O L I V I A
Two months had come and gone.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAShKRH0KCu
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2zSNwiYH7
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQilWWMrgw
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRn3NzC3JZ0
Tucker had asked me out about 3 weeks after my first day. I spent most of my shifts with him and Kim.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdBJYJug85
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Jex8ZpFx5
It just felt right. Tucker was sweet and he was always going out of his way to do things for me.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHcKbEYU33
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvmjfc1FQu
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoE84xaj0S0
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiN1jnSdhG0
Plus, he respected me. I didn’t feel any overwhelming pressure to have sex with him.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTL6NRokTK
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHIaTEyGM9
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYozhfh1DN
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvC6f3To7Cb
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJbcimohQg
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgiCAP1MRw
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4rB4ZB09i
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ArGa7PvLr
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaDzv8IrNk
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvPiP4lieH
I even tried Anna but that never got me anywhere.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqy2pHmvNjV
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GviFDdA1E
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoIbpN405z
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86Fhm2OKsz
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HLbGdFkWW
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXX1s45ChH
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuqebR3UVY
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mVjCgsaqr
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YJRop6xW7
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEK2qKY4jID
He had several envelopes in his hands and tried to act like he hadn’t heard me when I called out his name.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAY1nwsjOGX
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOmPiG9WUo
When Beto did turn around, he didn’t react like I hoped he would. He was dismissive and very cold.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMHOz6SBeo
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzG7HZtdVr
“Beto, what is going on? Where’s Alessio?” I begged him.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fpVBevazI
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ndLKIdvhN
He sighed and tucked the envelopes under his arm. “Olivia, it just didn’t work out, alright? There’s nothing else to it.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv57qpnIssh
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWqA8LIDcw
“Don’t lie to me, please. I know something is going on. Where is he? Why haven’t you guys been in school?”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzZaT8FKwd
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjddLgpywdS
He sighed and brushed his hair back. “We aren’t coming to school anymore. We finished early and we are moving on.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyU5ZTpnsFt
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6mLPhcaDx
“Just moving on? I don’t under-”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSrlr7EYST
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6r74SKnTBE
“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?”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzTW1LVa5X
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzQH8TewKY
My mouth fell open and I felt the tears burn my eyes. “No...I don’t.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJpRhTAVp8
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07I0cBJKe5
“That’s not my problem.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlv23Otv7ox
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77ljAta45i
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6xg9BpNPI
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡba1keULX28
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzXFWxlEZI
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeF7H8zETR
I was struggling to focus on school and spent night after night in my room. I was just so hurt and so lost.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaWOE3KjB8
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAddtQPPA1e
I had no answers and it killed me.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4h4kUzUrK
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWjKFEqbR1
As the days went by, it eventually got easier.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26R5eHhETX
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEW96O8cAOJ
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvh9DDfVyub
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUM8ZqtKPI
I was now preoccupied with my 18th birthday coming up and prom. School would be ending within just a few months.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqMGnLVj3f
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdULEX9HCRP
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtt1k8ezwO0
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xFlXZJFCg
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOa9WF2g4Xi
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgN63BtvVW
Kim and I had been curled up on her bed and flipping through old fashion magazines her mom had.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39wFqAL2SV
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEhh1wQfFM
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sQsYBUGKg
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2Sd1feOk1
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ7PgAMV2W
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppo7EwNUyc
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbBu8kM5Lx
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuE0zBjXNy9
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKiPSeq7b7
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvZF0tqSLS
Unfortunately, with Tucker being twenty-one and the school not allowing outside attendees, I was basically destined to go solo.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aLoEuu4qL
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvnwKrOmiF
“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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJl7LmSIaK
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9RcTQOyOL
“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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAUHSSaODM
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmp6rlnvxsr
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPUvZwgqm3
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6oGWrppfR
She smiles at me and bats her eyes before a dress is thrown right at my face.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2LA51Q9zz
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbetz0M09BL
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTFWBTJ9rF
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXEmOJKzpj
The hem of it barely reaches the top of my thighs and it is completely strapless.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡardkeUaHKa
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSc9NYr5DS
Again...very, very Kimberly.
