Chapter 33: someone came to visit

***

***

Her eyes laid wide open, staring into the bland details of the canopy. The night passed quickly, he didn't return. The hundreds of scenarios passing through her head sting her more with every skipping hours.

Serenity thought the night was suddenly cold. She shivered, tightening the duvet around herself. The burning jealousy of her heart contradicted with the cold pricks on her skin. She sighed and changed her position.

The dawn was breaking, she was worn out.

She likes him.

And it was her first time, budding a romantic feeling for a boy.

Insecurities, confusions, bewilderment, anxiety, fear...

All sorts of emotions pouring down together in once, it had left chaos in her.

But the main question troubling and shooing her sleep away was whether the moon of her life like her back.

Alessandro was always caring and kind and sweet to her but what if she was mistaking her chivalry for something deeper.

He never confessed anything.

What was she to him?

Serenity refused to believe that she was a mere keep to him.

She had spent so much time with him. His forehead kisses, his warm hugs, the way his eyes softens when he calls her love or the rare laughter that was blessed only for her ears.

Nobody can convince her that it meant nothing, not even Alessandro.

She sat up instantly, firm and resolute with her decision. She won't run her brain and invite the pimples from over thinking.

Alessandro had told her once that if she had anything in mind, to come to him straight. Every time she turn away from him, she had only landed in trouble and trouble and trouble. She needed to trust him. After all, nowadays, one shouldn't just believe what their eyes see.

It was morning, and the alarm clock was five minutes away from ringing when the door slowly opened and he slipped inside.

Alessandro almost stumble back when he notice his little red head on top of the bed, staring straight at him.

"You're up...early?" He frowned as he approached her.

Serenity glared at him, her eyebrows pulled together, chubby cheeks bursting out and her cute mouth nestled into a big pout.

Alessandro didn't know why he suddenly felt like a cheating husband caught by his wife.

She climbed down from the bed and stood in front of him with a two feet distance between them. Her hands in her hips like an old lady. But her pitiful height made her look even smaller as he was literally looking down on her.

"You- You Eiffel tower!" She huffed angrily and quickly climbed up the bed again.

Now with the extra height from the bed, Serenity was a few inches taller than him as she stood up. She looked quite satisfied now as she can happily glared down at him.

"Where were you?" She asked sternly, waiting for his excuses.

"With Athena."

"Hah! Don't lie. I know where you- !" Her eyes widened when she heard him confess straightaway.

Alessandro quirk an eyebrow at her dumbstruck face.

She stammered trying to find words because this wasn't what she had expected. He was suppose to make excuses like all typical men caught in an affair!

"O...Okay and what did you do with her?" Serenity crossed her arms and looked away arrogantly.

"Dance."

"It takes six hours to dance."

"Yes."

"You slept in her room?"

"No."

She gulped at her next question, "So...She is the girl you're willing to marry?"

"You're jealous."

"Yes and why...WHAT? No! I am not." She gasped and defended herself quickly but it was too late, Alessandro had already caught on.

He looked down at his feet, hiding the little smile at the corner of his lips.

"Why would I be jealous? I am not! It's not like I am your lover or something. I was just concerned...yes concerned. If people don't sleep, they turn into zombies. I was just checking if you...if you.."

"If I? If I transformed into a zombie?"

"Yes." She replied absent-minded before shaking her head, "I mean No!"

Her face fumed with dark shade of red almost to the point of resembling a ripe tomato with her red hair. She huffed and grumbled loudly in a nonsensical language.

Alessandro let out a deep laugh as he drew her closer. Serenity gasped, stumbling from the unexpected force. Her hands pressed down on his broad shoulder to stabilize herself and their eyes met.

"I like this." He said.

"Like what?"

"You getting jealous and demanding over what I do."

"But I don't." She snapped back.

His smile didn't cease even with her tone.

"Athena is a close confidante and nothing else. You can be rest assured, baby."

"She is beautiful." Serenity said, tearing her gaze away from him towards the window.

"Yes, She is."

"She is intelligent."

"Hmm"

"Confident, kind, sassy, strong and ideal..." Serenity hesitate, her voice getting meeker as she listed the qualities, "...Why would you not want her?"

Alessandro hummed in reply. He pulled her closer and slowly brought her hand over his chest, placing it on the surface of his heart.

"She doesn't make me feel this."

Her eyes widened slowly.

"Eh! Alessandro I think you're about to have a heart attack. It's beating so fast!" She shrieked.

Alessandro pursed his lips in disbelief.

***

It was the day before the Grand birthday ball. Simone was in his study, an askance look on his face as he assembled the important paper works. He can't believe he was to be deported to Australia and for what, a piece of custard.

He can't believe he hates his favorite dessert now.

