Chapter Fifteen
Nicholas took Axel to his uncle's house and dropped him off,"God bless you, son. I promise to leave Hazel in peace and go back to Italy. To my Fiona. Live your life with your mum," he said, before driving away. Nicholas had only one pending work to do. To ask for Hazel's forgiveness.
Hazel had gained consciousness an hour back and after being comforted by Allen that everything was alright, she went into fitful sleep.
Allen and his brothers came home to freshen up and then Allen would return to Hazel's side.
Suddenly Hazel's eyes opened at some movement in the room. She froze with fear at the sight of Nicholas standing in her hospital room. She simply stared at him dumbfounded, unable to utter a single word. Fear gripped her and she panicked.
Nicholas came towards her and sat down beside her. "I'm sorry Hazel, for everything that I've done to you," he said and Hazel simply stared at him.
"I'm leaving the mafia world forever and going back to Italy to my wife," he said, deep in thought.
Hazel couldn't believe her ears. Was he seriously letting her go? She still couldn't say a single word to him.
Nicholas got up from the chair. "Have a good life Hazel and thank your son Axel for showing me the right way," he said and then walked out abruptly the same way that he had come in.
Her son Axel? When did Nicholas meet Axel? She lay there quietly, confused as ever and waited for Allen's return.
She might have gone to sleep because when she woke up, it was morning and a fresh and happy looking Allen was sitting beside her, holding her hand.
"Good morning, wifey. How are you feeling?" He asked softly.
"I'm feeling better. Can we go home?" She asked him with a smile. She didn't wish to talk to him about Nicholas yet and spoil his mood.
"Yes, we will. First have your breakfast. I'll go and check out the formalities downstairs at the reception," he said, with a heart stopping grin.
Hazel had breakfast and an attendant got her freshened up and ready. Allen came and escorted her to his car. They drove off at last towards their home, to lead a happy life.
The whole family was gathered at Allen's house to welcome her back. Allen had called her grandma and her uncle Grant's family too.
They all hugged her and talked for some time, allowing her to settle down. Then they left. Joanne had arranged for a housekeeper, Maggie to help with the cooking for the family. She was a middle-aged lady with a jovial personality. Axel wasn't happy but he didn't protest since his mum needed the rest.
When everyone left and Allen went to sign a few important documents at his office, Axel came into Hazel's room.
"Sit beside me, Axel, " said Hazel seeing him standing at the edge of the bed, looking at her.
He sat down and Hazel lovingly brushed his hair with her fingers. "How have you been?" She asked softly.
"Mum, your spoiling my hairstyle," he said, moving his head away. "Well I've been ok, I guess. How could I be better with you gone?" He said in a duh tone.
Hazel smiled when he called her mum. She loved to hear it. "Did you meet Nicholas, Axel?" She asked him.
He stared at her and then whispered, "How did you know?"
"Nicholas came to see me last night at the hospital. He asked for my forgiveness. He said he was leaving everything and going back to Italy to his wife. He said that I should thank you for guiding him on the right path," she told him and Axel's eyes widened.
"Mum, please don't tell dad. He will panic. Nicholas abducted me yesterday night. I was coming to meet you at the hospital. He took me to a cabin far away. We talked a lot. He had a little son who was killed by his rivals. That's why his wife left him. She wanted him to leave the mafia world. You resembled his wife, he said. I suggested to him that he should leave everything and go back to his wife," said a proud Axel.
"But it could have been dangerous. He could have killed you Axel," Hazel said with concern.
"He didn't. Anyways it's all over now and I will never do any such thing again. Promise," said Axel.
"But I have to tell your dad. Maybe not today, after a few days. But he should know, " she said, sternly.
"Ok, I guess," he said, shrugging his shoulders.
"Ok now kiss me and go for soccer practice, " said Hazel with a smile.
Axel blushed. "Mom I'm grown up," he protested shyly.
"Even grown up kids can kiss their moms," said Hazel and Axel planted a quick peck on her cheek and rushed out.
Hazel smiled and lay down waiting for Allen to return home. She might have dozed off. All those sleepless days and nights had taken a toll upon her. Now that she was in the safety of her home with no danger hovering over her head, she felt extremely sleepy.
It was Saturday and she knew Allen would come home early. However when she woke up, it was already past noon. Her head felt dizzy so she buzzed for assistance. Maggie came rushing in. She helped Hazel to the en-suite. She gave her a sponge bath and helped change her clothes.
She had to be careful and refrain from doing any activities involving her left wrist as it could rupture her healing blood vessels. Maggie took her downstairs from Allen's bedroom where she was sleeping. Allen had shifted all her stuff to his bedroom while she was at the hospital.
She sat and chatted with Maggie as she waited for Allen and Axel.
After twenty minutes, both walked in together. Allen had picked up Axel on his way back from office. Seeing her, Allen smiled and came forward and kissed her on the forehead. She blushed to see Axel's eyes go round. But he too came forward and kissed his mum's cheek and Allen's eyes went round with disbelief. Axel simply smirked like his dad did and went upstairs for a shower.
"I'll freshen up and be down in a minute. Ask Maggie to lay the table," Allen said, rushing upstairs.
The table was laid and they all enjoyed a hearty family meal after a long time.
Axel looked at his parents, "Dad I'm going to Edwin's house to complete the science project, " he said and Allen nodded. He rushed upstairs to get his books and rushed out after waving at his mum.
"Maggie you can come back in the evening to make dinner," he said and Maggie nodded. She cleaned up everything and then left.
Allen picked up his wife in his arms, bridal style and carried her upstairs.
