Her Misfortune

III. His Kindness

I woke to the ring of my phone; I sits up and found out I am the one lying on the sofa not my mother anymore. I look around and sees her feeding the twins, putting the spoon in their mouth alternately. I smile to the sight of them three joking to each other, whispering their jokes as they know I am a light sleeper, what more is that the twins are already as lively as they could get.

My phone did not stop ringing and so I had to pick it up and to find out that it is Nick. I pick up the phone and hear his morning greeting that have not change all this time.

“Good morning gorgeous, I just wanted to know which room are you in. I am already in the lobby.” As he says and I told him our room number after greeting him back. I stood up and the twins turns to me with their big smiles that I returned with a smile as I run towards them and give them both a big tight hug.

“Morning my babies.” I said as I landed kisses on their whole face that tickles them resulting to them laughing. The laughter came to an end when we hear a knock from the door and soon Nick’s face popped out that the twin celebrated like they have not seen each other in decades.

“Here is your order ma’am.” He said as he hands me a small sports bag containing what I guess are the change of clothes for the twins.

“Ok little men, Uncle Nick is here to bring you clothes and so we could go home.” I announced that they celebrated once again, jumping and yelling on the bed.

They are once interrupted as another knock came and this time Mr. Tedesco came in with a big smile in his face greeting everyone “Good morning everyone.” And walks towards the twins who greeted him happily.

“Good morning Uncle Albert!” they exclaimed in unison. I am surprised in so many ways, the fact that they treat him nicely and politely, interacting with him when all other men are ones to be killed by their glare but the fact that they called him Uncle surprises me more. And I guess Nick is surprised to as he looks at me in asking way, I had no idea, so I had to look towards my mom who is just giving me a playful smile. I take a deep sigh before interrupting their happy time together.

“Honeys you see this man is not your Uncle, Uncle Nick is your uncle and only him. This man is your doctor that you should call doctor for respect or mister.” I said towards them that might have made them confused as they look at me confusedly.

“Why? He said we can call him that, he even promised that he would take us out for ice cream one day only when you say yes, because we told him that you will get mad if we do not ask for permission first before going out.” Mark said pouting his lips as hard as he can looking at me with a pleading look. Michael came to his side and did the same. I look at both of them and wonder when did they learn to act like this. I took a deep sigh as I realize who is the only person, I know who is so good at making faces and look at him.

I look towards Mr. Tedesco who is smiling just like last night, like he won lottery twice in a row. I kept looking at him in asking, he just shrug his shoulder mouthing that he does not know anything about it.

“Mimi? We really cannot call him uncle? Uncle Albert is a nice man. He took care of us last night.” Michael said it this time still with a face like a puppy.

‘God. I will kill this guy one day with his very own syringe.’ I said to myself as I glare towards the man who is standing at the corner with the winning face still. I took a deep sigh before I turn to my angels and smile widely and say “Of course, you can if he said it himself. That only means Uncle Albert likes you too.” And kissed them in their forehead and they yell as they celebrate from getting yes from me.

I announced that they need to wash up at least their faces so they could get dress and we could check out as Nick needs to be at work in just half hour. The sun is high already and the busy streets of Manhattan will surely have a heavy traffic.

I dressed them one by one while I hear Nick and Albert talking, introducing each other to each other.

“Nick, are you still ok with the time?” I said interrupting whatever they are talking about.

“Actually, I am afraid that I will be late for the first time Jay.” He said. I turn to look at him apologetically.

“Why? Do you have some place you needed to be on time?” Albert interrupted.

“I need to be on board in just one hour, and I have to be there half hour before.” Nick answered him.

“What are you a pilot?” Albert asks in surprise.

“Nope, I board on water actually unlike her in the air.” Nick answered with a proud smile. They chuckle to it that I do not understand why.

“If it is fine with you, I can take them home, it is my time to punch out. I just wanted to visit the twins and be sure everything is fine before they get discharge.” Albert said that made my eyes go wide.

“Really? That would help me big time.” Nick said.

‘Really? Just what is wrong with these people to be trusting this man over everything, specially me. Do they still me or not anymore?’ I thought to myself as I roll my eyes.

“Mimi, is something wrong?” Michael said as it is his turn to change clothes, I was doing it out of habit that my mind was not really into it, giving him a chance to see the face I just made.

“I am afraid I can’t. You see, this cousin of mine is willing to kill me since last night so I am afraid I will have to say no to your offer.” Nick said that made Albert chuckle.

