In the Arms of a Mafia

Kabanata 1

There is a simple but huge celebration being held in the mansion of the Hownell family. This celebration is for their only daughter, Arianna, who had been graduated as a cumlaude, on her course, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, major in Marketing Management.

“Congratulations hija!"

“Your parents are lucky to have you. Congratulations!"

“Congrats Aria!"

Kabi-kabila ang pagbati na natatanggap ni Aria sa mga Tito at tita, mga pinsan nya, kaibigan at business partner ng kanyang magulang.

Masaya sya sa naabot nya, pero mas magiging masaya sya kung pagiging isang Architect ang natapos nya. She choose the field of business because she has no choice. She's the only heir of their company.

“Aria!!"sigaw ng dalawang matinis na boses.

Napailing s'ya nang mapagtanto na ang dalawa nya itong kaibigan na babae.

“My friends are here, mom."paalam nya sa ina.

“Go. Have fun tonight, my Aria. Me and your dad are so proud of you."sabi ng kanyang ina.

Lumapit s'ya sa dalawang kaibigan nya, na kahit bagong dating lang ay may hawak ng tig-isang baso ng alak. And also, her friend has another one glass of champagne for her.

“Congratulations!"her friend said in unison.

“Congratulations rin Amira and Alona."Aria said, smiling.

May bisita ang lumapit sa kanila at binati sila. They are having fun, greeting each other repeatedly and talk about the times when they are in their school days.

Habang nagkukwentuhan sila ay may nakaagaw ng pansin nya. She can't see it's face clearly. Napakunot ang noo nya ng makilala na ang daddy nya ang kausap nito. Business na naman ba ang pinag-uusapan nila?

“Aria!"tawag sa kanya ni Amira. “May pinsan kang gwapo? Pakilala mo ko!"Amira is smiling. Sumingkit ang mata nya na singkit na.

“Hoy Amira! Isama mo naman ako!"mahinang hinampas ni Alona si Amira sa balikat. “Saan ba sila?"at humarap sa kanya si Alona.

“Amira, Alona! Make a change! Haharap na tayo sa totoong mundo, kaya magbago na kayo!"

She laugh when her two friend both rolled their eyes at her.

Ayaw na ayaw ng kaibigan nya ang mga salitang binibitawan nya dahil masyado raw makabuluhan. They can't find a fun on it. They both always learn from it.

Biglang may nagmamadaling lumapit sa kanila. Aria immediately recognized them. It's her three cousins.

“Sorry we're late!"

“Hi Stheven!"yumakap s'ya dito. Napangiti pa si Aria lalo ng makita ang dalawa nyang palaging seryosong mga pinsan. “Jonathan! Theodore!" sinalubong nya ito ng yakap.

Napanganga sila Alona dahil talaga namang makalaglag panty ang kagwapuhan ng mga pinsan ni Aria. They take a deep sigh and secretly bit their lip.

“Akin si Theodore!"sabi ni Amira na hindi maalis ang titig sa lalaki.

“Sige! Basta akin si Jonathan!"sabi ni Alona na nakatitig rin sa lalaki.

Napaayos sila ng tayo nang lumapit sa kanila si Aria. The three guys look at them. They absentmindedly stuck their hair on the back of their ear.

“Jonathan! Theodore! Stheven! This is Alona and Amira, my two best friend!"nakangiting pakilala ni Aria sa kanyang kaibigan.

Matindi ang pagpipigil ni Aria sa pagtawa dahil sa itsura ng kanyang kaibigan. They suddenly look like a quiet and innocent woman. Far from being talkative, no filter way of talking and a play girl.

“Maiwan ko muna kayo! I will just go to my parents."paalam nya sa mga ito. “Enjoy!"she said, obviously teasing her two friend.

May tumawag kay Stheven kaya apat nalang sila ang naiwan para magkakilanlan. If that's the case.

Aria enter their house and surprise to see the unfamiliar face. Maybe a new business partner of her parents.

“Oh! My daughter is here!"

Aria's mom stand and came to her. Her mom immediately introduce her to the people sitting on the sofa. A handsome man and a gorgeous woman, that look in mid 50's but still can slay.

“Mr. and Mrs. Clemonte. Meet my only daughter... Arianna Hownell."

The two person stand and insisted a shake hand. Aria take their hand as respect.

“Nice to meet you po!"Aria said with a smile.

“The rumors that I have heard are true. Your beautiful and simple andjust by looking at you this close. I can't tell that your a very kind woman."Mrs. Clemonte said.

“Thank you, Mrs. Clemonte!" Aria said.

“And you're smart. No doubt the many man is really into you. If you just know."Mr. Clemonte added.

That made Aria speechless. Not because of what he said but also she felt intimidated. She just gave a smile to the man.

“If you don't mind. I want to invite your family to a dinner next week, Mr. and Mrs. Hownell!"

Aria look at Mr. Clemonte. Napanganga s'ya, agad nya rin itong isinara.

Dinner? Ang alam ko ay nag-iimbenta ang isang tao ng dinner kapag matagal ng magkakilala o kaya pamilya ito.

“Sure! We'll be there!" Aria's dad said.

“I'm sure that your daughter and my son we'll get along!"Mrs. Clemonte said.

Son? May anak syang lalaki? Makikilala ko sa dinner.

“I hope so!"Aria's mom said.

They laughed at their remarks. While Aria is still processing the truth that this person has a son, and she will meet it at the dinner next week. Gulat parin s'ya sa biglang pagyaya ng dinner.

Teka nga! Bakit ba parang kinakabahan ako?!

They talk a lot. Business is their main topic.

“Larden is a workaholic. I'm afraid that he wouldn't get married!" sabi ni Mrs. Clemonte.

“Is that your son?"tanong ng mommy ni Aria.

“Yeah! My successful son!"Mr. Clemonte proudly said.

‘Larden... nice name'. Aria utter on her mind.