Lilian and Joseph were still not back.Some free time to my self.There was nothing to do than to lay down on the couch and think. About the usual things; my parents.I'll give anything for them to find me.The next day Lorenzo wasn't in school again, and neither was his car or driver.This made me realize that I really enjoyed his company, and that I knew nothing about him.Or him about me, but I wouldn't dwell on that.I'm sure he had major concerns with home and stuff.I just hope he's OK.And today, I was back to starving for the day.At least Joseph and Lilian didn't lay a hand on me today. They slept in and didn't wake up until I left.Maybe that was a sign of good things to come.I pray so.NYCSS_HQ (New York City Social Services)The receptionist was openly flirting. I could see that. And she was way older than me, maybe 26 or so. She was pretty though, I'll give her that.She made a slow seductive smile."Mrs William is busy now, but she'll see you in a few minutes...." she l
She raised an eyebrow. "Yes, but you should talk to my partner, Jackie Crosby, she's in charge ...""I know, but I want to talk to you."Then she smiled suddenly."Does your parents know you're here?"Wait, was she insinuating that I was too young or..."Pardon?"She waved me off with her hand."That wasn't funny, you know?""Yes, I just love making dry jokes," she said and laughed at herself.Yep, dry joke indeed.But I had no time to waste."I'm a friend of Emily," I said, and I wondered why I did. Emily and I were just mates. "And although she refuses to talk about it, I know she's being maltreated. The other day, I found a hand imprint on her cheek, and she was evasive on the subject. She's hungry a lot, hassled most times..." I sighed.Iness leaned closer. "I've been suspecting that for a time now. But I don't have evidence.""And that's what I'm here for. I'm proposing we work together. Emily doesn't want to talk, but we could dig up info. The pointers are there, you just aren't
Two_Days_Later.Iness William and I have been working tirelessly, trying to provide evidence against the Bushs.And personally, I was planning for it to be a big case.Those human devils were going to pay big time for all the pains they caused her.This sudden need to protect her...to stand up for her was overwhelming.Maybe I did like her.I sighed as I leaned back o. my bed.For two days now I haven't seen Emily..Because I haven't had the time to go to school. Instead, I always sent Festus to check on her for me.I checked the watch on my wrist. It was almost noon. Festus should be back soon.There was a knock on my door.I got up and walked barefoot to open it.Festus walked in. signore Good afternoon sir."Bene (well)?"He smiled."As usual. Swell.""OK."Taking that as his cue to leave, he turned around, but paused."She asked of you. Twice.""And?"He shrugged. "Busy.""OK."He shook his head at me in frustration while I shrugged and reached for my phone.What, 52 missed calls.
I've never thought I'll be back here, at NYCSS.But we were.The previous three days had been hell for me, especially when I discovered that my case was reopened, and being worked on.Iness and Jackie, they were so persuasive that I had finally opened up everything, especially when they showed me a recording from a camera which they had hidden somewhere at home.Lilian and Joseph were going to be prosecuted, but I refused it.I didn't want to go through another drama, now that the first was ended.I still couldn't believe it...I'm free.I smiled at Iness and Jackie, and threw my arms around them one more time."Thanks so much!!" I said for the umpteenth time.I decided to work as a junior staff in the SS, while dedicating my time to finding my parents.But those three days of my greatest joy had a downside to it.I haven't seen Lorenzo, and even Festus stopped coming.It really weighed me down, especially as he was the only one who had started the slow process of uncovering the real me
New_YorkHickory, dickory dock...The mouse ran up the clock..I nodded excitedly at the children to repeat what I'd just said, while I demonstrated by using a stuffed mouse to climb on the grandfather clock in the room.The kids giggled and imitated me, singing a much off version with their mouths wide open and showing incomplete teeth or missing incisors.They looked so cute.It was fun working with them, teaching them and playing with them. They made a dull day bright, although I hardly had dull days ever since I left the Bushs.With a smile, I reached into a coloured basket, grabbed a handful of sweets, and threw them upward, allowing them to litter the floor for any lucky kid to have."Alright fellas, may the fastest kid win," I said over their noises, and slipped out before any of them could notice that I was gone..I got to my quarter, which was a bedroom way better than the one I had in Linda's house, closed the door, and took off my shirt.Then I reached into the cupboard an
I sat at the dinning, dejected, as I picked on my food.Deep in thought.I didn't notice Joseph come in from the kitchen, or sit down at the table, until he tapped me.''You're not eating. ""I'm not hungry."Joseph sighed, and lifted a spoon of chicken soup to my lips."I said no!" I yelled. Can't you see were doomed? Since Emily left, we've been experiencing financial problems. And... I wrapped an arm around my stomach and sobbed. Joseph I lost him. He would have been a nice little boy with my looks and your height. Sometimes I think the miscarriage was Emily's fault!""Lilian don't relieve it," Joseph said and wrapped his hands around her shoulder.How could he tell his wife that perhaps, the two miscarriages were the result of their maltreatment of Emily.I was listening to Christy Lane's "One More Chance."The song was old, but I loved the lyrics.🎵Maybe I didn't treat you...🎵Quite as good, as I should have...🎵Maybe I didn't love you...🎵Quite as good, as I should have...?
