La Donna | Michael Corleone x Oc

Chapter Seven

Tired and sore from hours of working at the bakery and having more chores to do at home, Elena lightly stirred the pot in front of her while humming to a tune of background music coming from her record player. After her encounter with Michael, like a gentleman he walked her home.

Making dinner for her Cousin and Uncle, who works late, she takes it upon herself to cook dinner everyday. Ever since her aunt was in the hospital she knew she had to take responsibility for the household. The responsibility of looking after her cousin and making sure he had a motherly figure with him. She knew it was an important role to take, and the fact that her uncle was barely home, working long hours to provide a roof over their heads was just an utter reminder that life is not the same anymore. No longer coming home to her aunt greeting her with a kiss on the cheek or seeing her uncle crack jokes while listening to the radio and smoking a cigar.

A knock ceases Elena's thoughts.

She furrowed her eyes brows and looks at the clock above the stove.

7:30 p.m

She wonders who it is. Drying her hands on her apron she turns her record player off and goes to open the door to see her boyfriend Alan standing outside of her doorstep.

"Oh Alan, I didn't think you would stop by, come in." She moves to the side and let's him in.

"I thought I'd stop by, since we don't see each other much."

Elena wasn't sure if she heard sarcasm in his voice but she ignored it. The last thing they need is another fight. They haven't seen each other in a week. After their last fight when Alan stormed out of her apartment and claimed that her cousin was more of a burden to their relationship. It hurt Elena deep down but after a week of being a part she tried to forget about it.

"Well that's nice." She said as he sat down on the small dining room set with two chairs near the window. He looked well dressed with his hair combed neatly back. It made her self aware of her look. She looked rugged compared to him. "It's good to see you again." She said softly but he wasn't looking at her. He was looking at the ground in front of him. She stood there for a a couple seconds waiting for anything he had to say.

"I was thinking,"  He paused looking deeply concentrated. "If you'd like to go out to dinner with me? Just me and you." He finally looked up at her but he still held the same look.

Elena didn't know how to answer and knowing this is what caused them to fight last time she felt guilty she had to ruin this peaceful moment between them. She sighed and looked back into his blue eyes.

"I would love to but I don't have anyone to watch over Alejan-"

"I knew it. Just forget I said anything." He scoffed waving one hand in the air.

"Alan, you know I want to,"

"Yeah? Well it don't seem like it! When do you have time for me? Huh? I barely see you anymore El! It's like you don't even exist!" He yelled giving her a mad stare, his voice raising even louder. "You know how many excuses I've had to make for my friends? For fucks sake El! They think you're fake!"

Elena stayed quite letting the guilt consume her. He was right. They barley see each other, with work and looking after her cousin she barely had any time for herself. There was never a day where she was free on her calendar book and knowing he feels this way makes her feel bad. He deserved someone with more availability and attention. After all that's what couples do right? Elena felt like she was holding him back for those things.

"I'm sorry." Needing time to think with both hands clasped in front of her, she avoided eye contact with him and went back to the kitchen to turn the stove off. She cranked her head to the side to see if Alejandro was still in his room. After a minute of hearing him mutter while playing with his toys Elena knew she was clear from his earshot. She walked back to the dimmly lit room where Alan was hunched over his knees and hands over his head.