A Breath Away

D O S

Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. Thrice is enemy action.  ~ Ian Fleming

"So, who is she exactly?" I think this is the nth time I've asked Ianna about – darn, what's her name again?

"She's your padre's consigliere." And she answered that for the hundredth time but what I don't understand is what is she EXACTLY doing here, right in this house, right at this moment?

"What does that even mean?" I understand what she meant but a part of my brain refused to accept what I just heard.

Why?

"Maybe you should go and talk to her, she'll explain it to you better." Ianna walked towards me and hugged me. "I'll be back tomorrow, I just came here to make sure you're settled." She kissed my cheeks and turned to leave. "Ciao!"

Why did my dad need an adviser? The business was doing great, he was doing great. So, who is this girl that popped out of nowhere claiming to be my dad's adviser?

Dad.

Am I even allowed to call him dad?

"Ianna, wait!" She left before I could even react.

Darn it! I didn't get her name! I sighed exasperated.

There's a lot running through my mind, a lot of questions I never knew I'd ask. My gaze fell on the wooden plate that's lying on my father's old study table. His name was carved with such skilled artistry that even though it's been ages, it still is perfectly recognizable.

Mr. Henry Edison, it read.

Letting out a sigh, I stood up and walked out the study room. Just sitting down in that room gave me a headache and I don't plan to ruin my first day here by travelling down the memory lane.

I felt a tap on my left shoulder and when I looked there was no one there. I creased my brows, surely, I've felt something or someone. Turning back to my book, my heart jumped out of its cage and up to my throat when I figured I'm not alone.

"HOLY MUNCHKIN PEANUTS AND DOUGHNUTS!" I cried, throwing the book I'm holding to the person who is now sitting at the counter on my right before I even have the chance to think.

It's what you call reflex.

"Whoa!" She raised her arms, blocking the book that was directed at her head.

I gasped as the book hit her arms.

I so did not mean that!

"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry!" I cried.

"Owww!" She grimaced, rubbing her arms.

I feel myself heat up due to embarrassment. "I'm really really really sorry." I say sincerely. Really, I didn't mean to throw the book directly at her.

Didn't you? You aimed REAL good. My brain decided it was a good shot and I almost laughed.

"Come, let me take a look." I said as I move closer. Grabbing her arm, I take a look at the spot that's turning a bit red. There's a few scrapes but it doesn't look bad.

"What were you thinking?!" She exclaimed, still rubbing her arms.

Looking up, I got the chance to actually look at her. She has the prettiest eyes I've ever seen, I realized they weren't really a forest green but they're a combination of blue, green and gray, but from afar, the green is more evident. I didn't even notice at first that there's a touch of blue and gray. Her long lashes add up to the alluring effect her eyes have. Her brows were creased but still, it didn't affect her beauty in the slightest.