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I’mlateonceagain.My phone died, and I didn’t realize the library’s clock was twenty minutes behind. I knew I should have studied before my shift at the diner where my mom and I work. I’ve been told to stay away from the alleyway that holds the old oil refinery, which no longer runs.
This part of town has been forgotten, while everywhere else continued to grow and expand, staying in perfect upkeep. The streets might be vacant, but even if they weren’t, no one would do anything. This side of town is where you don’t make eye contact with people you pass on the street. Where no one sees or hears a thing. People disappear on this side of the tracks.
The sun has lowered close to the horizon, casting shadows in the street. Each shadow moves unnaturally, reminding me of spirits that need to tell their stories. My body rolls with a sudden shiver that runs through me. Walking the streets alone creeps me out, but I had no choice today.
A gunshot echoes in the vacant cracked streets. I stop, my heart in my throat, waiting to see if more come. I should have never taken the shortcut. Turning in a full circle, I see there’s no one there. I begin to move my feet faster, wanting to get away from here, needing to get to work.
My feet go as fast as possible without breaking into a run. My glasses begin to shuffle down my nose at my ungraceful attempt to move faster. I’m no athlete. I’ve been described more as the bookish type.
My two left feet hit a lip in the cracked concrete, and I fall to the ground, cutting my hands and knees. A hiss escapes through my teeth as I glance around to see if anyone saw me. Shaking my head, I have to remind myself I’m the only person stupid enough to be back here, instead of taking the ‘normal’ way.
Just as I stand up, brushing away the dirt on my scraped knees, a dark figure appears. My skin prickles all of a sudden, and my heart picks up at an alarming rate. Squinting, I see a black hoodie framing the brightest blue eyes I’ve ever seen. They’re incredibly vibrant, making me believe they must be contacts. I’ve never seen this guy around, telling me he shouldn’t be here either. He steps toward me, an evil grin on his face as I watch him lift his fingers in a pretend gun-like fashion and make a subtle movement mimicking him shooting me.
My jaw drops with his action, but I stay standing and stare right into his eyes. Rationally, my mind is screaming at me to escape the alley as fast as possible, but my feet stay planted. I’m used to being ignored, and this is a blatant threat. I’m uncertain of what to do. I stand frozen as my mind spins at a thousand miles per hour. It takes me too long to come up with a comeback, and by then, a blacked-out town car comes down the road.
The figure dashes away, making me laugh.Coward.
The car begins to slow, but I keep walking, my head straight ahead. It trails me for a couple of yards before the window starts to crawl down. I can’t escape this. It makes it harder for my mother when I become difficult.
“Daughter.”
“Father,” my voice squeaks, making me sound like a timid mouse.
Pierre Mancini is a scary man. He’s the reason why no one bugs me, ever. Not even to be friends with me. Everyone is afraid to be around me for too long. I’m not one of his chosen children. I’m shoved into the shadows, because he has a wife who’s not my mother. But in his controlling way, he keeps me safe. All while pretending I don’t exist.
I recognize Jonny Mancini right away as he steps out through the back door. He walks over to me, and I watch our father nod. I know the drill. Jonny is to walk me to wherever I’m going. He mumbles, “Sins of my father.” I’m used to him complaining as soon as our father is out of earshot. He thinks he’s being punished for his father’s sins by making sure I’m safe.
I continue walking, Jonny keeping stride with me. No words are exchanged. Not even when the diner comes into view. Without saying goodbye, I walk into the building, while Jonny takes a seat on the bench, pulling out a smoke. He won’t linger, hating to be seen with me. I get it. I’m a reminder of what his father did. Even at that, the mafia’s Italians have strong family values. The men may have a mistress or two on the side, but creating offspring with them isn’t well received. We may be protected, but we’re also shunned by those same protectors. Whether I like it or not, I’m a part of them, even if I’m outside their inner circle.
Entering the diner, I’m aware my mother’s eyes are on me. I try to keep mine aimed down at the floor, but as I fasten the diner’s apron, they come up and meet hers. She gives me a wary frown before a weak smile.
My mother has darker circles under her eyes compared to normal. She’s been working double shifts each day this week, and she shows no signs of stopping. My mother is stubbornly wanting to save for my university instead of allowing my father to help. She believes his money is dirty and puts us under his control. Her moss-green eyes go to Jonny, then to me, which means she’s aware I saw my father.
“Why were you late, honey?” She kisses the top of my head.
“I lost track of time while studying,” I say honestly.
She lifts one eyebrow, questioning my answer without saying anything. Even my mother won’t push me too far, being scared of my father. If I were to tell him I didn’t want to live with my mom, I would be ripped away from her.
“You’re a good girl. Just don’t forget that.” That is always what she says, afraid one day I will be welcomed into their world. Even though she’s never admitted it, I know it scares her. My mother is my best friend, and I see how hard she works. I would never do anything to make her disappointed in me.
“I’m working hard to get us out of here, to make something of myself.” That’s my goal in life. Study hard, work harder, and get a high-paying job that will allow me to take us away from here. Somewhere that doesn’t experience the wrath of the Mancini name. Somewhere we can blend in with the crowd. Make friends without them fearing my last name.
A large group is sitting in my section, and I head toward them to take their drink order. From the time I walk in, the rush starts, and it doesn’t stop. I can’t help but keep an eye on my mom. She has become slower lately, and I try to pick up the slack to help her.
I watch as a group of her former friends come in and are seated in her section. I go greet them before my mom even has a chance. These ladies used to be my mom’s best friends before I came into the picture. Now, they snub her, pretending they were never close. I can see the hurt in her eyes every time. All because of me. Because I was born with the wrong father.
Leaving their table, a chill wraps around me. Peering toward the bench Jonny was on earlier, I see it’s filled with teenagers. In fact, they’re kids from my biology class. They all have smiles as they move around each other, laughing. Taking another glance around, I don’t see anyone who doesn’t belong. I have that sixth sense that I’m being watched. This is normally how I can tell if Jonny is around, or one of my father’s minions.
Bustling back to the counter, I ring in the order, but the prickling awareness remains. Rubbing the back of my neck, I try to shove the agitation down. If my father needs me, I’ll be summoned. No use being distracted while I work. Soon enough, I forget about the slight ping of tingles from being watched, and it fades away before my shift ends.
Chapter 4
Luca
I’vebeenseen.Myfeet freeze instantly as I assess the situation. There is a slight breeze, and I catch the scent of her light perfume. Instead of dread and failure consuming me, my senses are heightened, and I’m lighter on my feet. Pure excitement similar to the buzz I get before I press the trigger invades me.
Lifting my fingers into a mock gun I move them as if I’ve shot her. I expect her to run, or scream but she holds herself upright and stares at me harder. Casting my eyes over her, I see she is a stereotypical nerd. Nothing to be worried about. I slip out of her view but stay close, needing to ensure my instincts are correct. The girl seems innocent enough but also the type who would run to the cops. I can smell her fear. What is a girl like her doing back here? It intrigues me enough to stick around longer than I should.
