Emily's POV
.
For the rest of the day, I tried to focus more in class, despite my sleepy eyes. I also ignored the annoying sniggers from the people behind me. Especially Guinevere. That girl was a witch in humans skin.
The algebra teacher was rounding up his lesson, and we had about five minutes before lunch break. I packed up my books into my bags and sat still on my seat, tapping my feet and fingers nervously on the floor and desk.
I was thinking of ways to thank Lorenzo for his help yesterday. Even if it was a kind of a proud act on his part, he rescued me from dying of hunger.
I've never spoken to him before, because I didn't talk to anyone. That was how I was, but ever since I moved in with the Bushs, they made it a law. Mind your business, no friends. They didn't want me having somebody to whom I could spill their secret to.
OK, I could say, 'Hi, I want to thank you for lunch yesterday...' No, I'll just go straight to the point by saying th--
"Stop that."
"Huh?"
"The tapping thing. It's driving me crazy."
I looked at my fingers spread out on the desk. Oh, noise. I forgot that he hated noise.
"Sorry, I'm just... nervous."
This was the longest conversation I've had so far with him since we became seatmates in eleventh grade.
And I think it had gone long enough. Talking meant making friends, and making friends was something I couldn't do.
I turned back to picking my books up, when he asked,
"Have you had breakfast today?"
I paused and contemplated answering that. Saying no would get him suspicious, although I didn't know him enough to know if he would bother.
"How's that your business?"
His eyebrows raised a notch, as if he didn't expect me to answer that way.
"Just answer the damned question," he said in a low tone, and coupled with a trace of his Italian accent sounded really dreamy....hmm.
"I--yes."
Just then, my stomach growled, as if it was telling him that I was lying.
Aww come on tummy, can't you cover up for me for once in my life!?
He shook his head, and curls of his dark hair scattered and went to his forehead. I tried not to stare. With a sigh, he got up and picked up his bag.
"Come on."
"Where?"
"Must you always be so defiant and stubborn?"
"Sometimes that's the only way to survive."
When he didn't say anymore, I looked up to find him staring at me.
Oh no, I said that loud.
I offered him a small smile. "It's a quote. From Macbeth."
He scoffed and rolled his eyes, an action that seemed to make him look more....stop it girl, you can't go about noticing looks.
"There's no quote in Macbeth about stubbornness. Pick another lie."
I laughed nervously, and my stomach rumbled again.
"Come on," he said again, ''And don't even try resisting."
"Yeah, and he called me stubborn," I said.
.
"Hey, I assumed we were going to have lunch."
"We are," he replied simply.
"So, what are you doing in the garage?" I asked. "Shouldn't we be in the cafeteria?"
The corner of his lips curled up into the hottest smirk I've ever seen, such that when he said, "Cafeteria's for losers," I didn't hear. My eyes were just on his lips.
I've said he had the face of a god. But I didn't say exactly what made him qualify as such.
He had dark hair that shone in the sun, and was long enough to curl at the nape of his neck, and it was always combed back every time, except for now that some locks of it were on his face.
His dark eyes, hooded by long dark lashes, were so mesmerizing.
A pointed nose, and lips that I'll swear were sculptured by the finest sculptor.
He, as a whole, was a non abstract evidence of beauty.
And yet, he was super quiet, and he was most times alone.
I didn't even notice that he'd gotten into the backseat of a jeep with tinted windows until he called out, "Coming or what?"
I swallowed as I climbed in beside him.
Get your act together girl.
***
The Ray.
I've heard of this restaurant, so popular and expensive.
I turned to look at him.
Was he really serious about eating here? During school's lunchtime? Rich people can be so dramatic.
The driver who drove us here opened Emilio's door, and he got down.
I followed.
"Hey, Are we seriously having lunch here?" I asked, more like whispered.
He nodded. But then he was staring at me again, like he did this morning in school.
"What?"
"What happened to your cheeks
Emily's POVDamn...I must have been so awed by the beautiful surrounding that I forgot to adjust my hair.Lorenzo looked like he wasn't ready to let me go without an answer."I uh...nothing. It's nothing," I replied and turned away, pretending to look at the building in front of me.He cupped my chin in his hand and turned me to face him, so that he could get a clearer view of my cheeks."This isn't nothing, Emily. Tell me what happened."OK, I really didn't like the fuss he was making over the issue. It's not like I owe him an explanation, neither does he have any business in my life.I pulled his hand down from my face."Excuse me, but what does this have to do with you? It's not like my life is something you can ask about at will. And beside, because you're rich doesn't mean you can barge into somebody's affair and boss around. I value my privacy, Lorenzo, and so should you."I stormed off, forgetting that we were planning to have lunch."Oh, and thanks for the mockery in the form
Lorenzo's POVI tucked my hand in my pockets as I watched her go after her pointless tirade.Emily...The girl always fascinated me.And that was something, considering that I didn't let any girl get under my skin.Padrè (Father) always said, 'Women are distractions when taken seriously. But great pleasure when taken lightly. Use your head'.And I've always done so.My father wasn't your average father. He wasn't caring, or loving, although he tried to show me that he loved me in his own way. His major concern was the Mafia, where he was the Don. Always busy. Recording kills. Collecting debts. And it was inevitable; papà made it clear that he expected me to follow in his footsteps. And personally, I looked forward to that day.My mother, on the other hand was the opposite of loving. All she cared for was money and titles and fashion. And over the years, I merely see her as a presence in the house, and she seems to like it that way. My mother figure was my nanny back at home, Prudence.