Wendy....how many times do I have to tell you, knock before you open.""I'm sorry, I heard you singing Always on my Mind, and I really like to hear you sing. You've got a nice voice."She plopped on the bed beside me with a grin."Arrgh..Wendy....""Please sing...""Fine, but I'm singing the second solo."🎵Maybe I didn't hold you...🎵Quite as good as I should have..🎵And I guess I've never told you...---"Wait, up Emily, see!" she pointed."Ugh! I'm not singing anymore! See what?She pointed at the TV.I took the second earpiece from my ear and sat up to watch the TV.And here's on Announcement.Peter and Mary Sheridan, wealthy patriarchs, are announcing a heap of reward for anyone who can find their daughter, missing for eighteen years now.Attached to the screen is her childhood photo, and a sketch of what she'll look like now.The name is Emily Sheridan.If you have an information, dial the number below the screen to set up an appointment.This is Katie Current, keeping you curre
I bubbled with excitement, refusing to be put down by Iness's sad gaze and Wendy's as I sat in her office."I saw the news too, Emily," she said, "But I'm not sure...""Iness..." I whined."Emily, wait. I'm not sure, because I don't want you to experience what you had in--""Iness....""Wait. In the hands of the others. So, we'll do a background check, give them a call, and organize a DNA test."I huffed out air through my mouth and sunk in my seat."Seriously?" I turned to Wendy, who nodded her agreement."I think Mrs Iness is right. And it doesn't hurt...."If that is what it took, then I'll go for it. I'll do anything to be with my parents again. And a DNA would be just an extra proof.But I was shaking inside me.What if...by some evil manipulation... the test proved negative?.Iness put the phone down and linked her long fingers together on her plain oak table."I've put the call through. They're on their way."Somehow I wasn't so excited.If indeed they were my parents, and the
Emily As soon as I lay on my bed, I dozed off due to the countless hours spent under the sun, which was totally different from ours in New York. When I awoke, I felt hungry, but Prudence told me that it was past dinner time and that there was food for me somewhere in the kitchen. However, the sight of pieces of chicken floating in a bowl of wine just made my appetite vanish instantly, and I made an excuse to Prudence.Once I was sure the coast was clear, I went back into the kitchen to have some tea and something light. Then I felt arms around my waist, and I stiffened. First off, I wasn't used to all this 'touchy-touchy' stuff, so it came as a surprise. Second, I thought it might be Sergio, because honestly, the way the guy keeps staring at me, even though I'm aware, gives me the creeps. But then I felt his soft breath behind my ear and a tingle where his finger brushed my skin to take out the earphone. I knew it was Lorenzo even before he spoke. I don't know where that connection c
Lorenzo Vittorio and Fillipe crowded directly behind me, while the other men were seated behind as I opened the box and looked inside. It was filled with different weapons, mostly illegal. That's what made the business fun."This would be worth a thousand," said Fillipe as I closed it."Sì, and it'll be delivered to the 'Market' tonight," I said and walked to the table."Great work, guys," I said to the inside guys who nodded.As we walked outside together, Vittorio, Fillipe, and I, Vittorio said, "Son, about the marriage?""He's already found a bride," Fillipe said, "We're just waiting for the introduction."Vittorio raised an eyebrow at me. "So, what's keeping you?""Nothing, I—Nothing.""Look Lorenzo, I hope you aren't forgetting about the enemies out there?""I haven't," I replied and drove home.When I got home that evening, I dragged my tired self up the stairs to my bedroom and dumped my briefcase on the bed. Then I ran a hot shower and took a very refreshing bath, and dressed
EmilyIf I were to stay in this house like this all day, I'd die of boredom, I reasoned as I looked out through my window at the vast green fields and the vines. I knew that like Spain, Italy was another home of wines. I just didn't imagine living right next to one.With a sigh, I left the window and began to pace. I didn't want to run into either Portia, Cosima, or Sergio. But I wasn't going to stay in here forever. I squared my shoulders and put on my toughest face, then walked out with my earphones in my ears. That way I wouldn't have to mind them.Sure enough, I saw them in the sitting room, the two women, deep in whatever they were talking about. I eyed them for a brief moment as Portia sent me a 'Have a fucking morning on your way out' look. For someone as young as herself, she really took extra effort to be mean. Maybe. Whatever. I shook my head.Cosima"But Aunt, I have to go. Dad wants me. And besides, Lorenzo has already gotten a wife. What'll I be here for?" I asked Portia
I pinched my nose tightly to stop myself from laughing, but Lorenzo had already stopped. Now he smiled ever so slightly that you wouldn't even know he's smiling if you didn't look closely."I'm... sorry about that. I always get carried away by the littlest things that aren't funny," I said when I got my breath back.He nodded. "I was wondering too. Although I must admit I find your childishness quite amusing.""Me childish!?" I asked, the frown returning to my face. "Lorenzo, I am not the one who just leaves a friend without a note, or comes in to apologize for his mother's intolerable attitude in the worst way possible!"He ran a hand across his face and rubbed his closed eyes."You done?" he asked."Huh?""Emily, why can't you just let go of the past? You want to be hooked with it forever?"I suddenly remembered Lilian and her husband, and the maltreatment..."No," I answered in a whisper and cuddled myself tight.I'll never get used to the pains that came with each stinging whip or
