Behind the Mask

Chapter 17: Alice

Chapter 17: Alice

The sweet smell of waffles wafted up into my room. Slowly I opened my eyes sunlight streamed into my room, giving everything a soft look. After dinner last night we watch a family movie before people parted ways for bed.

Anthony was going to be staying in our guest room through Christmas but on New Year’s he was off back to Italy to keep up on his restaurant. His proposal was weighing down on my shoulders all night.

I felt I needed to go; it was a way to help myself get better, overcome the heartbreak. But I had to fix things with Alice first. She would never forgive me if I left without a goodbye. Pulling on a hoodie I went down stairs to find my family enjoying a laugh at the table.

“Good morning sleeping beauty.” My mom smiled nodding a plate with waffles on it. Smiling I sat down and began to add butter and cut them up.

“Isabel, there is something I must mention.” Anthony said speaking up. Glancing up I met his brown eyes.

“After your mother and I parted ways, I met Anna my wife.” He said lifting up his left hand showing me a gold wedding band.

“Okay,” I said.

“Well I want to let you know you have half siblings.” Whoa hold up, I had siblings? So all along I wasn’t the only kid.

“Only two and brother and a sister, twins. They don't know about you though, and since my house is small. If you agreed to come live with me you would be living with your grandmother Isabella. The woman I assume you are named after, my mother.” The world seemed to stand still; I had siblings a brother and a sister.

“Isabella is quite a hilarious old woman.” My mother smiled. “That’s why you were named after her.” She smiled again and rubbed her belly which was beginning to swell. Not only would I have mom and Paul’s baby as family but two others.

“How old are they?” I asked nervously.

“10, Maria and Mario.” He smiled proudly. “But they always wished they had an older sibling to take them places. Anna knows about you and your mother, and she will accept you in every way.”

“Give me till Christmas, I need to apologize to someone first.” I said. After breakfast I quickly got changed and ready. Today I was going to bed for Alice’s forgiveness.

Sighing I had to do this, my fist was poised over door of Alice’s house. Gritting my teeth I gave the door a sharp knock. The door opened to reveal Alice’s mother Elizabeth.

“Hey Isabel, I wouldn’t have expected you over here.” She said smiling warmly.

“Hey Mrs. Brandt can I talk to Alice?” I asked nervously.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea Isabel, she is still pretty angry.”

“I know, I know. But I can’t make this decision without her. I can’t hurt her more than I already have!” I cried throwing my arms in frustration.

“Mom? Who’s at the door?” Alice called within the house. Mrs. Brandy glanced back at me.

“It’s Isabel.” She hollered back. In a flash Alice was squeezing past her mother.

“What do you want?” Alice hissed crossing her arms glaring at me.

“Alice you know me to well to ask me that.” I smirked.

“Yeah yeah I do.” She stepped onto the porch. “You have three minutes to apologize. If I accept I will let you in, if not well that can be discussed later.” Her mom closed the door behind Alice.