the arranged

02 - c l u m s y

• NESSA •

"Sof," I hold my little sisters pencil, trying to help her understand her math homework. "you're meant to do this first." I hum, circling the number she's supposed to add.

She giggles, smacking her forehead gently. "Ohh!" I laugh at her stupidity, giving her the pink pencil back.

"Vanessa." I tense when my fathers voice meets my ears. I turn around, staring at his standing figure. "Change into something formal." he demands, holding a cigarette in his hands.

I laugh awkwardly, "Why?"

I swallow the lump in my throat, nervous for his answer. "It's official." he grins, flashing his disgustingly yellow teeth.

I blink in confusion, staring at him. "The deal." he chuckles, exhaling the smoke from his mouth.

I tense when Sofia starts coughing, "Father," I grit out, knowing how much he hates it when I call him 'dad."

"asthma." I say, pointing to Sofia. I pull out her inhaler, helping her take a puff out of it.

My father lets out a sound of irritation, turning around to walk away. "Whatever, be ready by six."

I push Sofia's hair out of her face, a frown slowly making its way onto her face. My heart physically aches for her, she's just a kid. I don't understand why my parents kept having kids like one isn't enough?

"Let's finish this, then we'll make cupcakes, okay?" I say softly, in attempt to cheer her up. I don't like just the idea of anyone upsetting her. She's the most loving ten year old you'll ever meet, with the sweetest fucking soul.

"Okay." she smiles, titling her head.

———

"Behave." my father demands, opening the office door. He doesn't allow me to go first, he walks in leaving me behind to follow.

I fiddle with my fingers, feeling my heart beat rapidly in my chest. "Ahh here they are." a familiar voice meets my ears. Angelo's father sits on his chair, his arms crossed. A huge grin is plastered across his face.

Angelo isn't here.

"Come here, Vanessa." my father grits his teeth, initiating that he doesn't like me just standing there awkwardly.

I tense when I hear footsteps coming from behind me. I take a quick glance, finding Angelo walking closer towards us.

When he notices my staring, he gives me a disgusted look. I immediately turn my head back around, cursing myself for even looking at him the first place.

He walks past me, sitting on the chair in front of my father and his. I walk towards them with a fake smile. I stare at Angelo who's wearing an all black sui—

I squeal loudly when I trip on something, almost falling to the floor.

"Cazzo!" Angelo rasps under his breath, and right before I fall to the floor, and most likely break everything, I feel two rough hands grabbing my hips.

I freeze, I actually freeze when I'm pulled down onto his lap. What the actual. I blink trying to comprehend what is currently happening.