Stretching Bonds

Chapter 6

Let me tell you, the more was to come bit? Looked like Hell. Well, maybe not literal Hell or even an evil and toturous Hell for most people but it was like my own personal cirlce of Hell minus the physical pain. The room was full of about 30 men in penguin suits and maybe just 3 or 4 women in lavish evening gowns who looked on with over enthusiasm and interest but I could tell it was feigned, their expressions didn't reach their eyes. As we walk in the door the room goes silent for a moment but it quickly passes and then the whispering and wary looks start. I didn't know men even gossiped! I thought they were always indifferent. Well, maybe Italian men are different?

Molly tugs on my arm and I look down at her as she points across the room, "Maybe we should go see daddy?"

I look where she's pointing to see that thankfully dad isn't talking to Mr Gerraci but rather with a tall stunning blonde woman in a gorgeous floor length silver dress which just seems to flow over the subtle curves on her willowy frame. Instinctively I was wary of her; I don't want to say it's jealousy as such but it seems like I'm assessing her as a threat subconsciously because I'm supposed to see a woman that beautiful as a threat. My spidey senses seemed to be going through a bit of a glitch right now so I'll just have to go with my gut. It's a bit strange that my powers aren't coming as naturally to me at the moment as they usually do.

As Molly and I approach him Father notices our presence and turns towards us, his companion follows his lead and she turns to face us too allowing us a perfect view of the matching gold-with-one-embedded-diamond wedding bands and an exact copy of the obnoxiously big engagement ring that adorned the finger of wife number two. This was our new stepmother. I immediately sigh in relief. I know for a fact Francesca was nice enough, I didn't exactly know her entire character but we had talked on the phone a few times. She had wanted to meet me and get along with me and have me visit, I think she felt very isolated at my dad's estate as everyone was so much older than her as she herself is only a few years older than me being about 22. It was nice to have one of Dad's wives make an effort with Molly and I for once.

"Hello Father, and I take it this is Francesca?"

He nods noncommittally, not your average Dad's greeting but he's not your average dad, "Yes. Girls this is Francesca, my newest wife."

He doesn't even refer to them as our stepmothers anymore because Molly was getting confused.

Francesca reached out her hand for me to shake and as I took it she gave me a wary smile, "I take it you are Allessandra. It's so lovely to finally meet you in person. And this must be Molly?"

Molly looked at her hesitantly for a second before putting on her 'grown up face' (basically the cutest serious look you could ever imagine) and holding her arm out very officially to be shaken, "It's very nice to meet you miss."

Francesca's nervous smile became a little bigger and more genuine when she looked at Molly and I smiled a little too. I think we'd all get on just fine. On the evil step mother radar so far Francesca wasn't even a blip, even Molly's mum was a bit more hostile towards me when we met.

Father dearest doesn't seem very fussed with this whole encounter and seems more concerned with our attire.

"Allessandra dear what on earth are you wearing? You know your presentation, or lack thereof as is the case here, reflect on me."

I give a grim smile, always good to know dad's priorities haven't changed.

"Father I'm sorry but I didn't know that I would be formally dining. I will be properly attired tomorrow, Marco offered to find me some appropriate outfits for tomorrow."

He gives me a curt nod, "Good. You'll just have to make your excuses tonight if anyone questions you, tell them your other suitcase got lost or something."