “Yeah, Natural? Natural my ass! When you have a baby coming out your grilla then you can talk! I WANT AN EPIDURALLLLL!”

“Doc, just put me out of my misery. Please!” Hal kept saying. So, after I was drugged up and a few hours of pushing. I heard a little baby cry. “It’s a girl!” The doctor said. I started to cry, and I saw Hal was starting to choke up as well. Then, the doctor says. “PUSH, there is still one more!” Mamma mia! My eyes widened, as I looked over at Hal. He seemed to be as surprised as I was. We definitely did not plan on twins, and we didn’t have the cash to buy another crib. Dang, I’m probably going to have to sell the window!

See what I mean about life? Here I am, not ready to have a baby yet and I get knocked up. Then I’m ready for just one, and I get two! I named the first born Anna after my nonna, and Hal named the second child Angelina. This was an unplanned turn of events but we will figure it out. I know that raising not one, but two girls is going to be difficult. I love my daughters, and I’m going to try the best I can to make sure everything will be okay. Hal still wants a boy, but I don’t think I’m going to risk having another set of twins! Anyway, I’ve got to get home and see how I’m going to get that second crib. See you, next time! Arrivederci!

[Note: The elderly lady was flirting with him, and he pulled out the commitment issues book autonomously. I didn’t even know he had that book, to be honest lol! I also don’t have any fertility treatment rewards. I wasn’t expecting twins, but it sure made an interesting turn. Leave a comment!]

Ch 3: A poco a Poco! Little by little

It’s been a couple of months that I’ve been out on my own. Has the situation improved? No. It hasn’t really improved much. I don’t have to live out in the streets anymore. Instead, I’ve been living on my lawn. I’ve been spending all the money that I earn to buy dry wall. I’ve got a few possessions, but I value them so much. I’ve got a bed, a cheap table, chair, shower, toilet, fridge, and a sink. I also later managed to get my hands on a computer, desk and chair. I really needed a computer to advance at work.

I’ve had a lot of success at work and many promotions. Who would’ve thought? I’m a professional blogger. I really do love my job. I attend various community events, interview people, and then write about them in the paper. I’ve been thinking about writing my own book, but I’m not sure if I’m up to that point just yet.

You might be wondering how I’ve been doing in my love life… He he. I finally let go of Odin. I was holding on to this one strand of hope that perhaps we were meant to be. I always run into him in town and I was convinced that fate wanted us to be together. Things were going really well. Atleast, until I found out he dislikes children. Gah! That was a major turn-off. I want to have a bunch of bambini runnin’ around! Oh well, Hannah can have him. Speaking of Hannah, I just have to pass along this tiny bit of gossip. Word on the street is that she has been flirting with Jon Lesser, AND! AND! Aiden Jones. I’ve been debating whether I should tell Odin or not. I met Aiden Jones, and after a few dates I decided that I wasn’t really into him. Plus, the thought of Hurricane Hannah getting her paws on him just killed turned me completely off.

I also had a minute fling with some other guy, but I don’t even remember his name. We met in town. When went on a date he was such a jerk. He insulted me for no reason and humiliated me in front of a small crowd of people.

I met Buck Broke one afternoon when I was at the gym. My shower was broken (happens quite often) and I needed a shower. Out of curiosity, I went to take a look around the top floor. I’ve never been there. Buck greeted me and we talked for what seemed like a really long time. He had a great sense of humor. He also had a similar situation to mine, although not as EXTREME as mine. I found solace in him, and we exchanged information. I remember that night vividly only because that’s the night I bought my bed!

Things with Buck were going great. We eventually started dating, and to my surprise, he asked me to marry him. I got caught up in the moment, and I agreed. I was so ready to marry Buck. I even had my dress and everything, but at the last minute… (Our wedding day) I flaked out. I told him that I just needed time. I went to the park to think. I met… Uh, what’s his name again? Bill Potts? He noticed I was a tad upset and tried to console me. He was pretty alright looking. I wanted to get to know him, but it turns out that he was Insane. If that wasn’t enough to make me turn and run as far as possible, get this, He was also neurotic! He kept talking to me about conspiracies. He rambled on about the government, and aliens. I was scared, very scared.

I just couldn’t figure it out. I loved Buck, but I just couldn’t bring myself to go through with the whole marriage thing. I told Hannah (My co-worker. Not Hurricane Hannah, Odin’s unfaithful tramp. Whoops!) What happened, and she thought I should check out a book on commitment issues. I don’t really think I have any but I said, eh! What the hell, why not? After work I stopped by the library and my eyes feel upon the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen. When I say he is a Capo d’opera (Master piece), He really is! He was looking my way (Possibly, at the commitment issues books? Whatev’ I’m convinced he was looking at me.)

Naw, I lied. He was looking at the books. I sparked up a conversation with him and I found out his name is Hal Breckenridge. Hal… Such a dreamy name! We were talking about alot of things. He has commitment issues, and I told him about the situation with Buck. Later on, with some prodding, I found out he was single! GRAZIE! GRAZIE! GRAZIE! (Thank you) Hannah! We exchanged contact information before we parted ways. Eventually, we became really good friends.
One day, I finally had the guts to go over to Buck’s and tell him that it was over. I don’t think he took it very well. Hal and I had been messing around ever since. We haven’t gotten into a steady relationship just yet (Due to his commitment issues, I guess), but we do alot of things that couples do when in-love. Tee hee. He’s a great kisser!!! He’s been over to my place, and doesn’t seem to mind how I’m living. He doesn’t even mind spending the night, despite the fact that I’m living on my lawn. He doesn’t even mind when things break, or when the toilet overflows! I’m so happy.

