by Olivia Snow
“I wonder if Dan still works here.” Rose said just as I stopped the truck for security. Dan was an older gentleman Dad would often smoke cigars on our trips here. Babbo would invite him over to the Saint John house for a game of pool and every time without fail Aunt Cynthia would foam at the mouth. I guess having the “help” in the house after working hours was inconceivable. ‘Stuck up bitch’ doesn't come close to describing Cynthia Saint John.
“Name?” Asked the security guard. His face looked down at a clipboard, he didn’t even bother to look up.
“Veneziano.” I snapped I didn't appreciate his tone or his lack of manners. Behind him I heard someone coughing like they were choked on something. Rude security guard gets pushed aside by an older, shorter, chubbier man with gray hair and a scruffy beard.
“Ava?” He asked clearing his throat while he looked into my truck. “Mrs. Veneziano! My, it’s good to see you both.” Dan spoke with a slow southern drawl. I smiled as Rose responded to his greeting bringing herself over the middle so she was able to see better. Out of instinct, I recoiled not wanting her to touch me. It didn’t go unnoticed by Rose, however she didn’t say anything.
“Dan! I’m so glad to see you’re still here. How have you been?”
“Oh, I’ve been well ma'am can’t complain. I’m so sorry to hear about Tomas, my condolences to you both.” My smile instantly faded I jerked my head forward facing the road in front of me. Rose smiled apologetically at Dan.
“Thank you, Dan. Ava and I appreciate it.” No, Ava does not.
It was not difficult to sense the awkwardness you could cut it with a knife. I stayed quiet and Rose had run out of things to say to a man she hardly knew. Dan looked between Rose and I before clearing his throat again. “Well...ah…this is Smith. Smith, these two young ladies will be staying at the Saint John residence. This here is Mrs. Veneziano and her daughter Ava.”
“Nice to meet you Ava, Mrs. Veneziano.” Spoke manner-less rent a cop who goes by Smith.
“Good to meet you too, Smith.” Rose replied with kindness. I, being the bitch that I am, stayed silent ignoring him.
“All right then, it was nice seeing you both. I hope ya’ll have a great day. Let them on through, boy.” He said to Smith. Dan couldn’t do away with us fast enough. Rose smiled again giving them a small wave before I peeled out. Minutes later the familiar iron gate came to view. It was huge so you were able to see it a few blocks away. Giant gold S, J capture your attention the most, welded around the initials were steel tendrils that made the gate look like it was centuries old. I slowed the truck as the gate opened slowly metal screeching while it spread. Once I was in a position to fit my monster of a truck though, I drove along the circular multi colored brick driveway until reaching the front door. Just as I put the truck in park the dark wooden door bursts open. Out flew the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.
Dazed by her beauty I slowly opened the door and jumped out the truck. She was as tall as me, gorgeous light brown hair down to her back it was cut in layers curled loosely at the ends giving her hair dimension and volume. She was slender but toned like a dancer her lips were full and wide not like my pouty fish lips. I saw her big round eyes and instantly knew it was Vanessa. Only one other person in my family had honey colored eyes like mine.
“Ava!” She yelled, hugging me almost knocking me over.
“Vanessa!” I replied, returning the bear hug. We held each other for what seemed like forever.
“I missed you.” She whispered into my hair. Vanessa still smelled the same, like vanilla. I broke our embrace to get a better look at her.
“God, Vanessa, look at you all grown up and shit. Let me see, gimme a lil’ twirl.” I teased holding up her hand so she could turn. Instantly, she blushed from embarrassment. I couldn’t help but smile. Same old shy Vanessa.
Rose cleared her throat as she reached us. “Vanessa, sweetheart, you've grown so much. My God, you're gorgeous.” She cooed at Vanessa giving her a hug.
“Aunt Rose, I missed you.”
The front door opened again catching our attention out parades Aunt Cynthia. Her eyes immediately grew wide with…shock? Quickly, I looked behind me, thinking she'd just seen a man pissing on her garden. That’s the kind of look she was giving.
