Chapter 19: Dom

"Hey, you're quiet. Everything okay?" G asks, twisting to look back at me.

Is everything okay? No, everything is not okay. I think I have fucked up and there is no way back. Danil had been so adamant that he wasn't cheating that I started to believe him. I wanted us to talk. To try and figure out what was going on, but I had lost his trust. There was no coming back from that. Why had I listened to Rory?

"Just got a lot on my mind," I reply. "Anyway, why are you here?"

Frank had come up to the apartment to collect me on his own, and from the way he looked at Danil and then me he wasn't believing the story Danil told him. But, I also know he's not going to pry into his sons life. Frank didn't say anything to me on the way to the car, but he was like that, so when I saw G in the car, already in the backseat, I was surprised.

"When Feliks called me and said that Danil couldn't look after you anymore, I called out at work."

"You didn't need to do that. Frank is more than capable of getting me back to your place," I say over to him, hating the fact that he is losing out on being in the restaurant because of me.

I give Frank instructions on how to position the chair so I can get myself over to the passenger seat, but just like Danil, he picks me up and carefully places me inside. Its weird. He almost feels like Danil, but then, being his father I guess he would.

"Yes, I did. Now have you spoken to Momma and Papa to tell them you're moving?" G asks, giving my shoulder a squeeze.

Shit. Momma and Papa, I hadn't even thought about them. They had agreed about me staying with Danil because they didn't know he was gay or about our relationship. They're not going to be happy that I am now staying with G.

"No. They aren't going to be happy, but I might not be staying with you for long anyway," I explain to them.

"How come?" Frank asks, turning to look over to me before starting the engine and slowly pulling out.

"I've gotten some feeling back into my legs," I say, causing Frank to slam on the brakes, and then I can feel G grabbing the back of my seat to steady himself. "Frank, I was in a pretty nasty car accident recently. Do you mind?" I remind him.

"You have feeling back in your legs, and you didn't tell us?" Frank states, looking over to me and he looks annoyed. Frank's normally scary as hell, but an annoyed Frank is something else completely.

"Sorry, it only happened yesterday! I didn't want to say anything until I was sure that it was something." And thankfully Frank seems to calm down at my words. "I was actually at the hospital most of the day today."

"Well, that explains why you look so exhausted and why you're quiet," G says over to me.

"Yeah," is the only thing that I can respond with, because the exhaustion was linked to the hospital, but it's more than that now. I've potentially thrown away the one good thing in my life. Thrown away the one person, after Alessia, who knew me. All of me. Now, I have no idea what to do.

"So, what did the hospital say?" G asks.

"They sent me for a string of tests and then the physio worked me over. Got me doing a whole load of exercises. Its like I have to train my legs to understand the messages from my brain."

"But they're sure you will walk again."

"In time, yes. I will probably need walking aids for quite a while, but now they believe that I am going to make a complete recovery, without any lasting effects."

"Oh, that is wonderful. We need to celebrate. Get all the family over."

"G please no, not at the moment," I ask him, because the last thing that I want at the moment is to see family, even if I know that he is just talking about our brother, cousins, and their partners.

"But this is something to celebrate, and we need something after Alessia," G replies.

"Please, I haven't got the energy at the moment," I plead.

"Matt's covering for me tonight, so I was actually thinking we could have it in a few days," G replies.

"That was nice of Matt." I start thinking that I can change the subject. "It's good the two of you are getting along."

"We are. Still gonna take time but…" G starts, and I knew where the but was going. I know that now that Alessia isn't here we will need to support each other more.

"We need each other," I answer for him.

"Yeah," comes G's solemn reply. "We haven't had time to clean the apartment out, so when we get there its gonna take us a few minutes to organize a room for you."

"I'm sorry that I'm causing you issues," I say to them, because I hate the fact that I'm putting them through this. This was never supposed to be the plan. I was going to stay with Danil, I was going to walk again, and then our relationship was going to be revealed. Now that has all changed.

Danil asked for us to stay away from each other for a while, but how long is a while? Days, weeks, months? I have no idea, but I also have no idea how we're going to do that, especially with G and Frank getting married in what, five months now?

"Dom, you are not causing us issues. Please don't ever think that. We would have had you from the start," G says. "And we're only talking about moving a table in the living room."

"Do you know if your doors are wide enough for my chair?"

"Feliks?" G asks, and there is a note of hesitancy in his voice, which makes me think that they hadn't thought of that.

"Yes, they are. When we were told that you were being released, I checked them. They are a little tight, and it might be easier for us to push you through, but you can get in," Frank tells us.

"Sounds like it will be fine then," G tells me, and I feel him giving my shoulder a squeeze again. I think that's his way of reassuring me at the moment.

We arrive at G and Franks apartment, and it feels like I'm invading their space. There are signs of their relationship everywhere I look. Now it feels like I'm invading their life. It didn't feel like this at Danil's. It almost felt like it was our place. Maybe I need to look into going to a residential facility until I can walk up steps or stairs and then I can go home. Go to my parents. Lick my Danil shaped wounds, and figure out where I go from here.

