The Beginning (The Life 1)

The girls already knew what to ask to feel her out, things that might seem strange coming from me but were easily seen as just conversation coming from the two young girls. Little does she know, but Draco’s daughters are anything but the norm. Each question though seemingly nothing more than friendly banter, was as sharp as any seasoned investigator’s.

I sucked up all the bits and pieces putting them away for later. Though I already had a pretty good idea of what was going on with her, every little bit helps. I doubt she even knows what’s going on, being so close to the situation and having no guidance. Although my sisters kept the questions light and friendly, they got enough out of her to paint the picture I expected.

Without giving away too much, she’d already revealed the hierarchy in her house. After her mother’s death, her once close friend had swooped in and taken over, pushing the daughter of the house aside in order to bring her own offspring to the forefront. She didn’t say it in so many words, but the more she tried to gloss over the truth, the more obvious the situation became.

I felt a burst of excitement, maybe because this was something new, something other than the plot I’ve been working on forever. I didn’t know I needed a break from my own shit until I felt this burst of renewed vigor. Sure, I can take a moment to put this shit right for her, for the girl I’d watched being bullied, the girl with the blue-black hair that shines in the sunlight.

But how much of a fight is this going to be? Those two bitches who seem to be following the plotline of Cinderella, against me, the son of Draco Russo, the kid who read Nicolo Machiavelli at the age of ten and studied the Art of War by age twelve?

GIANNA

Whoa, why is he smiling like that? or is that a smirk? “Have a nice day, Gianna; I’ll come get you at lunch.”

“What about us? Aren’t you going to get us too? Or are your poor little sisters not precious enough?” Anna batted her lashed while fighting hard not to grin, and I have no idea what’s going on. It’s almost like the girls are trying to throw us together.

“Nobody’s bullying you two. Who would dare?”

“You’ve got a point; we’ll join you for lunch.”

“Great, I have something to do anyway, so you two can keep her company while I’m gone.”

I almost asked what he had to do but caught myself in time. We left the Hummer, and I just stood there like an ass. We were all headed in different directions for our individual classes, something I’ve done a million times, so why do I feel like I have no direction? Like a rudderless ship?

“Come on!” He took my hand and walked towards the building that houses my class while the twins walked off to greet their waiting friends.

I felt all eyes on us, but while my steps faltered, he didn’t miss a beat. “Don’t look at them, and pick your head up; higher, good.” It felt strange after years of keeping my head down to feel the sunlight on my face. I wouldn’t, no, couldn’t have done this if he wasn’t here, but having him walk by my side helped ease the nervous tension in my stomach until I saw Victoria.

How could I have forgotten her? After what happened at the breakfast table, I’m sure she’s not going to just give up. She never does. Maybe I should just end this farce right here before it goes any further. I’ve never won against her and her mother in all these years. In fact, I only ever lose, and besides, I only have one year left before I can make my escape. I can hang in there for that long, at least.

She started to walk towards me, but Gabriel just kept going as if he hadn’t even seen her. Oh, she’s gonna make me pay for that. I didn’t dare move my head to look at her, because as if sensing my intent Gabriel gripped my hand tighter. “Let me ask you a question, Gianna. If you had a business, would you let someone else just walk in off the street and take it over without a fight?”

“Huh? A business? What do you mean?”

“Answer the question.”

“Of course not; who would do something like that?”

“So why have you given up on your life?” What the… We’d reached my classroom door, and after asking me that mind-numbing question, he just turned and walked away, leaving me standing there to look at his retreating back.

What the hell kinda question is that? What does he mean by giving up on my life?

“Hey Gia, is it true?” The question coming from my left jerked me out of my reverie.