I had the craziest dream last night, like one i have never had before. It was so vivid, so clear, it felt so real. I dreamt that Angelo came home sometime in the middle of the night, he got into bed next to me, and we started to make love right away, and woke up tangled in each other's arms.

My face burns up at the memory, my body reacting with a whimper. I close my eyes again, trying to relieve the memory, but unfortunately, the details of our 'intimacy' are slowly fading away as the day unfolds.

I open my eyes and stare at the window, from my position on his side of the bed.

I am really in a complete state off confusion where i think i am struggling largely between my heart and pride, between what i think i should do and what i really want to do.

It's Saturday and there is no rush to get anywhere, since i don't have any plans, i slowly get up off the bed and make my way to the bathroom.

After freshening up and getting dressed, i am just about to go downstairs when my ringing phone gets my attention. I lean over the bed and grab it.

It's mom.

I was actually going to call her after breakfast.

"Hai mom...good morning" I murmur, sitting on the bed.

"Good morning honey....where are you? I am at your apartment and there is a married couple living here, when did you move?" She asks hurriedly..

Oh shit!

"You are in hartford?" I ask rhetorically, my face losing all color.

"That's what I said"

"What are you doing here? You didn't tell me you were coming"

"To visit you ofcourse. Do I need permission to visit you?"

"Ofcourse not, it's just that, if you told me you were coming...I....i could have just come to visit you instead" I mumble.

"Well, are you going to tell me where you are so i can come, because i am just standing here in the corridor."

"Ok....i will come and get you...can you wait for me at the cafe across the street where we met that other time you came to visit." I ask.

"Ok, but is Luke still living here, i could just wait there, it's closer and......."

"No! Don't go to Luke's.....I am coming to get you already" I utter.

"But why not"

"Just wait for me at the cafe ok, i will be there soon" I mumble.

"Ok"

I hang up.

Ok, don't panic.

You are a grown woman who doesn't need to answer to anyone for your decisions.

Ohh crap!!!

*

I arrive at the cafe forty five minutes later thanks to the low Saturday traffic, and walk into the Cafe. Sam insists on going in ahead of me but thankfully goes over to sit at another table.

I spot my mom at a table by the window.

"Hey" I smile at her at I near her.

"Hello" she responds, standing up to give me a hug.

We hug and sit down.

"Why didn't you tell me you moved?" she asks, immediately.

"Yeah, well, it was recent" I respond.

"So where are you staying now?" She asks, taking a sip of her hot chocolate in this cold weather.

"City center"

"On the other side....isn't that like a really expensive area?" She asks, gobsmacked.

I smile awkwardly.

"I guess, it's not really mine, it's temporal, while i look for a new place." I explain.

"Angelo's?" She murmurs.

I nod

"But only until i find a new place. I am already looking" i add.

"Well, are we going to sit here all day or what?" mom asks impatiently.

"Oh yeah..Let's go then" I sigh and stand up.

We walk out of the cafe and to the car.

She doesn't say much about anything, even when we arrive or go up the building to the apartment, but she comments when we settle down by the sofa in the living room.

"This is nice" she notes.

"Thank you, i guess...." I mumble.

"You never told me you two now lived together. I didn't realise it was that serious" she murmurs.

"Yeah, well, it's was....."

"Ok look, you are an adult, you don't need to explain yourself to me....." She murmurs softly.

I give her a grateful smile.

"So what's going on, i know you said that you were ok, but i wanted to make sure." she says.

She also asks me about the status of my relationship with Angelo now and so i explain to her as much as i can and how things are now.

She listens patiently until i finish.

"So, what now?" She asks

"I don't know.....i just, i really don't know how to feel" I explain.

"Forget about how you are supposed to feel, how do you ACTUALLY feel?" She asks, with a appointed look.

I take a deep breath and exhale slowly.

"Well, i do not feel as angry as i did before that's for sure." I chuckle dryly.

She smiles.

