Raging Love Ch. 10

Antonio was getting really emotional as he talked. Tears had started forming in his eyes and his pain was getting too much.

"Actually, I... I am leaving. I have decided to go away." He cried softly, not bothering to rub his tears. "But I cannot leave without seeing you, talking to you and thanking you for what you've done for me although I didn't deserve any of it. I was like the violent waves but... you've calmed me down. Right now I am going away from everyone that I love, my family, my business, my career and the boy that I love so much. I am going away from my son and... and I don't even know what the future holds for me.

Please, take care of everyone for me. Keep everyone under your grace. It's so difficult for me to take this path, away from the love of my life and my son. But I have to do this. Give him all the happiness he deserves and help me find mine. I will never go away from you again. Give me the strength to forget about my past and start afresh. I don't know where this journey will lead me but I need your guidance."

He put his hands together and closed his eyes, praying in his heart. Tears were rolling down his cheeks and a strong wind blew on his face. The wind was warm and he felt really strange sensations take control of his body.

As Antonio was praying, he felt a hand on his shoulder and he slowly opened his eyes. He found the priest dressed in white with his staff, staring at him with a smile. He didn't know why but that smile gave him hope.

"The almighty has heard your prayers, my son." The priest said in a deep voice. "And he never left you. He was always with you, guiding your every path and protecting you. You're welcome here."

Antonio got up with a lot of difficult, groaning in pain.

"The almighty has welcomed you with open arms and you don't have to worry. He will protect you through your journey and guide your path again. You'll soon find true happiness and you'll forget about your past."

Antonio nodded slowly, more tears running down his face. "I never thought a time would come when I'd be faced with this decision." He sobbed. "I have always gotten everything I wanted in my life. But the most important thing that I need... I can't have it."

"Your hearts were destined to be together." The priest said with a stern face. "But sometimes, circumstances can change our destinies. Now the almighty has given you both a chance to be happy and choose what you want. If you two are truly destined to be together, you'll eventually end up together. But for now, this is the almighty's will."

Antonio nodded, rubbing his tears. "I don't know much about... about all these religious things but I am begging you to go to my house and cleanse it. Please!"

"You don't have to worry." The priest assured. "The almighty was angry with your family when you treated his devotee so bad. That was why he left your house. But now that he's forgiven you, he is ready to return." He rested his hand on Antonio's head, blessing him. "Go well, my son. May the almighty be with you always!"

Antonio put his hands and bowed with difficult. Then he turned and started walking away. It was really so difficult to leave everything behind and the tears in his eyes showed it all. But he had to leave.

***

"Antonio!" Emilia hollered as soon as she entered the house. She was shouting like a mad woman. "Baby, are you in here? Please, baby... come out. I wanna see your face. I am worried about you. Antonio!"

"Emilia!" Granny Katy came rushing to the living room, looking really worried. "What's going on?"

"Mother?" Emilia rushed to her. "Is Antonio here?"

"What?" Katy frowned. "Antonio, here? No!" She shook her head. "Isn't he at the hospital?"

Emilia was dead. She literally died and she fell to her knees crying. Katy was confused. She looked at the faces of everyone and they all looked lost and worried. She was about to ask what was going on when all of a sudden...

"Ethan, sir." A guard came into the living room and bowed. "Antonio sir has left a letter for you."

"Antonio!" Ethan gasped, rushing to the guard together with everyone else including Emilia. "You saw Antonio? Where's he?"

"I met him near the hospital." The guard said, handing him the letter. "He just told me to bring him some documents and a small suit case."

"What?" Ethan gasped, feeling his heart begin to race. "That means he... he left."

He quickly took the letter and opened it, his hands beginning to tremble as he opened it. He was scared of what he was gonna find in that letter. He knew Antonio very well. He started reading it and everyone's eyes were on that letter.

'Ethan, you'll be worried on receiving this letter.' It read. 'But please, try to understand me. What I am doing is important for me and everyone else. I am leaving, Ethan. I am going far away and you might not see me for a long time.'

Emilia felt her strength leave and her blood pressure instantly went high. She covered her mouth and cried. Celine held her and led to the seat. It was too much to bear and Celine too was confused.

