Tricks or Treats: An Anthology for Charity

by Tiffany Carby

  Seven months later, on Halloween night, I gave birth to a beautiful boy. I had just celebrated my nineteenth birthday. Marcello arrived a few days before his due date. I had to do all I could to ensure that my secret never got out. Even when the boys showed up at the hospital to see the new member of the family. Dante arrived but remained distant. They all surrounded baby Marcello, congratulating my Father on becoming a first time Grandfather. My parents were happy for me, but I knew deep down revenge was sought. The man who knocked up the Mafia princess was nowhere to be found. Deep down I suspected my Father knew I was lying. Knowing my Father, I knew that he was doing all he could to figure out who the father was of my bundle of joy.

  Five Years Later

  Marcello was turning five today. My little boy looked more and more like his father. I was able to keep my secret safe this long. I knew that, eventually, it would have to be revealed. Still nervous of what the repercussion would be of telling my Father the truth, I remained quiet. Today was Marcello’s day. We had a huge celebration for him. Dante made an appearance with his wife, Maria. A surge of jealousy moved through me. I wanted to reach out and scream. The nerve of him showing up here with that woman. Stepping away from the party, I cried. Remaining strong for my son was my main focus. The longer the secret continued the more exhausted I became. My sexual rendezvous with Dante was a big mistake. Not only was I hiding the truth from my Father, but my Mother was best friends with Maria. Exhaustion took its toll on me.

  There was so many nights I wanted to tell my son who is father was. Growing up, he knew the boys as his uncles. Laying there I would often think, Marcello if you only knew of your father. I hope he knew that Dante loved him in his own way. The times he was at the house he would play and joke around with the boy.

  I remember the night that my Mother received the call. Her cries were pure heartache. She had just been told that her best friend, Maria, had passed away. I heard her talking to Dante and asking if he was okay. A part of me hurt for him, while another part of me was so overjoyed. The man just lost his wife and the whole time I was celebrating inside. Finally, my son would have a chance to know his father. It was then that I made the decision to go to my Father. There was nothing that would get in the way of my son’s happiness. The family always knew that I was a bit on the selfish side and this went to show it. All who knew me were aware that I always get my way. A selfish princess, I am!

  It wasn’t until a few days after Maria’s funeral that I requested to speak with my Father. Since I always needed money this was nothing unusual. “Father, I need to speak with you about something. I have kept it for a secret for many years. It’s not fair to all involved. In fact, it’s emotionally draining.” He sat down at his desk, looking at me with a blank stare. “Yes, my Dear what is it that you need to speak with me about? I can’t imagine you having any secrets.” A smirk on his face told me that he knew I had a bunch of secrets. Honestly, I was your typical bad girl that never faced any consequences for my actions. Father always helped me out when in a pinch. Sitting down across from him, I took a deep breath. “I want to come to you about Marcello. I know I told you and Mother that I didn’t know who fathered him. Well that was a lie. I promised the man I wouldn’t say anything because of whom he is.” Feeling defeated I just shrugged my shoulders. “Raine, you need to come forth with this information. I am not going to tolerate any of your fucking bullshit. You have kept something very important from your Mother and I. Now who is Marcello’s father?” He was short and curt with me. I knew that if I stalled any longer that I would meet the back of his hand. My Father was a loving man, but would not allow his children to lie and bullshit him. Still stalling, I looked at him and just blurted it out. “It’s Dante! Dante and I had a relationship years ago. He knocked me up and told me that I needed to keep it a secret or I would be dealt with. I always figured it was because he didn’t want it getting back to his wife and, of course, you.” The tears started to fall. I was hoping that my Father would show me mercy. “Raine, I hope what you just revealed to me is a lie. If it isn’t there is going to be a fuck load of shit going down. You mean to tell me that you let Dante touch you? Not only did he touch you, but he knocked you up. Your Mother was his wife’s best friend. Think how this news is going to affect her. You truly are one selfish little bitch.” Shaking his head, my Father leaned back in his chair sniggering. The tears were uncontrollable at this point. What had I done? Dante is going to pay the ultimate price for my betrayal. I needed to fix this. I was his only hope. “Father, please understand that I was selfish at the time. I fell in love with an older man. He showed me a little attention and I devoured it. I was young and Dante was a stunning man. I still love him to this day. In fact, I’m madly in love with him. So, I ask you to please spare him? Please Father, I beg of you. I will do anything.” Listening closely to what she had to say, watching her body language. “Raine, first off yes I would agree that you were selfish. I never knew you stopped being selfish. Marcello has been a wonderful thing for you. I do see how much you love and adore that little boy. I, also, know that you love Dante. But….you cannot ever have a relationship with him. It’s just not something that will be allowed to happen. I hear you pleading with me to spare him. Because you are my daughter and I love you I will do that. But you are going to do something for me. No questions asked, no explanations. You will pack up everything you own and leave this state. You are not permitted back here unless given permission. You are officially blacklisted from the family. As part of your punishment Marcello will stay here with your Mother and I. We will raise him as our own. Do I make myself clear? You have one opportunity and one opportunity only. I will not have you making a fucking joke out of me, your Mother, or this family. As for Dante, he will not know that you spoke with me. You will tell me where you are going in case I need to touch base with you.” By this time, I’m a complete mess. My Father has banned me from the family and most of all he is taking my son away. I’m not permitted to ask questions, so I nod slowly and accept my punishment. Turning to leave his office, he stops me. “As my daughter, you’re a huge disappointment to me. So you are not alone, you are more than welcome to take your sister with you. The rest of the family will just be told that you took off. Now get the fuck out of my sight, you worthless cunt.”

