As the excitement settled in the room, I couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and nerves. The tension from earlier seemed to dissipate with the news of the party, and Ava's infectious enthusiasm was contagious. I watched as she hurried to gather her things, already planning her outfit and what she would say to her friends.
"Dad, thank you so much!" Ava beamed, practically bouncing on her toes as she gathered her purse and phone.
Leonardo chuckled at her exuberance, ruffling her hair affectionately. "You're welcome, sweetheart. Just remember what I said, stick with Noah, and keep me updated."
"I will, I promise!" Ava replied, her voice filled with excitement.
Noah, who had been quiet during the exchange, finally spoke up. "Wait, what? I have to go to this party too?"
"Yes, Noah, you heard right," Leonardo said firmly. "You're going to watch out for your sister and make sure she's safe and doesn't find herself trouble."
Noah rolled his eyes dramatically, but I could see a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his lips. "Fine, whatever. But don't expect me to dance or anything."
"We wouldn't dream of it," Ava, relieved that the tension between us had eased.
Ava, now ready to go, grabbed Noah's arm. "Come on, we have to get ready! Jaime's going to be coming with us by the way.
"Great! Let's go get ready then," Noah said, practically dragging Ava out of the room.
As Ava left to her room Noah turned to Leonardo, who was watching him with a mix of amusement and concern. "Are you sure it's okay for us to go? I mean, with everything that's been happening..."
Leonardo sighed, his expression turning serious. "I know things have been... complicated lately. But I trust you, Noah. And I trust you to look out for you both. Just be careful, okay? And text me if anything happens."
"I will, Dad," I promised, feeling a swell of gratitude toward him. Despite everything that had happened, he was still looking out for us, still trying to give us a sense of normalcy.
As I got ready for the party, excitement and nerves tangled together in my stomach. It would be the first time in a while that i'd be out, socializing with friends. And despite the lingering worries, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, things would be okay.
With that thought in mind, I grabbed my jacket and followed Ava out the door, ready for whatever the night would bring.
YOU ARE READING
soulmate
Teen FictionIn a city where danger lurks in the shadows and secrets can be deadly, Ava finds herself caught in a web of intrigue and betrayal. As a member of the Costra Nostra Italian mafia, she's always lived with the weight of her family's legacy on her shoul...
