Catch Me

Chapter 9 (Part 2)

Stefan

I glanced up to see Annabelle looking at me shocked. As we continued to look at each other, I realized what happened, and felt rather appalled at what I had done. I punched Roberto in the face not just in front of my family but also Annabelle. Neither had ever seen this side of me, though they all knew how protective I felt about those whom I loved.

I spared a glance at Roberto who was gingerly touching his probably broken nose while Angelica was glaring at me with tears in her eyes. I didn´t want to upset my sister, but the low life deserved it. 

Someone cleared their throat, and I noticed my parents had entered the room. They both looked at me disapprovingly, though my father Paolo looked somewhat amused. He didn´t like Roberto very much either. 

"I suggest that we all clean up before dinner though it will be a while till I get it ready. Of course, you´re welcome to stay as well, Annabelle," mother smiled at her. " And Angelica, please, help Roberto clean up a little. I am sure there is a first aid kit in one of the cabinets in the bathroom. Paolo, would you show your parents to the guest room so they can rest for a while, and take their luggage there? I need to make a start on dinner," my mom said while she shot me a look that left no doubt that I would have to join here in the kitchen that would also include a lecture about my behaviour towards Roberto. Great. 

"Of course, sweetheart," Paolo said, and on the way to the stairs he kissed his wife on the cheek. As they separated, they looked at each other for a second, as if having a silent conversation before mom´s eyes stray towards me. She let out a sigh after her husband left, and then turned to Annabelle with a weak smile.

"I hope you don´t mind helping me in the kitchen, dear. I would have asked my son here, but seeing as he is starting to sport a pretty nice swell on his hand, I don´t think he would be much help," she smiled ruefully at me while shaking her head. 

I looked down at my right hand and had to admit to what mother said. My knuckles were red and already swollen. I was about to touch my hand and see for myself how bad it was when a hand, much smaller than mine, prevented me from doing so. I looked up to see Annabelle looking at me worriedly, though I still saw that she was upset.

"I´ll be glad to help, Katherine," Annabelle turned to my mom, smiling brightly before turning to me, and whispered: "Let´s get some ice for that hand of yours."

....................................................................................................................................................................................

Annabelle

I still couldn´t believe that Stefan would punch someone in the face, least of all people not Angelica´s boyfriend. I had heard about the infamous Roberto Alessandrini, from both Stefan and Angelica, though not much. I did know that they used to date each other back when they were about to attend the same college. Angelica had told me they were together the last two year of high school, and were to be together at college too, when Roberto took off without a word. She never heard from him, after that, only that he was back in Italy with his family. Also this information Angelica found out through her grandparents who were friends with those of Roberto. And they hadn´t seen each other up until Angelica went to Milan after her vacation in Provence. I wonder why she left France to go to Italy without a reason.

"What are you thinking about, gorgeous?" 

Startled, I looked up in time to see Stefan steal the carrot that I was about to chop into miniature pieces for the sauce that Katherine was going to make. I waved the knife in my hand at him. " If you don´t stop stealing food that I am about to cut, you will end up without a couple of fingers," I teased. then turned serious as my gaze dropped to his hand. "It´s already as bad as it is." I pointedly looked at his hand, so he would get my hint. He looked down at it, and shrugged, reaching for another carrot with a boyish grin.

"It´s not that bad. Could have been worse if it was more than just hit. That bastard certainly deserved more than one," he said, unrepentant, and started munching on his carrot. I looked at him incredulously.

"Seriously, Stefan? More than one punch? I think one sufficed enough, or there wasn´t need for throwing any for that matter. And stop stealing food, or you will have nothing to go with the main co-"

"Sorry, for cutting in ,kids, but I think I´ve got it covered in here. You can go now," Katherine said as she turned to us after finishing stirring the sauce. "But could set the table before go?"

"No problem, mom," Stefan said, hopping down the stool he was sitting, then walked to a drawer and got the silverware out while I got the plates and napkins. I followed him down the hall to the dining room. We were silent for a long while when Stefan spoke up.

"You never answered my question, Belle."

I looked up to see him staring at me expectantly. 

"What question?" I asked, though I knew where he was aiming at.

"When you were chopping up the veggies. You were so deep in thought that I was afraid that you were going to cut off one of your fingers and not mine," he said jokingly.

We held each other´s gaze for a while during which his teasing expression fell when he realized that what we were going to talk wasn´t the least bit funny.

"Well, I guess we should go outside to talk. I could certainly use some fresh air. And so could you," I said, then I waited for him to reach me before we went out on the patio at the back of the house.