The Beginning (The Life 1)

“That’s what I wanna know. You’ve been off since you came back from lunch today; what gives?”

“That’s what you came all the way over here for?”

“Yup, you’d do the same if you were worried about me.”

“There’s nothing wrong, so you may go.” He studied my face like a damn face reader. “Uh-uh, something’s bothering you. Is it Gia?” I scrubbed my hand across my face and walked into the room, taking the chair across from him.

I wanted to lie to him, but part of our bond had been forged on honesty, and since he’s the only brother I’m ever going to have, I can’t see myself damaging that now. I could hope that he didn’t see as much as he does, though, that he didn’t know me as well as I know him.

“Talk to me; what’s wrong? If you like her…”

“I don’t have time for that.”

“Why not? What is it that you’re hiding from me, bro?” Here is the one place I’ll never let him in, not just him, but no one else can know what lives inside me. I don’t feel bad not sharing this side of me with him since I haven’t and won’t with anyone else ever.

“I know you like her. I see it every time you look at her; you’re just playing hard to get.”

“When have you seen me looking at her?”

“Today, when you two walked into the cafeteria. You had this look about you that I’d never seen before, and then again, at the table, you had that look, like you just woke up from a damn coma. At first, I thought you got involved with her and Victoria because you were there when it happened, but now I’m not so sure.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about. Besides, I’ve known her for all of three days.”

“So? Unc said he fell in love with Aunt Sophie the first time he ever laid eyes on her. My own parents have the same story…”

“So why haven’t you fallen in love with any of the ones you mess around with?” Now it was his turn to squirm. The boy has been a player since we were like twelve. He didn’t exactly blush, but it was close.

“Why do you look so embarrassed? Do you like someone?” More squirming.

“Whatever, so what’s the plan for this weekend?” An excellent way to change the subject, but since it benefits me as well this time around, I’ll leave it alone. “My only part in the weekend plan is cannoli and the Met. Don’t go by me, though. I’m pretty sure Ma has a whole itinerary mapped out already, have fun. He likes being dragged around with them whenever we go places, while I prefer to stay back in the hotel or at whatever vacation home we happen to be visiting at the time.

“I guess I’ll go see Aunt Sophie then so I can coordinate my wardrobe.” He left the room in haste, leaving me to wonder what the hell was up with him. Why’d he react that way to my question…? “Hey!” I rushed to the door catching him at the top of the stairs.

“Why did you react that way to my question?” I looked at him suspiciously, even more so when he didn’t look me in the eye. He always looks me in the eye.

“Tell me, do you have feelings for Gianna?” Just saying those words made my stomach cramp. But the look of surprise on his face followed by a burst of laughter was all the answer I needed. It pissed me off the amount of relief I felt at his response.

“No, bruh, she’s all yours.” He went jogging down the stairs laughing like an ass.

I heard voices when I walked back into the room and looked around for the source. Oh yeah, the plant in her bag. “Like this, Gia!” I flicked on the screen to see Rosa teaching her the bow step. “What the hell is she wearing?” The black silk jacket and pants with red belt were definitely mine since my sisters have yet to advance to my level.

The jacket hung off her shoulders, and it was obvious the pants had been rolled more than a few times at the waist and again at the bottoms. My sisters have no idea I can see them, so I’m guessing that’s why they thought they could get away with this. I put the spy-cams in there years ago for their protection.

I never trusted anyone with them, male or female, and since we had teachers and instructors from all over, it never hurt to be careful. I learned that from Pop. I’m sure he has his own setup in there as well, not that I blame him. Most people wait until after shit happens to regret. Pop believes in heading shit off before it starts.