Chapter 32: Chapter 32

“You are most welcome. You and Chrissy are all I have. I know things were very rocky at the beginning between us, but I have watched you grow and evolve into a strong young lady all on your own. And I respect that Nessa, It couldn't have been easy.” His voice softens. “You've also kept Chrissy on the right track of life and looked out for her where I couldn't. I am forever in your debt.”

"You guys are part of the reason why I've turned out the way I have. With your kind generosity all these years I don’t think I would've…”

“You would have made it either way Vanessa. I’m just happy I got to be a part of it. Now I will stop by later and drop the car off with the credit card. Get a good night’s rest and make sure you keep clear of Luca.”

“I promise to stay clear and  Thank- you Roman,” I say meaning every bloody word exiting my mouth.

“You’re Welcome, Bye Nessa.” He hangs up.

“Bye,” I Whisper, listening to the dial tone.

I put Chrissy’s phone on my desk and pull out my suitcase, I pack a weeks’ worth of clothing. Not that I plan on staying that long but you know what might happen. I pack my toothbrush, make-up and a hairbrush. I can pick up a small toothpaste and mouthwash later along with somebody wash and shampoo + conditioner. I make sure to pack to my laptop and hope like hell I will still have a job to return to when all this blows over.

Ding...

I pick up my phone, biting my lip. I wonder if it is Luca trying to apologize again.

Sanz: Malo Nessa, You okay? You never returned foot your check-up or for class.

For some weird reason, I feel upset that it wasn’t Luca. Even after all the pain, he’s caused me you would think I would feel nothing but pure hate for the man, but I don’t I still get butterflies just thinking about the bastard.

Vanessa: Hi Sanz. We need to talk.

I suppose nows a good time as any to request a few days, possibly weeks of leave. Just until I know the kids will be safe from harm's way.

Sanz: Now a good time to call?

Vanessa: I think we should meet up and have this discussion face to face.

I need to tell him everything so he can understand my request.

Sanz: Don't tell me you've fallen madly in love with me and you're going nuts just thinking about it?

I laugh out loud!

Vanessa: You wish!

Sanz: Damn it. I thought my chocolate brown skin and good Samoan looks finally got the best of you.

Vanessa: Charming!

Vanessa: I do need to talk to you Sanz on a serious note.

Sanz: You all good?

Vanessa: I'll explain everything when we see one another.

Sanz: I was about to go out for some Ribs. You wanna join me?

Vanessa: Okay.

Sanz: Send your Addy and I'll be there in a flash.

I send Sanz my addy and quickly make myself look presentable for the rest of the world to look at me.

I pick up Chrissy’s phone as I grab my side bag and put my phone and keys inside.

“Hey you, where are you off to at this time of the night?” Chrissy looks up from the television as she cuddles up to Conrad on the sofa.

“Here’s your phone.” I hand it to her.“Thanks, your dad also said he was going to drop his BMW off later tonight.”

“You’re getting to drive his new baby?” She looks at me jealously.

“Yup. I’m shocked too.” I giggle.

“I’m also going to go and grab a quick bite with Sanz.” I nibble on my lower lip.

Please don't judge me.

“You need me to drop you off.” Conrad stands and starts patting down his pants looking for his car keys.

“Oh, no. It’s okay. He’s uh... He actually offered to pick me up.” I smile.“But thanks.”

“Okay.” He shrugs settling back onto the sofa, cuddling Chrissy.

“It’s a bit soon for a rebound isn’t it?” Chrissy looks at me concerned.

It's just dinner. I also need to convince him to agree that me being at school will put my Care Bears in harm's way.” I smile sadly.

"It's the right thing to do babe.. Just till we know for sure you're safe."

" I know. Doesn't make it any easier though. It's the first year and I need to take leave in the first term." I sigh hating Luca a tad bit more.

“You know we're here for you right hon?” She says softly.

‘Yes, I do. And thank you both so much. I think I would have been a complete and utter disaster if you both weren’t here”

I hear a horn beep distantly.

“That’s him I better get going. And ah.. Do everything I wouldn’t do will you.” I laugh as I walk out the door.

“Hi, Sanz.” I greet him as I hop in the car.

“Hey, gorgeous." He smiles at me while he waits for me to put my belt on.

"How’s about a steak and grill place for dinner?” He starts the engine and pulls out onto the road.

“Yeah I could do with a decent 'Surf and Turf.'" I lick my lips as my mouth starts watering.

“If I had known a decent ‘Surf and Turf’ was the way to your heart I would've suggested it weeks ago.” He laughs softly, winking at me.

“Well, now you know. I guess.”

“I'll remember to use it to my advantage next time." He laughs, lightly punching my arm.

“I hate to break it to you Carlos but… Your good looks and charms alone won't get you anywhere nowadays” I look at him laughing.

