Becoming Queen

Chapter 17: Suspicion

Sofia

Wiping my hands on a tea towel, I walked towards the door in which Nana was stood by giving us all a concerned glance.

Lifting her scarf off the sofa, I handed it over to her with a smile hoping to ease the frown upon her face. But she remained comatose.

"Nana, what's wrong?" I asked as she gently took the scarf from out of my hand.

"I know you're 19 and it's not my place to intrude, but are you sure it's a good idea letting that man stay? Call it a Grandma's intuition, but something feels off. You've grown close in such a short period of time. I mean, if he is your booty call then fair enough, but don't rush into something serious, especially after Elias".

"Grandma!". I covered my face with my hands, my cheeks warming in embarrassment of discussing my sex life.

"Honey, you're a woman. What you do is your business, as long as you use protection" she added with no hint or shame of embarrassment.

"He is not a booty call, he's just, a nice guy to hang around with".

Grandma didn't seem convinced by my words and looked behind me with a frown before her eyes came back to mine.

"Elias was a nice guy at first. What I am trying to say is sometimes the worst people can be the nicest. Just be careful. I lost your father and mother, I cannot bear to lose you as well".

"But there's so little you know and that scum you were kissing is extremely dangerous".

Elias' words echoed around in my head almost as soon as I heard Grandma's.

Why had they no faith in me. Why did everyone treat me like some stupid vulnerable girl. I had a successful business dealing with powerful men, so why couldn't they trust my judgement. I was always getting sick and tired of the conversation always turning back to Elias.

Why were none of them letting him go.

"I understand".

I wanted to press further. I wanted to find out what everyone was hiding, but I didn't want to put her under anymore stress. I could see the tiredness all over her face.

"Alright, now I've packed some meals in your freezer so you should be fine for the next couple of weeks. But honey, please don't forget that I'm only a phone call away. If you need anything, a night of peace, some alone time to get a clear mind or even just to gorge on food and have a movie marathon alone, the kids can always come back here. They don't have to live with you forever. Remember to think of yourself too".

Wrapping my arms around the much smaller woman, I rested my head down onto her shoulder and breathed in her scent and whispered gentle of words of appreciation.

"Stay safe honey and eat. You're losing weight and I know you Sofia. I understand you're stressed, but channel it into something healthier".

I hated people talking about my weight, but I don't think she had the capability of keeping her mouth shut. I think it was just a Grandma thing, wanting to fatten the grand kids up.

"I will" I replied before pulling away and watching her walk out of the door leaving me alone in a room full of sleeping children, kittens and Giovanni washing up.

"Does everyone in your family not like me? She didn't seem to like me being here" Giovanni laughed as he threw away the empty pizza boxes and tubs of ice cream.

"She's weary of people. Can't say I blame her. People are so unreliable nowadays".

Picking up the newest addition to the family, I placed my new kitten on the kitchen counter and watched in amusement as she continued rolling and jumping around before cleaning herself.