The Mafia's eyes

Teresa woke up very early the next morning, and couldn't stop reminiscing about Stefano. She could feel her heart beat for him even though she didn't realize she was in love.

“Good morning, Teresa,” Louisa said, bumping into Teresa's thoughts.

“What have you been up to?” Louisa further asked.

“Nothing really,” Teresa said shyly as she began to feel butterflies in her stomach.

“I don't think it's anything, you are thinking about that guy right?” Louisa asked almost immediately.

“Yes actually, I have not felt the way I did with him ever since I crossed paths with this earth,” Teresa said with a very wide smile as she got up from bed.

They both agreed to go out again at night close to the club, most likely she would meet him again. She so much believed she would. So they agreed to meet up at the same time as they previously agreed and then went ahead doing their duties in the Convent.

The Mother Superior noticed how bright and happy Teresa looked. She hasn't seen Teresa all happy asides a few times, mostly on her birthdays.

“Guess you woke up on the right side of the bed today, My child.” Mother Superior asked as she drew closer to Teresa.

“I guess so, I feel happy,” Teresa replied with a captivating smile.

“It's really obvious, I am truly happy about my child. Don't lose this beautiful gift of happiness you have gotten.” Mother Superior said as she patted Teresa on the shoulder and left.

*****

The day was far gone and it was almost dinner time. Teresa couldn't wait to explore again as she sat on her bed staring at the time. She headed quickly for the dining area and sat right next to Louisa.

“Can't wait to be out of these walls again tonight,” Teresa whispered.

“I know right? But Teresa….” Louisa replied as her face became gloomy.

“What's the matter?” Teresa asked in curiosity.

“I won't be able to take us out of the Convent tonight. Mother Superior gave me an assignment to submit very early tomorrow morning and I just have to do it.” 

“I am truly sorry.” Louisa further added as she gripped the hand of Teresa to comfort her.

Teresa felt quite sad but she understood Louisa's standpoint and if she were in her shoes, she would have likely done the same. They were all done eating and everyone dispersed to their various rooms.

As she went back to her room feeling a sense of hurt as she so much anticipated the night. 

“I could go myself, I know I would see him.” She thought to herself as she took a good stance.

Teresa was willing to take the risk to see Stefano and she decided to sneak out alone without Louisa.  As she walked out of the confinement of the convent, the city streets seemed to darken, the shadows cast by the streetlights taking on sinister forms. 

She got closer to the club and at a point, Teresa felt like she was being watched.

She quickened her pace, as her heart began pounding in her chest. Suddenly, a large hand grabbed her arm, spinning her around.

She could feel her heart go down into her stomach only to realize it was him.

Stefano stood before her, his eyes blazing with intensity. "You shouldn't be out here alone," he growled.

Teresa immediately defended herself, trying not to paint herself as weak to him even though she was. "I can take care of myself."

Stefano gave her a straight face before letting out a menacing smile. "You have no idea what you're up against."

He quickly pulled her into a nearby alleyway, Teresa felt a shiver run down her spine. She felt as though she was trapped.

But instead of harming her, Stefano pressed her against the wall, his body was a few inches from hers. "I want to protect you," he whispered, his breath sending shivers down her spine like the first day.

Teresa's heart skipped a beat. "From what exactly?"

Stefano's eyes locked onto hers as he kept a straight face. "From my world, From the other mafia's eyes."

Teresa's mind reeled. What did Stefano mean? And why did she feel like she was drowning in his gaze?

As they stood there, the world around them melted away. Teresa felt like she was staring into the abyss, with Stefano as her only lifeline.

But as the moments ticked by, Stefano's expression turned cold. "I have to go," he said, releasing her.

Teresa felt like she'd been punched in the gut. "What's going on?" she demanded.

Stefano's eyes narrowed. "You'll find out soon enough."

As he turned to leave, Teresa grabbed his arm. "Wait."

Stefano turned back, his eyes flashing with warning. "Don't get involved, Teresa. You won't survive."

Teresa's defiance flared. "I can handle myself."

Stefano's smile was menacing. "Soon we'll see about that."

And with those words, he disappeared into the night, leaving Teresa feeling like she'd been pulled into a world she couldn't escape from.

“What was he talking about?” She began to talk to herself before she heard a few sounds from the club.

It was as though there was a huge fight going on in there and Teresa thought to take her heels back to the Convent. Though she wished she and Stefano had picked a meeting spot for their next time and a more secure one too. 

That didn't matter at the moment as she ran for her life to a place where she could get safety - The Convent. She rushed into her room trying to reduce the pacing of her heartbeat and stabilize her breath.

A few minutes later, she heard a knock on her door.

“By this time of the night?” She thought to herself.

“Teresa! Teresa!” One of the nun sisters on the check-in roaster called out.

“I am in bed, Mother.” Teresa immediately replied.

“That's great, thought to check on you. Do have a great night's rest.”

Teresa couldn't help but ponder on a grievous thought.

“What if I wasn't back in my room before she came?”