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Chapter 11
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The Life The Beginning Chapter 12
GIANNA "Where's that doll your grandmother sent you for your birthday?" I looked around from my place on the floor where I'd been playing with my new toys alone for the last half hour. Daddy had just left to go to work after promising to bring me back something special. I held my breath as I looked over and up at the woman standing in the doorway. Somehow I knew that the smile that she'd worn while my daddy was here would be long gone. It had taken my little brain forever to notice that it always happens that way. When daddy is here, she smiles and laughs with me, giving me the same special attention she gives to her own little girl who's the same age as I. But when daddy's not around, she's mean and hurts. My mouth became dry with dread, and there was that funny feeling in my tummy once again. I felt tears already prickling my eyes because I knew what was coming. No doubt Victoria will get my doll just like she'd got everything else of mine. I didn't use to mind before, back whe
The Life The Beginning Chapter 13
GABRIEL *** "Come in." I opened the door and entered my old man's inner sanctum. "You asked to see me pop?" "Come in, son, and close the door." Uh-oh. That means he's about to read my ass about something and doesn't want mom to hear even a whiff. That could mean one of two things, either he's in deep shit, or I am. From the way he studied me after I took the chair across from his desk, I already knew it was the latter. Damn! It could be any one of a hundred things. No matter how I try to hide my shit from pop, he's always ten steps ahead. "Did you break that kid's nose?" Oh, that shit. "Yep!" I knew that sigh was coming like he'd have done anything different. "Why?" "He got on my nerves. "Son!" "Dad!" I can't tell him the fuck hit on my little sister, or he'd end up in jail. Meanwhile, he's about to ream my ass for saving him a prison term. "Gabriel, the cops were here." Uh-oh. That bitch narced on me? I started to get out of my seat. "Sit down; where are yo
The Life The Beginning Chapter 14
GABRIEL With the weekend behind us, it was back to the grind; school, homework, grades, all the happy shit my parents pay attention to as if neither of them realized that the grown-ass man living under their roof had changed. I myself am not really sure why in the last year, things had become so drastic for me. It felt almost as if the clock was running out. Since the day I turned eighteen, it's like that thing that had been simmering inside since the day I first learned the truth went on boil. Maybe it's because, at eighteen, I'm now officially a man. Not when I jumped up to six-two out of nowhere the summer I turned sixteen, or when I found the first hair on my chin before that. Then I was still somewhere between innocent and wannabe tough guy. But as soon as the clock struck twelve-oh-one on the day of my birth, I knew I'd changed course. I don't resent ma for telling me, far from it. But I do accept that the knowledge changed the trajectory of my life. My dad has been doing e
The Life The Beginning Chapter 15
GABRIEL There was misery and distrust in the fleeting glance she gave me, and that just twisted the knot in my gut even tighter. I'm not sure what she saw in my own eyes that had her reaching out her hand to take the hand that she'd left hanging between us, but as soon as her fingers touched mine, it felt like I'd been electro-shocked. It was so unexpected I almost jerked my hand away. The fuck was that about? I started to pull her away, already forgetting the others and all kinds of lost in my own head, wondering about my strange behavior. For as long as I've known myself unless something involved my nearest and dearest, I steered clear of other people's shit. "Where are you taking my sister?" My steps didn't falter, but I did look back to find the ringleader looking as if she was about to follow us. "Is she your sister?" I turned back to my captive. She didn't say a word, just hung her head even lower as she clutched the folder closer to her chest. There's a story there for sur
The Life The Beginning Chapter 16
GABRIEL I spent most of the evening and into the night thinking about her and trying to put the pieces together. That scene I walked up on was still bothering me, but unless I showed my hand and started asking questions, I wouldn't find any answers. I guess I'll have to wait until I see her again, though going by our first meeting, it'll take at least a month to get a full sentence out of her. For the first time in way too long to remember when it started, I laid across my bed thinking long into the night about something other than revenge. I'm a little annoyed, truth be told, that she'd infiltrated so deeply, so soon. In five years, nothing has been able to take me off course. I've kept everyone out and at arm's length, except Lancelot, of course, because I know it's a waste of time forming binding relationships when I don't plan on being here that long. Even my family, as much as I love them, have not been allowed beneath my guard for that same reason. "Gianna…" I almost
The Life The Beginning Chapter 17
GABRIEL "Maybe we should ask Lance; he would know." "Ask Lance what?" I just came out of my room to find the two of them in the hallway whispering. Pop's daughters didn't even flinch when they turned to me, even though I was sure they'd just been caught up to some shit. "Nothing, just this criminal justice game that he told us about." I gave them the squinty-eyed I don't believe shit look, but they weren't phased. "Don't you know about it? It's this thing where you help solve real crimes." "And you two are going to solve crimes." "What's that supposed to mean? Are you saying we're stupid? DAD!" Nice cover; they both took off down the hall to complain to him; bring me up on some trumped up shit's more like it. I jogged down the stairs and headed for the kitchen where I found Ma at the stove, spatula in hand, while Sheila, the cook slash executive housekeeper, and queen of fucking everything she beheld, sat at the breakfast nook table with a cup of coffee. "Sheila, you didn
