Victoria Greene

Lucania

New York, 1935

It had been three months since I left home with Charles and my son. He had bought us a large house in the suburbs and paid all the bills, he also sent a large monthly stipend for us. He was a good provider without a doubt but he was not a good father. He was hardly available to see our son and had only seen him thrice since we moved from Alabama. I soon realized that my son would grow up and luxury but he would not have a father. It was one of the few times he actually made time to see Joseph. He had volunteered to feed him, give him a bath before putting him to sleep and I was quite surprised by how he good he was considering the fact he barely spent time with him.

"I'll call for my next visit". He whispered as he exited Joseph's nursery.

"And when will that be, when he graduates high school". I spat.

"What the f*ck is that supposed to mean". He said.

"It means that you are an absent father, Charles". I said my voice rising slightly. He pulled me into the living room away from the nursery.

"I pay for everything. I support my son I make sure he has the best of everything. More than I ever had". He said.

"Being a father is more than being a cheque in the mail Charles". I said folding my arms and he sighed.

"Santino is only three months old he won't notice my absence". He said.

"First of he's name is his Joseph and second of all this should be the best time to be bonding with him". I replied. After we arrived in New York we made a new birth certificate for Joseph, he listed a name I did not recognize as the father, Salvatore Lucania. When I asked him about it he chose to ignore me. He also added a name, Santino which I hated but in those days I basically had no say since he was a man. Our son was registered Joseph Santino Francis Greene - Lucania

"Does your family even know about him". I asked and he remained still.

"Or is your n*gger son a dirty secret". I said and before I could comprehend he grabbed my arm roughly bringing me closer to him.

"Don't ya ever call my son that, ya hear me?". He said and I nodded wincing in pain. He let me go and ran a hand through his hair.

"I'm sorry". He said softly.

"I haven't seen my mother in over eight years, they all hate me I'm a terrible son". He said in a sad voice.

"I'm trying to be the best father I can be and that is staying away from him. I don't want him to turn out like me". He continued as he stared into space, his eyes held a sad look. I moved closer to him gently touching his arm.

"I don't want any kid of mine going through life as the son of Luciano, the gangster". He said.

"Is that why you put that name on his birth certificate instead of yours". I asked softly and he nodded, pulling me into a hug.

"Who's name is it". I asked and he kissed my shoulder pulling back to look at my face.

"A boy I once knew". He said in a sad voice and I furrowed my brows wondering who was the boy and what happened to him. Judging by the look on his face, I knew it was not good