"Do you want to lie down or have some food?" G asks, as he pushes me further into the living room.

"I'm not really hungry." Because, to be honest, my stomach has been in knots since Danil walked into his place.

"Okay," G replies. "Give me one minute to make sure the bed is made."

"I did it earlier," Frank tells us, and G pushes me into their spare bedroom. Frank was right. My chair was a tight fit, but I got in.

"Do you need anything from your bag?" asks G, pulling back the bed sheets, and I'm settled on the bed.

"No. I think I'm just going to sleep in what I have on. Don't have the energy to change." Now that I'm on the bed, I can feel my exhaustion growing.

"Okay, we will just be on the other side of the door if you need us," G replies.

"Thanks G," I say, while stifling a yawn.

"Get some sleep."

G walks out of the bedroom, closing the door behind him, and I am finally alone. Shifting back on the bed, I go to pick up my legs when they shift up a little on their own. More developments. More milestones I should be celebrating with Danil. That's the moment it hits me fully. Danil and I are done. I grab a pillow from beside me, place it over my face so G and Frank don't hear me, and let the tears flow. I let my heart finally break into a thousand pieces. The pain is worse than being hit by a truck.

At some point I must have cried myself to sleep, but I have no idea how long I've been out. Considering the way my bladder is screaming at me to be relieved, I'm guessing at least a few hours. I'm about to call out to see if my brother is close when I hear his voice.

"Feliks, is Dom okay? He looked awful yesterday."

Yesterday. That means I must have been sleeping for at least ten hours.

"Gio," Frank starts. "He's been through a lot, but only he can answer that question. We all need to give him time."

"It's just that, I've already lost a sister," G replies.

"You aren't losing him," Feliks replies. "Like I said, just give him time."

The need to use the bathroom takes over and I get myself into my chair before calling out to G, who comes rushing in.

"You okay?" G's words rush out.

"Yeah, but I need the bathroom."

"Shit, I never even thought I should have woken you sooner, but I felt that you needed your sleep, and you do look better than you did yesterday."

"I needed the sleep," I say. "I feel better." I don't, but G doesn't understand that its a heartache making me feel down. "But G, bathroom, please."

"Sorry." And G pushes me out of my room and into the bathroom. "Call me when youre done and I will come get you."

When I'm all done in the bathroom, I'm about to shout out for Gio to come and get me when I realize that I need to grow my independence. I had relied on Danil, and I wasn't going to do the same with G. That wasn't going to help me or my recovery. So instead, I wheeled myself carefully into the living room.

"I thought you were going to call me?" G admonishes me when he sees me come into the room.

"And I need to get used to moving around the apartment on my own. You aren't going to be here much," I tell him.

"Actually, Feliks and I were just discussing that," G states. "I would need to discuss it with Matt and maybe even Lorenzo and Marco, but I am thinking we need a schedule where someone is here."

"You want to set up a babysitting ring?" I ask, not really sure how I feel about that.

"Not a babysitting ring. Just people to keep you company. We can ask Danil too if you like. You two are becoming good friends. Frank said he looked really upset that his work got in the way."

It feels like a knife has been rammed in my heart and twisted. Pain radiating out from it at hearing G's words, good friends, if he only knew the half of it. But now I have to think of something to make sure they don't invite Danil into the babysitting syndicate.

"I took up a lot of Danil's time. I'm sure he has work to catch up on. Let's leave him out of this," I say, and G seems to accept my answer.

"So youre okay with me organizing the others?"

"G, even if I said no, you would still do it. But please, only for a few hours a day, and if I'm exhausted from the hospital visits, just let me sleep. I will be fine."

"That's fair," G replies, giving me a smile. "Now, let me get you some breakfast."

"Dom," Hearing Frank call my name, I look over to him. "While G is getting breakfast going, I wanted to talk to you about the investigation into the accident."

"Oh?"

"Have the police told you anything?" Frank asks.

"I haven't really heard from them. I keep meaning to call them, but after an initial visit where I wasn't much help at all, it's gone quiet," I explain.

"They haven't given you any updates?" Frank asks, sounding surprised.

"None," I confirm.

"That's not right. It's been over a month since the accident. Did you give them your contact details?" Frank demands, and I can see that he's starting to get worked up.

"Of course, I did, I think." Because suddenly I can't remember.

"Well, they must have been in contact with your parents. What have they said?"

"I haven't actually heard much from them, either. Since I was released, anyway." I had seen them a couple times early on, but they never stayed long. Even though they fought for me to stay with them while I recovered, that was when I was laid up in bed. The reality of seeing me in the wheelchair was too much for them.

"We need to find out what is going on, don't you think?" Frank asks. "Did they give you a card? They should have."

"Yeah, I think I put it in my wallet. Hoping Danil put it in my bag," Dom says.