After a few months of dating he finally made it official. It was probably one of the happiest days of my life! The happiest day of my life was when he proposed to me, and we got married the same day!

It wasn’t a storybook wedding but I’m so happy. He did not move in empty handed. We’ve got $5,002 saved between the two of us that we need to spend. I’ve got to get going; my husband is waiting for me to come to bed.
Bounanotte!

Ch 2: Chi lar dura la vince – He who endureth overcomes!

Buongiorno! (Good Morning!)

I wouldn’t say that sleeping on a bench in the park was one of my best ideas, but as far as sleep goes, I think I had a decent amount of sleep.  I did find myself waking up many times in the night.  There were just so many things going through my mind. I was so excited to go to work in the morning. I thought a lot about what I wanted for myself. I got up early in the morning, even before the sun had completely risen.

I had only a few hours to spare before I had to make my way back to work.  I returned to The Water Hole Juice bar, the place I came last night for free a meal and drink. I was hoping they had a bathroom so that I could freshen up a bit before work. Perhaps, I could find a few scraps of food?

They didn’t have a bathroom, but they did have sinks. I washed my hands, and brushed my teeth. I was not able to find food, and before I knew it was time to head to work.

Work wasn’t all that bad. I met Hannah Jones, who I think, was a nice lady. I think I drove the boss a bit crazy, but I just had to ask questions! I was curious about Journalism, and about becoming a journalist.  She gave me a book, “Street or Sidewalk: A cautionary tale”, and thought it was “critical” for all journalists. She asked me to give her my analysis after I finished the entire book. The book was enormous. I wonder how many employees actually read this. Not that I’m complaining. I love to read, and a book of this size is a delightful treat!

After work, I walked out with $228 more than I had came in with! I was really happy. Hannah asked me if I wanted a ride home, but out of embarrassment, I told her to drop me off a few streets away.  I found myself standing in front of the Riverview gym.  I really needed to find something to eat, but before I started walking I checked to see if the gym had a bathroom, and what I found was even better!

I found out that the gym has showers! I was so excited! Yes! , A Shower! I threw my hands up, clapped, and laughed. The shower was a tad cold, but it was a shower nonetheless.

I almost forgot about the book! I made my way back to the library (They have the best couches!), and sat for a few hours lost in the book. You wouldn’t believe what an interesting read it was. I finished it in its entirety.

It was getting really dark, and I hadn’t had a bite to eat. I wasn’t particularly hungry, yet. I managed to stumble upon Odin Crosby. Hmm, is this fate telling me something? We had a brief chat.  I mentioned that i had to get going because i hadn’t had any dinner; It turns out that he is a chef, and invited me over for dinner.  I was really tired, but getting some food in my system would help so that I wouldn’t be starving tomorrow. He had a very small home, which made me feel a tad better about mine.  I ate my fill, and chatted for a while before I set off to find a place to sleep.

I didn’t notice how late it was, and at this point I could barely keep my eyes open. Yet somehow, I managed to make my way back to a bench.I’ve got a long day ahead of me.  I’m considering using some of my money that I’ve been saving to build a house, to buy myself a small bed.  I also have to report to my boss about the book.

Bounanotte! (Good night!)

Ch 1: Ciao, Riverview!

Today was my first day in Riverview. It was sure nothing like Italy. I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of emotions as i stood and gazed past my empty plot of land onto the gorgeous homes that stood around it.  All i could do was wonder how i was going to pull this off. Ciao, Riverview!, I thought. I only had a mere $1,300. It was barely enough to buy me anything at all.

I decided that the best thing to do at this point is to hold on to this, and look for a job. Afterward, i could scout the town and see if i can manage to find something to eat, a place to shower, and possibly a place to sleep. Nonna always said, ” Non v’è rosa senza spina”, which means “There is no rose without thorns”. With that said, I’m off!

I walked for quite a while, and i found myself standing in front of an office building. Y’know, I always like to think positive and nothing is to big too obtain. I debated whether i had a chance getting a job at such a place as this. You know, being new to the country, and town. Also, having nothing but the clothe i’m wearing, and the few dollars in my pocket. I figured that i should at least give it a try. What do i have to lose?

I’m glad i did march in there and ask for work, because i landed my first job as a paper girl! It’s not much, but i thought it would be a great opportunity to get my foot in the door to writing and journalism. Who knows, maybe in a few months i could be writing articles for the paper. Perhaps, my own books?! Speranza mi da vita! Hope gives me life! Now that i had found a job, i decided to go check out the rest of town.

Introduction: Isabella Castellano

Isabella

This is Isabella Castellano. She born and raised in Venice, Italy. Isabella was raised by her Grandmother.  She never met her parents; Her mother died during labor, and her father disappeared shortly after.  Isabella had spent most of her life working with her grandmother, and trying to make enough money to live a semi-decent life.   Shortly after her grandmother passed, Isabella scrambled as much money as she could and headed to the states.

She didn’t know where she would end up, or what to expect. She arrived in Riverview. Using the small amount of cash she had gathered and the bit of money she had inherited, She settled in an empty lot (345 Riverblossom Hills Drive) with only $1,300.

She knew that the days to come were going to be the most difficult. Perhaps, the most difficult times she had ever faced. In the future, She hoped, she would be able to see better days.