I laid on my uncomfortable bed, staring at the ceiling as I tried not to think about Lorenzo and what happened today.Great, just a few minutes of talking to him, and he's already infiltrated my mind.I turned on the bed to get more comfortable, clutching the pillow tightly to myself.It was still unbelievable that I'd actually followed him to lunch. Was I that stupid, or hungry!? I shook my head.Then I just remembered something.I scurried out of bed and knelt on the floor, reaching my hand under the bed to pull out a box.I sat cross legged on the floor and took off the lid.This box contained every evidence, and things connected to my birth. They weren't much, but still....I won't stop hoping.I slipped on rubber gloves and began to take out the items one by one.The first was a baby blanket, plain white with blue floral designs. One edge was scorched, either by fire of what, and it smelled kind of dusty and smoky.The second was a shaker, still good as. new. The third was one si
That meant 'shut up'.Lilian pushed me into the house while Joseph made sure the door was locked.She threw her purse and jacket on the sofa and caught my hair in her tight grip."So you're a harlot now, eh?" she questioned."Ma'am please, you're hurting me---"I screamed again as this time around, Joseph's belt slashed across my back and legs."Shut up!" he growled, and I choked on the screams."So that's what you've been doing, selling your body for money. I always knew you were cheap!" Lilian yelled and pushed me to the floor with so much force. I hit my head on the table and applied pressure to ease the pain and prevent swelling."Ma'am, Sir, I don't know what you're talking about, I'm not a whore," I yelled back."Oh yeah?" Joseph taunted, edging closer and swirling his belt. "You think we didn't see you?""You misunderstood!" I yelled again."Now you're big to talk back at us, eh?" another slash from the belt, this time on my face, but I was quick enough to block with my hands.
Hi, good afternoon Mrs Crosby, Mrs William. Welcome," Lilian said in a sweet voice.Those were the social workers. I see now."What brings you here today? You didn't tell us you'll be coming. My husband and I just returned home.""We were in the neighborhood," said Jackie Crosby, with a smile, "and decided to stop by and see how Anne's doing.""Aren't you going to let us in?" Iness William asked with a less friendly tone and more suspicions."Of course," Joseph said, and Lilian laughed nervously as they ushered the women inside."Please sit down," Lilian said."So, where's Emily?" Jackie Crosby asked happily."Anne....well you see...Emily is----""Not back from school," Joseph completed."Yeah, exactly. You know how studious she is. Always making good grades and all that. We're proud of her," Lilian said and leaned on Joseph's shoulder, posing a fake picture of a happy family."Okay....," Iness William drawled, still doubting. "Why's your sitting room a shamble?""I left early, I have
The bedside clock beeped for the third time now.I was already awake.I hadn't slept a wink last night. I had tossed and turned, because Emily had been on my mind. What was she hiding?Unable to sleep, I sat up and reached for my laptop on the chest of drawers beside my bed, switched it on, clicked on Google app and the search box.Now this was stupid.What to type?I typed Emily Bush and clicked on search.There were results, but none of her.What did I expect?I drummed my fingers on my thigh and thought of what next.Eleventh grade students of Dellany High, 2016/2017Go.The list appeared, but it's not like they'd give personal information about students.I shook my head and pushed the laptop aside in frustration.I walked downstairs to the kitchen for a glass of water.I lived alone, apart from Festus. I needed a break from the servants underfoot lifestyle, which was the kind of life I lived back in Italy.Although I suspected that the reason papà agreed for me to come and live he
Strange.Lorenzo wasn't in class.Quite odd, because he always was. Whenever I came in late, he was the first person I set my eyes on.Hey, he's my seatmate, nothing romantic about that.Maybe he's running late... or maybe he's angry at me for yesterday?Nope, he's definitely running late.An hour later.No Lorenzo.I'm too concerned, but that's just because I'm guilty.I got out of class and went to the garage, where I saw his car, and the driver. So, where was he?I walked to him."Hi, good morning."He broke into a smile when he recognized me, or was it something more hello miss."Umm...I haven't seen Lorenzo in class today, where's he?""Oh, he's in school. But very busy.""Busy?" Doing what?"Sì, busy. But he asked me to give you this," he reached into the car and brought out a brown paper bag.I peered inside and smiled. Doughnuts. So he wasn't angry with me anymore."Thanks. And please tell him I apologized for yesterday.""Okay."I waved and walked back to class.Damn this old
Did she get it?" I asked Festus as I got out of the office to the car."Sì, and she said to tell you that she's sorry about yesterday.""Oh," I said.It's not like I was even angry at her. But it's still good that she felt guilty enough to apologize."Alright let's go," I said and climbed into the backseat."Wait, aren't you going to---""Festus...."The man might be older, thirty two actually, but he was so nosy."Signor, I was going to ask if you're not going to school today.""Oh....I'm not. Gotta get busy."With that I climbed into the car, and I think I heard him muttering, "If you like the girl just go for it and stop acting all bossy," before he entered the driver seat and turned on the ignition.I sighed, ignored him..Keeping my bag carefully in the wardrobe, I changed into something more casual and ordered pizza for lunch, which I ate at the dining alone. Festus refused to eat what he called American junk foodBut yet, we still ate pizza in Italy. In fact, pizza originated
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