COLLAPSE(On Hold)

Chapter 2

Searching through my vinyl collection with a clouded mind was interesting to say the least. I found myself picking out the saddest record out there. As the tunes poured out I took a seat in front of my fireplace. Its warmth seeping through my skin sending me into a state of serenity. I wouldn't call it meditation, but it definitely comes close, and now I just sit in silence. Sometimes quiet is violent. My thoughts often suffocate me. Within these walls all I have ever had was my thoughts, and now that I have them, I can't breathe. It's moments like these where I wish I had someone to talk to. I need to vent. I'm aware that I have my father, but I could never tell him the things hidden beneath my smile. Who's to say how he'd handle something like that? 

I am not talented with reading people. After all I have only ever had one person to gauge. Although I have noticed he has two faces. The fatherly face then there's the business face. The latter is not as pretty. He can be one of the scariest people I know. Well he is the only person I know. I could feel my heart sink with the realization. My eyes welled up with tears as my chest constricted violently within me. How could I have gone twelve years without thinking about that one simple thought? How is it that I've managed to bury it so deep in my mind that I've completely skipped over it? It is true, quiet is violent. Your thoughts are your worst enemy, and what's worse is that you can never escape them. Shaking the thoughts off I rise from the floor in search of my spunky Yorkie.

"Duke?" I call out.

I wait for the familiar jingle of his collar patiently. There it is. Out runs Duke from some place in my room. I have to say this dog has more courage than I could ever muster up in a lifetime. He once bit my father finger over a piece of pasta. My dad was absolutely furious with him, and there sat Duke staring at him like he was the one who just got bit. Let's just say I laughed for a week straight. The look on his face was priceless. He looked like he had been slapped in the face, but really he was shown up by a little dog in a cashmere sweater. Laughing at the memory I run my fingers through his fur. If I could have anyone's courage it would definitely be Duke's. I watch as he playfully nips at my hands as if telling me he wants to play. Your wish is my command. I walk around my spacious bedroom keeping an eye out for one of his toys. He hides them, that little devil. As I walk around I notice that my soft white rug is completely clean. Suspicious.

I narrow my eyes at duke, "Where'd you hide it now? Huh?"

He responds by titling his head to one side, and looking at me as if I've grown another head.

"Don't look at me like that!" I scold him.

He plops his little butt to the floor and gives me his best puppy face.

"Awe! That's not fair. Don't look at me like that either mister!" I exclaim.

He paws at the ground only for me to give in. "Fine! You win. I've given up all hope," I sigh.

Evil little thing. Evil I tell you. Evil. He yaps at me to get my attention back on him. Have I said he's an attention hog? I watch as he begins running around my room like a madman.

Laughing I ask, "What? What is it?"

Abruptly he stops and like a switch he begins running in the opposite direction.

Whats with him today?

Running around my feet he hops onto my bed. Then like the wannabe digger he is begins digging into my comforter. Wait a minute. I pull the covers back only to find his toy lying there. So that's where he hid it. Last time it was the bathtub. A week before that it was in one of my drawers. How he he got it there? The world may never know. I grab the toy then fling it across the room watching as he dives off my bed and straight towards it. Once he has it in his tiny mouth he comes running back to me dropping the toy at my feet. Silently asking me again. I grab it once more flinging it in a different direction. I probably threw the toy fifteen times before he got bored and wandered off. My eyes met with the ticking clock, reading 6 o'clock. Time for that dinner. 

I rush towards my bathroom to make sure I look presentable, and not a hot mess. I didn't think it was possible to sweat while throwing a toy. Looking in the mirror I find the sadness lingering in my eyes. No longer wanting to look in the mirror I splash my face with cold water then dry it off with a hand towel. Walking back out I stop midway as I hear voices. Voices? No, that's impossible. I hesitantly make my way out and towards the voice. As I creep out I can definitely make out two distinct voices. My fathers and... another males voice? What in the world is going on? I speed up only to come to a halt. There stands one of the most good looking men talking to my father. My eyes widen significantly at the physique of this man. Hold the phone. The first visitor I have is a man? The first visitor I have is a man! Tilting my head to the side I watch with confusion as the two men speak in rapid Italian. What is this man doing in my room? More specifically what is he doing in my room speaking to father about? As if just noticing me I watch as their eyes snap to me. With both their eyes on me I can the feel the blush that has certainly tainted my cheeks now. My father smiles brightly at me and brings me into his tight embrace.

"There you are sweetheart!" he exclaims. 

"Here I am," I smile nervously. "Who is he?" I whisper with wide eyes. I hear chuckles resonating from the man behind my father. He heard me!

"Oh right!" he snaps his fingers. "Right! He will be having dinner with us tonight," he replies sheepishly.

"You never said we were having visitors!" I exclaim in a hushed tone.

He chuckles, "Sorry sweetheart I forgot to mention the small fact."

Small fact, he says. Small fact!

I laugh nervously, "It's okay." I reach up and kiss his cheek then turn my attention to the mysterious, yet beautiful man before me. I wait patiently for my father to introduce us. Like I've said I have no courage. I look at my father awkwardly and realize he isn't going to introduce us. He can't be serious! Well I won't be the one starting this conversation. As if realizing this the man steps forward. I watch as he stretches his arm towards me clearing his throat. With alert ears I listen as his silky, deep voice rings throughout my room.

"Hello. I'm Giovanni De Luca."