Fated Encounter

chapter 2

4 years later

Mariana

"What did he think, mama. I'm not a student. I'm the teacher and for him to cretic me on my teaching - in front of the kids no less - is just rude".

"Principessa he's just trying to help you" my mama said.

"Sell i don't need it" i said as i walked down the hall. As my mother headed to the garden to meet with Carla.

I dreaded going into father’s office. We lived in Italy for four years, and in that time I have been proposed to thirty times. My father says “It’s because you’re a Rana.” Yeah well, to bad I’m not getting married any time soon so, who cares. But I’m a little worried. Papa has been having meetings with the capo of the outfit. He and dad have been best friends since collage. ‘Why am I being called down here’ she thought.
She checked herself in the mirror. She never dressed up at home, but today was different. She had black slacks, with a silk blouse. She had black lipstick on to go with her glasses. Her hair was up in bun at the top of her head. ‘Damn, I look good.’ With that thought she squared her shoulders and knocked on the massive door. There was a muffled ‘Come in’ other than that, nothing.
Mariana walked into the room to find Alphonso Valente sitting on one of the stuffed chairs by the fire place. Her father stood and came to her, “Amore mio, you look beautiful. Come, sit.” As she came close to ‘Big Al’ as she liked to call him, he stood and smiled. “Bambina,” he said before he scoped me up in a bear hug. I smiled and hugged him back. “Hey ‘big Al’, if you don’t put me down I’m going to punch you.” His laugh filled the room. His whole body shook with it.
“Just like your mother. She had on hell of a punch. Your ma and Carla are in the garden. Come on, sit down. We need to talk to you" And just like that, they were back to business.
As she turned to sit down, she noticed a figure by the window. That’s we he turned around and fierce amber eyes were looking down at her. Looking down? Just before they left  high school he was one inch taller. Standing at six foot four, broad shoulders and muscular legs. The chuckle that left those lips was deep and smooth. She jerk her eyes up to his face. ”What is he doing here and why is he here?” I world on my dad. I knew I was being rude but I didn’t care.
Papa didn’t even blink. He was used to this. “He’s here because this involves him too. Now let’s sit down and talk" He shot me a look that was meant business.

I  walked over to the little seat and sat down. Antonio made his way over there, his long legs looked powerful in his tailored suit.
As he sat down next to her. She waited for their fathers to talk.

"We know that you just started your carrier but we need to discuss marriage".

"We also have to think about our promise to you mothers and each other. So," Big Al paused to collect his collect his self.

"You two are getting married". My father looked at like i was going to explode. I sat there, my mouth hanging opening up a little.

"What the hell are you talking about. I will not marry this...this... I just can't. I wont" i said while crossing my arms. My father look livid while big Al looked amused.

"Mariana i will no longer tolerate your disrespect! You will be married in two months time" his voice was steel.

I stood with as much dignity as i could muster. I turned to big Al and said "it's great to see you but if you'll excuse me i need to go grade projects. I will be honored to marry your son. Sorry for my out burst earlier, i was shocked. I need to pick out a...wedding dress. Bye" .

I walked out with my head held high and went to burry myself in my work. As i got to the library, i knew he was following me but paid him no mind.

I should have paid attention