The door made a small noise as it opens, his lips twisted into a sneer ready to scold whoever it was when he felt the tense aura in the room.

"Alessandro." He greeted, not looking up at him. He was still upset with the fact that the man didn't think twice before sending him off. They were sworn brothers for fuck's sake.

"The settlements here is in short of a few hands. Cancel your flight tickets. The deadline of the Illinois' report is near. Give Zio a call."

Simone stilled, wondering is he had heard it right. He snapped his head towards him so fast that he almost broke his neck.

"You- what? You're not banishing me..." he asked incredulously.

Alessandro returned a stiff nod. He clenched and unclenched his jaws as if preparing himself to do something big.

And finally after a few minutes, he opened his mouth.

"I apologize."

Simone was thunderstruck, rooted to the ground. He thought he had forgotten to clean his ears and was hearing things.

But Alessandro's unfazed expression had him rethink if he just witness a moment in history.

"A...Ah, okay?"

Alessandro looked sheepish as he cleared his throat, "Okay."

And before Simone could realized he had already stormed off the room.

***

A young girl of about sixteen years of age stood in front of the gigantic iron gates of the forbidden Vitali mansion. The entire are was enclosed with high profile security and wasn't easy to access. If it wasn't for the photocopy of the invitation card she had plastered on her front and back for extra protection, she would have been lying on the ground with a bullet between her eyes.

Her hands on her hips, her breathing irregular from the long walk she had to endured. No cab was allowed within the vicinity of two miles radius around the mansion. The cowboy hat she had stolen from her father before she left, dropping down to her eyes. She huffed a breath of air as she pushed the stubborn hat back to its place.

Her dark red flannel was drenched with sweats, cheap jeans already itching against her skin.

It won't matter, she was finally here. She grinned at the thought. A special someone was waiting for her.

She cleared her throat and knocked on the iron gate with her fist.

She quickly stepped back and run her hands down her jeans to appear a bit presentable.

When no one replied after a few minutes, she frowned and banged on the door again.

Strange, she thought. She didn't come to the wrong address, did she?

"Aye! Anyone home!"

The side of the gate beeped and a small screen lit up on the wall.

'Verify who you are.' It read.

She then noticed the small camera on it. Scoffing, she rolled her eyes.

Rich people problem

"My name is Butanrofuserbu Kaptan. I have the invitation to Serenity O'Sullivan's birthday Ball."

Then the screen showed another scanner for identity confirmation. Butter looked at it warily and pressed her thumb for the finger print before swiping her ID over the scanner.

When it was confirmed and the access granted, the door majestically opened like those in a mystery crime movie. Hundreds of guards were lined up along the long road with a set of intervals between each of them.

But what made her jaw drop wasn't the oh so amazing landscape neither the dangerous guards fully equipped with even more dangerous arms. It was actually the never ending road that is another mile distant from the real mansion.

She would die on the way with fatigue and exhaustion if she were to walk with her heavy bags on her back.

What the fuck was her bestfriend doing here anyways?Seems like her prince charming turns out to be a beast and locked her up in his beautiful mansion. Poor poor Serenity.

"Don't tell me I have to walk all the way there..." she stared at the security watchman with a hint of hope.

The bald man stood, unfazed at her weak persuasion attempt.

Butter let out a loud groan and cried tearlessly.

"Mister, Aren't rich people supposed to have at least a carrier or something for the guest?"

"Our guests don't come on foot."

Butter felt insulted, she glared at the bald man and flipped her middle finger out before storming in.

She might as well deal with it.

***

"I have a surprise for you, love." Alessandro turned to Serenity as he served her a peeled orange on the breakfast table. It was just the two of them. She didn't know where the rest had disappeared off to.

The other day, she was informed of Alicia's departure to Sicily. She was supposed to be back by tonight or tomorrow's morning. Serenity felt the house was definitely quiet and boring without her presence.

"What is it?" She smiled and plopped the orange in her mouth, savoring the sweet authentic taste.

Alessandro quietly slid a large envelop towards her. He tapped on it twice and sat back.

She frowned but her smile didn't waver as she opened the seal, pulling out a very appealing invitation card. The contents spilled put in golden ink was very eye catching.

Serenity froze as she re read the lines again and again.

It was her very own birthday ball to be held tomorrow. She couldn't believe it. No wonder, the second floor banquet room was in a chaos the entire time with people filing in and out every hour. She had even forgotten it herself.

"This...This is for me?" She pointed to herself incredulously.

Alessandro smiled and nodded.

She had never really celebrated her birthday. It was always just a hearty meal with her bestfriend and her mama.

"Alessandro..." The words got stuck as she tried to swallowed the huge lump forming in her throat.

