O L I V I A
Two months had come and gone.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLGZv3oPGh
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Things were going great and I was in love with my life. I was excelling at Westview, my art was being noticed and I even got to participate in a local art show, I was growing closer to Kimberly, and I even started up a new relationship.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwQOUThDcV
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Tucker had asked me out about 3 weeks after my first day. I spent most of my shifts with him and Kim.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5G01nxTBV
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It just felt right. Tucker was sweet and he was always going out of his way to do things for me.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDQX0u9QAz
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We would go on little dates to a local diner to stuff ourselves on burgers and spend our weekends at his apartment watching shitty movies.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoSvTEGkg8
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Plus, he respected me. I didn’t feel any overwhelming pressure to have sex with him.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCe7J4QBEBv
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We were taking it slow and I was so grateful for that. I worked up the courage for my parents to meet him and they were sold.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpo6Ri3aTQL
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I had a good boyfriend, great friends, and I finally was finding my way. I had a plan for the rest of my life after Westview and the thought of Tucker possibly moving with me to New York when I started in the Summer was fueling me even more.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiipkX5BEg7
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I needed this. I needed a normal, happy life for a very normal and average girl.
I’d be lying though if I denied that I didn’t think about Alessio anymore.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbawEL5i0S
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The last day I saw him was when he came to the cafe that first shift. The next day he still wasn’t at school and my calls and texts were never returned.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUnYo2JklP
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I even tried Anna but that never got me anywhere.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlEdUhR912
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I didn’t know where he was and I sure as hell didn’t know how to find him. The feeling that Alessio had used me and blown me off for something else tore me apart.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXOorqSNUm
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I really had just been a game for him and the others. I was the sweet, average girl that he played like a violin and tossed to the side like garbage.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5QKZPXS10
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I shouldn’t have been surprised. Alessio Romano isn’t the kind of person to have relationships with quirky, art school girls from New York.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaRwX9LBFc
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He is with girls like Monica from the masquerade. Beautiful, Italian women with supermodel bodies and lots of money and class.
The only time I felt any hope was about a week after I had seen Alessio when Beto finally showed up at the high school and I caught him going into the office.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMutuudbYuH
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He had several envelopes in his hands and tried to act like he hadn’t heard me when I called out his name.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4s0gcjbLKg
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When Beto did turn around, he didn’t react like I hoped he would. He was dismissive and very cold.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL1qTiGXEb
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“Beto, what is going on? Where’s Alessio?” I begged him.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zQFSshSLe
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He sighed and tucked the envelopes under his arm. “Olivia, it just didn’t work out, alright? There’s nothing else to it.”691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfAWxNcyfL
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“Don’t lie to me, please. I know something is going on. Where is he? Why haven’t you guys been in school?”691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJ468Fh3Qy
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He sighed and brushed his hair back. “We aren’t coming to school anymore. We finished early and we are moving on.”691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpV4oz4X1an
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“Just moving on? I don’t under-”691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYOWk1hBz7
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“Olivia,” Beto snapped at me. “Stop asking questions! Alessio doesn’t want you. You need to move on and forget him and the rest of us. Do you understand?”691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QmK1GK7CG
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My mouth fell open and I felt the tears burn my eyes. “No...I don’t.”691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvirQjFShqc
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“That’s not my problem.”691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVO4TWapD3
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With that, Beto turned around and stormed out of the school. I stood there in the hallway by myself as the tears fell. I was so sick to my stomach and confused.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsZi46vKTx
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Why would he do this to me? What did I do wrong?
As those weeks went by, I was constantly thinking about him. I only felt normal when I was with Kim and Tucker.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4N2nrrgpB
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I was struggling to focus on school and spent night after night in my room. I was just so hurt and so lost.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEZHo8Rfye
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I had no answers and it killed me.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEeAmxNGk8
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As the days went by, it eventually got easier.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4j2hnelh0d
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I opened up to Kimberly about it and she had been doing her best to keep me happy. Alessio never left my mind, but it started to hurt a little less.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF4BkmRj8u
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I was now preoccupied with my 18th birthday coming up and prom. School would be ending within just a few months.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8OZm10iKM
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I was so ready to go back home to New York. Kimberly knew I’d come see her on breaks, but I missed my friends. Finishing my senior year without them had been really hard.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCuNF0HLtX
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Plus, I needed to spill myself to someone who knew me since the diaper days.
