La Donna | Michael Corleone x Oc

Chapter Twelve

Michael can't remember the last time he had felt this calm with his father sitting in the back yard in the forest dew in the early morning. Everything had been so chaotic in his life ever since he came back from Italy. Yet here he was munching on grapes while his father snacked on Spanish nuts. But he knew well enough to know that when it came to only him and his father being alone it meant business being discussed.

"Barzini will move against you first."

Michael stays still waiting for what his father has to say next.

"He'll set up a meeting with someone that you absolutely trust, guaranteeing your safety, and at that meeting you'll be assassinated."

Showing no reaction Michael continues on chewing his grape. Masking the the feeling of shock from the revelation of his fathers words, and he said it so
Casually like it was no big deal.
He looked away and tried to let the feeling sink in knowing he was bound to have enemies kill him by being in his fathers shoes.

"I like to drink wine more than I used to," his father paused and took a sip of his red wine. "Anyway I'm drinking more." He waved off ignoring the fact that he's used to being sober after drinking at least 5 cups a day

"It's good for you, Pops." Michael said.

"Your girlfriend, are you happy with her?" He asked.

Michael shook his head and looked away. "I'm no longer with her, Pops. We broke up."

"Hmm."

Vito huffed and shrugged his shoulders. He was internally happy his son was no longer in a relationship with the woman. He wasn't fond of her. He didn't want to be the one tell his son's future when seeing her for the first time, he automatically knew disputes would happen in the long run. She was too curious for her own good and she'd reluctantly disagree with their family matters.

"And Elena?"

Michael paused his chewing and looked back at his father. His father was too engrossed with outdoor scenery. Michael discreetly puts the handful of grapes back into the basket and swallows the remaining in his mouth.

"She's doing fine. Tom went to visit her."

His father eyes snapped back to him.

"Her cousin too, pops. They seem to be doing fine." Michael's answers knowing his father always wants to be informed about the other family.

His father nods, content with the answer.

"Good." He says. "I always fear something will happen to her." He added.

"Like what?"

Vito loves his son and knows how smart he is out of the three. Hence why he's godfather. But sometimes he can be thickheaded when it comes to women.

"Like what?" He mocks. "Michael, I'm going to let you in on something." His father shifts slightly towards him and leans closer.

"Women are just as cruel as men in this world, Michael."

His eyebrows narrow after hearing his fathers words.

"It's one of the reasons why her mother isn't here anymore." He says.

"Vanessa?" Michael asks.

"Vanessa." His father repeats and sighs wistfully. His thoughts once again left him gazing at nature while he relives the past.

"Beauty is a blessing and a curse, son. I don't want to hear anything bad happen to Elena, got it?"

Michael's eyes widen slightly before he eventually nods. Michael can hear the tightness in his voice, the same one he used in his brief meetings away from his family. He didn't miss the subtle shift in mood, now seeing him use the same exact behavior directed towards him made him realize he has to be more attentive to the woman.