EmilyI managed an appreciative smile at the driver, who just nodded as he took my box inside. Another suited man came out and drove the car away from the entrance. I returned my gaze to the house in front of me, and oh my gosh! It was huge and had this antique quality to it; it was like an ancient house, perhaps it was a legacy. It was coated with dark grey marbles plastered on the walls; it gleamed in the midday sun. In front of the house were mowed green lawns which were surrounded by the same grey stones. There were about six steps leading to the door, and I climbed them slowly. The house might be beautiful, but it wasn't home. With a sigh, I lifted a trembling hand to knock on the door when suddenly it opened and a woman came rushing out. She immediately pulled me to her bosom in a tight hug, and she smelled of spices, bread, and fruits, which was a comforting smell."Oh, welcome, welcome!" she said with a huge smile, holding my hands as if we were long-time friends."Uh... thank
Seeing him again, standing just a few feet away from me, brought back one thing only; he upped and left Dellany High in New York, USA, and even America, without the decency to let me know.At first, I felt hurt, but that slowly turned to anger, and I don't know why. Then, over the last couple of years, I'd forgotten it completely. Guess his sudden appearance proved that I didn't really forget it; I just refused to think about it.He stood there with his arms crossed around his chest and his head cocked a little bit to the side, as if he was gauging my reaction. My eyebrows lowered in a frown, and I clutched my satchel tightly. Then I swung around on my heels and ran down the stairs, yelling, "Taxi! Taxi!! Taxi!!!"Damn, where was a cab when you needed it? I needed to get out of here. I tried again, "Taxi—" but I was cut off and prevented from moving when I felt his hand around my wrists, pulling me toward himself. And I got a good look at his face. It was somehow... different. And his
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
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 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
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
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 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
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