His mouth drops. "Ms Madison, you wound me with me with your nonsense talk.” His brow raises and he smirks at me.

“Nope, it’s just the vibe I get off you.” I try to look keep a straight face.

“Bitch…” He mutters before we both start laughing.

"I'll have you know that I have had my fair share of women wrapped around my finger Nessa."

"Oh, I don't doubt you for a second Sanz." I stick my tongue out at him.

Carlo’s pulls into the restaurant parking lot and turns off the engine. He quickly takes his belt off and comes around to my side of the door and opens it helping me out.

Such a gentleman. I muse.

He places his hand on the small of my back and ushers me inside the restaurant. We are shown to our seats in a hidden corner by the window. The Waitress takes our order politely rushing us as the kitchens already starting to close up for the night. I order the ‘Surf and Turf’, medium rare with fries and a salad. Sanz orders a full rack of sticky Fall-off-the-bone- ribs with roasted vegetables.

“So…. You wanted to talk?” He asks, placing both his hands on the table clasped together.

“Yeah, I feel really weird about this. I’m not gonna lie cause I may lay it on heavy and that’s the short version.” I sigh.

“I’m all ears, Nessa.” He smiles at me with sympathy.

“Okay... So.. you know Luca.” I look at him.

“Yes, I do. And may I just add, he’s actually a real dick upfront.” He sneers.

“Yeah, something I’ve learned over the past couple of weeks too.” I draw the figure eight over and over on the table with my finger.

“He’s completely turned my life upside down… again.”

“What do you mean by again Nessa? You’re young, you can move on.” He says scowling at me.

“He didn’t cheat on me or anything like that," I say defensively.

I would have preferred if he did compare to the actual problem.

"I was eight when my sister committed suicide.” I look up at Sanz to gauge his reaction.

Pity eyes are the worst eyes I've ever met. Makes me feel vulnerable and weak.

I hate being pictured as weak.

"Luca told me today that my sister and his brother Giovanni had been lovers. My sister had fallen pregnant and when my parents found out they were planning on charging Giovanni with rape and putting the baby through the foster system. She said her goodbyes to Giovanni that morning before taking a whole bottle of pills. It was by luck and good timing the paramedics showed up when they did. They were able to perform an emergency c-section right then and there  saving the baby .” I wipe the tears from my eyes using the sleeve of my coat.

“I learned tonight that I have a niece. Her name is Rosalia and she lives in Italy. Luca kept all of this from me, he slept with me and I openly shared some of my most intimate feelings with him that I haven’t shared with anyone. How is one meant to process this?." I take a moment to breathe.

"My parents made them promise to never tell me and to keep their distance from me or she'll proceed to charge Giovanni with rape. It’s only because of Giovanni’s career and the true love he has for my sister that they have put a security tail on me with chances of me being in danger. I’m a bloody teacher and I can't put my Care Bears in the line of danger.” I sigh sadly feeling like a horrible person.

“That mother fucker!" He reaches across the table and wipes my tears with his thumb.

“He shouldn't have gotten involved with you if he was meant to protect you. How is being involved with you keeping you out of harm’s way?” He shakes his head in disbelief.

The waitress comes over and places our plates on the table.

“Is there anything else I can get you guys?” She smiles politely at us.

“No, we’re good thank you” Sanz looks at me and I nod agreeing.

“Thanks, guys.” She walks away smiling with a little bounce in her step.

I dig into my steak and it is perfectly cooked. It's so hard getting a decent medium-rare steak in Auckland. Sanz eats his rib bones with the sticky sauce dripping everywhere. We continue to eat in silence enjoying our meals and trying to eat as much as we can before we are asked to leave as closing time nears.

"I need to take time off until everything blows over Sanz," I say with determination.

"I agree. I'll try to cover for you Nessa, but we both know my days as acting headmaster are numbered."

"I don't expect you to do anything for me, Sanz. We barely know each other." I'm grateful for him. He would make a great headmaster for the Academy permanently.

“I don’t even know how to address my parents. I’m not sure if I can keep my composure, to be honest. They gave up on me when Celeste died. God, If it wasn’t for my best friend Chrissy I don’t know where I’d be today. A person can only fight solo for so long and I've come to realise that no one is Un-breakable no matter how good we are fronting ” I pick up a cherry tomato popping it into my mouth. It bursts of flavour when I bite into it exploding all over my tongue, and a ridiculous smile forms on my face.

“The tomato that good huh?” Sanz chuckles.

I laugh lightly, nodding my head and flushing with embarrassment.

“It’s nice to see you smile, but you know exactly how to address them, Nessa. You have been freshly trained to deal with these types of situations if your Care Bears were involved.” He scowls at me.

“Yeah, your right. I need to walk in there and listen to their side of the story and to understand their feelings and how…”