"So what are you wearing for prom?" She asks and turns on MTV.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mrbL2MQ1K
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Kim and I had been curled up on her bed and flipping through old fashion magazines her mom had.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3hhbzFmRv
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She decided to go with her friend who turned more into a boyfriend. Joe was on the football team at Westview and from what I’ve seen he was a sweet kid.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyfrYCWdXL
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He put up with Kimberly’s mood swings and kept her in line. They had been practically attached to the hip at school and I was just grateful she had someone when I was with Tucker.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1ssnJddum
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I missed our daily girl time though.
“Not sure,” I muttered and scrolled through my phone. “I haven’t thought about it much.”
I wasn’t exactly thrilled about prom.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAc0MMssxs
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I didn’t really have anyone aside from Kim and I knew I would have to play third wheel since she’d have Joe and of course, Sierra and Austin would be there together.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2qD6TWR3A
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Unfortunately, with Tucker being twenty-one and the school not allowing outside attendees, I was basically destined to go solo.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fxTQC2srX
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“Well, get on it,” Kimberly groans and rolls onto her back. “How are things with Tucker?”
I grin at her, "Really good."
"Oh yeah," She teases and pokes me. "Have you done the dirty?"
"Kimberly!" I smack her arm. "We're taking things slow."
She nods,"I admire that, but it could NEVER be me."
I roll my eyes at her and watch as she stands up from her bed and goes to her closet.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7VrNpoBbI
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“What are you doing?” I shake my head as she starts tossing clothes.
"Aha!" She exclaims and pulls out a very tight fitting, glittery gold dress with no straps. It is very Kimberly.
“Is that the one?” I ask.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlF93V8Lkn
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She nods and holds it to her body. “Yes, ma’am. I probably have something for you too.”
“Or...or…I could just hang out...with Tucker?” I say quietly.
"Olivia, you promised! You know Joe and I aren't going to ditch you and I WISH Tuck could come but the school is never going to let that happen." She whines out.
"I know, I know! I'll go for you." I laugh and hold my hands up in surrender.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqkmRku8vH
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She smiles at me and bats her eyes before a dress is thrown right at my face.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJnG2am4xG
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I pull it off my head and hold it up. It’s a beautiful deep purple shade with tiny specks of silver glitter. The skirt of the dress had wire beneath it to give it more of that puffy, formal look.
"The school is going to allow us to wear dresses…” I start and turn it around, “This short?”
She rolls her eyes, "It is not that short, Olivia.”
I bite my tongue from arguing with her anymore and decide to let her play barbie with me. I slip into the dress and look at myself in the mirror hanging on her closet door.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9XZ12wGou
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The hem of it barely reaches the top of my thighs and it is completely strapless.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkw9jc2Pj9e
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Again...very, very Kimberly.
“We look so hot!” Kimberly cheers and spins around. “Let’s take pictures.”691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoWmxIZ7N8
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I try to keep my best smile on for her as she sets up a mini photoshoot for the both of us.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfp70jyJieV
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I couldn’t help but feel a wave of sadness wash over me with the realization that I wouldn’t be with Alessio.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ168J7B0F7
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Our time together was so short but part of me had really hoped that there would be more dancing. I hated dancing, but for him, I would do it until my legs fell off.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHZE4CmMgW
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I wanted this to be our moment together.
⟡ ⟡ ⟡
"Excited for your birthday dinner, cutie?" Tucker asks and wraps his arm around my waist.
I wrap my arms around his neck. “Are you ever going to spill where we are going?”
“Why would I ruin it?”
“Fine!” I laugh and roll my eyes. “Let me finish up here.”
I feel his eyes on me as I lean over and clean off the last few tables and carry the bucket of dirty water and rags back into the kitchen.
“You’re so cute when you have your work face on.” He teases.
I roll my eyes and playfully hit at him as we head out of the cafe together and lock up. He leads the way to his car and opens my door.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXG3TOXOM9
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“Should I change?” I ask and look down at my black shirt and slacks.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEq3mzd7Mpo
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“You look great.”
I smile and climb into the passenger side. Tucker walks over to the driver’s side and his hand finds mine almost immediately.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqElrAbRBTP
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We had a good routine going. It was almost like we moved as one unit.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQefq7rjXa
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Before long we are pulling up to some unfamiliar Italian restaurant in the city. The outside already looked packed with cars and I could tell I was definitely not dressed right for a place this nice.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCu0yBoglB
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“In the mood for Italian?” Tucker asks and turns the car off.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVbkv9sZ2y
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My cheeks blush but I don’t say another word as he leads us up to the front of the entrance where a young male greets the both of us.
