The Other Side of the Story

Chapter 18

The rest of the week flew by surprisingly fast. The days were good and fun. We had a family bonding. The days were filled with so much happiness that it almost made me want to stay there forever.

On Christmas, we had an exchange gift. I got a new outfit with matching accessories and bags courtesy of Mom and Aunt Laticia. My dad told me that my present was a secret and I’ll get it when we get home. Uncle Rowan gave me a charm bracelet. It had three charms which was memories from Venice. Reed got me a book set of Twilight. It was the white collection. Franco also got me a present. It was a necklace. The pendant was a star studded with small diamonds. It was beautiful but I preferred to wear the necklace Micale gave me.

I know Franco doesn’t know it but my parents avoid giving me necklaces because since Micale gave me my necklace I never take it off no matter what. Even on occasions I never take it off so my mom would sometimes have a mini heart attack to see that my earrings don’t match my necklace.

I got them each presents. Thankfully that I thought I should give Franco a present to say thank you for showing me around Venice.

We were about to board our plane as we said goodbye to my Uncle, Aunt and Franco.

“Lavender, dear, you be careful now, ok? Visit us every now and then. You have my number and my email address at least send me an email once a week. I missed you all.” Aunt Laticia instructed. I smiled at her and gave her a long hug.

Uncle Rowan pretty much just hugged and laughed telling us to visit again. Franco was here bidding us goodbye. Ever since that night he stayed with my uncle and spent the week with us. He was pretty close to my dad and my mom joked about us getting married so we could unite the family. We all laughed at her desperate attempt to get me and Franco together.

I knew my mom had this thing for Franco. If she didn’t love my dad she would have made a pass. I even joked about it one time telling my dad that if he ever leaves mom, my mom would go running to Franco. Let’s just say it didn’t work out ok. Every time that mom and Franco are at the same room my dad has his hand on mom’s waist and pulling her protectively close to him. We all laughed at his possessiveness but my mom seemed to enjoy it.

All in all, the trip to Italy had given us the time of our lives. We all needed a change of atmosphere and we also needed to release some pent up stress.

The New Year was close and my aunt tried to get us to stay but we couldn’t. We always threw the New Year’s Eve party and the next year was no exception. Also, the party was a cover up. This was where my dad and mom strengthen the bond and partnership with other companies and some really respected people.

My brother would just show up and then leave to go to some party that was being held at his friend’s house. I would stay longer though but once I get bored I would drive to some person’s house to celebrate the New Year there. Despite the fact that people hate me they still invite me to parties because I had a reputation that could increase their own.

I really don’t know how I get people to follow me but I don’t care. Since they’re using me why shouldn’t I do the same with them?

It was close to midnight and I we just got back from Venice. I was tired and jet lagged. Suddenly, I remembered that I turned my phone off for a week since I wouldn’t be able to use it once we land in Venice.

I opened it and I was startled to see so many missed calls, voice mails and text messages. A lot of missed calls came from Becky, half of my voice mails also came from her and I think it was close to a hundred messages from her too. The others were from a few jocks but the most that got my attention was one missed call from Micale. He also sent one voicemail and three messages.