Hidden in Darkness: A Mafia Love Story

by Ali D

My room is ridiculous. I swear to all the Gods, it has to be bigger than the house I grew up in. I mean that seriously isn’t hard to do but still. I have a walk-in closet and a full bathroom in my room. I have my own balcony that has a perfect view of the sunset. It’s big and comforting and absolutely perfect. I couldn’t have imagined anything better. This is luxury at its finest.

  “So, I noticed you are pretty attached to your music. You have a full surround sound system setup that syncs to both your phone and your tv. You’ll have a lot of freedom up here to play your music as loud as you want to, plus the walls are all soundproof. I also made sure your bathroom is fully stocked with anything you might need to get by but if there’s anything specific you want; We’ll make sure to get it when we go shopping. In your closet is a full set of school uniforms. I registered you during the trip home. Mrs. Ward mentioned that you were anxious to get back to your classes, so you’ll start first thing Monday morning. There’s a car in the garage for you to use, provided you have a license?” She looks at me expectantly.

  “Uhh, no. I’ve never needed a driver’s license since everything was within walking distance. Not to mention, it would’ve been an unnecessary expense since I couldn’t afford a car. I can drive though, drivers ed was an elective at my old school for kids looking to get a permit. Look, No offense or anything but I’d rather go to an ordinary public school. I’m not sure I’ll vibe with anyone that thinks school uniforms are a good idea. I just want to be left alone, study and graduate.” I say, feeling the need to make something go my way.

  She shakes her head like I’m being silly.

  “I know it’s a bit daunting to have so many big changes so fast, but I promise, this school is one of the best on the west coast. I went to high school there, even. It will only work in your favor to go to one of the best high school academies in the nation. Plus, your great grandfather is basically responsible for the entire campus. They’ll take good care of you. Just give it a shot. Please. If you truly hate it, we’ll re-evaluate at the end of the term. As for your license, well, just let me handle it.” She says with a quirked eyebrow and a smirk that makes me think she’s up to no good.

  * * *

  “BEEEEEP! BEEEEEP! BEEEEEP!” What in the actual fuck is happening?! I roll over and see that it’s six in the freaking morning and this stupid new phone is telling me to get my ass out of bed. Hell to the no. I hit the snooze button and shove my face under my pillow, annoyed. How is it possible that I’ve been sleeping so well lately? I just want to keep doing it, ‘cause knowing my luck, my nightmares could come back at any time. A few minutes pass and... Nope! I’m awake. Might as well start getting ready for my first day at this new, oh so fabulous school.

  Cecelia finally got me to cave over the weekend and took me shopping for all of the things I didn’t actually need. I now own enough clothes and shoes to fill that cavernous closet. I own makeup and hair straighteners and curlers that I’ll probably never even use. I think it made her happy and if I’m totally honest, it was nice to talk to her about who she is without all the heavy shit weighing on both of us. I found out that I have one more living family member, my grandpa. From the sounds of it, her and her dad are pretty close. She said he’s always been her best friend. Apparently, he’s the only other person who never gave up hope on finding me but was pretty tight lipped about him otherwise. Only saying that I’ll be able to meet him when he comes home from a business trip.

  I slip into the most amazing shower I’ve ever been in. It has three shower heads. C’mon that’s not even necessary at all but I’m not really mad at it either. No reason to be upset about the random perks of this new life, right? The shampoos and soaps Cecelia bought me smell insanely good, like magnolias. I’ve never smelled so good in my entire life. Getting out I go to grab a towel from the built in cabinets, only to find a towel warmer built into one of the sections of shelving. Not only are they ginormous and the softest towels known to planet earth, but they’re also warm. What is this life? Although I have yet to see any house staff, I never seem to have dirty clothes, I quickly dry off and throw my towel in the hamper with my discarded clothes. Everything keeps magically showing back up in my closet clean and pressed. Maybe Cecelia just really quietly sneaks in to take it all. I don’t know.