“Then I think I need to do something about that to turn it to a win-win situation.” Albert said that made me gulp my saliva and hope that he is not going to do what I am thinking he will do.

“Boys, you see Uncle Nick can not drive you home because he needs to go for work. Would you mind if I take you home instead?” he said. He finally said it. My heart dropped at the same time the twins said yes.

‘Great! Just Great!’ I said to myself as I put inside the bag all the dirty clothes of the twins. I feel defeated, betrayed by most expected allies. I have to give up and just go with the flow of this thing that Albert has started.

“Ok then. We are good to go.” I announced and pick up the back and swing it towards Nick’s stomach that he groans in pain while Albert is chuckling with my mom giggling.

We walked out of the room and went towards the waiting lobby where Albert told us to wait for him as he needs to go and get change as well. We sat and waited for him that did not take that long like I expected. In fact, he did not change his clothes, he just removed his white coat and replace with a suit together with a handbag that is in his hand as he walks towards us.

The twins gladly greeted him, he leans down and gave them a hug then he came to me and exchange the sports bag on my shoulder with his handbag which he carried as we walk out of the hospital towards where his car is park without saying anything.

I walk behind him as he holds both of their hands with the sports bag on his shoulder. They walks in sync while talking and laughing like they are having fun together.

I suddenly feel wet on my cheek. I looked up with fright as I thought it is raining. Seeing the sun shining so bright upon us made me wonder as I wiped my cheeks. Only this time I have realized that it was not a rain drop but tear drop.

I teared seeing the scene of my angels walking hand in hand with a stranger instead of their own father. I feel guilt inside of me. Guilt that I have been hiding all this time. Falling in love at first sight, giving my first time and I am afraid will be the last time as well on the last night. I have been the easiest girl in the whole universe for him I guess. But I know, I could not help, that was the first time that a man have treated me so special and I am still naïve young girl who enjoyed and got twisted in the middle of his palm.

“I do not want them to grow up like me, although my father died in such a young age he was still not there as I grow up. I know how it feels, I do not want them to get through with the same feeling of misfortune just because of my own stupidity and recklessness.” I said to myself as I look at the sight of how happy they are.

But they should not be. Albert is not their father and I doubt he will be willing to take the burden of supporting two kids that is not even his. He have his own image to protect as a respectable person in community. And a long way to success that he should enjoy to himself. I can not let this continue.

A few more steps, they came to halt in front of a navy blue SUV that I could not tell the brand as it is facing us sideways. It is very clean from the outside, like it goes to car wash every single day.

I was in awe and somewhat confuse as I stare at it. I caught a glimpse of Albert leaving the two to my mom as he walks towards the compartment that he opened and put the bag carefully.

“Mimi what is wrong?” Mark asks as he looks at me. It brought me back and then I hear another man's voice.

“Is it not to your liking?” Albert said that made me turn to him as he closes the compartment.

“No, it is just a little bit different from what I expected. It is just rare to see someone at your age and relationship status to drive something like this.” I said as I walk closer the twins and so is he and we meet in between.

“Why? You thought I will be driving a sports car? A small one?” he said with another playful smile of his.

I can’t deny as it is true. You rarely see a man who is single that earns enough money to be driving a big one like this. It should be like a small one or a sports car. I even remembered Nick told once “A person who is single and driving a big car is a person who prepares for a married life with children.” And that is the reason why he himself drives a SUV also. Saying like so he does not need to change cars when that time comes.

I just nod to him that made him chuckle as he walks towards the front passenger seat door and opens it and motioned me to get in.

“I can’t, mom can’t hold them both.” I said thinking about the traffic regulations about cars that do not have children's seat is to hold them with a below minimum speed.

He next opens the back seat door and it surprised me. There are two black child’s seats sitting on the seats as he throws a smirk.

I look at him in question as I lift up Mark first to tuck him in, but he stopped me as he takes Mark from me and tucked him himself, next he took Michael and did the same thing. He made my mom sit in between and lock the children's safety lock. Settling everyone he came to me waiting for me to climb up the car.

“Or do you prefer to be put like the twins?” he said teasingly. I hear my mom laughing together with the twins as they yell “Mimi, you are not a baby!”.

‘Oh great! Just great!’ I swear under my breath and throwing death glare towards the chuckling Albert as I finally climb up. “We will talk later.” I whisper to him sternly.

I am so surprise of him suddenly getting closer to me. I could not help but to hold my breath when he suddenly leans on me and whispers “I will listen to everything.” And grab the seat belt of my seat.