"Here," G states, passing me my bag. "We left it out here, and I didn't want to disturb you by taking it into the bedroom while you were sleeping."

Opening the bag, I see my toy, nestled there on the top. Did Danil leave it there on purpose, to torment me? It doesnt, it just causes memories to flood back, of me and Danil using it. Happy memories. In bed, we had been amazing. I don't understand how everything fell apart so quickly. For three months we were great. In the space of a week, it was all over. I manage to catch a sob before it escapes my mouth, and I dig deeper into my bag, finding the wallet.

"Got it," I say, passing Frank the card.

"Do you mind if I call? I don't think they will actually give me any information, but I can ask."

"Go ahead," I reply.

I hadn't really thought about the investigation. I had been too obsessed with Danil and my own recovery, and so, I forgot about helping with the search for my sisters killer, and the person who could have potentially put me in this chair for the rest of my life.

"Yes, hello," Frank says, and when I look over to him, he has his cell to his ear. "I'm calling on behalf of my brother-in-law, Domenico Romano. Do you have any updates on the investigation?" Frank goes silent for a moment before he gives the address of the apartment, thanks them and hangs up.

"Well?" G demands, coming back into the room carrying a tray with cups on it. "I could hear you," he explains, when I give him a quizzical look. "If you are standing near the kitchen, you can hear everything."

"Looks like they've been trying to get a hold of you, and no, you didn't give them your details. Ernesto and Celeste haven't been very helpful, apparently. They told the police not to disturb you until you were stronger.

"Well, I can see their point there," G says, and both Frank and I look over at him. "What?"

"You know that you just agreed with something that Momma said?" I tell him, letting the smile spread across my face.

G opens his mouth to disagree with me, but I can see him thinking back over his words. "Oh shit, you're right. I feel kinda dirty." And the three of us burst out laughing.

"Anyway," Frank states when we have finished laughing. "The police want to come over to talk to you. As I thought, they said they couldn't discuss anything with me."

"Hopefully, it means they have a lead, or at least something they need to talk to you about," G adds.

"Look, they're on the way over, so let's get breakfast done," Frank adds.

"Will you guys stay with me?" I ask, because I don't think I could face the detectives on my own. I need moral support.

"Yes of course, if we're allowed," G replies, and knowing that they would stay makes me feel a lot better.

We have just finished breakfast, and G has cleared away the dishes when the security phone in the apartment rings. Frank goes over and picks up the handset, says hello and then pushes the button for the building.

"They're here. On the way up," Frank states. A few minutes later there is a knock on the door, and Frank lets them in.

"Good morning, we're just in the living room," Frank says, and I can hear him closing the door.

"Thanks," I hear one of them say.

I had considered moving over to the couch, but decided to stay in my chair and let the detectives sit on the couch. Frank brought over some chairs for him and G, so that when the detectives sit down, we surround them in a semi- circle.

"Is it okay for my brother and his fiancé to stay with me?" I ask.

"Yes, that'sfine."

"Detective, have there been any developments in the case?" Frank asks.

"We're not sure. It took us quite a bit of time to question the witnesses, and as a result, we've had to look at the traffic cams from that day," one of the detectives states.

"And?" I ask, trying to stay patient.

"We were able to track some of the movements of the truck. Unfortunately, we don't have a clear view of the driver, and when we do, after the accident, it looks like he's wearing something covering his face."

"Were you able to trace the plates?" Frank asks, and I'm glad he's here. I am so lost in the detectives' words, that I never thought about asking follow up questions.

"Well, that's why we've wanted to talk to you. Do you know anyone by the name of Rory Connor?"

"Rory?" I repeat, wondering if I had heard the name right.

"Yes, you recognize the name?"

"Yeah. Rory is the best friend of a friend of mine," I explain to them.

"Actually, it's the friend of my son," Frank adds.

"Did you see him on the day of the accident?"

I'm beginning to wonder why the detectives are asking questions about Rory. Surely, they don't think he can be involved.

"Actually yeah," I start, and wonder how I'm going to explain why I was also meeting Danil without it sounding strange. "I had arranged to meet Danil with Alessia, and Danil brought Rory with him and some other friends."

"And the reason for the meeting?"

"Well, me and Alessia decided to meet up with Danil to get to know him better, since his dad and my brother are getting married." This wasn't a complete lie, its just that we were also using it to tell Alessia about mine and Danil's relationship.

"And Rory was there right up until you left?" the detective asks, looking over to me.

"Sorry, but why all the questions about Rory?" I ask over to them.

"Can you answer the question?" Is the only reply I get.

"Umm, my memory is a little foggy from just before the accident, but I think he was still in the bar when we left," I say to them.

"So, he didn't leave with you?"

"No," I confirm. "Detectives, please, what does Rory have to do with the accident?"

"The truck that was involved in the accident was registered to Rory," the first detective states, and I feel like something clicks into place, but I have no idea what.