CHAPTER 2

...02...

^^^Shadows_of_the_mafia^^^

The morning light beamed through the windows gap as a light entered the room along with the morning breeze made way in my room giving a fresh coolness.

I opened my eyes stretching my body in the sheets. 'Another day to procrastinate', I sighed not feeling to wake up and do nothing. These summer holidays surely put me up in a lazy era. After these summer holidays my final year will begin and my motto is to rock that year. To do everything that I can, after all college years will not come again.

I pushed aside my duvet feeling a sense of the cold my room had. I turned off the AC and opened the windows. 'Did it rain last night?'. The streets were wet from a heavy rain, Oh how much I love the smell of the soil after rain.

I lazily made my way to the bathroom to wake myself up by washing my face with a cold shower. Now I feel the most awake. I looked back at the reflection shown in the mirror, messy hair, dark circles, the pimple spots on some part of my face. I have always been an insecure person about my face, that maybe I am not beautiful enough or not smart enough, always trying to fit in. I love calling myself an introvert but sometimes I hate being the type of person I am.

Well anyways,I don't have the whole day to look myself in the mirror or I won't be able to do anything. After a hot steamy shower I changed into a medium skirt and a crop top followed by my comfy sneakers. I left my hair down and grabbed my phone as I walked downstairs almost tripping down.

As I sat at the kitchen counter, cradling my cappuccino, the warm Italian sun danced across my face, casting a golden glow. The aroma of freshly baked cornetti wafted from the stove, mingling with the rich scent of espresso. My gaze drifted to my mom, Lucia, as she joined me, her smile radiant.

"Buongiorno, amore!" she said, her voice like music, as she kissed my cheek.

I smiled, feeling the gentle touch. "Buongiorno, Mamma."

Lucia's eyes sparkled like the morning dew as she settled beside me. "What's the plan for today, Giulia?"

I took a sip of my cappuccino, savoring the creamy texture. "Dance class this morning, then meeting Francesca at the gelateria."

Lucia's face lit up, her eyes shining like the Tuscan sun. "Wonderful! You deserve a fun summer. How's your dance progressing?"

I beamed with pride, my heart swelling. "I'm improving, Mamma. Thanks for encouraging me."

As we chatted, Signora Rossi expertly prepared breakfast, her hands moving with the precision of a Italian nonna. The sizzle of prosciutto and eggs filled the air, making my stomach growl with anticipation.

Mamma's expression turned thoughtful, her brow furrowing slightly. "Any college plans? Have you given it more thought?"

I nodded, my mind racing with possibilities. "Yes, Mamma. I'm considering fashion design. Milan or Florence, maybe."

Lucia's eyes shone with pride, her smile warm. "That's wonderful, Giulia! You'll excel."

As we talked, I noticed the way the morning light highlighted the fine lines around Lucia's eyes, etched from years of love and laughter. Her hair, a rich chestnut brown, fell in soft waves down her back.

"Have you talked to your brother, Alessandro, lately?" Mom asked, her tone casual, but a hint of tension creeping into her voice.

I frowned, concern creeping in like a summer storm. "No... he's still away, right?"

Mamma's expression turned evasive, her eyes darting away like a bird taking flight. "Yes, busy with work. And your father, Giovanni, has a meeting in Rome."

I sensed a hint of unease, like a whispered secret, but our strong bond assured me she'd share more when ready.

"Everything okay, Mamma?" I asked, my voice gentle, like a summer breeze.

Mom's reassuring smile returned, warm and comforting. "Tutto bene, amore. Just family stuff. Finish your breakfast, and enjoy your day."

As we hugged, I felt grateful for our loving relationship, the warmth of our embrace like a cozy blanket.

As I hugged Mamma, my mind wandered to the unspoken truths. Alessandro and Papa's constant absence, the whispered phone calls, the furtive glances. I pushed the thoughts away, like a stubborn summer fly.

But they lingered, refusing to be swatted.

Alessandro's dreams of joining the army, shattered by Papa's insistence. Forced into a world he despised, working against our own country. The weight of it settled heavy in my chest.

Mafia. The word echoed in my mind, a dark whisper. Papa's empire, built on secrets and shadows. Thirteen years ago, something went terribly wrong. We left the city, abandoning our grand life for this small town.

Mamma's words, "Just family stuff," echoed hollowly. I didn't want to know, didn't want to see beyond the façade. Ignorance was my shield, my protection.

But the doubts crept in, like summer's humidity. What were they involved in? How deep did it go? The questions swirled, making my stomach churn.

I pushed back, focusing on the present. Dance classes, Francesca, gelato. Simple joys, untainted by the darkness.

Yet, the shadows lingered, waiting to reclaim me.

I took a deep breath, letting the warmth of the sun wash over me. For now, I'd bask in the light, keeping the darkness at bay.