I took it from him yelling “I can do it myself!” as he just looks at me. Stare at me with a sigh. I tucked myself in so he will leave me now and go to his seat so we could finally go home.

I know I could just get a taxi, but it is hard to get one when you have kids, and old woman and a sports bag that is heavy and big enough not being sure if the driver is courteous enough to get out of his car and help you load the bag to the compartment. The reason why I do not bring the twins far when Nick is not around.

I take a deep breath as he finally closes my door and walk around to the other side where he climb up with a big smile on his face.

“Address ma'am?” he said. I turn to him as he sets his GPS.

We got on the road that is already jam packed of people and cars honking as the traffic is taking its claim.

“This will not do.” He said and suddenly making a turn that to my guess is a short cut. But to our misfortune traffic is just everywhere.

It is almost time for lunch. I did not think that we would be stuck in the middle of the traffic that the twins keeps on yawning and so do I. I had to suppress it and will not reach Albert who is driving after a two days continuesly shift at the hospital. I do not want anymore accident to happen in my life specially right now that I have my mom and the twins with me.

I look back and see the three who are fast asleep at the back. I could not blame them, the trip will be long as we live pretty far from the hospital and with the traffic made it worst.

“Would you care to explain why there are two children’s seats in your car?” I said deciding to finally talk to him. He did not talk to me and kept quiet all this time.

He looks towards me as we sit in the traffic jam and say “Are you curious again?” teasing me with his smile.

“I just do not want to see the headline of the news papers to be titled as ‘A young doctor was killed by his wife with the discovery of him having another family to drive.’ That would be a little bloody and my name will be on it.” I said with a façade of carelessness.

He laughs, he laughs loud enough for them to wake up before saying “I have siblings and nieces, I always take them out that made me decide to have those seats that now I am thanking as making you owe me another dinner for a perfect service.” Arching his eyebrows a couple of times with a devilish smile.

“Can we go too?” Michael said that surprises me and suddenly turn my head towards him.

I was about to answer him and say that it is not true. That I will not go with him to dinner, but I was stopped of him opening his mouth once again. I had to plead him not say what I am thinking of he will say but he ignored it and finally dropped the bomb saying “Instead of dinner, how about we go for a plate of pasta with meatballs? Who is with me?” that made me close my eyes tightly as I am already scared of seeing four hands in the air.

The twins loves pasta, specially anything that have to do with meat. And him making it sound so perfectly, I am sure enough that they will raise both of their hand while saying “me!”

I hear him chuckling as I hear the twins really did say ‘me'. I open my one eye slowly and what I see made me open both wide enough to see not just four but five hands in the air, just like expected, they raise both of their hands but what surprises me is my mom is also raising her hand while smiling like a kid. A total of six hands including Albert's made me loose once again.

“Sorry Ms. Monte.” He said with a smirk as he suddenly take a turn towards an Italian restaurant and parks in front of it.

I look at it and then at him who is already unbuckling himself and turns to unlock the children’s lock before stepping out, helping my mom to get down first and then once again lifting them out of the car.

“Stay put.” He said that made me turn and understand that he is saying that to me. I do not know why he said that so I ignored it and unbuckle myself and step out as fast as I can.

He came running towards me with a stern look and say “You really never listen, are you?” and closes the door with a bit of force.

“Why do I need to wait for you? It is not like I can’t unbuckle myself or can’t handle myself getting down from your car.” I said as I turn and walk away from him. I could vaguely hear his sigh as he walks behind me.

Ignoring him as I continue to walk towards where the twins and mom are but I could hear his footsteps that soon is already in front of me grabbing the twins once again.

“I could tell he wants you.” My mom said as I reach her side and walk with her behind them.

“I also could tell that much, but I do not know how sincere and how much that feelings he harbors, or if the twins are included in that.” I said with a sigh in the end.

She hugged me and smile before saying “You will never know if you run again. Stop running dear, I know there is someone who will want and love the twins more than you.” Like assuring me for something I doubt for every man that approaches me.

Albert is not the first even right after I gave birth to m&m, men keeps approaching me. Even that I doubt them, they definitely want something so obvious. I am just average when it comes to looks, the only thing I might have above average is my body. I would not deny that, but still ever since I met the father of the twins, I feel like it has been the most unfortunate thing to have.

“It will be fine, just take your time and the one who can’t keep up will lose.” She added as we finally take our first step in while Albert opens the door for us waiting. I take a good look at someone I am not even sure what he wants from me, what he wants in return for all these things he keeps on doing.