"I feel like i know his him and know that he wouldn't do anything to deliberately hurt me....and now that i have had some time to think about it, i sort of understand why he did what he did, but it doesn't take away from the fact that the situation is hurtful, awkward and it really sucks and it has the potential to get even worse especially for me" I admit.

"Have you talked about all this and....."

I shake my head.

"Kind of, but I was really mad at the time and honestly, i don't even remember most of what was said" I admit.

"So what are you going to do?" She asks.

"What do you think?"

"What i think doesn't matter, it's your relationship and only you know him better and what his intentions are, so only you can decide if you want to stand by him and support him or not" she responds.

"I was really just hoping for some advice" I pout.

"Arie, I am your mother, but our relationship has not been good for the longest of time. However, you gave me a second chance and now we are getting better, so i don't want to be judgy towards others ok. So i can only tell you this if you really want to hear it" she says.

I nod.

"I don't like the position he has put you in quite frankly, i think you deserve so much better, but then again, there are things only you can understand because you know him better, so again, only you can decide what to do.....

All I can say is, you worry so much about what people will think or say about you or what people expect you to do or say and i am very much aware that most of that fear comes from the way I raised you and for that I am deeply sorry. "

"Angelo is the complete opposite of that" I interrupt her with a smile, thinking about how much he does really care about people's opinions.

She laughs.

"Look, i am not saying those are bad attributes to have, you just need to find a good balance.

You should trust yourself first. The only person you need to worry about dissapointing, is yourself. Stay true to yourself, that's all i want from you" she murmurs.

I didn't expect that, honestly.

"You know my biggest regret, is not being there for you like i should have been all those years ago, but i am grateful for the chance to be in your life again, for which i hope to be a better mother." She murmurs softly.

"Thank you" I say, moving closer to share a hug.

We pull apart just as my phone rings.

I pick it up and put it down again.

"Don't mind me, go ahead and pick that up" she murmurs.

"It's Luke. I am not talking to him right now" I confess.

"Why? what happened?" She furrows her brows.

"He kissed me yesterday" I utter.

She burst out laughing.

"Oh, well that took him long enough" she responds instead.

"You are not surprised?" I ask.

"No. His feelings for you have always been obvious."

"Well, you are wrong...Am sure he only did it to piss off Angelo"

"Wait, he was there?" She asks seriously.

"He saw it and now he probably thinks.....I don't know what he thinks now..I am so mad at Luke." I grumble.

"Well, that's quite alot of twists, but i am not surprised because you are such a beautiful woman, no wonder you have all these good looking men interested in you, you will figure it out.....but right now, i am really hungry right honey" she utters.

We go to the kitchen and sit down as Seline gets lunch ready.

Shortly after, Mario, walks into the room to inform me we have a guest.

"Mrs Morreli..."I utter, standing up from my stool as she walks into the room.

She smiles, coming further into the room.

"Lora, please" she reminds me.

I nod.

"This is my mother, Natalie Wright, mom, this is Mrs...Dr Lorraine Morreli, Angelo's mother" i make the introductions.....and Seline" I motion to her as she is standing next to my mom by the stove.

"I imagine you are looking for Angelo, but he is actually not here" I say regrettably.

"Oh, I know where he is, i actually came to talk to you, Lana told me you would be here"

My heart skips a beat.

"Ok" I respond.

Mom equally looks surprised, then concerned.

"What do you want to talk to her about?" She asks.

"It's nothing to worry about, but if you prefer, you can be present too, it's not a problem," Lora smiles abit.

"No, it's fine... We can talk in the living room" I say and give mom a brief smile before leading Lora out of the kitchen.

We sit down facing each other and she smiles.

"So how are you?"she asks.

"I am ok, thank you.....how are you?" I respond.

"Good....look, i will just get to the point so we can do way with this awkwardness " she chuckles.

I laugh too.

I thought i was the only one that felt it.

"So, uhhmm, the reason why i am here, is to talk to you about the marriage arrangement between Angelo and Claire." She says.

If i wasn't nervous before, i am now.

"When Angelo called me two weeks ago, and told me what his father had suggested, it wasn't new to me, because Ivan and i had already discussed it prior to their trip.