“Ava, darling, wow you’re…you're so grown up.” She said with distaste, walking towards me with her arms extended out for a hug. Yes, Cynthia I've grown tits. They have a tendency to come in during puberty.
“Aunt Cynthia.” I replied unmoved, returning her cold callous hug I tried to sound pleased to see her.
“Damn, there goes the neighborhood!” A familiar voice interrupted. Thank God.
“Billy!” I yelled, letting go of Cynthia running up the front steps to greet my Uncle Bill. Billy and I had always had a different relationship than Cynthia and I. I’ve always felt like Aunt Cynthia was judgmental and cold but Billy, he was like a friend or like a much older big brother. He and my dad were best friends, had been friends since they were teenagers when Babbo migrated to Colorado from Sicily. In all honestly I surprised myself by being so excited to see him.
“Avie, it’s good to see you.” He said, hugging me. Hearing him call me by my dad’s pet name my body instinctively stiffened. Billy stills noticing my reaction.
“I’m sorry, Ava. I shouldn't have.” Uncle Bill apologized as he ran his hands through his salt and pepper hair.
“It’s all right, Billy.” I said stepping back from him. Uncle Bill cleared his throat as he headed in Rose’ direction.
“Hello Rose. How are you?” He asked with warmness in his voice something that was missing in my greeting.
“Better now. I haven't seen Ava smile this much in a very long time.” She replied. Everyone turned to look at me. Wow. Okay then. Talk about unwanted attention. My hand flew to the cross around my neck clutching it for dear life. Like the Angel of Mercy, Vanessa stepped in front of me.
“Come on Ava, I'll show you to your room.” She grabbed my wrist pulling me inside the house. Leaving our “parents” outside.
Chapter Four
Vanessa
Seeing how uncomfortable Ava had become cranked my protectiveness to a ten. My instincts to protect her kicked in causing me to basically drag her inside the house with me.
“Are you all right?” I asked, closing the front door behind us, Ava smiled at me although it appeared meaningless.
“Of course.” She replied, while walking up the stairs. I followed behind.
“You’ll be staying in the room you used to sleep in when you stayed here. The one with the adjoining bathroom to my room, do you remember?” I asked, not sure where my boundaries lied, if I was even allowed to speak about the past. After how she reacted to Daddy calling her Avie I was scared to push her too far.
“Yeah, I remember. I figured I would.” She said, looking around the hallway, a lot had changed since the last time she was here. Mother liked to keep unused rooms closed, so when we reached the door to her room Ava stopped suddenly, staring at it like it would grow a mouth and eat her. She stood in the hallway leery of stepping inside but suddenly her features hardened and her eyes became guarded. Caution disappeared as she opened the door and strutted inside making me wonder what was passing through her mind at that moment.
“So? What are the parties like around here?” Ava asked, collapsing on the bed.
“Um…I wouldn't know.” Can I sound more like a loser? Mother controlled my life so I was constantly participating in ‘enriching’ activities during the weekend; piano lessons, Pilates, Spanish lessons, violin practice and tutoring the list was endless. I used to get invited to parties all the time but the kids at school quickly gave up after my constant I cant’s
“You’ve…never been to a party?” Ava asked her forehead wrinkled in confusion.
“The last time I went to one was Katy Alexander’s twelfth birthday party. I bumped the cake table.”
“Oh my God, did it fall to the ground?” Ava snor
ted half chuckled.
“It’s not funny, Ava. No one could have cake. She’s hated me ever since.” The cake was a giant pile of pink and purple. Plastic Hannah Montana drowned in a sea of frosting. It was tragic.
“Oh, damn I remember that. Cynthia called Rose that day she was mortified, thought her place in the ‘inner circle’ would be ruined.” Yeah, that sounds like mother all right.
“Okay, so no parties. Boyfriend?”
I looked down kneading my fingers together feeling the embarrassment creep from my toes to my face.
“You do!” It wasn’t a question Ava was intrigued. This was not good. She crossed her legs patting the bed calling me to sit. Plopping down, I was having a hard time looking her in the eyes. I felt like such an idiot.