A girl waiter came to us, eyeing Albert from head to toes, well I could not blame her as I will now admit a fact that his looks is really something, he is like someone came out from a story about a perfect king that treats his queen perfectly like no other.

That is right, in everything he is showing now, I feel like I am some important person that he does not want to disappoint in any way.

“A table of five with two high chairs. Thank you.” He simply said ignoring her looks that is I could tell good enough as fellow woman.

“Right away sir.” She replied simply but I could hear a little disappointment in her voice as she guides us towards a table big enough for five people including the twins.

“You should have seen her face when she first saw you and how it change when you mention high chairs for the twins.” I said as I pull a chair out for me.

“I do not need to look to see, I could feel and hear it clearly.” He said with his cheeky tone and smile as he grabs my seat from me and pulls it instead.

I sigh as to being speechless for his confidence as I sits and him pushing it in. I look at him as he lifts the twins to tuck them in to their high chairs, I was not aware that my mom is already sitting until I look for her.

She sits to my right and the high chairs to our both sides making Albert sit beside Mark. And Michael in between me and my mom.

Albert has ordered for the twins, just like what he said earlier, he really did order a plate of spaghetti with meat balls. Mom have chosen her risotto with mushroom. While Albert chose a plate of fried sea foods, all kinds that can be fried. As of me, I have a hard time choosing mine as I really have a bad memory of Italy and everything about it.

I once liked the sea food soup, but after eating that on my last lunch in Italy where all of my misfortunes happened.

I took a deep breath before finally ordering for myself which ended with pasta calamari and being the one who ordered last, the waitress finally walk away from us after letting out a sigh.

“Is it not to your liking?” Albert’s voice full of worries came through my ear.

I look at him who keeps talking to the twins and with me and say “You should have asked first before we came here. But it will be fine, it was a long time ago and I also need to let go.” Giving him a weak smile.

“So, it does remind you of something.” He said before mouthing ‘sorry and continue to have a man talk with the twins.

I sigh as I felt my mom's hand on mine. I look at her smiling at me weakly.

It is not like mom does not know where it happened since she knew I was going to Italy only to come back pregnant.

I gave her a smile in return and we both stayed quiet as I prepare the twins for the food, putting their bib on that will never be missing in my bag whenever I am with them.

Meanwhile

A man is sitting in one of the most prestigious restaurants having a ten-star label, with a frown in his face while listening to another man blabbering in front of him.

“Ellice Jane Monte, close friends and family calls her EJay that made her go with Jay when she introduces herself to everyone, birthday is March 10, current age is 24 from a place just after Manhattan. Finish college with a degree of bachelor in Flight attendant. Currently working as a stewardess in American airlines for two years. She got in, in our search for flight attendants four years ago but could not make it to the final interview where she would pass without a hitch. Went for a 3 days and 3 nights get away to Milan Italy before the final interview with us.” The man said to him.

“What else?” he said sternly towards him as he looks at him like he is ready to dig a hole for him to die alive.

“Where she met a man, stayed with him for the rest of the trip. And found out pregnant a week after, the reason why she could not come to the interview. And gave birth to healthy twin boys exactly nine months afterwards. Worked in different kinds of jobs, to maid, to waitress to a gas girl, to a sales lady and everything she could have as part time jobs claiming she can’t work full time as the kids are still in early age that needs much attention that her mother can’t give. Su…. Suspected father: The first and last man she had been with is…” he said pausing at the end like he does not know what to do or say next.

“Say it.” The man said that now looks more furious.

“It is… you sir.” The man finally barely said.

He looks at him with mixed feelings, furiousness, shock and a glimpse of happiness in his eyes.

“Is that all?” the man said to the other man.

“Yes sir, if you do not wish to have some DNA test to happen with the kids.” The man replied.

He looked at him for a brief moment before he said “I will think about it first and will let you know when I have decided. Just know this, no one should know about this or else you could say goodbye to your family and consider yourself dead.” He said that made the man sweat and gulps in terror.

He knew he can do it despite of his kind nature that somewhat vanished four years ago. He could tell as he has been working for him for almost eight years. Working with him all these years gives him the knowledge of everything there is to know about the man sitting in front of him that now have a dark expression. He steals a glance to the man who is full of madness and furiousness like he is ready to kill someone at this very moment as he silently pray for his life.

He can do everything that he wants being the biggest man in whole west countries. Owning all kinds of business chains all over the place and keeps growing reaching European state and even Asian states.