“We look so hot!” Kimberly cheers and spins around. “Let’s take pictures.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgpVN63WmS
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdjaGXbCBR
I try to keep my best smile on for her as she sets up a mini photoshoot for the both of us.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2XQ6S2lFI
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcxuMKXB5n
I couldn’t help but feel a wave of sadness wash over me with the realization that I wouldn’t be with Alessio.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpM3m8qAzzb
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KfX4Yr0qS
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6ONP2CM9t
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV15qI7tD4S
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyJn8Y1TED
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSupUuyTkQ
“Should I change?” I ask and look down at my black shirt and slacks.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2N4BuALnS
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CzXjcPBM9
“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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CmO4RXpqo
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrNPxXBsJh
We had a good routine going. It was almost like we moved as one unit.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6rG2AEMEG
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nMfhKNnMg
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SjWXiBsUy
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiF6AR8A1NZ
“In the mood for Italian?” Tucker asks and turns the car off.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJphsVHFoy
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3ire76vUG
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lKBz7Q6M6
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgaC3Zv3UR
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfJhhAVSf8
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqjrM9mqej
A line has formed in front of a guy who looks to be working as security for a section located upstairs.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlA1a45q5L
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9svDFNOpJ
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!”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWwcOqXnDW
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3k5xmIrICq
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fpYJLpPyy
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDf78DJcytm
“I know you want to talk to me about, Alessio.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKgrq4D6UT
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqgLkiG4dl
“Where is he Anna? I just want to know he’s okay.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHDTLz0IU3
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZZ85ua32f
“He’s in Italy.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSUNCLaEp1
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWShxCS958
My brows pull together. “Italy? Why?”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNft5JPInJB
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2eh2DeL2L
“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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cNzygERGn
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySEAWMj8Gv
“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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpypPymgi5
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OuDwbjjPP
“Go ahead.” Anna reassures me.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40NXlMAVxf
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdqQnI4qeF
I look back at her and frown. I so badly wanted to ask her everything, but there was just no time.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYbjjougUm
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxlatfbQmL
I knew I wouldn’t get the answers I wanted.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOuNNJTWUU
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPADGSpJ0m9
“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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ396MF0M8JS
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQt49YFTI9E
On the inside is the word Amore sprawled out in beautiful scripture against the velvet lining.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqqDfaiEyO
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnM6pvpn46g
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtu8t04qfkn
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ6ssDBQvF
Watching the sun rise and having my morning cigarette.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidGLgsFMfu
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dyJkr3h2T
I loved Venice. It’s beautiful and the environment here is like no other.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFALFRsffxj
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZa1kcIxq2
It didn’t stop me from thinking about her though. Two months had gone by and she was still my waking thought.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrogfNNIIE
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRXUO9nzDZ
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdJnBVCg3p
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7NS3XO5IG
I don’t know why I even went to see her. Why I even made it sound like there was hope.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUfTwzhUNf
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYeKe2S1A8
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8heJ90GpJ
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNlHLLCebe
I was falling for her fast. I barely knew the girl and I wanted her in every way imaginable.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOL2eAVcCwK
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyp6MJtAzI
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbD17Lkh3q
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6azifL32Y
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi09MCraEZc
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBqjqp57YP
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0UOFMCvt9
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHQImHFx3D
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2mPEpD2df
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHyyuC52Gs
Monica and I were doing everything as a normal engaged couple was. We were shopping together, planning our future, and having sex.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ueMHv4wX4
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQL0W9LsHE
It was just that though. Sex with her was simply a way to keep me from wanting to strangle her every second.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnQ23z5rbx
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJndd3XuG3
I had no desire to be with Monica Rossi. She was a pest.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2AUwURUdC
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiePsYx9wB
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2LpUNl736
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcizY3EbpXP
Despite her efforts, I knew Monica didn’t like me either. She was just trying to please her father.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfyHV3Tw0q
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ht0WpFQbw
This marriage was nothing but a business arrangement. My heart and soul would stay with Olivia.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTYzFyNVML
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLv1TW70Mx
I couldn’t keep myself completely away from her though. Even in Italy, I was still having my men keep their eyes on her.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsvLtXo4qh
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkLV05nKuN
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?)662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzG8M4jrY9
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJn1JOjXWg
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?”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvaQMNnJRW
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDp6t2rFed
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VczMB6mE9
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsDQqLT20o
He walks up to the two of us wearing a dark suit with a matching corsage to coordinate with the colors in her dress.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzj9sehxKQ
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5fIrIrN3i
He’s a cute guy and certainly Kimberly’s type.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKftwA2jX7
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDFARDLFGa
Tall, athletic, dark shaggy hair and muscular.
“How are you?” He asks as she kisses him662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXyzGd7Edj
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkakPhko49a
“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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiijQUYoi5j
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzT3cT1uAXn
The entire gym was decorated for a “beach/sea” theme but it really reminded me of The Little Mermaid a lot more.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdLusl1bIB
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Rc6GHumIJ
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpckkOqFMJu
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cjVgV5ekR
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?”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9NCcGJZSC
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyhoHVwP0R
“Sure.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPX0MdWIux
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOxa2RBWbH
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.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoDboatWyy
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡep1vtshtUy
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvydERmshTR
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09QckWQJhE
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryXSC2JdqO
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SeYBTnsqC
So much for being included. 662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBDP8QLqIC
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEd7xc9qlS1
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?"662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LNMR7mipo
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TneG5Sahs
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.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSkAmWVSsH
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjv05Q0vnE
“Just checking, beautiful.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbDHKkmDFR
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7V42Zi4mMk
My heart stops as I hear him say those words. It’s such a common phrase but something about his voice sounds so familiar.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uNDSG7j0V
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWU7Mlqx5gC
I feel like I should know him.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4P7WNqRv5u
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIsqf1C5Ab
“Wa-” I look back up and he’s gone.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0LQylj7sM
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjz5Hw3VS2
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.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAC6efqSiQ
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EBb12wXc9
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. 662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vUO2hBG00
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUEXUbsxHp
That night the weather was especially harsh and cold. The snow covered the ground and there had been flurries in the air. 662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JJoSTfmGw
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoexdSkUA8d
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. 662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ817RPSM5ml
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iRWFjisND
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.” 662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksO0ER6J9k
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNKwEnKmLf
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. 662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNUQPCCQxq
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1ZbSoWg5e
“I have to go.” 662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49wgZShHQX
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUdQah49WJ
I turned to walk away when he suddenly reached out and grabbed my wrist. 662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzRHqKbeTc
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPgDu4MJoY
“Hey!” I shouted and pulled against him. “Let me go.” 662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHy7pjwnCg
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAA4VoZbn0X
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. 662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNAJGBopiP
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DClggzdHh
“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. 662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR8mbFTrce
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHoaEuaYS3
I closed my eyes and waited for it to end. 662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZW1ICPsG7
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMTzB7VwER
“What’s going on back there?” 662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcqhqOtcfC
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmIxBJ0n3H
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. 662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfCTESQeuI
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡda799uU64F
“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?"662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsffhVqkKf
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHh5VeJQmC3
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. 662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMpWfP6gJe
662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7weBvdVdii
⟡ ⟡ ⟡662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPo22VMaZa
