Mafia Prisoner

Ch. 73 - Try

Vivian POV

I woke with all the people I loved piled in my bed and it gave me a spark to try and live today. I got in the shower, letting the steam roll away my sadness but nothing took away the pain in my heart. I just felt empty and helpless.

My Aunt was on my bed reading to Amy while Dominick and Sophia shamelessly flirted with each other on my couch. They were cute together.

"I was thinking... maybe we could get some food." I said with a small smile. I wasn't hungry but I needed to do the normal things again, like showering and eating. For now, I would concentrate on Amy, my friends, and finding out why my father caused such chaos. I hoped it would be enough to keep me up all day, but I also knew I could come to bed and cry to my heart's content too.

No one put pressure on me to be ok, or to act in a certain way. Everyone was just there for me however I needed them. So, now I needed to try for them and maybe one day I'll want to do it for myself again.

"Yes, that's a great idea." Sophia stood yanking Dominick by her side.

"Uh, yeah. I love food. I'm in." Dominick said a little confused why this was a big deal. I swear boys were so clueless.

"I want pancakes! With lots of syrup." Amy shouted with a big smile.

"Then pancakes you shall have princess." I grabbed her hand into mine.

"I don't think that's a good idea. The Capo is down there somewhere and I wouldn't trust him, Marissa." My Aunt had her normal, I'm a stupid child, tone.

Sophia spoke in my defense before I could. "It's fine. Capo won't harm V and if he tried, she has her own army now."

"Army?" I questioned.

"Yes, I swear another man comes to your side every hour. Chicago and New York believe you are innocent of any crimes against the families. After Niko's declaration last night everyone is picking sides and most are on yours."

"What declaration?"

Why did I know nothing?

"He cleared you of your father's murders and ordered you not to be harmed. The heads are voting tonight."

"What are they voting about?" I was losing my breath here. I just wanted to try and get some food, not enter a Mafia war.

"They are... well, they are..." Sophia was losing her voice.

"Come on Soph, this is killing me. What is going on?"

"They are voting on whether you should live or die." She said quickly in a hushed voice.

"Excuse me! Who the fuck are they to decide my life? I'm so tired of these assholes thinking they have any right..."

"Quiet yourself child. They are powerful men and
can do what they please. Like they have for hundreds of years." My Aunt had a haunted look as she spoke.

Her words about her husband and child rang in my head. We haven't spoken about what happened but I needed to find time to hear her story.

"Ok! Everyone, deep breaths. Let's just try to get some food for now." I said, trying to calm all of us.

Everyone slowly got up and I opened my door to head downstairs. The hall was filled with men and for as far as I could see. Were they really all here for me?

I smiled shyly to them as I walked by recognizing a few faces from that horrid night in Chicago. I know I saved a few of them, but I didn't think I did anything all that heroic to deserve this level of devotion.