The Beginning (The Life 1)

Like me, they have it in their heads that something is up with Gia and her stepsister. My sisters are no fools. At fifteen almost sixteen, they know a thing or two about mean girls; they should; they led that crew for a while in middle school until I set their asses straight. They were young and didn’t know the shit they were doing and how harmful it could be until I made them watch some after-school specials and threatened them with Pop.

They caught on real quick, and we didn’t have an issue after that. Now, they’re the ‘it’ kids who everyone wants to hang with, and I’d had to navigate that shit as well, culling the true friends from the users who only wanted to use their kindness against them, or worst, use their friendship to get to me.

“I’ve already requested her as your tutor in calculus.” That’s stretching the truth a bit, but whatever. It’s not like I’m gonna tell them I hacked into the system to do that shit. The looks on their faces showed their surprise. “We don’t…”

“I know you don’t need help, but it’s the best I could come up with.”

“Oh, I see. Is Gia good in calculus?” Anna looked at Rosa when she asked me this, and without thinking, I answered. “She’s good at everything.”

“Ohhh.” They shared a conspiratorial look. Fuck!

GABRIEL

“Moving right along.” I kept my tone dry as I told them how to go about doing their part, playing down my interest as best I could. They were hyped, and I had to caution them a time or two before they gave shit up and landed me in the spotlight. “Repeat everything I just said.” They rolled their eyes in unison but did as I asked.

“Don’t forget, just bring it up in conversation at the breakfast table. Ma will do the rest.” I guess you can say I’m using my family’s weakness against them, but there’s no guilt because it’s for a good cause. Never said I wasn’t a shit kid. I let them head down before me while I hung back for a few before following after them. By the time I reached the kitchen, everyone else was there already.

“Morning, son, you look mighty handsome this morning.”

“Thanks, Ma.” I gave my round of cheek busses and took my seat while the conversation picked up again. Smooth as ice, Rosa dropped the first little nugget, and I felt my blood sing. Weird freaking reaction for the circumstances. It’s not like I was planning to marry this chick or something. I just wanted to help her out of what I assume is a fucked-up situation.

For me, getting involved like this was no more or less what I would’ve done for a wounded animal I found in the woods somewhere, something I’ve been known to do in the past. I staunchly ignored the little voice in the back of my head that kept insisting that this was different. It can’t be. I won’t let it. I don’t have the time nor the inclination for this shit.

I watched and listened as the twins played the room. They, too, knew they were setting our parents up and didn’t seem to hold any ill feelings about it, but then again, they’re masters at this shit. “I think we should really get a head start now, and I want her to help us.”

“Yes, she’s the best, other than you know…” Anna grinned in my direction when she said this. I ignored her as I was meant to.

“What are you girls talking about?” Pop was the first to bite, which was all but expected; he’s so damn easy.

“Calculus, dad, we’re taking it for the first time in our advance classes, and it’s a beast.”

“So what do you need? Like a tutor?”

“Yes, and we found the perfect one. She goes to our school, so it’s all been set up, it’s just that…” Anna let her words trail off and went back to picking at her food.

“Just that what? What’s going on?” He looked from Anna to Rosa, who picked up the conversation.

“We think her stepmom or dad might not let her do it.”

“Why the hell not? Is the kid good?”

“Oh yeah, she’s really smart, and she’s so nice.”

“Why can’t you ask your brother?” Ma looked at me with confusion, but once again, Pop did my job for me. He was already shaking his head before she was through. “Garrett wouldn’t let me tutor him even though I’d already taken the classes a year ahead of him and knew my shit. It’s a sibling thing.” Ma looked confused but didn’t argue.

“Who is this girl?”

“Gia Fontane. She’s already been chosen to tutor us, but we’re afraid her parents will say no.” Rosa pouted, which in this house is like shouting fire in a theatre. Pop loses his shit pretty easily when it comes to his kids, something I knew when I came up with this particular plan. I’d thought of letting Ma handle this part but thought better of it in the end, she’s too soft for this, and if anyone in that house messed with her, I’d have to step in before the time was right, before I know what the hell is going on. No one fucks with Ma.