We’re led back towards the south end of the restaurant where a cute little booth is set up with piping hot breadsticks and adorable tea lights.
"Thank you for this,” I tell Tucker as we sit across from one another. “This looks so nice.”
“Anything for you.” He smiles and kisses my hand.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0FBQJdkDT
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I smile back at him and look up just as a waitress comes to take our drink order. The restaurant is getting crowded fast with hungry customers but I realize not all of them are waiting for tables.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5po0r1E4r
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A line has formed in front of a guy who looks to be working as security for a section located upstairs.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYh5klJMuDb
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I let my eyes wander over the people standing there and realize one of them sticks out like a sore thumb.
“Excuse me,” I say politely to Tucker. “I see an old friend. I’ll be right back.”
He nods a little and watches me curiously as I hurry from the table and rush over to the crowd standing there.
“Anna!”691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQemXzyCRYP
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She turns around and her eyes widen. “Olivia! What are you doing here?”
“I guess I should ask the same,” I smile awkwardly. “I’m out eating for my birthday.”
“Ah, that’s right.” She smiles and looks past me to where Tucker is sitting. “Who is that?”
“He’s the assistant manager where I work. We’re...we’re dating.”
She stares at him a little longer before smiling back at me. “Well, congratulations, Olivia. Also, happy birthday. You look so beautiful.”
I try to force a smile back at her but my heart strains and I can’t stop myself from wrapping my arms around her without warning. She laughs a little at my sudden embrace and pulls the two of us down towards a nearby bench
Her eyes flick back towards a blonde man who had been standing with her. I realize immediately it’s her fiance Alonzo from the dance.
"Continua. Ci vediamo presto." (Translation: Go ahead. I'll see you soon)
She sighs and holds my hands in hers.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJUAlEiBoO
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“I know you want to talk to me about, Alessio.”691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXj1zEpyQtC
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“Where is he Anna? I just want to know he’s okay.”691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3vcXj3sXa
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“He’s in Italy.”691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSPHCmMFr5
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My brows pull together. “Italy? Why?”691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTMIseRvai
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“We have a lot of family and close friends. He’s handling some stuff with them regarding business matters for a couple of months there.”
I breathe out heavily. “Anna...why did he just leave? Why did he not say anything to me?”
“Olivia,” She squeezes my hands. “Alessio really does love you. He cares so much about you but he is doing this...to protect you.”
"Protect me?" I ask a little too harshly.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡah13Jxxx4q
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“Yes, Olivia. I know you had a lot of questions about us and what we do,” She says and glances over my shoulder towards Tucker. “Let’s just say being with Alessio isn’t safe.”
I frown at her vague response and follow her gaze towards Tucker. He gives me a little wave and points to our breadsticks.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgJikNYSmA
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“Go ahead.” Anna reassures me.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMBoDXu6tE
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I look back at her and frown. I so badly wanted to ask her everything, but there was just no time.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4EpvpsnnO
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I knew I wouldn’t get the answers I wanted.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDnj1rRdxx
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“Oh, Olivia!” She says as I start to stand. “Happy birthday. Alessio wanted you to have this.”
I look down at the tiny black box in my hands and pull the top off to reveal a gorgeous silver necklace with a heart.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0vwhQJckW
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On the inside is the word Amore sprawled out in beautiful scripture against the velvet lining.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Fm8ewURmP
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My heart squeezes and I brush my fingertips against the lockett.
I look back up at Anna one more time before slipping the necklace into my pocket and heading back towards our table.
A L E S S I O
The sun was rising quick this morning in Venice. This was my favorite part of every morning.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLT5Any2dHV
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Watching the sun rise and having my morning cigarette.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9DAcxH2NE
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I loved Venice. It’s beautiful and the environment here is like no other.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8pnXEAYf5
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It didn’t stop me from thinking about her though. Two months had gone by and she was still my waking thought.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5J2ijkh95M
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I was a piece of shit for leaving Olivia without a word. I knew my absence was going to ruin her that day, I went to see her in the cafe.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qE4mb40OJ
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I don’t know why I even went to see her. Why I even made it sound like there was hope.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn37J58jGRe
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I just needed to kiss her. Feel her before I left.
After my meeting that evening with Adolfo, I knew I couldn’t continue my pursuit with Olivia.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizTsvwKZcf
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I was falling for her fast. I barely knew the girl and I wanted her in every way imaginable.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2sNUJdKyE
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The contract was already signed. I would marry Monica Rossi within months and my duty was now to help handle business with Giovanni in Venice while planning my wedding with my soon-to-be bride.