Her eyes welled up and cheeks flushed.

Alessandro frowned and picked her up, cradling her little body to his chest.

"Do you not like it? I can always cancel it if it isn't up to your satisfaction, love. Tell me, what should I do?"

She quickly shook her head and giggle.

"It's happy tears, Alessandro. I just got emotional. Silly me! Thank you so much. I have always dreamed of having a fairy tale birthday celebration with huge cakes and ballgown and dance like those in the TV. But mama and I were tight on budget and we couldn't really celebrate it grandly. Thank you for making my wish come true." She hugged him tightly.

Alessandro's cold facade cracked up and he find himself suddenly so lost. The amount of times, she initiated something as casual as a hug can be counted on one hand. His entire demeanor soften as he heaved a sigh.

She still don't know how much she mean to him. He cherish her a lot.

"Your family will be there too."

Serenity gasped and her large eyes gazed up at him with more tears.

"Really?"

He hummed in reply.

"I am so happy, Alessandro. Thank you, thank you..."

Her arms tightened around his neck as she clung onto him like a little koala.

Alessandro smiled, patting her head and adoring her affection.

"The other day at the hospital, you said you missed your brothers. I can't think of any other way to let you meet them. We do not invite anyone from a different family without a prior notice and arrangements or any special occasion. It would have created a havoc in the business if our allies turned the words around and I wouldn't dare put you in the limelight as well. So forgive me, my love. I couldn't fulfill your wish sooner. Tomorrow, it isn't only your birthday celebration but also the official commemoration of our partnership between the O'Sullivans and the Vitalis, your very own debutante ball included. From tomorrow onwards, you will be recognized as someone very important to me as well as the families.

The threats might increase but the security will as well and I would do everything to protect you, baby. Nobody can harm a single strand of your hair when you're with me." He pressed a tender kiss on her temple, sealing his oath.

Serenity melted in his embrace, her shy smile lingering on her lips as she laid her head on his chest. She likes him a lot. In such a short span of time, she had fallen for him so deeply that it scares her and any possibilities of heartbreak in future but she decided she was going to trust him with all her heart. She will present him her most sincere and vulnerable side and it will be in his hands whether he cherishes it or break her.

But she knew she would never regret it with Alessandro.

"Alessandro...I need to tell you something."

"Hmm?" He urged softly.

"I...Alessandro...I lik-"

"Signore, Excuse me for the interruption but someone requested for an appointment with Signorina O'Sullivan. The young girl asked me to relay a message for Signorina." An old butler came to inform them.

Serenity turned and stared at Alessandro with confusion.

"I haven't invited anyone over. I don't even have friends here, Alessandro."

He already knew who it was. His men have informed him about their arrival.

"What is the message?"

The butler hesitated, the words from the young lady outside was improper and rash. He shut his eyes tightly and blurted out

"Your...Your Oompa Lompa better be hotter than Henry Cavill or I won't hesitate to smack some senses into your dumb ass."

Silence followed before a loud shriek came from the little red head on his lap. Alessandro winced visibly from the noise. Serenity jumped off his lap and ran out like a crazy woman all while screaming some name. He was dumbfounded.

The butler was shocked as the gust of red wind suddenly ran past him almost slamming him on the door.

Alessandro cleared his throat and stood up, composing himself and followed his over excited bunny.

"BUTTER! BUTTER!" Serenity screamed as she ran down the stairs and into the foyer. All the house help turned to her in surprise and shock. She crossed the threshold quickly like a swift sparrow and launched herself out of the door.

The moment her eyes landed on her bestfriend, she cried of happiness. She had missed her so much. Excitement, nostalgia and over all happiness hit her as both the girls screamed. They hug each other tightly and jumped around, not letting go even for a moment.

Both of them were screeching and laughing and crying at the same time that they don't even understand each other.

The rest of family members had also came out to see the commotion. Antonio and Athena stood flaggergasted at the threshold. Simone wondering what was going on from the first floor balcony and Alessandro leaning against the door.

Antonio glanced at Alessandro to ask what was going on when suddenly he felt his dark cold aura intensifying at the moment. He was taken aback. Alessandro seemed to be clenching his jaws and controlling himself. His eyes trained on the scene without blinking. It was as though he was glaring daggers. Antonio turned to look at what got him so riled up.

He almost laughed out loud.

Serenity was holding the unknown girl's face and kissing her cheeks on each side repeatedly and the girl did the same as though it was some sort of greeting ritual between them.

He can't believe his brother was so jealous even of a girl.

The man needs to cut some slacks on his little love.

"Oh my God! You're here! You're really here! I can't be dreaming, Am I? I missed you so much!"

