The Heir

Chapter 44

The last two weeks have been my personal hell. Because with the exception of my family, nothing else is wrong. At least not to those who watch me from the outside. Which means I have no choice but to keep it together.

My recital is this weekend. As always, I've been given the lead role. This year we're doing swan lake, one of my favorites. The costume has been fitted and is absolutely beautiful. I just broke in my new shoes and have lost an extra five pounds. All that's left is the actual performance.

Exams start on Monday and I've been doing my best to pick up the slack. As I promised, I made the study guide for English and shared it with the class. I've been attending more study groups and have nearly perfected my Latin.

My friends are all stressed but in high spirits. Akio re-painted that mural in the science building. Lina won three races back to back. Noah has been planning our holiday party as if exams aren't steadily approaching. And Hannah is still heartbroken over Will.

But Ryan went home, back to New York. Charlie getting hurt hit him hard. He shut down; no school, no boxing, no speaking. So I called Rocco and arranged for him to go back. I think that's what he really needs; to be close to Charlie.

She woke up, by the way. I haven't spoken to her, I don't know what to say. She wanted that baby for so long. Everyone knows that much. The doctors, the shots, the procedures, all for it to be snatched right out of her grasp.

It's not fair and I don't know how to help her.

Enzo's decided to be a normal human being finally. He's stopped getting into fights outside the ring and has actually managed to make a few friends. I gave him a bunch of my old study guides to help him with mid years.

Rome is as insufferable as ever. I'm truly considering if the pros of our arrangement outweighs the cons.

Pros: a wealth of knowledge I can't get elsewhere, hands on practice, someone who understands the underworld, protection from prissy Montrose boys.

Cons: Rome's cocky attitude, the general edginess I've begun to feel when I'm around him, the mass amount of time it takes from my day, seeing Duke's face every time he feels me up in the lobby.

I think I might call it quits. Let's be honest, it doesn't matter what I do my father will never hand control over to me. He's made it very clear that he does not trust my judgement or my word. And if I'm truly never going to take control, then what's the point?

It's not like this is what I really want to do with my life. It was a practical option that I was presenting to my family. My father is getting old and sooner than later he's going to have to step down. I thought I was the best option, really, but if Don DiSilva can't see it then it's not going to happen.

With the exception of Enzo, my family is in chaos. The shit that's eating at my bones. The shit I can't talk about with anyone but my brother. The shit that I usually rely on Ryan to help me with.

I'm still not speaking to my father. My mom thinks I've taken it too far but I don't care. He was wrong to ignore me. He was wrong to take the risk. He was just wrong.

Rosa and my mom have taken an active role in this war. That thought alone keeps me up at night. I know they're strong women, powerful beyond most people's comprehension. I know that they can fight and shoot like our best soldiers.

But Christ, that's my mother we're talking about.

By some sick twist of luck, Rosa has taken my side in all of this. And she came clean about her previous attitude.

I look like Maria and I act like Enzo, it's as easy as that. Out of everyone I know, she was closest to Maria. They were truly friends and despite the fact that I was too young to remember, the two of them spent nearly every day together. She was scared; scared that I'd end up like either of them. And I get it, I do, but I'm glad she's finally on my side.