  Standing in my closet, I look around for those uniforms and when I see that I only have five black pleated skirts, five black and five white button ups, five red skinny ties, and five black blazers with red trim I’m instantly heated. Where the fuck are all of the pants? Seriously, what kind of misogynistic, patriarchal bullshit school am I going to? Does this school realize that women have the same fucking rights as men? We are all human beings. It shouldn’t matter our gender; we should have the ability to cover our asses when we want to! Ugh, this is already starting off bad. Deep breath in... two, three, four. Deep breath out... two, three, four.

  “One day at a time. You can do this. Just one damn day at a time.” I tell myself.

  I know I shouldn’t complain. Things realistically could always be worse than me having to wear a skirt. I mean, look what environment I just came from but fuck, if that isn’t some annoying shit.

  I grab my outfit, throw on some of the silk thigh high stockings from my dresser, then some calf high socks and lace up my combat boots. Anyone who has a problem with it can kiss my almost visible ass. I shove my knife into place. Run some fingers through my hair and that’s that. I’m not here to impress anybody. It’s time to go get that diploma.

  * * *

  Downstairs, I hear Cecelia in the dining room, so I head that way. Walking in I see her sitting at a massive table, big enough to seat at least twenty people, with enough food to feed an army.

  “Who is gonna eat all that?” I stare at the table wide eyed and full of excitement.

  “Seriously, this is way too much food.” I say, like I’m not about to grab a plate and load up. Starting with a waffle, eggs, sausage, bacon, a fruit and yogurt cup and some freshly made granola. It seems almost too much but I’m already planning on my second plate in my mind.

  “Thanks though, I freaking love food. Probably has something to do with my lack of ability to afford eating on a regular basis, at least something other than ramen or whatever canned food we could get from the shelter down the road. There was a small food donation center attached to it but there were kids that needed that stuff way more than I did so even when we got stuff, I’d usually make my rounds in the neighborhood to check on the smaller kids. Growing up in the ghetto of Chicago isn’t always exactly an ideal way of life for children. It’s one of the rougher neighborhoods, ya know?” I don’t bother looking at her while I talk because I don’t want to see the horror or pity she must be feeling. It’s the look most people get when I talk about growing up where I did but I can’t handle seeing that look on her face.

  Sitting down next to her, I dig into my food while she takes a moment to gather her thoughts before she speaks.

  “No need to say thank you sweet girl, I know I went a little overboard, requesting so much, but our chef was happy to do it. He says you need to put some meat on those bones, and I have to agree. You are absolutely stunning, and I’d like to see you look equally healthy.” She says, and I’m immensely grateful that she’s not acknowledging my admission of a small part of my previous way of life.

  “I noticed you’ve taken advantage of the gym over the weekend. I’d be happy to get you a trainer to help you hone your skills and those fighter instincts you’ve got. I have one for myself, so you just let me know if you’d like to train with me or even on your own. Although, I’ll gladly be your sparring partner. It’d be nice to see what you’ve got one on one.” She states with a small smirk.

  “Oh, cool. I’ll think about it...” I shovel more food in my mouth and savor all the flavors. I feel like I’m constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop and I’m just waiting for these luxuries to be taken from me again.

  “So, what’s up with this school? Actually, how am
I even getting there? I don’t have to use that creepy driver guy again, do I?” I ask, raising a dark eyebrow in question.

  “Ha, no. You don’t. In fact, here’s your license. I had your grandpa pull some strings” She says with a wink.

  “When you’re done eating, I’ll show you to your new car. I bought it on your sixteenth birthday. I guess I thought it would make me feel better, like I was preparing for your return. Thank god, I did too. I hope you like jeeps and I hope you like cherry red.”

  Chapter Three.

  Alessandra.