“No, he’s not my boyfriend. Just a guy I’ve been crushing on forever. He’s the wrestling and swim team captain this year. He’s gorgeous and basically out of my league.” I’m completely mortified. Ava had a way of reeling information from me without even trying. It’s her stare. That’s what it is.
“You’re shitting me right?” Her eyebrow arched freakishly high.
“What?”
“Vanessa, you’re beautiful.”
“No, you are. I’m just okay looking.” I said looking her straight in the eye. I’m not ashamed of my looks I know I’m nothing special. Mother has made that very clear.
Ava snorted. “Do you not own any mirrors?” There went that eyebrow again.
“Ava, come on, you’ve always been the one who’s gotten the attention—”
“Because.” She cut me off. “I’m loud and obnoxious. I make it difficult for people to ignore me. You're crazy to think your ‘okay looking’. Hash tag don’t-be-an-idiot.” I laughed it felt like old times. Man, did I miss her.
“I’m so glad you’re here Ava, I really missed you.”
“I missed you too, Van.” She said with a tight but sincere smile.
After helping Aunt Rose and Ava unpack and get settled, we were called down for an early dinner.
“When will Declan be arriving?” Aunt Rose asked mother while she sat down at the dinner table.
“He should be here any minute. He's been so busy with his internship this summer. He hardly has time to come see us.” mother replied reaching over for her wine glass taking a rather large sip.
“Dolores, darling, can you go upstairs and tell Ms. Ava dinner is ready.” She orders. Dolores was our housekeeper and cook, amongst other things.
“Sure, Mrs. Saint John.” Dolores responded with her thick accent. I innocently teased her about it all the time. I thought it was adorable. I’d make her repeat different words just to hear her say them. She thought it was strange.
“Mother, I could have gone. Ava is probably getting out of the shower.” I said trying to cover my annoyance with concern.
“Nonsense, Vanessa, just fix yourself a plate, here, have some salad.” She shooed with her hand towards the salad bowl. Glancing at Daddy he gives me the ‘you know how your mother is, just do as she says’ look I smiled at her demand. Silently sighing to myself I do as I am told.
Of, course. Just as I was prepared to do as mother said the front door opens. The robotic voice from the alarm system calls: FRONT DOOR OPEN. Declan’s home! I hurry out of my seat to the foyer just in time to see Declan setting down his overnight bag.
“Declan!” I screeched jumping into his surprised arms. Declan and I weren’t the closest of siblings, but he still provided the feeling of big brother, even though it might possibly be me making it up in my head.
“Oomph. Hey…Van, missed me?” He asked breaking our embrace looking a little confused.
“Sort of, I need a buffer from mother, and dads not helping much.”
“Shit. There goes my relaxing weekend.” Declan complains, already irritated and he hasn’t even been here five minutes.
“I thought she’d behave in front of Aunt Rose.” I replied.
Boy, was I wrong.
“Well, if it isn’t the finest motherfucker in Colorado.” Ava called from the top of the stairs. Both Declan and I laughed leave it to Ava and her filthy mouth to break the tension. By the time we finished Ava was stepping off the last step walking to Declan.
“Ava Maria, a pretty girl like you shouldn't be using that type of language.” Declan said hugging her. Imitating mother, of course.
Ava smiled cautiously at my brother. “You still mad at me?”
Mad?
Am I missing something?
“Hmm, ask me again later.” Declan replied tapping his index finger against his lips contemplating his decision.
“Why would you be mad at her, D?” I asked.
What the heck is going on! Have they seen each other? Did he get to spend time with her? No, Ava would never reach out to Declan and not me.
“It’s not important, Van. Come on let’s go eat.” Ava answered for Declan. I hate when they do this. They always keep things from me like I can’t handle hearing bad news or anything inappropriate. My entire family is that way though everyone treats me like a porcelain doll. Like, I could break if not handled properly. Inwardly, I let out yet another exasperated sigh. I don't push it because I know it won't get me anywhere. Walking back into the formal dining room with Ava and Declan trailing behind me, Aunt Rose stands up to greet Declan with a warm hug.
