Page 74 of The Godfather’s Christmas Twins
“We don’t want to go yet,” Daniella adds.
"I'm sure Max is looking to have peace and quiet in his home again.”
They look at Max, and I see hurt in their eyes that they think Max is why they have to leave.
“I thought you liked us here,” Daniella says.
“Did we do something wrong?” Dario asks.
Max clears his throat. "I do like you here, and no, Dario, you did nothing wrong.”
This is it. This is the moment Max puts all this right. Where he grabs hold to the kids, even if he doesn’t want me.
“But your Uncle Nic is right. You need to get back to your regular life."
My heart drops, an indication that once again, I’d hoped Max would step up and say he wants us. I bite my lower lip to keep from crying as I turn to see the kids outside, carefree, laughing. I want to punch Max for turning his back on them.
The twins turn to me, their eyes pleading. "Mom, can't we stay? Please?"
I wonder how long before they discover I have so little agency in my life. I can’t stay because the men in charge say I can’t.
"We need to go home," I manage. "Let’s go start picking up your clothes and toys, okay?"
They turn to Max. “Why can’t we stay?” Dario asks.
Max looks at me like he wants me to help, but hell no. I’m not going to be a part of his abandoning them.
“You can come back any time,” Max says.
“Max and I have some business to discuss,” Nic says to me. It’s his way of telling me to deal with the kids.
“We can go talk in my office.” Max extends a hand down toward his office. Nic leads the way, and Max follows without a look back. Coward. Even now, with the truth laid bare between us, he chooses distance. Safety. The perfect image he's cultivated all these years.
The betrayal cuts deep, not just for me but for our children who don't even know what they're losing. I turn away, unable to watch Max walk away from us again.
"Come on, sweethearts. Let's get your favorite things packed first.” I gently nudge them in the opposite direction, away from Max, down to their room.
Dario drags his feet, while Daniella keeps looking back over her shoulder, probably hoping Max will change his mind.
“Why don’t you go to the playroom and gather up a few toys you want to bring home?” I figure Max has no use for them so he won’t mind us taking them.
“Why do we have to go?” Dario asks.
“Because it’s time. It’s like when you go to your friend’s house. You stay, have fun, but then you have to go home.” I give him a smile, wishing I could erase his disappointment and pain. “Hey, I know, when we get home, we can invite Joshua over,” I say about Dario’s best friend in kindergarten. “And Daniella, we can have Keely over. Won’t that be fun?” I fill my voice with enthusiasm.
They shrug. “I guess,” Dario says. The two drag themselves to the playroom. I go into their bedroom and pull out the suitcases we arrived with. I fold their clothes mechanically, creating neat piles while the kids sulk on their beds.
“I can help, Mrs. Cantore,” Maria says, entering the bedroom.
“Thank you, Maria. I appreciate it.”
“Of course. I have to say, I’ll miss you all. The house has been filled with such lovely energy with you and the kids. It’s been good for Mr. Giraldi.”
Not good enough, I think but don’t say. “If you wouldn’t mind packing their clothes, I’ll go help them with the toys.”
“Of course. And anything that doesn’t fit in your bag, I’ll have it shipped to you. Don’t you worry.”
I leave Maria to pack and find the kids in the playroom.