Honoured with love

Sixteen years of age...

Five months pregnant...

Papa has been generous enough not to force the matter of us telling Celestes family that she is pregnant. It has been a hard road and we are only halfway through her pregnancy. Mama urged Papa to hire me in our family clinic so I can earn money to support my new family with. We ordered a few pieces of furniture for the nursery online to avoid any of the town's gossip. Papa cleared out his home office and repainted the walls a beige colour and plastered a bundle of Dr Seuss quote stickers on top. 

"This one will be the wisest of us all" He proudly said puffing his chest out. 

We're all excited about our new Venturi addition to the family and can't wait to find out the sex. I can't thank the gods enough for their guiding hands in leading my Celeste and child through the path of protection. I just wish my Celeste would ease up a little and enjoy the changes happening to her body. She looks stunning with her bump forming. I smile just thinking about her and imaging what she will look like full term. 

"YOU!" A loud scream fills the clinic. 

I look up to see my beautiful Celeste being dragged by the hand of her mother across the room straight towards me. I stand and walk around the reception desk. 

"Is this your doing?" Her mother yells at me, lifting Celeste's top exposing her tiny bump. 

"Si," I answer. 

I look at Celeste and her eyes are on mine filling with tears shaking her head. 

"What were you thinking?" She said turning Celeste to the side and pointing at the dove tattoo on her hip. 

I sigh with relief. "We have matching tattoos." I lift my top and show her. 

"I don't want you anywhere near my daughter." Her eyes narrow and she pokes me in the chest. "Stay away." She threatens me. 

"Or what?" I ask challenging her.

"I'll go to the police and get a protection order out against you." She huffed.

"I haven't done anything to put your daughter in danger." Anger starts to build in the pit of my stomach. 

know that now will they?" She says with a snarky

keep me away from her?"

dirty little Italian ass I will." She

calls out as she walks

save your confrontations for an appropriate time

that?"  She lifts her

eyes look back with amusement.

She abruptly turns and leaves

My mother's voice is full of

lean into her open arms and hug

this from him, you know it will get back to him and he will be furious

pull back and look up at

crumble for no

if she was well and safe. I messaged her a dozen times and she still hadn't messaged

at me, urging me with her eyes to speak up and to tell papa. I put

waiting for him to look

Gio." He says as he takes a bite from his bun mum had freshly baked

to stay away from Celeste. She threatened me with a protection order." My heart starts to race.

He swore in Italian.

don't know what to do that won't get Celeste into trouble. She is halfway through her pregnancy and she still hasn't

be charged with rape," I say softly

stuck it in her." He scratches the back of his head with frustration.

lay down dead before I let anyone take you away Gio." His eyes bore

home."  He gets up

and she faintly smiles at

This is not our home and we can pack

about my