Simone Valentino

~~~13~~~

The light spilled into my room and I forced one eye open. I had spent so many nights out that my sleep schedule was slowly reversing. I've been forgetting to do things for myself, like curl my hair and take a thorough shower.

My limbs felt stiff in my large bed, the blankets trapping me under them. I wanted to close my eyes. Sleep for another hour, maybe four. But I had to get up. Do laundry and dust, maybe cook some food so we can have leftovers for the week. Finish an assignment for school. Val said he'd handle my grade but I still wanted to try. I rolled out of my blankets and sat up. I looked over at the mirror above my desk. My hair was a small poof around my head. I noticed my racoon eyes and the light tint of rouge left on my lip and a vague ghost of it around them. I walked over to my washroom and shut the door. Taking off my nightclothes I stepped into the shower. The hot water started out cold but I didn't mind. I felt the shock in my bones and truly felt awake.

My hair flattened under the water and the dark circles of mascara around my eyes slowly disappeared.

I got out and fixed my hair. After pulling my quilt out and straightening my pillows, I picked a sturdy looking jumpsuit and laid it on my freshly made bed. I pulled on my underthings then ran into the washroom. I zipped up the jumpsuit and walked out of my room. John's door was closed and I assumed he was asleep. I walked into the kitchen and pulled open the fridge door. The simple emptiness made me deflate a little. We had eggs, but I wouldn't eat that crap. I sighed and let the door swing shut. I glanced out the window. It wouldn't be busy at 8 in the morning.

I slipped my feet into my shoes and walked into the crisp air. The sun made it look warmer than it was. The hairs on my arms stood up and put my hands in my pockets. The store was only a ten-minute walk so I didn't worry about getting a coat. I counted the houses around me. The all American homes and apartments, I could hear a father yelling and tried to focus on the trees ahead of me. My mother and I had left my dad when I was little after he broke her arm. I sent him a letter on my 15th birthday and haven't really thought of him since. My childhood home was never a home but my grandmother's house. The only things I remember from my first home was the scent of what I now knew was gin, the smell sunk into the curtains and clung to the couch and how my father used to laugh. Always with his booming laughter in the background. I think it was one of the reasons I loved John so much. At first, anyways, his laugh was silent. His shoulders shook up and down and his face brightened but he laughed soundlessly.

I've known John since we were both 16. His preference for men became apparent when the only thing he did one summer was talk to fishermen about his favoured line.

"You don't even own a fishing rod."

"Well, Minwell says I should get one." He mumbles, scratching his dusty blonde hair and blushing slightly. "He's very nice. I like how he styles his hair." I rolled my eyes jokingly and John gave one of his silent laughs. I'd be there for him whenever he needed a girl to do things with. School dances, the odd Christmas dinner and eventually we told people we were married. It kept him safe from suspicion and I wouldn't have to get married.

"Marriage is how they take you money and keep you just a little ugly." My mother used to say.

I turned into the store and my shoes clicked the red and white tiles. I grabbed a cart and pushed it around, dropping milk, flour and other fridge fillers. I looked around and rolled my shoulders back. The woman running the cash gave me my total and I handed her my small roll of cash and she dropped coins into my hands. Pushing everything into my bag I turned and left the store.

"I'll make french toast and while the egg soaks and cooks I'll do the light dusting. Afterwards, I will clean my rooms. Depending on the time I'll see if I can do me and John's laundry. Then I might go to the bar or the library. Maybe both!" I list off my plans for the day, running through them in my head. I look at the homes, with their white picket fences and little flowerbeds. No one behind these doors had a mobster working with them. I kicked open my front door because I didn't have the energy to move around my bags. Dropping groceries on the floor I sat down on a small chair. Glancing at the clock I realized it wasn't even 11 and quickly put everything in the fridge. The house was somehow a mess and I guess John was still in bed considering his late shift. I tossed an apple from one hand to the other and took a bite, then spun at the sound of unfamiliar footsteps down the stairs. A tall man with a curly mess of brown hair froze when he saw me. Both of us were shocked that the other was here. Something clicked and I understood he was one of John's friends.

"If someone asks, I tell them you don't have a place to go, correct?" I ask, understanding his worry.

"If you don't mind, your.." He paused. He must think I'm actually John's wife.

"My husband gave you a place to stay." I said and gave him a nod. I gestured to the door with a shrug and he smiled. Walking away he waved and left.

I leaned on the counter and started making coffee. I heard John's footsteps on the stairs and poured him a cup. I looked at him with a small smile.

"So I assume you met Eithen."

"'Met' is the wrong word but sure."

"Ellie-" He begins to defend himself but I cut him off.

"You can't be that reckless! If the neighbours find out what happens then? You of all people know you have to be careful!" There was a close call with a coworker and a brick was thrown through our front window.

"Ethan's fine I promise! He doesn't even know my name. It's fine."

"Are you sure?"

"I swear."

"Okay. A little milk and no sugar right?" I handed him his coffee and went to work cleaning up.

John had thrown together dinner for us both and enough for leftovers by the time I did all our laundry and dusted so we sat down to eat. The table was set when I came upstairs so I took my seat and we ate lunch in comfortable silence, the daylight reflecting off our now clean counters and floor. I Had organised my reassurance, adding things I learned yesterday and decided a walk was in order. I stood up, tucking my chair in. "Can you do the laundry while I'm gone?"

"Of course."

I grabbed my purse and walked out the door. The air was calm and cool compared to the summer heat, and I smiled, glad it was nice out for my walk. I headed to a road that would have lots of coffee shops, quiet chatter to fill the silence.

I found my way to a store with an outside patio and smiled, walking inside to get a quick snack. After getting a scone and paying I headed outside. Looking around, I saw him.

My face went red and I tried to walk away without him seeing me. But Simone looked right at me and smiled.

"Nora! What pleasant surprise!" He said standing up and pulling over an empty chair for me to sit in. I sat down and he pushed in my seat, then sat next to me. I couldn't help but smile at him. "How has your day been?"

"Just doing chores and shopping and such. Usual civilian activities."

"What a coincidence so was I" He says jokingly and I begin to pick at my scone. "If you noticed me earlier I would have paid for your food."

"There's no need. Don't worry. You already paid us enough." I say as my smile fades, realising this may just be another business transaction.

He rolls his eyes "Obviously it's because I would want to pay for you, Nora. You were very brave last night."

There was silence as I finished my food.

"Simone?"

He flashed a crooked smile and nodded, "mhm?"

"What do you want from me?" I asked, feeling melancholy remembering he's just using me.

"Your company, your time, your friendship." He said, holding my gaze. I fought a smile. "If that's alright with you. I do have one thing." I raised an eyebrow. "Walk with me?" He asked and I knew this was serious. I got up and walked with him as we walked down the street.

"You are free to decline okay? You must remember that this time. But I have a very serious task I'd like to do with you."

"Okay"

"I want to kill the godfather."