'I need some time to understand everything that took place in my life these past six years. Ethan, don't think I am running away because you know, I am not the one who runs away. But for the first time in my life, I feel as though I don't know myself... or whatever I knew was all wrong.

In order to figure myself out, understand and accept my mistakes, I will have to leave. I know all of you will feel bad but this is what I want to change. From today, I don't want to hurt anybody because of my self-centeredness and my selfishness. I don't want to give anyone any reason to complain. And if anyone asks, tell them I am very happy.

And if Travis asks, tell him that for the first time in my life I am blindly listening to somebody. He will understand the rest. I want him to find happiness as I hunt for mine and hopefully, we might meet in this big world if the almighty wills it. And that time, I hope both of us will be happy with our lives. Tell him to take very good care of my son.

And Ethan, I want you to take care of everyone while I am gone. Be a brother, a son, a grandson, an uncle and an active member of that family. You've earned it. And I want you to manage all my companies with the one person I know can do it very well, Travis, if it's not too much to ask. Goodbye, my brother and take care."

Travis folded the letter and he felt like something had just left him, something really important. He looked at Ethan and the guy was looking like he was about to cry. The guy had brought the letter to him and Travis was really sad on reading it.

"Travis, please, we've got to go and look for him." He pleaded. "He's injured and who knows what might happen to him where he'll go?"

Travis shook his head. "No, Ethan. Antonio doesn't want any of us to do that. He wants..."

"But you don't understand." Ethan chimed in, getting closer. He could feel someone rubbing on his back and he didn't know who. "Antonio is very vulnerable and we shouldn't leave him alone in that situation."

"I think it's for the best. Nothing will happen to him. He needs to be alone and find himself again. When he feels he is ready, he'll return back. Please, don't cry." He smiled sheepishly and squeezed Ethan's shoulder. "Excuse me!"

Travis went upstairs and he could hear Ethan sobbing and Santiago trying to soothe him. He rushed upstairs to his room and locked the door behind him. As soon as he did, tears rolled down his cheeks and he sat on the floor, leaning to the door.

"This is what I wanted." He muttered, clenching his fist and bringing it to his chest. "But why does it hurt so much, Antonio? I never thought you'd leave just like that." He sobbed.

'Antonio, my first and only love.' He cried. 'Why did you go like that? Why, Antonio? But maybe... maybe it's for the best. You need to find happiness and I need to forget you and move on too.

Goodbye, Antonio.'

He closed his eyes and just cried. Deep down, he knew it was gonna be so difficult to forget about him. But it was necessary to do so. After all, he was the one that made that decision.

'Goodbye, Antonio!'

***

6 months later

*

Newspapers and magazines were lying on the table and some were on the table with different headlines.

'Antonio Gonzalez, where has he gone?'

'Will our beloved star ever return?'

'Music is not the same without Antonio Gonzalez.'

There were many newspapers with different headlines, all asking about Antonio. It wasn't only Antonio's family that missed him so much but everyone missed him too. Music was no longer the same. Six months had passed since he had left and no one had heard anything from him. No calls, no texts or emails had been received. His email address had been inactive.

There were stories of him being spotted in hotels, bus stops, airports and parks in so many different countries but they were all dead ends, probably made by obsessed fans. It was really terrible.

And here she was, seated on the couch comfortably with a magazine in her hands, reading an article about her son. Emilia Gonzalez had a smile on her face although she was just moments away from breaking down like she usually did. It was really, really sad but at least now, she was able to smile and pray that everything was fine.

Emilia was dressed in a really beautiful blue dress with red shoes on her feet. Her hair was tied in a bun and she was looking really beautiful and young.

"Mother!" Emilia heard a voice sigh.

She quickly raised her head and found Celine staring at her with a smile on her face. She couldn't help but smile. Celine was looking amazing in a black dress with blue slippers. She had her hair in fishtail crown braid, revealing her beautiful face. She sat together with Emilia, holding her hands sweetly.

"Everything is gonna be okay, mom." She assured, giving her a brilliant smile. "Antonio is the strongest person I know. Once he is ready to call you, he'll call."

"I know." Emilia sighed. "But I am a mother. It is only natural that I am feeling this way. I have tried everything I can just to trace him but he's just like his father, very smart."