The Life The Beginning Chapter 18
GIANNA I woke the next day with a start. It had taken the whole night for the reality of what Victoria had done to set in, and as is usual after one of our encounters, I'm left feeling like I'm suffering from PTSD. The therapist I'd been allowed to see before Becky put a stop to it when I was ten had been getting close to that diagnosis, I'm sure. Though at the time when I overheard her talking to dad, I had no idea what that was and how exactly I'd caught it, it was years later that I figured it out and also understood why Becky had freaked and talked dad into ending my sessions. One more year. That's the secret mantra I've been repeating to myself since my seventeenth birthday. Grandma Eloise had promised that it would all end as soon as I reached that magical age of eighteen. In the meantime, I just had to put up with the sisters grim. I laid there for a few seconds more, getting my bearings and preparing myself for whatever fiasco awaited me beyond the door. My mind was still
The Life The Beginning Chapter 19
GABRIEL Fuck it! Unlike the day before, I didn't look for any out-of-the-way places, just took her to the first open seat I found, which was easy because the onlookers knew to get the hell out of my way when they see me coming. I'd been holding onto my temper pretty well until I sat down across from her and saw her face again. I didn't say anything for the longest while, just looked at her. "Who slapped you?" The bruise had to be more than a few hours old at least, and I hadn't seen any of the twits that surrounded her raise their hand, which is the only reason I walked away without laying them all out. In case you haven't noticed, I do not discriminate when it comes to dealing with assholes. Male, female, the only time they get a pass is if they're under the age of ten. "It's nothing, don't worry about it." I got up without another word and got a jolt when she reached out and grabbed my arm. "Where're you going?" She sounded terrified, but I couldn't put too much focus on that
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The Life The Beginning Chapter 43
GABRIEL "How do you know where I went? You keeping tabs on me?" "Lance." He rolled his eyes and looked around the room, stalling for time, no doubt. "How'd you know that clown was at the door?" "Okay-okay, the girls forgot to tell him not to show up here after your talk with them last night. They only remembered when the doorbell rang and signaled me to follow you." That was enough of an explanation for me since I never doubt his word. Doubt not the man you choose to be your friend. I didn't ask him anything more because if there was something important, he would've told me. Instead, we left to go join the others. I was a bit torn after that little dustup about leaving her, but there was something I needed to do. Only Pop was downstairs waiting when we made it back. "Where's everyone?" "Women, they're still getting dressed. I think they're making a fuss over Gia." "A fuss over Gianna, what do you mean?" "Calm down; they're just getting her dressed." I didn't know if I
The Life The Beginning Chapter 42
GABRIEL Lance hounded me the whole night until I was ready to kick him out of my room. But then he let slip that the twins had already gabbed, so what was the point? I couldn't even be mad or seek retribution; after all, I'm the one who taught them when they were about six or seven that he was to be trusted. In the end, he came to his own conclusions, which apparently all led to him being right, and I was just steps away from getting hitched. I finally told him I was tired and took back one of my pillows to cover my head to escape him. I think he was still lecturing me when I finally drifted off. In the morning, we went downstairs to a madhouse. There were boxes of food covering the kitchen counter, the girls were talking a mile a minute with excitement, and even Gianna looked like there was some life in her. I was still too unsure of myself to face her, so I focused on the extravagance of food and the culprit responsible. "Pop, what did you do now again?" He looked over from h
The Life The Beginning Chapter 41
GABRIEL As expected, the twins were still up rehashing the night's events when I walked into their room after leaving Pop. "Hey, big brother, what's up?" Nice try! "What's with the uninvited guests?" "It was Sheila's idea, ask her. You know how impatient she is." Anna was quick to explain. "Impatient about what?" "Nothing, look, they're going to be at the party in a few weeks; everyone just thought it would be a nice icebreaker for Gia to meet them tonight, so by the night of the party, they'd be like old friends." Who the fuck is everyone? I keep forgetting that I've taught my sisters everything I know, but I get the feeling they're using that shit on me. "Are you two running game on me?" "Never, who would dare? You'd just beat us at it anyway." Uh-huh. "Do me a favor, don't do anything where she's concerned without running it by me first." They both rushed to agree, but that wasn't good enough. If it were, we wouldn't be here. "Eh, look at me, both of you." I waited
The Life The Beginning Chapter 40