I suppose it's a strange thing to ask your son to do, but we did, because we needed to protect the family. Angelo was reluctant but he agreed and I admit i didn't really realize how serious your relationship was, but nevertheless we assumed as long as things are not brought to the attention of the public, it would soon blow over without causing much harm.

But then as you know, things don't go as planned and i can imagine how difficult it must be for you to be put in such a position, but i assure you, on his part, it wasn't an act of betrayal to you, but rather he acted out of a sense of duty towards his family.

But yesterday, i saw how much difficult it made things for him and realised how much he regrets it. I don't know how things are between you two now, but i guess i was just hoping to maybe explain why things are the way they are and maybe it would help your relationship with him.

Believe me, i understand now that you are the woman Angelo wants to build a future with, and i will absolutely support that in any way he needs me to, regardless of whatever decision he makes about this arrangement going forward." she adds.

I shake my head unconsciously and look down at my hands on my lap.

"You don't have to say anything, i just wanted to explain abit, i don't know if that helps or makes any sense at all" she mumbles.

"Well, thank you for talking to me" I tell her.

"Ok...by the way, tonight, there is going to be a fundraising ball, for the foundation that Angelo, myself and a few others support, it's very important to him and he has never missed one since it's inception, but yesterday he came home and told me he wouldn't be attending, he didn't specify why. If it's not too much trouble, I was hoping that maybe you could convince him to go" she murmurs, her hand on my wrists.

"Me? I don't think that... "

"Oh, believe me, i think he would listen to you. If he genuinely can't make it, that will be fine." she asks.

After what he saw with Luke yesterday, i doubt he really wants to talk to me.

She notices my hesitation.

"Look, forget it dear, i just thought, since i was here already, it was worth a try, but it's not a big deal. C'mon, let's go." She says, ushering me out of the room.

"I guess i can just ask him. No harm in that right?" I ask rhetorically.

"Only if it's not too much trouble" she responds.

"No"

"Ok, then i will go and see if there is a piece of that delicious pie i saw in the kitchen to spare." she murmurs, before leaving me alone.

I take my phone out of my pocket and look at the time. It's midday already.

I dial his number and put the phone to my ear.

*

It's Saturday, which means Bella and Ivan have no school and have time to be all over me.

When they realized i was spending the night, they stuck to me like glue, much to their parents delight, who get to caych a break from their constant banter.

Sometime during the night, i thought about my house in east hartford. It was much to large for my needs at the time of purchase, so i continued to stay in my city center apartment.

But today, i decided to spend my time here. I am thinking of remodeling some parts and maybe who knows, if i like the changes, i could eventually move here and make it my permanent home, if not, lease it out again.

So i called Marco who is an architect, to come over and a couple of other guys i know who deal in home renovations so we can see what we can do.

Of course the kids want to spend the day with me and since their parents have no objections to it, i brought them along.

"Uncle Angelo is this your house?" Ivan asks, he is sitting on my shoulders as we tour the place, waiting for the others to arrive.

"Yep"

"How come we don't have our own house?" Bella quips.

"Because your house is grandpa and Grandma's house."

"But isn't that your house too?"he asks.

Smart girl

"Yeah"

"So how come you have two houses then?" She continues.

"Because I just do"

"But how come daddy......."

"I don't know little girl, no more questions from you or i am taking you back home...plus, you won't be my favorite niece anymore" I mutter.

"I am your only niece." She giggles.

"Am i also your favourite Niece uncle Angelo" Ivan asks from above me.

"You mean Nephew, niece is for a girl." Bella corrects him quickly.

"Ofcourse you are champ" I responds, pulling at his legs playfully.

"But you......"Bella starts.

"Hey zip it!" I glare at her and she giggles some more.

"And no more talking from you from now on, you have exhausted all your talk time for the day" Inform the talkative little girl.

Soon the others arrive and we start taking a more comprehensive tour, noting what kind of changes and improvements we can make to the house and the more we talk, the more excited I get and decide that this will be my passion project.