“Declan, how you've grown. You’re so handsome. You must have a trolley of girls waiting on your beck and call.” Aunt Rose coos at Declan. Declan is truly handsome. He stands at five feet ten inches, messy dirty blonde hair and soft brown eyes with a squared chiseled jaw like my fathers. I always tell him he looks like a well-kept surfer, minus the tan.
“That’s absurd,” mother interrupts, “he’s too busy with his internship to be worried about fast girls.” Declan looks over at Daddy. Dad he gives him the same look he gave me earlier.
Good God, this woman was going to drive us all mad.
Chapter Five
Ava
“So, Ava, are you excited to start a new school? Start doing new things?” Declan asked taking a bite of his dinner roll. I knew exactly what he was insinuating. A few months ago I slept with his roommates. They like to give him shit about it. It didn’t go over well between Declan and I when he found out. He sat me down for a “lecture,” Declan’s sermon consisted of; roommates with big mouths, possibility of me getting infected with something or getting pregnant and or gaining a bad reputation. Blah, blah, blah. Talk about pot calling the kettle black. Hypocrite. Oh, but it’s all right if he does it because he’s a guy. What steaming load of bullshit.
Acting coy, I replied, “you know me, D. Always up for doing bigger and better things.” I elongate the word doing as he shook his head and chuckled. I winked at him, not missing the glare coming from Aunt Cynthia, clearly directed at me.
“Luckily, a couple of buddies of mine are having a ‘end of the summer party’ tonight, you want to come?” Declan asked looking at me with a deviling grin, always the shit-stir that one. Even though he was a little pissed at me for sleeping with his roommates I was still the best wing man-woman he’s ever had. I was great at hooking him up with the hottest girls. It’s a gift really.
“Fu—. I mean, yes of course. Can Vanessa come too?” I asked Aunt Cynthia, ignoring the way she kept looking at me.
Bitch.
Vanessa's eyes light of with hope. “I don’t think so, Ava. Vanessa has an early productive day tomorrow, maybe next time.” Cynthia spoke with a drop of venom in her voice. God, she’s such a control freak, she loves having control over Vanessa. Knowing Billy, he wouldn’t stand up to her. She has his balls in an iron grip too.
“Then, I’ll stay home too.” I said smiling at Vanessa. Declan perked up from his chair with confusion. Don’t get me wrong I love Declan but if it was between him or Van. I’d choose her. The only reason I’ve seen Declan and not Vanessa since my father’s death was because hanging out with Declan promised alcohol. Being around Vanessa fel
t like a tug and pull between my love for her and dislike for her parents. Still I enjoyed being around her more.
“No!” Vanessa said with force. “Go and meet people. Maybe kids from our school will show up, it’s a college party but you never know plus it’s a good way for you to make some friends.” I hated leaving her here bored while Declan and I went to a party. The thought of her sitting here in her ivory tower all alone while her brother was able to enjoy his life pissed me off something fierce. It was harshly unfair.
“Are you sure?” I asked trying to decipher whether she was being sincere or polite.
“Absolutely.” She replied wholeheartedly. “Come on. I'll help you get ready. May we be excused?” She asked. Cynthia hesitantly nodded yes.
We rushed up stairs heading straight to my room. Van shut the door behind her as I walked to the walk-in closet. She sat on the corner of my bed making herself comfortable.
“So, what are you planning on wearing?” Vanessa asked waiting patiently.
“Um, skinny jeans, pumps and a shirt?”
“Yeah, that sounds good.” She agreed.
In the closet I picked up my black ‘come fuck me’ heels, dark denim skinny jeans and a black fitted V cut-bosom-endorsing t-shirt. There’s nothing wrong with showing off a little cleavage I always say. Laying the articles of clothing on the bed I stepped into our adjoining bathroom to apply my make up, choosing a black smoky eye and nude colored lips. Heading back into the bedroom Vanessa's eyes widen in surprise. “Wow.” She whispered.
“What?” I asked. “Do I have something on my face?” My hand brushed my cheeks self-consciously.