Deadly Obsession - Epilogue (Patreon)

One Year Later

I’ve never been to a hospital. Doctors have come to me or Romelo has stitched me up himself. But today, he panicked and brought me in. It’s strange this place that saves lives, or takes them. It’s all a matter of time. I wonder how many times Romelo has been here for his injuries. I look over to him, and he’s pacing irritably.

I had a fainting spell today. I hit my head when I passed out, and Romelo insisted on taking me to Doctor Shotwell. A strange name for a doctor.

“Romelo, please... you’re making me nervous,” I say. He pauses midstride, and comes over to me grabbing my hands in his.

“I’m sorry,” he says. I’ve been feeling weak lately, constantly sick and tired. And today I passed out for about three minutes, no one could figure out why. Romelo swore I was poisoned and brought me in to have tests run.

“How are you feeling?” he asks.

“I’m fine,” I murmur. It’s not a total lie. I do feel better, aside from the splitting headache that I currently have. He grabs my head between his hands, holding my gaze.

“Don’t lie.”

Before I can respond the door to the room opens and in walks the doctor. I notice immediately from his body language Romelo makes him nervous. It’s something I’ve gotten used to. How fearful people are of him. Dr. Shotwell stands on the far side of the room. Romelo takes a step and I involuntarily grab his hand. Last week he beat a man for simply not responding fast enough. He’s dangerous. Nothing about him has changed in our time together. If anything he’s gotten more vicious and bloodthirsty. The surrender of my father has given the Northern Mob complete immunity from any and everything.

He’s still refused to speak with me, which I don’t blame him. But he’s kept his deal with Luca. Luca always tells me how important I am to them, and how he’s glad Romelo has found someone to spend his life with, so in a way I have a new family. I learned a long time ago blood means nothing. My father never really loved me. He was just another power hungry man gunning for Luca’s position.

“Well, the good news is that it’s nothing too serious. Your vitals are a little off, and you did suffer from a little dehydration. I’m going to also prescribe you some pills to help with your current state,” he says.

“So she’s just dehydrated?” Romelo asks. Doctor Shotwell looks terrified.

“Um... well she’s also pregnant,” he says. Romelo immediately straightens up, and I feel my heart slamming into my ribcage.

“What?” Romelo and I ask in unison. I’m unsure if he’s angry or happy.

“Her blood sample came back and it contains levels of hCG. A hormone that pregnant women create,” he says.

“Leave,” Romelo snaps. The doctor virtually sprints out of the room. I keep my gaze down. I always knew that one day, it would happen. It was inevitable. But now? I’m not ready. And he’s not ready. A child? A whole child? Romelo can barely contain himself with me, how would he be with a child? and who would that child become? Who would he or her grow into?

Romelo turns to me, and a small smile is on his face .He’s happy.

“I-” I trail off not knowing what to say.

“You’re not mad?” I ask. He laughs, shaking his head.

“How could I be angry? You’re having our baby,” he says.

He leans into me, genuinely happy, kissing me. He’s smiling as his lips press against mine. Romelo is happy. He’s happy. I want to be. I want to be excited. I want to imagine and dream and think of all the ways I can shower my child with love. But all I can think of, is the fact that I hope and pray that I don’t have a son. God help anyone that encounters the man my son will become, being raised in this lifestyle, by this man.