"Of course," Celine chuckled happily. "I am not telling you to forget about him, mom. What I am telling you is to just be happy. I am sure that Antonio is happy wherever he is."

Emilia nodded and then pulled Celine into a warm hug. She had no idea what she had done to deserve a daughter like her. And she had thought everything was over when he daughter got arrested and refused to repent. But now, she was alright.

"Granny!"

Emilia felt her heart jump in her chest when she heard the sweet little voice. She quickly withdrew from the hug and before she even had the chance to see, she felt tiny arms wrapping around her neck. The joy that she felt was from out of this world. She was extremely happy.

"My little grandson!" She chuckled as she pulled away from the hug. "You look so beautiful, baby."

She was staring at Sean, feeling like she was in heaven. He was wearing a beautiful black skinny jean with a brown t-shirt and white snickers on his feet. The little boy grew even more handsome every day and he reminded her of her son, Antonio.

"You've got no idea how happy I am that you are here."

"Well, it's not about happiness." A happy voice spoke before footsteps were heard.

It was Vanessa and she was looking absolutely gorgeous in her outfit and that smile on her face was priceless. She wore a pretty fashionable green dress top that was tucked in a wonderful black tight skirt that reached her knees and she had pure white high heels on her feet. Her hair was made in bombshell curls and the makeup on her face was on point.

"Vanessa, what a surprise." Emilia chuckled, getting up with her grandson in her arms. "I was just thinking about calling you. I am glad you've brought my sweet Sean home."

"Well, I didn't bring him. In fact, I came here to pick you up with Steph. The four of us are gonna have a lot of fun, just grandmothers and grandkids."

"What?" Celine gasped, folding her arms on her chest. "What about me? Shouldn't I be with you guys?"

"Shouldn't you be going on dates with your husband?" Vanessa asked, raising her eyebrow. "I think you two should begin working on having baby number two." She gestured and when Celine frowned, the two women laughed. "I think Steph needs a sibling. And I am not getting no for an answer." She said when Emilia tried to speak. "You spend too much time indoors. Just go in, put on something nice and let's go have fun."

Emilia smiled brightly. "Alright. I will be back."

She kissed her grandson and left upstairs.

"Thank you so much, Aunt Vanessa." Celine said with a stern face. "You just came at the right time. I can't bear to see her like that. Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me." Vanessa smiled brightly. "I know exactly how it feels like to lose someone that you love so much. In my case, it was permanent but for her, at least, she knows he's still alive. And you can come with us. You're very welcome."

"No!" Celine shook her head. "I need to meet my husband. He invited me for lunch."

"Oh..." Vanessa chuckled teasingly, taking a seat on the couch. "So I was actually right about the date and the baby making process?"

Celine laughed. "Well..." She shrugged, seating on the arm rest. "...not really. But anyway..."

The two women continued talking happily like good friends. A lot had indeed changed in the last six months. Emilia and Vanessa had become great friends.

***

"Don't worry about anything, Mr. Dave." Santiago assured with a smile on his face. "We'll deliver your goods before the end of tomorrow. They're just under inspection right now."

'Well, since you say it. I have no choice but to believe.' The man said on the other end of the line. 'Thanks a lot for this. You're a life saver, Mr. Santiago.'

Santiago chuckled softly. "I am just doing my best. Thanks and see you tomorrow."

He cut the call and put it on the table, taking a deep sigh. Santiago was wearing a black muscle shirt with a green short and black sandals. He was looking cute with his shaved on the sides and left a bit long on top. In six months, his life had become better and he didn't wish to change anything.

As he was busy smiling for reasons best known to him, he saw Vanessa coming inside together with Sean. They both looked really happy and the little boy ran to him as soon as he saw him. Santiago kissed him, took him in his arms and hugged him tightly.

"I missed you so much, my baby." Santiago moaned.

"I missed you too, Uncle Santiago." Sean said in his cute little voice.

The two just continued hugging and Vanessa just stood and watched the wonderful scene. It was to die for.

"Ahem!" She cleared her voice, bringing them all to reality. "With all this hugging going on, you're making me a bit emotional."

"You can join in if you want, aunt!" Santiago said with a raised eyebrow. "There's still more space."