After the masquerade ball, my father had invited the Rossi family to return the next day for a small party.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAZSbkTKZB
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I got down on one knee and asked Monica to be my bride in front of all of them. She sure put on a hell of a show.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQL0YReb9i2
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Almost looked like we actually loved each other.
"Fidanzato." (Translation: Fiance)
I tense at the sound of Monica’s voice and feel her arms wrap around my waist. She walks around to stand in front of me. Strands of her chestnut colored hair blow against her face and mask her green eyes.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhGVn0UIch
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I stare down at her with no emotion.
“Last night was wonderful.” She purrs and trails her manicured claws down my bare stomach.
I nod in response and take another drag.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvOcj89DtI
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Monica and I were doing everything as a normal engaged couple was. We were shopping together, planning our future, and having sex.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppPfydfBfc
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It was just that though. Sex with her was simply a way to keep me from wanting to strangle her every second.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlOAGlJvUS
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I had no desire to be with Monica Rossi. She was a pest.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfo470n3NR
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The only good she could do for me was make me cum and shut her mouth at this point if I was to spend my life with her.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuk8vScNKB
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Despite her efforts, I knew Monica didn’t like me either. She was just trying to please her father.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsSORi8DDs
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This marriage was nothing but a business arrangement. My heart and soul would stay with Olivia.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7ds8DbGER
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I couldn’t keep myself completely away from her though. Even in Italy, I was still having my men keep their eyes on her.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GsItBLpd0
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I knew she was dating Tucker and things were going okay. His background came up clean and he seemed like a safe choice for her.
"Qual è il tuo problema?" Monica snaps out, clearly annoyed with my lack of response. (Translation: What is your problem?)691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTI6VIXpTmQ
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYgCnpfa1k
I continue to ignore her and shrug.
“You are thinking of that girl,” She spits out. “She’s old news, Alessio. Let it go.”
“Monica, leave it alone.”
She smiles up at me seductively. “Can Olivia make you cum like I can?”691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVVgnkIBf5
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2v4tvAUEn
My jaw flexes a bit as her fingers trail against the hem of my jeans. I flick my cigarette out over the balcony and pull her towards the house.
O L I V I A
"Hurry!"
Kimberly laughs loudly as the two of us rush towards the school gym. Running in heels is the hardest thing ever. I suck at being a girl.
The two of us enter through the handmade arch the prom committee put together and walk up towards a table with snacks and punch.
“Joe!” Kimberly shouts and starts waving.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooIt1uhE1D
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXP7ZfPLp2z
He walks up to the two of us wearing a dark suit with a matching corsage to coordinate with the colors in her dress.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDbpzQEduD
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNKFG9ovb4
He’s a cute guy and certainly Kimberly’s type.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhcagfXKnC
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbiNBJju01
Tall, athletic, dark shaggy hair and muscular.
“How are you?” He asks as she kisses him691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmdAC5j05E
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfgQLqo822
“Great.” She swoons.
The two of them go back to sucking face so I decide to scan the room a bit and see what’s going on.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWM1J7taun5
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The entire gym was decorated for a “beach/sea” theme but it really reminded me of The Little Mermaid a lot more.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxQU4ul1MJ
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I noticed Austin and Sierra curled up with one another at a table across the room. The two of them both match with a violet dress and tie.
My stomach turned watching the two of them playfully kiss and hold each other. The thought of Austin possibly hurting her in the way he was with me that night didn’t sit well.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIiJpwm174
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HtKt8dDQS
He finally caught my gaze and a creepy smile crawled across his face. I watched as he nudged Sierra and pointed to us.
“Hey guys!” She shouts and sprints across the room.
I tear my eyes from Austin and smile back at her. “You look great!”
“Thank you! You too!”
Kimberly slides up between us with Joe, “Anyone want some punch?”691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrz2AuCddcR
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzc9ewJm27G
“Sure.”691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwLgGPXxbL
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We all stock up on drinks and head back out to the floor.
