Round Here

Chapter One

Spring '68

It was a typical day in the Bronx. I was getting ready to go out when dad stopped me. It was the weekend and he knew I was goin' out to see C. So I don't even know why he asked me about it. 

"Hey kid, where you goin'?" 

"Sonny, Sir, you know where I'm going." He grabbed my face gently. 

"What did I tell you bout callin' me Sonny? You call me dad or pops. I don't care what everyone else thinks, I'm still your dad." He was right. I usually called him Sonny when I was with friends. I don't know why I did. I guess everyone just did. 

"Sorry dad. I won't do it again. I'm goin' out to see C." He put his hand down onto my shoulder. "Okay, be back at the bar for six. No messin' around with those other boys. They're a lot of trouble." 

"I know dad. I won't get into any trouble okay." He patted my shoulder. 

"Need a ride?" He didn't even have to ask. He knew I was in need of one. 

"Please? I'd appreciate it." He pulled me closer to him. 

"Anytime sweetheart, now let's go 'fore I'm late to my meeting." I quickly pulled on my sneakers.

Dad opened my door for me. Making sure I got in safely. He then waited as I reached over to unlock his door for him. 

"Thanks kid. You know you don't gotta do that. That was somethin' I told C to do with his girl Jane." I sighed at his remark. Dad knew I kinda had a crush on C. "What's wrong? Somethin' botherin' you? Was it something I said?" I rolled my eyes. 

"Dad quit askin' so many things at once. Nothin's wrong and it wasn't anything you said. I just didn't know C had a girl." He stopped the car. We were in front of the bar. I could see C waiting for me on the corner. 

"They won't last much longer. Don't worry about it sweetheart. You can' date C anyways. You're marrying Sonny." 

"Yes I know that Daddy. I'll see you round six." I gave him a small kiss. I saw C wave. He came towards the car. Dad shifted a little towards me. "Behave yourself, I mean it. And if there's any trouble you call me." 

"Yes dad I will." C smiled as he opened my door. He was quite the gentleman. 

"Hey Sonny, how are ya?" "I'm good kid, now get goin' before your other friends get the wrong idea." We both agreed and got on our way.

"So San, how's your day been?" I looked at him as I walked alongside him. 

"My day's been fine. How about you?" He rolled his eyes as he scoffed. 

"Well pops was pissed I was hangin' round the guys today, and ma she didn't care, but pops said I had to stay away from the guys cause they're not a great gang." 

I knew what he meant. Sometimes he didn't make a whole lot of sense when he was talkin', but I liked to listen here and there. 

"Yeah I know what he means. Dad said the same thing too. Those bunch of guys are idiots." 

"But they're still good friends." I didn't answer since we were coming up on the block. 

"Hey cutie, where's those legs?" I sighed. I was already annoyed by them. 

"Shut up Mario. I don't need your shit today." 

"Yeah okay princess. Where's your other friends? You can't hang out with us." C laughed along with'em.