Guilty Souls

HOW DIFFERENT

CHAPTER 4

Three months later…

At the breakfast table of the Russos, the parents of Dimitri had their usual conversation. Having observed their son's progress both physically and emotionally for the past few months had them conflicted. It was a mixed emotion.

“How’s Dimitri performing in the office?” Mrs. Ellie  Russo asked while she looked at her husband across the table. It was the first time she brought up the subject to her husband. 

Mr. Aaron Russo looked back at her and said, “Well, surprisingly, he is adapting really well. Despite some memory loss, he is coping with the office work assigned to him. He seems more hardworking than he used to be. I have been advising him to slow down.” 

“Si (yes)! Dimitri couldn’t remember a lot of things. However, he was more courteous and responsible now. I guess our son finally grew up. Even his usual activities, like going to bars and parties, were significantly reduced. Tomas was complaining since he always refused his invitations. Do you think he was traumatized by what happened?” She was both happy and anxious at the changes in Dimitri's lifestyle and attitude. 

“The change is for the better. You might be right," Mr. Russo remarked plainly to soothe her worries. Their spoiled only son used to be a party animal and an avid womanizer. Every day he had a new woman in his bed. His change in his routine was a relief for his parents.

 “It is just weird that it happened so suddenly. He seems to be a totally different person,” Mrs. Russo released a deep sigh. She was not complaining, but she was worried if there was more damage than they knew. He might be suffering emotionally that has yet to be addressed by the specialists they consulted.

“Oh, wasn’t it what you were praying for?” Mr. Russo scoffed, intending to tease his wife.

“Of course, instead of the happy-go-lucky guy that he used to be, then turning into a responsible person is every mother’s dream. It was just too sudden after his a*******n,” Mrs. Russo said while she shrugged her shoulders. Dimitri used to worry them a lot. In fact, there were times she questioned herself about what went wrong while he was growing up. To see him now with 180 degrees change was both welcoming and alarming.

Mr. Russo laughed. For him, any change in Dimitri's irresponsible behavior was a welcome change. It also lessened their worries about him. Being their only child, Dimitri had been spoiled since birth. Although he graduated from school and was given a position in their business, he was always out of the office. But since his accident, he was more inclined to know about the business. He was finally contributing to the business.“Just be thankful, he finally changed, and it was for the best.”

Before Mrs. Russo could respond, they spotted Dimitri walking towards them. He had taken his shower after his morning run. He gently kissed Mrs. Russo on her cheek and tapped his Dad’s back lightly.

“Did you ask your doctor for clearance on this workout, son?” Mr. Russo asked concernedly, ”You might be exhausting your heart. Remember you had a heart operation.”

Dimitri nodded, “Yeah, dad. Don’t worry. I didn’t tire myself too much. It was just brisk walking.” Dimitri responded, aware that his parents were concerned about his health. He took some bread slices and sausages for his breakfast.

“Any improvement on your memory, darling?” Mrs. Russo asked. 

They were wondering why he couldn't speak Italian fluently, considering it's his native tongue.

“Still the same, mom!" He replied, "But I’m learning Italian quite faster than I thought I could.” He took up an online course for the Italian language. He was learning fast, perhaps because it was his native language that he seemed to forget due to his temporary amnesia.

“Good, Good! How could you forget your native tongue and you were born in Italy? Filipino is your third language, and you can speak it fluently. How odd?” Mrs. Russo asked confusedly.

“Yeah, that is odd,” Dimitri affirmed. He stared at them with a puzzled expression too. 

“Don’t worry too much about it. What’s best is you are getting better, ” Mrs. Russo said, dismissing her own worries. She didn't want to bother him about those changes they noticed. It might not be good for him... “By the way, Tomas was complaining. You refused his invitation to party with him several times.” 

Dimitri smiled wickedly at his parents. He couldn’t remember anything about being a party animal and being a player. Tomas reminded him of the strings of women he had shared a bed with for years, and he couldn't figure out how it was possible.

“I was just tired after the office. Don’t worry, and I will accompany him one of these days,” He assured his parents.

Mr. Russo laughed and said, “I never thought that this day would come,” He scoffed and continued, ”Getting tired of parties and ladies is so unlike you. It is out of character! A miracle, I should say.”

“Really? Was I a pain in the ass?” Dimitri smirked. 

