The Boy Across Enemy Lines

Weekend Getaway.

It’s been about a month since Dante’s shooting. Ever since I have not spoken a word to my parents. They’ve grounded me for leaving the house without permission and seeing Dante, whom they have forbidden me to see, but I don’t really care. When I’m in my room I sit there and I’m away from them. That’s all that matters. Some people would say I’m acting like a spoiled brat. That my parents just forced me to stop talking to this boy and I need to get over it. That’s not the case. I would’ve been more than happy to agree with them if Dante had done something wrong. If Dante was a bad influence on me, was abusing me, or giving me drugs, or taking me out to parties. He’s not doing that though. All we do while we’re together is enjoy each others company. Sometimes we read. Sometimes we would watch a movie, or go out to dinner. We’ve been doing normal teenager things and all because on my dad hating, or being at war with, Dante’s dad now it’s a freaking crime for us to be within 50 feet of each other. Well I think that’s stupid. I’m not letting this war rule my life. This war has nothing to do with me and everything to do with my dad. It’s not even about my dad either. It’s about his great great grandfather hating Dante’s dad’s great great grandfather and them declaring war on each other, and the tradition of hatred just passed through the generations. Well it stops here. I will not loose Dante over this stupidity.

I’m hungry. I rolled out of bed, grabbed the book I was reading and walked out of my room, down the stairs to my fridge. I popped some leftovers in the microwave and waited for it to warm up. I grabbed a fork and a bottle of water before leaning on the counter and opening my book to read. As I sat waiting, my parents walked into the kitchen. Oh goodness. I didn’t acknowledge their presence and continued to read my book.

“Alicia.” My dad said.

“Hi.” I replied dryly, not lookin up.

“Can we talk?” My mom asked slowly.

“I don’t have anything to say, and I feel like you guys are just going to repeat everything you’ve already said, so what’s there to talk about?” I asked bored. Still not looking at them.

“Alicia. We’re tired of the silence. We want our daughter back.” My dad said taking a step towards me.

“Yea, well I want to date Dante without your damnation of him and his family, but I guess we can’t all have what we want.” I replied nonchalantly while flipping the page.

“Alicia, we’re doing this for your own good.” My mom said.

“My own good, or your own good because I think you’re getting those two lines mixed up.” I said slowly trying not to emit any emotions.

“You don’t understand…” My dad said before the beeping of the microwave cut him off.  I opened it up and got my food before turning around to face my parents, looking at them for the first time.

“No, I don’t think you understand how much I don’t care. I don’t care that you are at war with his family. I don’t care that you hate him, even though you’ve never even had a conversation with him. I don’t care about anything you have to say.” I say

“Ali…”My mom said.

“Hear the deal… you put an end to all of this, to the war, to everything, and I’ll start speaking to you again. I’ll be your old Ali again. If you don’t end it, I’m leaving. Pick your poison.” I said looking between them. They looked at each other for a second before looking back at me.

“I can’t do that.” My dad said seriously.

“Alright then.” I said shrugging before picking back up my stuff and leaving the kitchen. I got into my room and locked the door. Sitting on my bed I read and ate. I couldn’t let myself get upset over this. After finishing my food I called Dante.