GABRIEL The ride home was a testament to my patience and the love I bear my family. As soon as everyone climbed into the limo, the twins went on some kind of campaign. "Ooh, Gia, you were a hit. The guys couldn't stop asking about you. I got you their num…bers. Give them to you later." Anna changed her tune after I gave her a death glare. Thank heavens the conversation changed to something less annoying, and I was able to keep my cool until we reached the mansion. "For heaven's sake, Gabe unhand the girl." Rosa tried to get in between us once inside, but I thwarted her. "I'll see you and your sister after I get Gianna settled." "Uh, okay." So damn obvious. Now I think it's those two who forgot that I taught them everything they know. I walked Gianna upstairs to the guestroom, and she was dragging. Not used to late nights, I guess. "You tired?" "No, I'm too excited to sleep. You?" "I'm fine. Why don't you get ready for bed? I'll stay until you fall asleep." Yeah, beca
The Life The Beginning Chapter 39
GABRIEL "Let's go, people. We can't always be the last ones walking in everywhere we go." Lance grabbed the twins leaving me to take Gianna's arm to follow. "You don't know why they like to be late?" He gave me a look like I was stupid over his shoulder. Of course, he knows; he knows them as well as I do. "How else are we going to show off this?" Anna did a flourishing wave of her hand up and down her body clad in a black and gold evening gown that came to her knees. Of course, Rosa was dressed the same, the two of them a perfect accompaniment, to the more grownup style of Gianna's gown. Jewelry, I forgot to get her some. She wore a pair of diamond and sapphire studs that I was sure belonged to one of my sisters and a choker to match that went well with her eyes. I would've gone with D-Grade ice diamonds; flower petal-shaped maybe. Her eyes are the only colored gems she needs as far as I'm concerned. Besides, are we at the jewelry buying stage? The ass walking ahead of me wou
The Life The Beginning Chapter 38
GIANNA "Breathe, Gia, breathe; he's gone." The twins surrounded me as if they thought I really was going to pass out, which may not be far from the truth. I'm not sure what's making my heart race faster, the way he looked at me, or the way he looks in a tux. "Come, sit." My legs were still rubbery from that kiss on the forehead. I could still feel the light pressure of his lips against my skin. They led me to the bed, and I plopped down since my knees were barely holding me up at this point. They've been like that ever since I walked into my borrowed room to find the mountain of shopping bags waiting for me there. Since Gabriel was the only one to leave the house, there was little doubt that he was responsible, and the realization had filled me with a warmth so intense it took my breath away. I'd been both embarrassed and pleased that he'd done it, and when I finally opened the bags and saw what he'd bought, I could've cried. Beautiful dresses and skirts, blouses made of the fine
The Life The Beginning Chapter 37
GABRIEL My family should change their name from Russo to Obvious. Everyone did their best to ensure that Gianna and I ended up next to each other, which turned out to be a good thing. "You're afraid of flying." She had a death grip on the seat arm, and we hadn't even left the ground yet. She turned wide uncertain eyes my way. "I've never flown before. Mom and I used to take the train to the city, or sometimes dad would drive us." I reached into my bag for my iPod and wireless headphones and placed them over her ears. "Close your eyes, just listen to the music, don't think about anything else." I covered her clenched fingers with mine and rested my head back against the seat. "Close them!" I felt more than saw her open her eyes to look out the window. It was the tension in her fingers that gave her away. "Ready?" I felt her nod and pressed play on the iPod where I'd left it earlier. I wasn't surprised to feel her start to relax, but then there was a different kind of tension comin
The Life The Beginning Chapter 36
GABRIEL I don't expect them to listen; more importantly, I don't want them to. I want them to fight me on this so I can destroy them at will and get this shit over and done. They can have no way of knowing that whether they listen or not this time, they're still going to pay for the tears she shed today and every tear she shed before we met on account of them. The best course of action was to give them over to my sisters for now, until my anger cools enough that I can think of something other than putting a bullet in each of them. I've had years to channel the anger against Ricci and tame it into some semblance of order. But her shit was just sprung on me out of nowhere, and there's no time to plan the way I'd like to. That doesn't mean that I'm going to let it end there, though. I'm just going to let the twins start shit off, give myself time to be rational again. Maybe they'll wish for death by the time I get through with them, who knows, but I know there's no way I'm letting t
The Life The Beginning Chapter 35
GABRIEL After my little talk with Pop, I was still nowhere near close to being calm, but I was able to speak without grinding my teeth. "You can call him, let him know she's fine, but it's going to be a while before I can get to him. I've gotta get back to her; she should be finished with her bath by now." I started to leave to go back to her. I've been nervous the whole time away from her, something else that's new. I don't do nervous energy. "By the way, I've got the guys working on fixing the door." It took me a second to figure out what he was talking about. "It might be a wasted effort." "What do you mean?" "There's no need for a door if the house is no longer standing." He muttered the word ‘fuck' under his breath, but I heard him all the same. I wasn't interested in hiding my anger this time, wasn't in the mood to wear the mask of tranquility that usually shields my inner thoughts. In fact, I haven't handled any of this with my usual practical calm. Even as