  Out in the hallway, I stopped for a moment to catch my breath. Reality was setting in and for once in my life I felt completely helpless. This what it must feel like to be alone. Getting a grip on myself I ran upstairs to start packing. Stopping in my sister’s room I explained everything to her. Wynter thought I was completely insane for going to Father. The secret was kept this long. She couldn’t figure why I had to reveal it. Maybe deep down I thought I had a chance of having a relationship with Dante. Hoping that Father would approve since Marcello was here. Hey, at least I procreated with an Italian man. People always said that you never wanted to mess with Giovanni Ricci.

  Quietly, we talked all night about where we were going to go. Wynter and I both agreed about heading out West. After making a list of several states and cities, we both decided that Colorado would be the place we needed to be. Secretly, we packed all of our things so that the rest of the family wouldn’t get wind of what was going on. I spent most of the next day with my son. My heart was breaking to think that I would have to leave Marcello behind. Would he ever remember me or forgive me?

  That night I tucked Marcello into bed one last time. I couldn’t let him see the tears that rolled down my cheek. “Marcello, I want you to know that Mommy loves you very much. You are always forever in my heart.” Innocent eyes stared back at me. “Mommy, I love you too.” Snuggling up in his blanket he rolled over, drifting off to sleep. I left a small teddy bear on his dresser for him to find in the morning. The pain I was feeling was gut retching. It hurt so bad that I ran to the bathroom, heaving.

  Time was not on our side. We raced to pack everything up into the car. Thank goodness we left most of it behind, taking
the essentials. Putting the car in drive was a hard decision, but it needed to be done for Dante and Marcello. Father pulled in as we were leaving. Our eyes met as we passed one another in the driveway. I could still tell that he was quite disgusted with me. I left his home, my son, Dante, my life, the family, without saying good-bye nor was there ever an apology.

  Chapter 1

  Thirteen Years Later

  The chill in the Colorado air reminded me that Autumn was approaching. Weather reports were coming in that snow would be arriving early. Skiers enjoyed this time of year. It was just a few weeks before Halloween and the words snow and winter were being thrown around. We always teased my sister about her loving winter since Mother named her after it. I often wondered what my parents were thinking when they named us. The sadness creeped in as it was getting close to my son, Marcello’s birthday. He will be turning eighteen. I haven’t seen or heard from him since that day my Father banished me from the family home, forcing to leave my son. With the help of my sister, we were able to find him on social media. He was a spitting image of Dante, from the black hair, olive skin, to his dark brown eyes. I missed my baby boy. There were photos of Marcello with my parents, other family and even one with Dante. My heart was bleeding from the pain. I’m thankful I have such a wonderful support system.

