Affection from a Mafia

Chapter Eighteen

We talked and laughed and just had fun being together. I wanted to go outside and sit in the backyard, so I started to swing a leg over the window sill.

"Where're you going?"

"Outside. I used to do this all the time."

"In the middle of the night?"

"Yeah. It's the best time to gaze at the stars." I was standing on the top step of the ladder and started to climb down.

"You coming?"

After a few minutes, I heard him sigh. I looked up and he was climbing out the window and putting a foot on the ladder. I grabbed my quilt that I hid in a bush, shook off the twigs and leaves, laid it out on on the grass, and lied down. I gazed at the stars, amazed at how they sparkled in the sky.

It was as if someone took a million diamonds and threw them into the sky. It was so breathtakingly beautiful. I looked over in the spot next to me where Lucifer was supposed to be, but in his place sat a note.

"'Yvette,'" It read. "'I'm sorry I'm doing this, but it has to be done. I can't see you anymore. I took you away from your family and your life. It's not right for us to love each other when I'm basically forcing you to love me. This is the real reason why I came over to you. When I let you return to your home, you were physically free. Now that I have gone, your mind will be free as well. I remember when you asked me to take you back here you said 'If you loved me, you'd let me go.' I do love you, so I have fully freed you. This will be the last time you have seen me. Forgive me. I love you.'"

Halfway through the note, I was crying. I folded it, shoved it in my pocket and sobbed, curling up on the quilt. Then, the back door opened. I ignored it.

"Yvette?" It was Jacob. I continued to cry. Suddenly, Cicero was next to me, licking my face. I hugged him and pet him. Then, Jacob shoved Cicero off of me and put a hand on my back.

"You have to stand, Yvette."

I didn't want to, so I stayed still. He sighed. "At least tell me what's wrong."

"I'll tell you when I'm ready."

It was then silent. I thought about him more and more. I remembered the dances we had. I remembered the dress. I remembered how he changed me. He changed me for the better. Even if the situation I was in was life threatening. Later on, I felt more safe. Ironic as it seemed, it was true. Then my mind flashbacked to Xander. I remembered seeing Lucifer kill my brother. I started hyperventilating, which led to sobbing, which led to me screaming in terror, and then me breaking out in loud sobs.

Then, the back door swung open. It was mom. She ran over to me and looked me frantic in the eyes. I looked back into her eyes and leaned my head against her shoulder. She didn't say anything. She made me stand and she guided me back to my room. I got to my room and immediately fell on my bed. Mom went over to my window, pulled up the rope ladder, then shut my window tight. Then, as she was leaving, she covered me with a blanket that sat on the edge of my bed. As soon as she shut the door, my sobs pressed on.

Eventually, I fell asleep. My dreams were peaceful yet heartbreaking.

I was with Lucifer. I was chasing after him, begging him to come back. He continued to walk on. Then he turned and and held me in his arms, whispering to me.

"I can't see you anymore. I'm sorry. It's time to let go." Then he faded from sight. I knew he meant well, but it hurt in my dream just as much as it did in real life.

I woke up shortly after. I rolled over and checked the time. It was seven forty-five. I got out of bed and walked to the kitchen where mom was.

"Mom, can I stay home today?"

"Why do you want to stay home?"

"I. . ." I stuttered. Mom didn't know I met Xander, nor that he was dead. I sighed. She needed to know eventually.

"I met Xander, mom."

She was quiet. Then, moments later, the silence broke. I started crying in agony. Mom's arms were around me in a flash.

"What's wrong, Yvette?" 

"Xander's dead," I said through tears. "He was killed on school grounds."

"Oh, dear," She held me close to her. "Is this why you want to stay home?"

I nodded as I sobbed. Nothing else was said. She called the school to inform them of my absence as I returned to my room. I shut my door behind me and pulled back the curtains on my window. I gazed out at the cotton candy, pink and blue sky. I pulled up a chair to the window and grabbed my sketchbook, colored pencils, markers, regular pencils and started to create the sunrise on paper.

I sat there at my window for what felt like hours. By the time I finished, the sun was peeking over the horizon, slightly shining on my face. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the warmth of the sun. I looked at the drawing and smiled. The mix of colors were extravagant. It made me wonder of what else I could create. I smiled at the thought.

I took four pieces of scotch tape, and hung up the drawing, putting a piece of tape at each corner. As I was putting my sketchbook and all of my art supplies away, mom came into my room and told me she was leaving for work. I nodded and said "Okay. When will you be home?"

"Around eight. I have two meetings today. Will you be alright until then?"

I nodded. "Won't Jacob be here after he gets done with school?"

"He's hanging out with some friends tonight."

"Okay. I think I can manage."

"Okay. Call me if you need anything."

"I will."

She smiled, hugged me, then left. My long day home completely alone had begun. I picked up Luci and stroked her as I gazed out at the cruel world.