It's just before 5:30pm as I wait patiently for dinner to be ready. I stare at the grandfather clock that sits up against the wall right beside the entry way of the living room.
My mother was always a perfectionist. Every shade of white matched in the living room from the couches to the curtains on the wall. Not single thing out of place. My hands are sweaty, I know what's to happen today. I just thought I had little more time.
Todays the day my father announces my engagement to the Capo's son. Antonio De'Luca the next in line to the mob. After our marriage he will be officially taking over.
My father said that this marriage was arranged before I was even born. To put the end to the war, our families came together and made a treaty. To strengthen the deal our marriage was arranged to ensure peace in the future.
The story goes that both family came here from Italy together and created the mafia we know today. As time went on and the mob grew large spreading all the way to New Jersey. Not long after New Jersey wanted to separate ties with New York. At first it was all fine, the two states separated with no bad blood.
Until imported "goods" to New York began to disappear and men for Jersey started going missing and showing up dead. The two states naturally blamed one another and war broke out. It was a never ending bloodshed that went on for years. Finally after three years of an unforgiving war. The two families began to grow weak, and other common enemies began to notice.
To ensure the safety of the two states, New Jersey and New York came together to take down a common enemy. Crafting the treaty that we now all know. This was 30 years ago, the two states have been at peace sense.
The clock strikes six as I get up and make my way to the dining room. The large oak wood table is now covered with plates and decorative candles, surrounded by the five chairs that will soon be filled.
My father takes the head of the table of course. My mother on his left, while I take his right. My younger sister soon joins me on my side. As our baby brother sits beside our mother.
"Good evening" father says as he takes his place at the table. "Good evening" we all say lowly.
It doesn't take long for the food to be brought out. Steak with mash potatoes and greens of your choice. Matteo's favorite, Matteo is seven and has a strange appetite for a child his age. Bella who's 13 is going through her teenage phase of being a picky eater. Surprisingly enough I see her eating the steak she would normally have made a fuss about.
Maybe she knows and doesn't want to cause any more tension for tonight. The tension in the air feels thick and the silence is unnerving. You can here every clink of glass as each fork hits the plate.
"Ahem, I'm sure you are all aware that today we celebrate the 30th year anniversary of peace with New York." Father say after washing down his food with water.
"Yes, how exciting 30 years of true peace and loyalty." My mother says forcing a smile. She hates this just as much as I do.
"Im sure it goes without saying but today we also celebrate, Adrianna's engagement. You will bring this family lots of honor and respect." He goes on
"Why does she have to do it anyway cant he marry some one else." Bella cuts in. My mothers and I share a look knowing where this is going.
"Your sister is doing her duty to protect this family and the rest of New Jersey. So NO some else can't do it." He says as his jaw locks. Father has a hard time being patient with Bella's out burst. To be fair she has one about every five minutes and father has always lacked in patience.
"I still don't understand why she has to be the one-"
"Bella that's enough" I cut her off knowing it will only get worse if she continues. She is still young and doesn't understand the ways of our world fully yet.
The rest of dinner carries on in silence. Not long after dinner father calls me to his office.
Standing in front of the double doors I build up the courage to knock. "Come in" turning the handle I peak my head inside to find my father at his desk pen in hand as he sign away on each paper.
"Adrianna take a seat we have much discuss before we leave for New York tomorrow." He says
"Yes of course" I take a seat in the large leather sofa chair across from his desk.
"As you know we leave tomorrow for New York where you will meet. The current Capo Stefano and his son Antonio. You will be gracious and quiet, speak only when spoken to. Keep your views on politics to yourself." He rambles on all while signing each paper never making the effort to look up at me.
I nod in understanding "of course"
"Don't try anything. Pack enough to last you month. You will be staying there until the wedding. When we get back we will ship the rest of your stuff out before the wedding. Your mother wishes to go wedding dress shop with you while we are out there. Do your best behave don't make a fuss out of nothing...."
Nothing. I almost laugh but I bite my tongue. He says this all like it's normal, not like yesterday I was working and had a life of my own. That I didn't just suddenly change my life completely to marry a man I've never held a conversation with.
"... that is all you are excused." Im not sure what else he said I just nodded and got up to leave.
"Oh and Adrianna do remember this is your future husband so do make an impression that is memorable." I nod as I make my way to the door In complete silence.
Im unsure what to say. There's not much I can say. I don't have any choice in the matter I'm simply a pawn in a game. I make my way to my room where I can finally breathe. Away from the obscenities of my family. It hasn't full dawned on me until now that I am to be married in two months from now. Married, to a man that I not only don't know but a man who Is supposed to be the boss of the mob.
Words can't not describe what it is I feel right now. Confusion, anger, sadness all wrapped up into one. Not wanting to tier myself with the thoughts of what is to come of my future. I begin to pull the luggage out form my closet. Haven gotten most of it done earlier this morning there wasn't much left to pack.
Finishing up with my final essentials, I zip the bag closed and decided to call it a night. After taking a shower and getting ready for bed. I lie down and think of all the things that could go wrong tomorrow.