  Following the built in GPS system, I pull onto the high school campus, with a slight ball of anxiety attacking my stomach now that I see the name of it. Why didn’t Cecelia tell me? The main parking lot is full, so I find myself trailing out to their overflow lot. Deciding to park as far out as I can, to avoid anything happening to this beautiful brand freaking new lifted Jeep Wrangler. After plugging my headphones in, I turn up my Falling In Reverse playlist as loud as I can, grab my bag out of the back and start the trek to the main campus. There aren’t many kids out here, so I already know I’m short on time. I start on a quick jog to reach the main building in time to collect my schedule and hopefully a map, since this place is huge, then hopefully I can get my ass to class on time.

  “Oof!” The air gets sucked out of me as I fly backwards, landing painfully on my ass. My headphones fly out of my ears and I hear a sexy, deep, gravelly voice rumble roughly through my ears,

  “You should probably watch where you’re going.” The person the low growl belongs too, states.

  I look up into the most ruthless, exotic green eyes I’ve ever seen, moving down to view a straight nose, deadly cheekbones and the most perfectly full lips, set in a deep scowl. Taking a quick second to look him up and down. He’s the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. Even looking at me with such disdain; It’s impossible to miss the way his t-shirt molds to his golden muscular arms, or the way his thighs look like they could bust through those jeans, hulk style. Is this guy a student? They must feed the guys here sexiness and trouble for breakfast. My lower abdomen starts tingling and I barely restrain the shock to my body reacting this way. I never react to guys. Not only did Lauren ruin the idea of sex for me but I have no time for them. I know he can see the heat in my eyes before I can conceal it. Looking back up into those devastating green eyes, I only see them harden. He’s looking at me like I’ve somehow offended him just by existing in the same space as him. How dare I fucking breathe near this guy. Fuck, man.

  “You can stop staring now. You may also want to wipe some of that drool off your chin. This is never going to happen.” He scoffs, gesturing between myself and him.

  Clearly, I don’t have the same effect on him. I know I’m not the hottest bitch in town but for some reason that pisses me off. I’ll justify it by telling myself it’s because he’s so harsh and not because he hit the nail on the head, catching me checking him out but obviously finds me lacking.

  “Well, that’s fucking rude. It’s probably just as much your fault anyway. If you were paying any attention, that clearly wouldn’t have happened. Why don’t you watch where you’re going, huh? Also, no offense or anything but you are most definitely not my type. Cocky assholes have a way of turning me off.” I snark at him.

  He’s already turned to walk away but I know he hears me when he stiffens for a moment. He recovers quickly and walks away mumbling some bullshit about how the school shouldn’t allow trash in.

  “What a fucking douchebag.” I mumble, more to myself than anything.

  Deep breath in... deep breath out.

  “I wouldn’t say things like that out loud. Don’t you know who that was?” A girl breaks me from my internal grumbling.

  “Obviously not.” I huff. Picking my stuff up from off the ground.

  “Girl, you really need to get it together. I promise you don’t want him on your bad side. That, my new friend, was Matteo DeLuca and he’s one of the reigning kings of our not so humble kingdom.” The girl tells me.

  Ha, what a fucking joke. We’re basically in the middle of nowhere in the northern part of California. Rich people, yes, but royalty? I think not.

  “Pfft, I have absolutely no desire to fall in line with some bullshit made up high school hierarchy. Thanks for the advice though.”

  “By the way, I’m Stephanie. Stephanie Bradheart. Most people call me Steph though.” I look over to see who this chick is that talks so much and all I can see is this spastic girl under a mess of crazy red curly hair and bright seafoam green eyes and a wide smile. She kinda looks like one of those cartoon princesses now that I think about it.

  “I-”

  “Oh, I know who you are. You don’t need to introduce yourself, Alessandra Salvatore. You’ve already caused quite a stir here. Three point nine GPA, somehow managing to outrank your entire class and about ninety seven percent of our class, even coming up from the slums. You were abducted as a baby and when you were put in the system after your abductor died, your mom was able to finally track you down. Your last school gave you the highest of recommendations as far as your grades are concerned but said you were troubled and challenging to authority.” She’s grinning cheekily while rattling off facts about me, like I don’t know my own damn self. She does a quick assessment of me, scanning me head to toe.