“Definitely!” Both Mr. and Mrs.Russo chorused to answer him.

The family laughed. Even having breakfast together never happened. Dimitri usually comes home almost wee hours or mid-mornings or stayed in his own pad before his a*******n. He was staying with them now because he was still recovering and for security reasons. They had increased his security. In a way, his slowdown in his manly activities was a relief to his parents.

“Son, you know we don’t usually intrude on your personal life. I want to ask for one particular thing.” Mr. Russo suddenly changed his mood.

Dimitri looked at his father with a serious expression, “Go ahead, dad.”

Mr. Russo placed his hands on top of the table and looked at him meaningfully, “Son, are you courting the ex-fiancée of the soldier?”

“Hmm,” Dimitri hummed. “I wouldn’t say courting. I am just intrigued by her at this point.” He replied truthfully. He and Azalea seem to have found a certain connection. They meet regularly but on a plain updating basis. Those were often short and held in coffee shops. Their dinner or more formal meet-ups were just to try out the offerings of newly opened hotels most of the time with her friend Bella.

“Son, please don’t make it complicated for her. She's still grieving. It is not easy to fall in love and get hurt. We know your reputation with ladies. I must say it wasn’t commendable.” His reputation superseded him. He was known as a player --a confirmed playboy. He also didn’t believe in serious relationships. He brought to bed ladies every night —different ladies every night. 

Dimitri furrowed his brow and asked.“Was I really that bad?”

“Yes!” His mom said while his father said, “Not really, your fault.”

He chuckled, “That was a conflicting answer.” 

“Oh well! It wasn’t really your fault. Ladies lined up to explore your threshold,” His father chuckled. His mother rolled her eyes.

Dimitri laughed. Displaying his perfect set of teeth. Who would not fall for the likes of him? 

Tall with a toned, muscled bronze body, slightly curly brown hair, thick brows, and eyelashes covering a dark blue set of eyes. Angular face shape and chiseled proud chin. He was a gorgeous man. Catching the attention of ladies wasn't really a problem.

“Oh goodness! My point here. Don’t disturb the young lady if you intend to play around. She just lost someone, and her heart is still vulnerable. Also, for the soldier who saved your life, don’t play with the person he intended to marry,” Mrs. Russo remarked, a little agitated.

“I understand, Mom. I have no intention to play around this time,”  He replied. However, he couldn’t remember most of what they said. Was he really a player? He shook his head in disbelief. His reputation was terrible, and he couldn't fault his parents for worrying.

After breakfast, Dimitri searched in his phone the number of Azalea. They were going out for the last three months on a purely platonic or friendly basis.

During the early stages of their association, they were uncomfortable with each other because of what happened to the soldier. However, lately, they were getting more comfortable and at ease with each other. In fact, they seem to be developing a unique friendship. They have a lot in common. He guessed it was part of their healing process. He was right when he proposed for them to discover how they could heal their pain simultaneously.

His call was answered after three rings.

“Azah!” Dimitri greeted her. He sounded authoritative every time. He also wasn’t sure why he talked that way.

“Hi!” Azah responded flatly.

“What will you do later?” He asked. 

“No plans yet,” She supplied briefly.

He released a heavy breath while he eased out his form on the couch, “Would you like to explore the club of one of my friends? My cousin was inviting me for some time to hang out with him,” He invited her.

“I’m not exactly up for bar drinking," Azah declined and added, "Just enjoy yourself.”

He clicked his tongue. He really wanted her to accompany him, “Can't you make this one an exception?”

Azah released a heavy sigh, which he heard from the line, “Maybe next time. I’m reviewing for my bar exam. It will be next month.”

Knowing her reason was valid, he decided not to push it. “Oh! Okay...I won’t force you then.”

Azah was pleased with his response, then she said, “Thanks and enjoy! Bye for now.”

She ended the call, and Dimitri was left looking at his mobile device.

Deep in his thoughts, he couldn’t understand their connection. What he knew was he enjoyed her company a lot. They have so many differences, but he seeks her attention all the time.

Azalea's personality was also uncomplicated. She was straightforward to please. It was always a YES or No with her.

Shaking his head, he dialed his cousin Tom’s number. He was ready to accompany him this time. He also would like to find out...What his life used to be? Was it really worth living? Why did he forget everything about it?