"I miss you too, idiot! I have a lot of things to tell you! Do you know the hardships I have endured to meet you finally? I didn't know Ireland is in America! I thought the pilot made a mistake and forgot the route. I was so damn confused. I met your family before I came here. Then your other mom that usually wears an ugly scowl told me that you're abducted by some weird old dude and he is keeping you for prize and something and then your other other mom that looks dumber than Cat Valentine said that you got Stockholm syndrome and your sugar daddy is very doting and you helped her get 50 grand from your scowling mom.

I was so worried that I immediately tore the city upside down to find this address. It was very tricky to get here. I had to walk for miles and my legs are dead! Now that I am here, nobody can harm you. See, I have drank your share of buffalo's milk and even built some muscles over the past month. I can definitely beat him up. Tell me, where is that old skank?" Butter rolled up her sleeves and cracked her knuckles, ready to punch anyone.

Serenity hurriedly shook her head.

"No, Butter. You're mistaken. Alessandro is very good to me. He pampers me a lot. He is like my very own guardian angel."

Butter looked at her in disbelief and took a step back. She grabbed Serenity's arm and made her spin around a couple of times.

"What are you doing, Butter?"

"Shss! I am checking where you got possessed. Don't worry. Remember that mad father who is always chasing spirits around in the downtown church. I bought an amulet from him. This will protect you." Saying this, she quickly tied a string around her bestfriend's wrist.

"Now that old man won't be able to possessed you anymore. What's wrong with you, Serenity? Didn't we promise each other that no matter who it is or what it is, our Oompa Lompa's should be top notched and deadly handsome? How can you fall for an old man with a pot bellied and yellow teeth? How are we going to have beautiful babies if 50% of their DNA are trash!"

Antonio, who was watching the two very interesting girls, had to cover his mouth to silence the urge to laugh out loud. Alessandro's expression was priceless. He looked like he was either regretting something or thinking of shooting a particular someone in the head.

"I am not being funny, girlie but if your Oompa Lompa is not hotter than-"

Alessandro couldn't take it anymore and marched towards them. He pulled Serenity away from the unruly girl and faced her with a serious look.

"Excuse me for my intrusiveness, Ms.Kaptan. But I assure you I am not taking advantage of your bestfriend. Serenity means a lot to me and after tomorrow's ball, I believe you will get a deeper understanding of our relationship."

Butter froze as she laid her eyes on the exquisitely beautiful man infront of her. Did she die and went to heaven? Her eyes were blessed and everything turned silent around her.

"Oh my...Seri, you got yourself a jackpot!" She stammered, she couldn't keep her gaze away from her supposedly brother in law.

Butter felt like she was either transported to a parallel world or Christmas came early.

She snapped her head towards Serenity who was already looking at her expectantly.

"Is this the man? The one that brought you here?" Disbelief was clear in her voice.

Serenity shyly nodded her head.

Butter was still in denial. This was totally unexpected. She had imagined Alessandro to be a grumpy old pedo with daddy issues who preys on little innocent Lolitas.

But the icy and stunning man with a deadly disasturous aura said otherwise. She looked at him up and down and her eyes narrowed on his hands that was wrapped around her bestfriend's waist.

Her expression lightened up. Butter can finally rest in peace. She was always worried about Serenity and her being taken advantaged by the cruel world outside. She was glad that her sworn sister can find someone to rely on and that someone being unearthly handsome was a bonus.

"I approved!" She squealed and opened her arms to squeeze Serenity again but before she could touch her, Serenity was pulled back into another firm embrace.

"That's enough hugging for today." Alessandro said blankly.

Antonio and Simone cleared their throat while swallowing down the laughter.

Jealous Alessandro was fun to watch especially when his jealousy wasn't directed to them.

"There is no such things as enough hugs for the day, Alessandro." Serenity corrected innocently with her big doe eyes.

"In fact, hugging releases happy hormones and it relaxes our body and mind."

"You can hug me then." He deadpan with a serious look.

Serenity transformed into a red tomato again. She playfully hit him on his arm with her tiny fist.

"Oooooh! Don't worry Mister. I am not a lesbian...although I can be bi sometimes."

Alessandro tightened his grip around Serenity.

***

How was it?

Good?

Bad?

Or just meh...?

I see a lot of you commenting on how it's illegal for Serenity to be with Alessandro. I didn't think it would be that much of an issue because the legal age of consent differs for every country. I think it's 14 for Italy and Alessandro is an Italian. Even in US, some states have it as early 16. Ireland has it from 17.

So I can hope people stop calling out its illegal for them to be together because the age of consent differs for every region. You should respect the laws and beliefs in other countries because it doesn't necessarily have to be same as the country you live in.

Don't forget to Vote, comment and share.

Until then,

Adios,

Stella Cadante