The Angel's Silence 16

Mariya went back into the hospital to check on Maya.

She was awake, and had been asking for her.

Mariya decided not to tell Maya or Rayna what was going on, only that their father was doing something important.

She had only been in the room with Maya for a few moments, when two Doctor's came in to check on her.

She left them with her while she searched for Rayna.

She found her in the Maternity ward, staring in at the newborn babies.

"How did you know I would be here?"
Asked an expressionless Rayna

"Because when my sister was sick years ago, I used to like coming up here.

Especially when she got really sick, and we knew she was dying.

Somehow seeing the faces of those who had just been born helped me to cope with death better.

Of course, it did nothing to ease the pain my mother was feeling.

What I do not understand is, Maya is going to be fine.

Why are you up here?"
Said Mariya

"Dad blames me for what happened."
Stated Rayna

"I think that's because of something that happened to him when he was 17."
She said

Rayna finally turned around to face her mother.
She asked,

"And what was that?"

Mariya looked to the floor in uncertainty.

"I'll tell you the story, but it stays between us, Okay?

When your father was 17 years old, his parents decided to go on a vacation to Paris, France for their 20th wedding anniversary.

They were leaving him in charge for the first time.

He was a rebellious teenager, so they did not really trust him with responsibility.

He not only had to watch over the house, but his 9-year-old sister, Emiliya.

The first day, he did everything he was told to do.

However, he was bored, and decided to throw a big party. Everyone at school was invited, even people he did not know.

Everything was fine, until some older men showed up with alcohol.

Everyone, including your father, was drinking.

The music was so loud that it awoke Emiliya.

Your father was out back talking to this girl he liked.

Somehow, someone inside the house caught the curtains of fire, and soon the whole place was in flames.

However, at this point, your father was down the street at this girl's house, and did not even realize what was going on.

Everyone got out as fast as they could, but didn't think to get Emiliya.

Within minutes, the whole house was engulfed.

By the time he found out about it, it was too late.

She had died.

Cell phones were not around at that time, and they did not leave a number for the hotel they were staying at, so they had no idea what had happened until 7 days later when they got back.

They never forgave your father, and he never forgave himself.

They disowned him.

He graduated soon after, and went to live with his Grandparents until he was able to support himself.

They were never able to identify for sure who started the fire, and no charges were ever filed. I think when he found about what had happened to Maya, it brought all of those memories back to him."

There was a brief moment of silence, before Rayna asked,

"Why am I just now hearing about this?"

"Because your father was afraid that if anyone found out about it, that they would not look at him the same way.

We had already been married 7 years before I finally found out about it from his Grandmother."
Said Mariya

***

Antanas was still driving to Rame Settori, when he stopped off at a local cafe for some coffee.

He felt himself getting very tired, and it was making it hard for him to focus on the road.

The place was very old fashioned. The sign said that it had been in business since 1908.

While he was inside, he noticed a familiar woman sitting in a corner booth.

She was blond, wearing a long black coat, and was reading a book.

Antanas stared at her for several minutes, trying hard to remember where it was that he had seen her before.

Finally, after 11 minutes of staring at her, he decided to go up to her, and ask if they had met before.

Before he had a chance to say anything, she put the book down and gave him the most unusual look.

"I can't believe it! Antanas, is that really you?"
Said the woman

"Yes, have we met?"
He asked

"Yes, of course we have met. I am Elena Giùgovaz.

Don't you remember me?"
She said

"Elena Giùgovaz, of course I remember you. I just didn't recognize you as a blond."
Said Antanas

It was the first time he had smiled in two days

"So... how have you been?"
Asked Antanas

"You mean since the last time we saw each other, 18 years ago?"
Asked Elena

"Oh, I see you're still angry with me."
Stated Antanas

"I'm not angry with you. I stopped being angry a long time ago. I am just confused. One minute I am planning our future together, the next, I am searching everywhere for you. You just disappeared. Not a 'goodbye' or anything. I'll never understand what I did or said that made you take off the way you did."
Said Elena

"I guess I do owe you an explanation, don't I?"
Said Antanas

"When we were together, there was something that I never told you.

The truth is, I was married at the same time that I was with you.

Things were not working out between my wife and I, and I was planning to leave her for you.

Then, I found out that she was pregnant. And I asked myself, 'what kind of man would I be if I just abandoned her now?' Therefore, I had no choice but to leave you. I'm sorry."

"Why didn't you tell me?"
Asked Elena

"Because I didn't think you would understand.

We had such good times together, that I didn't want you to think of me as the horrible, lying, cheating person that I was, that I still am."
Answered Antanas

"So... What brings you to Rame Settori?"
Asked Elena

Antanas answered,
"I have some business to do here."

"Your eyes are bloodshot.

What is really going on, Antanas?"
Asked Elena

He replied,
"You sure do like to ask questions, don't you?

Yesterday, my daughter Maya was almost killed when someone poisoned her with Cyanide. I went to the police, but they are all too busy working on all the murder cases that have been piling up there lately. So, I have to take matters into my own hands."

"Oh, that's terrible!

I am sorry.

You said there have been many murders where you live lately. Are you talking about the murders in Valle Pacifica? That's where you live now?"
Asked Elena

"Yes. My wife has many relatives there, and wanted somewhere safe to raise our daughters.

Little did we know that 17 years later, it would turn into 'Nightmare in Valle Pacifica.'"
Said Antanas, with a sarcastic grin on his face

"Daughters?"
Asked Elena

"Yes. Rayna and Maya. They're identical twins."
Answered Antanas

"Have you thought about moving somewhere safer?"
Asked Elena

At this point, Antanas got up off the table, and shouted,

"Enough with the questions already! I don't have time for this."

He was about to walk out the door, when Elena went up behind him and said,

"You should at least say 'goodbye' this time."

He stood still for a moment, contemplating his next move.

He then got back into his car and drove away.
Elena took one last look at him.
She knew that this very well could be the last time she ever saw him.

***

Mariya had left the hospital shortly, to update her mother on what was happening with Maya.

She told Rayna that she should go home, and try to get some sleep.

Rayna didn't want to leave the hospital, and had no way of getting home anyway.

Mariya insisted, and called her a cab.

Rayna felt guilty for going home, but was going to return to the hospital first thing in the morning.

She was asked to gather some clothing for her parents and Maya.

She took a long hot shower, trying to clear her head for a moment, but it was no use.

She dried off, and wrapped the large white towel around her slender body.

She stepped into her room, and into her closet.

She pulled out a pair of black denim jeans and a long sleeved top that was white with red sleeves.
It had red roses on it, and on top was

"I'm like a rose."

written in black.

She placed her clothing on her bed, and got out her hair dryer, and began drying her hair.

Once finished, she fell sleep on the sofa in the living room.

A few hours later, she awoke to the sound of the telephone ringing.

It was Mariya saying,

"Maya has fallen into a coma."

(To Be Continued)