"Very funny!" Vanessa laughed. "I think I am a bit too old to be hugged by hot hunks like you. You should save that for Travis. And speaking of which..." She frowned. "...has Travis returned?"

Santiago shook his head. "No! I have actually been waiting for him, both of them. It's been over a day since they left for the meeting and they were supposed to be here by now." He glanced at his watch. "I wonder what's keeping them so long."

"Hmmm..." Vanessa moaned, taking the phone from her purse. "...I thought I was gonna find him here. Let me give him a call."

Vanessa dialed Travis' number and called him. It didn't take long before the phone started ringing. And to her surprise, the phone started ringing right behind her. She got confused and quickly turned to find a really amazing surprise.

Travis was standing at the entrance with a smile on his face, holding the phone in his hand. He was looking amazingly beautiful. He was dressed in a beautiful blue designer's shirt that was tucked in a black skinny jean, showing his gorgeous curves to the world. He had white snickers on his feet. His long caramel brown straight hair was made into a slicked back high fashion, revealing his gorgeous face.

He was together with Ethan who was smiling too. He was dressed in a white designer's shirt with a brown tight trouser and black shoes on his feet. His hair was shaggy but stylish. Both of them looked really amazing.

"Looking for me?"

"Daddy!" Sean got out of Santiago's arms and rushed right into his father's arms. "I missed you so much."

"I missed you too, my love."

Travis couldn't describe the feeling when he got his son into his arms. It was really amazing and he felt like holding his son like that for a really long time. He kissed him all over his face, enjoying his wonderful giggles. Then he closed his eyes and just enjoyed the moment.

"Hi, baby!"

When Travis heard those words, he opened his eyes slowly and found Santiago slowly walking towards him with a really sexy smile. When he saw that, he couldn't help but smile. He had no idea why seeing the man smiling gave him so much joy.

"I missed you." Santiago moaned, biting his lips sensually.

"I missed you too."

Santiago rushed to Travis, gave him a really tight hug and a beautiful peck near his lips. Both of them looked at each other lovingly and then smiled. Then Santiago moved away from him and went to Ethan. Right in front of everyone, he locked his lips with him and gave him a hot and explosive kiss that left both of them senseless.

When they eventually broke away, they just caressed each other's cheeks, looking into each other's eyes like they wanted to make crazy love right there. It was such a beautiful moment to see. Travis was happy for the both of them.

"I missed these." Santiago said in a barely audible voice, rubbing his finger on those sweet lips he couldn't wait to taste again. "You left me a bit lonely."

"Well then..." Ethan blushed, biting his lips, seducing the man even more. "...I guess it was what I wanted because the kiss you gave me has made me love more."

Santiago laughed and leaned to Ethan's ears like he was hugging him. "I missed you so crazy that I can't wait to make love to you tonight."

Ethan bit his lip to suppress a moan. Wait, did they even realize that they were not alone?

But anyway, everyone else was really happy with what they saw. If there were people that deserved to be happy, it was Ethan and Santiago. The two guys were a perfect package. They'd been dating for almost three months. The two guys had fallen in love without even realizing it.

From Santiago comforting Ethan when he was missing his friends to the two of them becoming friends, having dates and the rest was history. Their love really inspired Travis a lot. He wished for his love to start like that also, that was if he was gonna be ready to fall in love again. He was now a top notch business man and he was managing a lot of them at the same time. He only had time for his son, his family and his businesses. As long as they were all fine then he was happy.

"They look so sexy, don't they?" Vanessa asked, resting his hand on Travis' shoulder.

Travis smiled, nodding. "Yes, they do a lot."

"Don't worry, my son." Vanessa assured. "Very soon, a new ray of light will enter your life, there will be brightness. I pray to the almighty that he should bless you with success." Travis slowly turned and faced Vanessa, losing the smile on his face. "He should bless you with lots of happiness because you deserve it."

Travis felt tears of mirth form in his eyes. He gripped his mother and brought her into a tight hug.

"May the almighty bless you forever."

"He has blessed me with a mother like you." Travis said softly. "It's more than enough for me."

"You two are too much!" Santiago said, walking towards them. "I have already told you guys, there's no place for tears in this house. Only happiness is allowed."