  “You, miss ‘challenging to authority’ are going to need me. Starting now, we’re best friends. Cool? Cool.” She says, pointing back and forth between us, winking saucily like I’m in on whatever private joke she’s got going on in her head.

  “The fuck? How do you know anything about me? Nah, we ain’t doin’ this. You should probably just walk away now, stalker freak.”

  I take a step towards her ready for a fight, but she starts laughing and claps her hands like she’s so excited she just can’t contain her joy. This bitch is mental, straight looney bin crazy. This is weird as fuck and I’m not sure I’m cool with it.

  “Ha, the more you know, right? Actually, I know most everything about everyone. My mom is on the school board and I sneak a peek on everyone’s files from time to time. I am a firm believer that knowledge is synonymous with power. I like to know about the people I spend my days with. Here, let me show you to the main office. The headmaster will likely want to meet you. Plus, you’ll need a student guide after you get your schedule, so I made sure they knew I was available. Like I said, we’re meant to be best friends.” She winks and skips ahead only turning back to make sure I follow. Blowing out a breath, I start forward.

  “This is going to be a long freaking year.”

  * * *

  This bitch... I mean, she wasn’t wrong. I’m gonna need her help. We’ve only just reached the main building and I’m already lost. We take a turn and I can now see the administrative office straight ahead. I half expect Steph to wait behind while I go handle the paperwork but she power walks her ass right through the doors.

  “Gooooood mooooorning Nancy!” She’s practically yelling as she sing-songs to the receptionist. The woman, Nancy I assume, rolls her eyes.

  “Good morning, Miss Bradheart. That’s Mrs. Sheldon to you. What can I do for you?” She looks past Steph and sees me,

  “Oh, I see you’ve brought a newcomer. I assume you are Miss Salvatore?” She narrows her eyes at me, studying me like she already knows I’m trouble. Word must travel fast around here. I’m pretty curious as to how they’ve gotten such accurate information to gossip about. Huh, well I guess she’s heard about me too, then.

  “Uh, yep! I prefer Quinn, though. I’m just here to pick up my class schedule and be on my way. It looks as though I’ve got myself a student guide and I’m a fast learner, so I really don’t need you to drag this out. If you can just hand over the schedule, I’d rather not miss my first class, thanks.” I hold my hand out and she scoffs at me, rolling her eyes again. While I may have been able to be more polite, I really don’t appreciate her shitty attitude and judgy eyes giving me a once over. This woman isn�
��t better than me and she needs to learn her place, fast. Her entire demeanor is disrespectful as hell.

  “Excuse me, but-”

  “Ahem! Miss Salvatore. How lovely to meet you. My name is Albert Clifford, I’m the Headmaster here. I think I can take over from here, don’t you, Mrs. Sheldon?” He gives her an odd look as he reaches over and takes my paperwork from his receptionist. For one fleeting moment she looks almost scared before she puts her snooty mask on, she slams down into her chair and starts typing furiously with her nose up in the air.

  “Ah, hello Headmaster. Is there something special that needs done or paperwork that needs filled out? I’d really appreciate being allowed to go to class. I know I’m cutting it close. If there was anything that was missed, it’s likely best that you contact Cecelia anyway.” I say, wanting to get out of there. Dude gives off some super weird vibes that are sketching me out. Hard.

  He gives me a strange look. If I were a weaker person, the look would give me goosebumps and chills for how intently he watches me, studying me as he hands over my class schedule, my locker number and keypad access number as well as a school campus map.

  “I trust you’ll do a superb job of setting a proper example for our fine educational establishment. We set the tone for our future generations and hold our students to the highest of standards, both academically and physically. You may notice that you’ll need more than the regular allotment of credits to graduate. However, you’ve done well to stay ahead of your class, and at a public school, at that. You’ll be allowed to make up any additional credits you may need with extracurricular activities. A minimum of one sporting activity is mandatory. Only because you’ve done so well academically did I allow your late acceptance. Do not make me regret it. Oh, and welcome to Salvatore Preparatory Academy.”