A missing piece... The other half - A Mafia Brothers Story

Chapter 41 - Dante...

Dante quickly climbed the stairs to reach the bedrooms' corridor. He hesitated few seconds about what to do. He tried to listening through the door if he heard something, then he decided to knock and enter when he didn't receive any answer.

Suki was still in the bathroom, but he couldn't hear the water flowing. He sat at the border of the little girl's bed. He was observing around and there was more little things now than before. The room was more personalized and girly too. Two minutes later, the bathroom's door opened and when Suki saw Dante on her bedroom, she froze.

Dante: Don't freak out, I'm not here to do anything to you! Sit, we need... to talk. (She didn't move, and he sighed, a bit annoyed.) You plan to don't listen to me anymore?

Suki: (She approached with precautious.) I didn't do anything...

Dante: I never said that you did something. Why are you standing instead of sitting? Are you afraid of me?

Suki: Yes! (She had spoke frankly with fear in her voice.)

Dante was taken aback by his little sister's frankness. Silence took place in the room for long seconds.

Dante: You don't need to be afraid, I told you, I will not do anything to you. Not today nor in the future, so don't freak out.

Suki: You say that but... you yelled at me... I know that you hate me, that you think that I am stupid... that I should not be here, in your house... I am sorry... (She looked at him with teary eyes.)... but I want to live with Father... (She was now crying.)... please... I won't bother you... I won't talk to you...

Dante had a close face that the little girl misunderstood. He was not expecting that reaction from her, those tough words. She was not only afraid of him, but she was also thinking in a terrible way, about their relationship. Despite the several months, and the time they spent together, she was still thinking that Dante was the same than when she first joined their family. The young man stood up in silence and approached her, she stepped back, afraid of his possible reaction.

But Dante had no ill intentions toward her. He didn't know what to answer and seeing her stepping back, hurt him even more. Did she really think of him as some kind of monster, capable to attack her? He needed to question himself deeply.

Suki: ... I am sorry...

Dante: (He bent and put a knee down to be at her eyes level.) I am the one who should say sorry. (His tone was unusually calm.) What is your name? (She didn't answer.) Your name?

Suki: Suki Tanaka... (He stared at her, like waiting for something more.)... Smith (She answered with a little voice.)

Dante: What is your parents' name? (She stared at him; not understanding why he was asking her that.) Tell me, their names.

Suki: Fumiko Tanaka... and Salvatore Smith...

Dante: Exactly! So, starting today, don't let anyone, and I say anyone, including anyone in that house, treating you as if you were found in a dirty dustbin in the back of an alley. I was... or I am still, I guess, a stupid jerk but unfortunately, I can't erase my mistakes.

Suki's tears were still running on her face. She was surprised by Dante's calm and his apologies. When Dante lifted his hand, she flinched. He delicately wiped her tears with his thumb. His hand was big enough to cover half of her face.

Dante: You must really hate me... (She instinctively shook her head, and he chuckled.)... but you should... I put you in that state... I treated you like shit, disrespected you... hated you just because you were alive...