I dialed Francesca's number, my fingers moving swiftly over the phone's keypad. The ringtone sounded, and then Francesca's voice burst through the line, warm and bubbly like a freshly opened bottle of soda.

"Hey, girl! Oh, thank God you called! I'm having the craziest morning!"

Francesca's voice was like a ray of sunshine, brightening my day. I smiled, settling into the conversation.

"Lunch date today, right?" I asked, confirming our plan.

"Totally! I need a fix of pasta goodness. My nonna tried to feed me castor oil this morning, and I'm still gagging."

I giggled, imagining Francesca's dramatic expression. "Ugh, no way! How's she still trying to torture you with that?"

Francesca's laughter echoed through the phone, contagious and joyful. "I know, right? She swears it's good for my digestion, but honestly, it's like drinking liquid misery."

Franseccas laughter always made me smile. It was infectious, like a happy virus spreading through my veins. I remembered our first meeting, how her curls bounced with each other, and her warm smile put me at ease. We balanced each other, her spontaneity complementing my cautious nature.

"Anyway, meet you at 12:30 pm at Bella Vita?" I asked.

"Can't wait! And after lunch, we're hitting the dance studio, right? I need to perfect my moves for the summer fest."

"Yaaas, queen! We'll dance the afternoon away. See you soon!"

I set the phone down, feeling excited for our plans. The warm sunbeams streaming through the window seemed to match my mood, bright and cheerful.

.

.

.

I sat in the living room, scribbling notes in my journal, when the front door burst open. My brother, Alessandro "Alex" Bianchi, strode in, his presence commanding attention. But it was his state that made my heart skip a beat.

Alex was drenched in sweat, his white shirt clinging to his chiseled torso like a damp second skin. His dark hair was disheveled, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to hold a thousand unspoken words. His rugged features, typically chiseled and strong, now appeared worn and weary.

As he moved, his muscles flexed beneath his skin, a testament to his physical exertion. A faint scent of blood and metal hung around him, making my stomach twist with concern.

I rose from the couch, instinctively moving towards him. "Alex, what-"

But he brushed past me, his gaze avoiding mine. His jaw clenched, and his lips pressed into a thin line, signaling his desire to be left alone.

I followed him with my eyes, noticing the crimson stain on his shirt, near his shoulder. My heart raced as I realized it wasn't his blood. A shiver ran down my spine; this wasn't the first time I'd seen him like this.

Alex disappeared into his room, slamming the door behind him. The sound echoed through the hallway, leaving me feeling helpless and worried.

I stood there, frozen, my mind racing with questions. What had he gotten himself into? Who was hurt? And why did he insist on shutting me out?

The familiar ache in my chest returned, a mix of concern, frustration, and hurt. I wished he'd confide in me, let me in on the secrets he kept hidden behind those piercing blue eyes.

With a sigh, I returned to the couch, my journal forgotten. My thoughts swirled around Alex, his mysterious life, and the bloodstained shirt that seemed to whisper secrets I wasn't meant to hear.

I couldn't shake off the feeling that Alex might be hurt. Despite his brush-off, I had to check on him. I made my way to his room, my heart pounding in my chest.

I knocked gently on the door. "Alex, please... let me in. I just want to help."

The door creaked open, and Alex stood before me, his eyes red-rimmed, his face etched with exhaustion.

"Alessia, leave me alone," he growled, his voice low and rough.

But I stood my ground. "You're hurt. Let me see."

Alex snorted, stepping aside to reveal his room. His shirt lay on the floor, bloodstained and torn. He began to unbutton his sleeve, revealing a deep gash on his forearm.

"I'm fine," he muttered, wincing as he cleaned the wound.

I gasped, rushing to his side. "Alex, this needs stitches!"

He pushed me away. "I said I'm fine, Alessia. Just leave me alone."

I felt a sting from his rejection, but I refused to give up. "What's going on, Alex? Who was hurt? You can't keep shutting me out like this."

Alex's expression turned cold, his eyes flashing with anger. "You don't want to know, Alessia. Trust me, you don't want to be involved in my world."

I took a step back, hurt by his words. "Your world? You mean the mafia world? The one you're so desperate to protect me from?"

Alex's face twisted in anguish. "Alessia, stop. Just stop."

But I couldn't. "Why do you do this, Alex? Why do you keep putting yourself in harm's way?"

Alex slammed his fist on the dresser, making me jump. "Because I have to, okay? Because someone has to protect this family, even if it means sacrificing myself."

His words cut deep, and I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes.

"Protect us from what, Alex? From whom?"

Alex's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes blazing with a mixture of pain and fury. "From the truth, Alessia. From the darkness that's been haunting us for years."

With that, he slammed the door shut, leaving me standing alone in the hallway, my heart shattered into a million pieces.

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...••𝐸𝑛𝑑••...

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