  A few years ago, I started dating a couple of men. We had what some may call an unconventional relationship, but it worked for us. Bobby and Tim worked together as police officers. I had been dating Bobby, when Tim’s wife filed for divorce. He showed up at Bobby’s house with nowhere to go. He was offered a place to stay. Most nights I stayed with Bobby, taking on the role of caring for both men. I never felt so safe and loved. They knew about everything that had happened to me and the love was unconditional.

  I could tell something was brewing in the air. Bobby approached me a couple months back about introducing something new into our sex life. I, carefully, listened as I always thought we were exceptional in the bedroom. Bobby was a handsome tall man, with dark brown eyes, bald head, facial hair. He was a dominant man with a dark desire for rough sex. He was a stern man that many feared. Many nights after our sessions of aggressive love making, he would leave me with bruises that I often needed to hide. I knew if they were out in the open that many people wouldn’t understand. My sister was convinced that I was in an abusive relationship. After much assurring, I was able to ease her mind. Then it went from her thinking I was being hurt to being called a sex freak. I knew with all of my heart that she loved me. Bobby was different. I knew he was sadistic and craved my submission. Around the house I was expected to call him Sir.

  I was a bit apprehensive the night Bobby approached me about something new. I remember that night quite clearly. He was so gentle, his smile caused my panties to become drenched. I just wanted our naked bodies to be entwined with one another. His eyes pierced through mine, and a touch sent volts through my spine. Looking up at him I knew he wanted to say something. “Baby, I can tell that you want to say something to me. Please tell me.” With the back of his hand, he gently caressed the side of my face. “Sweetheart, I have been wanting to talk to you about something. I’m just not sure how you will respond. I can tell you’re tense.” Shaking my head from side to side, he interrupted me. “Stop it! You seem to forget that I read body language for a living. I can tell you’re anxious. Let me talk. Then we can go from there about how you feel.” Nodding my head, I let him continue. “Listen, I wouldn’t normally agree to this, but I’m to a point in our relationship where I feel comfortable and most importantly I trust you. I wouldn’t mind sharing you with someone. This someone is a person that I trust with my life. We were talking at work and the subject was brought up.” Raising my hand I stopped him. I knew that other person had to of been Tim. Those guys were the best of friends. I assumed after working the same shift for years that they would develop a trusting friendship. Something told me that this was going to involve me. “Bobby, how come I feel like this is going to involve an act I may not really be comfortable with doing?” He flashed that panty drenching smile at me. He took my face into his hands, piercing me with those eyes. “Kitten, you like making Daddy happy? I would never ask anything of you that I didn’t think you would enjoy. Am I correct?” Lost into those eyes, the breath was taken from me. I nodded. “Now as I was saying, how would you feel like being taken by two men? You would be worshipped, satisfied, loved, devoured, and treated like the princess you are.” Once I caught my breath I was able to rapidly respond. “Let me get this straight, you’re basically asking me if I want to have a threesome with you, another man and myself? Oh and that other man wouldn’t happen to be Tim?” That darn smile flashed me again. He didn’t even need to say anything for I knew the answer. I just sat on the bed, trying to avoid eye contact with him. I knew of his strong presence, that he was going to want an answer. I couldn’t think of anything else right now. That smile had me so wet that I just wanted to feel him emerged between my legs.

  I never had feelings like this for anyone since Dante. There was something special about Bobby. Who knows? Maybe it was the dominant personality that both men portrayed. I was always drawn to austere type men. The difference between Dante and Bobby was that with Dante it was nothing for him to land a backhand across my face. For the longest time I assumed that all men acted this way. Bobby treated me like a princess. He had a way of providing proper aftercare to me. Even when we were not having sessions and we argued he usually walked away. Not once had he ever used his size to intimidate me.

