Round Here

Chapter Four

June '68

I was right after all these months. I was pregnant. Daddy wasn't too pleased. He said I shouldn't be fuckin' Sonny so much. I told him it wasn't any of his concern, and he smacked me after I told him that. He said I deserved that one. Which I probably did, but I didn't seem to think so at the time. I haven't graduated yet since we have to wait until daddy's birthday to do so. That was our given date. June twenty-fifth was daddy's birthday and our graduation ceremony. 

Today was a very weird day. It was hotter than hell and daddy wasn't home just yet. It was the twenty second today so the graduation was in three days. This wasn't a big birthday milestone for dad. He was turning fifty five. I remember when he turned fifty, it was the year I turned thirteen. I was walking around the house in my shorts and one of dad's muscle tops. I was making dinner with Freddie when the phone rang. 

"Stir the pasta Freddie!" 

"Got it kiddo." I ran to the phone. 

"Hello, LoSpecchio residence, Santina speaking."  

"Hey kid, it's dad. How's dinner going?" 

"Pasta is cooking, and we're just waiting for Sonny, Em, and C." 

"Michael there yet?" 

"Is he supposed to be?" I was startled by the door opening. 

"Santina it's me Mike. You in here?" 

"I'm in the kitchen Michael. Is Sonny here yet?" 

"No, but he's on his way. Can I help in any way?" 

"Uh you can help Freddie in the kitchen I guess. I'll be in there in a minute." 

"Alright hun." I went back to my conversation with dad. 

"Sorry dad, I was talkin to Michael. What's up?" 

"Well I'm not worried any more. I'll be home in half an hour or so. Santino and I are caught up in traffic. Calogero and Emily are also on their way. We picked them up." 

"Alright well we'll see you when you get here daddy. Wait how are you using a phone?" 

"I stopped at a gas station. Had to pee." 

"Okay dad. Be safe and we'll see you shortly. Love you." 

"Love you too kiddo." He hung up.

 I was surprised to see Michael standing there. 

"How are you doing?" 

"I'm alright Michael. How are you?" He hugged me. I looked up at him. 

"I'm just fine hun. Are you and Sonny still getting along?" 

"Yes Michael, we are." He kissed my neck. I liked that. 

"Michael stop it. Not here. I've got to cook dinner. Plus me and Sonny are a thing." 

"That doesn't stop you from having it with that boy in the kitchen and Calogero." He had a point. 

"Well, I guess you're right. Why are you Corleone men so attracted to me?"  

"Well there's just something about you that drives us men wild. Some qualities about you that are just so lovable." We were interrupted by Freddie. 

"Hey pasta is ready. I just need some assistance setting the table." 

"Yeah we're coming."  He let me go so we could help Freddie.