My phone rings and i pull it from my front pocket.

It's Marianne.

My heart immediately picks up speed.

I excuse myself and walk outside for some privacy.

"Hello" I answer.

"Hey.......how are you doing?" she asks.

"Ok...you?"

"Good" she responds.

"Ok"

I have a pretty good idea what this phone call is about, and quite frankly i don't care much to discuss it, but i will endulge her.

"Ok, so i am just going to go straight to the point" she says.

"Ok" I say again.

She's hesitates and my lips form a small smirk

"Anytime now" I find myself taunting her.

This conversation would have been better in person i think.

"Why aren't you going to tonight's ball?" She asks and i am genuinely taken aback. That's the last thing i expected her to ask or even be aware of.

I thought she was going to bring up Luke.

Mom!

"I have my reasons" I reply thoughtfully.

"Do some of them have to do with me?" she asks.

I imagine, she is biting her nails right at this very moment.

"Mostly" I answer honestly.

"Well, can you not think about that and just go. I really don't think you should miss out on something that's really important to you" she murmurs.

"It's going to be a big media thing and in as much as i can try, i can't control what people will ask." I explain.

"Ok"

"You do realise that if i go, they will ask me questions about Claire?"

"Yes"

"And it might show up in some gossip news tommorow?"

"Yes"

"And that will only fuel the fire and keep the spotlight on the story"

"Yes"

"And you still want me to go?"

"Yes"

This time i am lost for words.

"Listen,what happened happened and i don't expect you to spend the next phase of your life hiding and shying away from people at my expense.

That's not who you are. And i don't want you to be anything other than that. So go, if they ask, well, handle it like you do everything thing else."

"And you, us?"

"I don't know.. right now, i just have some personal things to figure out before i even think about us." She responds.

I don't really understand that, but I hope there is a place for me somewhere in that self search of hers.

"So, will you go?" She asks.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes" so many yeses today

"Ok"

"Ok"

"I will have to come there to change" I inform her.

"Ok"

"Ok, then. By the way, say hi to my mom" I murmur, knowing she must the there now.

"Bye" she hangs up without waiting for my response.

I don't know what that was, but it feels like progress.

*

I hang up and stare at my phone.

He is coming here.

The thought gives me both nerves and butterflies.

I didn't address the Luke situation because i felt it wasn't a conversation for the phone and now that he is coming, i wish i had addressed it when i couldn't see his facial expressions.

I sigh and walk to the kitchen.

"Well?" Lora asks.

"He said he will go"

She breaks into a smile and comes to hug me.

"Ohh, thank you so much......you know what, why don't you come along?"

"No, i don't think that's a good idea, besides, I don't even know what it's about."

"It's a charity event, i am sure it will mean alot to him to have you there. You would be one of the many invited guests, so i am sure it won't be a problem or draw any unnecessary attention" she says excitedly.

"I appreciate the offer, but no." I say more firmly.

"Well, it's tonight at 6pm... I will have them add you to the guest list, and someone will show you to a table once you get inside, just incase you change your mind." She offers.

Soon, she leaves us in order to go and prepare herself for the evening and i am left alone with mom.

Not long after that, Angelo arrives while we are in the living room.

"Hai" he murmurs, his eyes moving to my mom as he enters the room.

I expected him to be stunned to see her here, but clearly, i neglected how well informed he always is.

"Mrs Wright" he says politely, extending his hand.

"Mr Morreli" she says just as formally and i frown at the two.

"I heard about your matrimony, so i suppose congratulations are in order" mom snickers.

I watch Angelo get really uncomfortable and lost for words like i have never seen before.

Neither say anything more.

"Well, excuse me"he says, and walks out.

"Mom??" I chide.

She shrugs "What? It's true"she responds.

"I will be back" I mutter and go upstairs.

Angelo is sitting on the bed when i enter as if waiting for me.

He looks up and i stand against the door, my hands together.

"About yesterday........" I bring up the topic.

He stands up and walks to the closet. I follow and stand by the door while he looks over the suit section.