Consumed By temptation Of Chaos

Chapter; eight

— Isabella Vitiello

       The air conditioning blasted against my sensitive skin sending shivers through my entire body as I stepped into the classroom. I casually walked to my usual seat and sat down, ignoring the exhaustion weighing on me and the sleep trying to swallow me whole. Attend one of Valerio's parties and you'll carry a headache for an entire week and now with his new penthouse and no daily supervision from Aunt Aria, my cousin would be unbearable.

My bodyguard sank into the chair beside me, wearing casual clothes like an ordinary college student. The deal was that he could accompany me as long as he tried to blend in and not make it so obvious that he was my personal security. He was quite attractive and managed to draw the attention of girls all over campus. Vitto was only four years older than me, and the story that we were cousins had convinced everyone — not that it was a lie, since our parents were related —

The professor entered the room and began handing out pamphlets with today's schedule, listing which chapters of the book we were reading would be discussed. I formed a group with Vitto and another classmate, Harley. She and I shared a small bond ever since she helped me with a minor escape, one I regret a little.

We divided the chapters evenly and began making our notes. Surprisingly, Vitto was very helpful in class and was always involved in the debates.
The lecture dragged on slowly, perhaps because my head was being consumed by a cloud of chaos.

The last days and months of my life tended to hammer at my thoughts and make me lose myself. I barely noticed when Harley presented her part, followed by Vitto. I stood up and presented my ideas, with notes marked on the book's pages. When class ended, I gathered my things and left the room.
Harley followed me, walking beside me as she matched my long strides toward the library.

Vitto came behind us, doing his best to remain discreet. I greeted the woman behind the counter, she already expected my presence, since I practically lived in this library more than anywhere else on campus.

With a few contacts and phone calls from Uncle Luca, I had free access to the library at any hour. I could have lunch and stay there late whenever I wanted, as well as keep Mrs. Langston company. We drank coffee with pastries and played chess. She was a little lonely and grumpy. I liked to joke that our souls matched.

I connected my headphones and played my current favorite song. I was rereading The Lord of the Rings saga, the worn edges and scratches on the cover proved how many times it had been read. When the sun outside seemed warm enough, I said goodbye to Mrs. Langston and left with Vitto for the family's favorite Italian restaurant, where I would meet Greta, my mother, and Aunt Aria.

I found the three of them sitting at our usual table. Mom waved at me and I joined them.

"I already ordered for you, I hope that's okay," Aunt Aria commented.

"It's fine, I'm starving, anything would be heaven right now," I replied, and she smiled.

"Did you have a good day? Did Vitto give you space, or will I need to kick his ass?" my mother asked, raising her voice so Vitto could hear from the other table. He rolled his eyes.

"Vitto is good company," I smiled, and he winked in thanks.

"Are you enjoying your classes, Isa?" Greta asked with a gentle smile.

"This semester's classes are pretty exhausting, but we're learning the art of communication and oratory through debates. Next class we'll create a script for the theater students' play," I explained, talking more about my college routine. The three women seemed genuinely interested and curious about my morning.