  “I swear Bobby you really are making this awkward for me. I’m not totally against it, but wouldn’t it cause problems in our relationship?” Shaking his head with such confidence. “Kitten, it’s going to be okay. This is not something we would do all the time. I just thought you might be craving a little variety. You do know that I am aware of how you feel about Tim? I see the way you look at him or even the way you both converse. There’s an attraction there. Plus, he thinks the world of you.” Sighing with defeat. I shrug my shoulders. “Bobby, Bobby, Bobby, Bobby. Yes, I do think Tim is a really great guy. He is so different from you; his sweet, awkward personality. I’ve even wondered how he can be a police officer. Tim the big ol’ teddy bear. If I even agree to any of this, he needs to know that I belong to you.”

  “Relax. Don’t you think I’ve already spoken to him?” He always had a way of calming me down. I just smile at him, standing up, throwing my arms around his neck. “You know that I trust you with all that I have and all that I am. This might actually be interesting, considering you and Tim have completely different personalities.” Landing a kiss across my lips he stopped long enough to chuckle. “Oh baby this is going to be beautiful.” There’s that smile again. He must stop teasing me like that. I’m tingling in all sorts of places.

  Chapter 2

  A few years have passed since that night Bobby approached me about Tim. We have been enjoying our time together. What was supposed to be a random thing turned more permanent. Not only was I referring to Bobby as my boyfriend, but Tim, apparently, referred to me as his girlfriend. It was a bizarre situation, but it worked for us. There was times that the guys didn’t work the same shift. I had plenty of one on one time with both of them.

  ●

  Settling in for the evening, the three of us decided to watch a movie and grab a pizza. The opening credits began as my phone started buzzing. Seeing that it was my sister, Wynter, I decided she could wait until after the movie was over. She would either wait for me to call her back or send a text message. She hung up and the buzzing began again. She wouldn’t stop until I answered the phone. “What in the world is so important that you need to be so persistent?” I could tell that she had been sobbing. “Raine, I don’t know how to say this.” By this time she was crying so loud that I could hardly understand what she was saying. “You need to slow down because I can’t understand you, Wynter.” Her cries turned into sobs. “Raine, Mother called
a little bit ago. She wanted to tell me that Father passed away.” That very moment, my world stopped spinning. I could only make out ‘Father passed away.’ It felt like someone just punched me as hard as they could in my stomach. I didn’t even tell my sister good-bye. I hung up the phone and turned to Bobby and Tim. They could see the horror in my eyes, knowing something was wrong. All I could say to them between crying and catching my breath, “my Father passed away.” Sitting me on the couch they sat there, holding on to let me know that I wasn’t alone. “I never got to say good-bye or even apologize. My heart is hurting so bad right now. The emotional pain is worse than anything you could imagine. Why? Why is this happening? I knew this day would always come, but never prepared myself for this exact moment. Bobby held me close. Tim braced himself on his knees, “Honey, I wish we could take your pain away. Losing a parent or someone you love is never easy. I couldn’t imagine going through the pain you’ve gone through. Just know that Bobby and I will be here for you. We love you more than anything in the world.” I took Tim into my arms and thanked him.

  I wouldn’t know what I would do without these two in my life. A phone call would have to be made and dreading it with a passion. Deep down I knew that I wouldn’t be permitted to return home for the funeral. Banished meant banished. With my Father passing that would mean one thing. Dante was next in line to become boss.

  Morning time approached quickly. The sun shined through our windows. I felt completely exhausted, and it must of been from all of the crying I did the whole night. The guys were so patient with me. Taking turns holding me, allowing me to grieve. Their touch is what I needed the most. Someone to tell me that it was going to be okay. Knowing that I had to call Dante, the anxiety was flowing over. Was I prepared to handle it if he said ‘no?’ I was normally a strong person, but this had taken a toll on me. I sailed through a variety of emotions. It started with shock, moving to loss, back to shock, sadness, anger, more sadness. The one emotion that I felt that might have been considered a little sick was happiness. The very man that’s laying on a cold slab had banished me from my family, took away my life as I knew it, and most importantly made me abandon my son. It was nice to see karma pay him a visit. Just when I thought that I was done crying more tears would appear. I needed to get a hold of myself.