Blinded By The Kindled Fire (Ongoing)

𝖚𝖓𝖔

𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐀

"Si papà. Parto il trentesimo." Yes, papa. I'm leaving on the thirtieth. I replied to my father on the other side of the phone.

Today was the 26th of July, on the 30th I'd be leaving America and who knows when I'll be back. If I can come back.

As the eldest of my father, I'm next in line to take over the Cosa Nostra, the Sicilian mafia.

My family's roots were never a secret to me nor was it ever planned to be. Be it man or woman, we were all part of the Cosa Nostra and bound by omertà.

The acceptance started when my nonna was the capo. She paved the way for women to be just as significant within the mafia as the men were and that pictured her into a strong feminine figure in the eyes of many.

Being the second female capo has put on so much pressure on me. My nonna was the first female capo of the Cosa Nostra and she proved to the mafiosos in her generation that women can lead such a dangerous organization better than any man could, and she earned their respect for that.

Following in my nonna's footsteps, I had to prove myself worthy just as how she did, and I had to prepare myself for the unavoidable judgement and comparisons from the elders.

Sarai un capo meraviglioso. Is what she'd always say to me, but somehow I still have a hard time believing it.

My nonna may be strict when it comes to the rules of the mafia but she is a softie for us within the comforts of our casa.

Speaking of comfort, I will miss the solace this faux life gave me. My friends, my university, my org mates, my fave casinos and bartenders, I will miss everything I've crossed paths with in the last five and a half years of my life, even when I know it's not what's meant for me.

All of this is just a façade, an escape to the reality that's going to kick in in just a few days.

"Ti amo, tesoro. Tutto quello che faccio è per te." I love you sweetheart. Everything I do is for you. He said with a sigh. I know he's worried that I might not be happy with this setup, but it's not like I had any other choice.

Before I was even born, this was already my legacy, this was the path I was set to take and no matter the number of detours I go through, I'd still end up where my nonna wants me to be.

"Lo so, papà. Anch'io ti amo." I know, papa. I love you too. I didn't want to worry him, that's the last thing I'd want him to feel.

He's been the best father despite our chaotic life. He gave me the freedom to live as a normal city girl before I was to be called on to take over his throne. He gave me everything I could ever ask for and he was always there for me. He may have his bad sides, but don't we all? I will forever be grateful to my father for loving me unconditionally.

"I have to go now. The ceremony's about to start." Today was my graduation, that's why he called. Not that it was so special or anything.

It took Dad so much convincing for my nonna to agree to let me at least graduate college before I take over the mafia.

"Alright, tesoro. I'm really sorry I can't be there with you."

"Don't worry, papà. I'm just going to walk on a stage and receive a piece of paper." He chuckled at my remark.

"Okay then. Say hello to your fratellino for me."

"Sure thing. Loveya!" I ended the call after his reply and took my graduation gown and cap running towards the living room only to see my brother asleep on the couch.