EmilyWith a loud yawn, I sluggishly opened my eyes to see that dawn had just descended. This waking up early stuff has really been ingrained in my system, and I think I'm beginning to tire of it. Knowing that I won't be able to get back to sleep, I threw my legs over the bed and went to the bathroom, after glancing at the digital clock that read 05:48 AM.In the bathroom, I splashed water on my face and brushed my teeth. I saw some fancy lotion on the plate which said, "Spotless Face." I rolled my eyes. My face was kind of rough, yeah, but I wasn't used to using synthetic get-beautiful-quick stuff. I'm a natural. Yeah, that's because Lilian never let me have any girly-girl things. I shook my head. She's in the past... in the past...I spun on my heels to run a shower, and that's when the events of the previous evening came back to me, like the water I splashed on my face earlier. Those people will never accept me. Portia... Sergio... Cosima... I wasn't one of them in terms of class, r
I narrated the dinner to her."And yeah. I'm still hungry.""Aw Emily. So sorry. But don't you think you're being hard on the guy?"Truthfully... was I? I shunned the thought."Gotta go, Wen. Talk to you later.""OK, bye."I hung up and resumed listening to my music. I was so engrossed in it that I didn't hear the knock on my door, or its opening, until I felt a hand on my shoulder."Aaahh!" I screamed a little and jumped in fright, only to pull the earphones from my ears and turn to see Lorenzo standing behind me, hands folded, and a neutral expression on his handsome face.I cleared my throat, realizing that I'd practically acted like an easily frightened kid."Oh, it's you.""Scared you, didn't I?" he asked in a low tone."No. What are you doing in here? Couldn't you knock?"He raised an amused eyebrow at me, and that's when I realized that the additional drumbeat in the music background was actually his knocking. I facepalmed myself."I wanted to... look, you shouldn't pay heed to
I knew I would be tired. Running the wine business and the Mafia at the same time was exhausting. But there had to be a reason why papà left both legacies in my name and none in Sergio's. And I was going to find out that reason before I thought of splitting the shares.I got into the back of the car with a smiling Festus at the wheel."So, signore, she's here?" he asked.I sensed the need for gossip, so I said, "Just drive."Truth be told, Emily was on my mind. The way she reacted when she saw me and when she found out we were getting married was still on my mind. Did I hurt her so bad that she was filled with such... hatred for me? I didn't want to think about that now. I was late to dinner; who knew what Portia had up her sleeves."Festus, step on it."I watched as Emily sat rigidly at the table, and Portia had a look of satisfaction on her face. I knew that something had gone wrong. Just then, Emily got up from the table. She bumped into me as I was about to enter, but she didn't s
Um...I'm...""She's your brother's bride," Portia announced dully and waved a hand in my direction. I saw Sergio's handsome face screw up in a frown."Where did he get her from?""My thought exactly," Camelia chirped in. "I'm thinking that maybe there was a favor somewhere.""Excuse me," I said more loudly this time. "Didn't any of you know about this?" I asked as I glanced at them all."Now, first of all, you have no right to speak unless spoken to," Portia said. "Do you understand? Here, we have rules. We do not live life on reckless impulse as you do back in the U.S. and A.""What do you—""And we do not talk back," she cut me off with a cold stare, resting her chin on her linked manicured fingers which glittered from the number of rings on them.It was pointless saying anything. The food hadn't even arrived, and I was already uncomfortable. I nodded, but then my eyes caught Sergio's, and he was still staring at me... like he was sizing me up or something."So, tell us your name. F
I bounced twice on my bed in my room, whose main theme was blue. The bedclothes were different shades of blue, from the lightest, which was kinda light blue, to the upper one, which was a deeper shade. The curtains and window blinds were drawn, allowing the midday sun to seep in and bathe the room in a cool blue glow."How'd you know that my favorite color is blue?" I asked Prudence, who was helping me add finishing touches to the room, like where to keep my box."I didn't, he did.""Oh."She came to sit beside me. "I can remember when Lorenzo came back from the U.S. and A., he and Festus—""Festus?" I cut her off, not wanting to hear anything about him. "Where's he? I'd like to see him.""He's on duty now.""Alright. Please tell him I said hi.""Sì. So, back to dinner. The whole family will be there: his mother—""You mean his mother?"I slipped my arms into the sleeves of my turtleneck and put on jeans that stopped at my ankles. I ran my fingers through my hair (I'm so used to doing