Hiding in the Dark

Chapter 6

"What the hell is your deal? How could you buy a car without telling us?" Lorenzo shouts.

"I felt bad that you guys had to drive me to school. It's easier now that I have my own car." I lied.

Savio shakes his head in disappointment. "We have to drive Luca to school anyway. It was not that big of a deal. So that's not an excuse to buy your own car."

"Fine. The truth is that I couldn't deal with you anymore. The constant questioning and pestering was annoying. You always take father's side and do his bidding. 'Oh, Nico. You should start working for the family business. It could be very valuable.' Did it ever occur to you that I just want to enjoy high school while I can?"

They were both silent for a moment. "In our family line, you don't have that luxury." Lorenzo finally says. "The more time you wait, the less time you have to get adjusted."

"I never asked for this!" I say angrily. 

"No, but it's what you got. The sooner you accept that, the better it is for all of us."

I look down at the ground. "Get the hell out of my room."

"Nico-" Savio tries to say.

"You keep preaching about how it's so important I get involved with the mafia. I get enough shit from father; I don't need it from you as well. So I repeat, get out of my room."

They finally listen, stepping out of my room and shutting the door behind them. 

------

I stay in my room for the majority of the day, just listening to music and doing some homework. The only time I left was when it was time to go meet my friends in the bar. Luca was sitting on the couch and got up when he spotted me; I completely forgot that I was supposed to take him somewhere.

"Where do I need to drop you off?" I ask once we get in my car.

"The bowling alley. You can pick me up around nine thirty."

I shook my head as we pulled out of the driveway. "I'm not the one picking you up."

"But Lorenzo and Savio said that they couldn't." Luca said.

"Well, I'm going to be out all night so I can't. Savio already knew that. See if your date's mom or dad can drop you off near the house. Remember, no one is allowed to know our exact location." 

"Nico, please-wait is this a new car?"

"Yeah, I bought it today. Can't believe you just noticed with how angry our older brothers were. Anyways, figure out a way home. Cause I'm not picking you up no matter how much you plead."

When we arrive to the bowling alley, I walk in with Luca. He spots his date immediately and I see an older woman with her. I introduce myself to her mother before explaining the situation. Luckily, the lady was more than happy to drop Luca off, so that problem was resolved.

I didn't hang around for much longer and left to go to the bar. All of my friends were sitting at a table and waved me over when they spotted me.

"Nico, you're late." Damon says once I sit down.

"Yeah, I had to drop off my younger brother somewhere." I explain.

Nina looks at me with some conclusion. "Don't you have two older brothers? Why couldn't one of them take him?"

"They had something to take care of with my father. So I am the only other person in my family with a license." I pretend not to notice the look Mason gives me.

"Oh, well now that you are here, let's get some drinks." Damon orders for us all, getting us a Peroni, before bringing back five bottles.

Once we are all settled, Nina suggest that we play a game. "How about Never Have I Ever?" Emilia says and we all agree.