"Wow...remind me to thank the prom committee," Kimberly snorts loudly. “This is bad.”691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJlg6mzjJw
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlfZD5xIDA
I laugh and roll my eyes at her. All of us move out onto the dance floor and start dancing with one another to the Chris Brown song playing on the speakers.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3Y7KvBny6
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I step back a bit and watch them all dancing together with one another. Austin was back to making out with Sierra and Kimberly was just a few pieces of fabric away from basically having sex with Joe.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNugSrz177
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So much for being included. 691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiPVhJxQ5y
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I groan and look down at my throbbing feet. I slip the painful heels off and toss them onto a table so I can get a good rub on my sole.
"You okay, miss?"691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEH2Soog3VQ
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0VC9lhBfl
I glance up to find an unfamiliar man in a trench coat with a grey fedora looking down at me. He didn’t look like any teacher I’ve ever seen.
“I’m fine.”691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMyP2lOK8g
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegFv8yxz2b
“Just checking, beautiful.”691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3O4hbGuDh
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ381bQYj0jx
My heart stops as I hear him say those words. It’s such a common phrase but something about his voice sounds so familiar.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbL5CXtWRk4
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzzSni4AEY
I feel like I should know him.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuKQ9DfOce
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“Wa-” I look back up and he’s gone.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzvl5Pc0c3
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My stomach starts to hurt as the memory hits me and I suddenly have the urge to puke. I rush out the back door and spill my guts all over the ground. Several people nearby groan in disgust.
I hadn’t thought about that night in what felt like forever now.691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0ib8iYMvb
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQObP7DpYl
It was just rushing back...
I was 12 years old and it was a week before Christmas. I decided to walk down to the local shop to pick up a gift for my parents with the chore money I had earned along with some snacks. 691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJaokb0wbA
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyz7mG5bZq
That night the weather was especially harsh and cold. The snow covered the ground and there had been flurries in the air. 691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJift1ifnA
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGIuLSu8TA
I had my headphones in like I always did and kept my coat close to my body.
I looked down at the sidewalk as I walked and watched my feet create little streaks in the snow as I moved. 691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcqXqLC7LF
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnPyiLe3NN
I was only a block away from my townhome and knew if I didn’t get back soon my mom would flip out.
“Hello, beautiful.”
I stopped walking and looked up towards the alley to my right. I couldn’t make out who was there but I could tell there was a figure looming in the darkness.
“Do I know you?” I asked, my voice breaking.
“No, princess,” He said back and took a step forward. “I’m not someone you’d want to know.” 691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRI3acPCI3M
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbTwIeqDy6
My heart had quickened in my chest and I felt nauseous. He took another step towards me and I caught the glimpse of his coat blowing in the wind. 691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11Lvh4y76V
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWKE0DwgI7
“I have to go.” 691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEepO2luNYl
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NB1GJ51Sb
I turned to walk away when he suddenly reached out and grabbed my wrist. 691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTKH2wcuv4
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAhoNtjdGQ
“Hey!” I shouted and pulled against him. “Let me go.” 691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjCEUWj8B6
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3J6Lttl02
I felt my body move backwards as he pulled me into the dark alleyway with him and pushed me up against a nearby wall. Something cool touched the edge of my neck and I realized quickly he had a knife.
“Don’t be rude.” He snapped.
“What do you want?” I cried out. My body shook with terror.
His hand clamped over my mouth and he leaned down to say something but stopped when a new voice spoke up from behind. 691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCVi047S85
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSO1Uw0DeEg
“I want her back, darling. I’m sorry it has to be this way.” The voice said from the shadows.
I looked at the dark figures of both of them in terror. “I don’t know what you mean!”
A laugh escaped the man holding the knife against me and I felt the edge of the blade dig a little deeper. 691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkVkvO2bKZ
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAXql4Yjru
I closed my eyes and waited for it to end. 691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNK0HdlwWH
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQSEdbBhOI
“What’s going on back there?” 691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeHNX2Pgix
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSEI8aWcxv
My eyes popped open at the sound of a female voice. I tried to look to the side so I could move my mouth from under his hand. 691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECOiZ9rc67
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbdd0ZQKvS
“Let her go.” The man standing the furthest away spoke.
I felt the knife disappear from my neck as he released me and fell to the ground. I could feel a trickle of blood there from where the edge of it had cut me just slightly.
“We’ll meet again.” The man said before turning around and disappearing with the other behind a corner.
The both of them had vanished and I couldn’t stop crying.
"Sweetheart! Are you okay?"691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtfTUm87vO
691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVgOpXdzqW
I looked up at the woman rushing over to me with several others and couldn’t say a word. I just kept staring back in the direction of where they ran off too. 691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQKmySotXB
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⟡ ⟡ ⟡691Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvskjHFlirj
