Affection from a Mafia

Chapter Twenty-Two

I took a deep breath and started to head upstairs. When I got to my door, a sticky note stuck to it. I took it in my hands and read it.

"'Yvette, I have to go out of town for the evening. I'll explain when I see you again. Love you. ~Mom'"

I sighed and looked at the list on my phone as I opened my door, walked in, and shut it behind me. Luci was asleep on her pillow. I put a scoop of food in her empty bowl and deleted that from my list. I packed my bag next. I got the change of nails from the bathroom, then went downstairs and filled up a water bottle, putting them both in my bag along with my phone. Then I brushed my teeth thoroughly and took my jacket off to put on deodorant. Once I completed my list, I put my jacket back on, threw the bag on, and headed out my bedroom door, shutting it behind me. I grabbed my house keys from the tray by the back door, and left, locking it behind me. I then hopped on my bike and rode towards the mansion.

As I rode, I thought about the mansion. I asked myself if I'd be okay. I told myself "Of course you will! You're engaged to your best friend!" I stopped at a stop light and took a swig from my water bottle. Then, I pressed on with my journey. It took thirty minutes to get there. I checked the time on my phone and it was exactly three o'clock when I got there. I hid my bike in the bushes then went up to the front door. I knocked loudly. I waited but no one answered it. I decided to ring Corrina.

"Hello?" She answered.

"Corrina, I'm at the front door. I just knocked."

"Oh. I'm sorry. I can't hear it from the kitchen. I'm coming."

I hung up and put my phone in my pocket. A few minutes later, the door opened. Corrina stood there with a welcoming smile.

"It's wonderful to see you again. And on good terms this time."

"Yes, it's wonderful to see you too. How did they get me out of the bathroom? I locked it."

"They had to break it down. And I had to explain to your mother why I was there, how I know you, and what had happened. I left out him though, for your sake."

"You can say his name, Corrina. I'm fine now." I showed her the engagement ring. She smiled widely and looked at the ring closer.

"What did you tell my mother?" I asked her.

"I told her that I was a former student teacher at your school and we were now able to become friends. She asked how I had your number. I told her that I had your number for tutoring purposes. I told her that you told me about the student death, and that you cared very deeply for the student. Then I told her that you had started crying and that you said you wanted to take a moment to yourself and you went upstairs."

I nodded, agreeing with what she had told mom.

"Care to elaborate on details with your engagement?"

"As I'm getting ready, yes, I will elaborate."

She smiled. "You know where to go. I'll be right behind you."

I nodded. I made my way up the stairs towards my old room. I walked slowly and gazed through the halls. Once I made it to the spiral staircase, I knew I was close. I ascended up the stairs, taking deep breaths as I walked. Just being there was overwhelming. It felt like I had run away from an abusive life and I was returning to it. It hurt to be there, but not because I missed Lucifer. I opened the door that revealed the hallway. I kept walking. Then I heard other footsteps and Corrina appeared, walking behind me. When we reached the room, I felt a strange sensation. It felt like he was there, in the house.I shook the thought out of my head and went for the walk-in closet. I got out the dress and the shoes as Corrina closed the door. I looked over at the alarm clock. It was nearly three thirty.

I politely asked Corrina if I could shower. She nodded and reminded me where the towels were. I went to the bathroom and found the towels underneath the sink. I grabbed one and hung it up.

I turned on the warm water and got in after I undressed. I washed my hair and remembered back on everything that happened in that house. I remember my first day there. I remember how terrified I was. And I mostly remember how I fell in and out of love. The warm water made everything seem like just memory.

I turned off the water and grabbed my towel. I wrapped it around me then grabbed another and put my hair up in it. I grabbed my clothes, left the bathroom, and entered the bedroom. When I walked in, Corrina seemed stressed.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"I can't seem to remember where I placed the earrings and the necklace. Let's get you ready and then I'll go find them." She gave me a robe to replace the towel.

I sat in a chair she pulled up to the vanity. Then I just let her do her thing. As she did my makeup, I explained my engagement. She expressed her excitement for me, and I thanked her and told her that it was the man's nephew who was hosting the ball. First she did eyeshadow, then she did eyeliner and mascara. I started to reach for the dark red lipstick, but Corrina stopped me.

"Not yet." She said. I put my hand down on my lap.

She took my hair out of the towel and combed it out. Then she blow dried it. It took a while, but once it was fully dried, she got out the curling iron, she curled my long brown hair. Once she finished with my hair, she helped me into the dress once more. Then I stepped into the golden colored shoes. I got my change of nails out from my bag that sat on the bed. She changed them quickly and rushed off to find the jewelry. I walked back over to the vanity and picked up the dark red lipstick and applied it delicately. I put the cap back on the lipstick, set it down, and stepped back to look at myself.

Then, Corrina came back in and handed me a small box. I opened it, and inside were the ruby earrings. I took them out and put them on as Corrina put the necklace on me. I gazed back at the clock. It was five forty-five. Then, my phone started ringing.

It was Sean. I answered it.

"Hello. "I said, smiling into the phone.

"Hey, love. People are already starting to be let in. Are you here?"

"Umm. . .I might be a little bit late, but I'm on my way." I winked at Corrina and she smiled and rolled her eyes a bit.

"Oh. Okay, well I'll see you soon!"

"You said six is when it all starts, right?"

"Right. Why do you ask?"

"Just wanted to be sure. I'll see you soon, Sean. Love you."

"Love you, too." I could hear his smile. I hung up and put my phone down on the bed and turned to Corrina.

"You want to make an entrance, don't you?"

I nodded and laughed. "Yeah."

Time passed and I looked at the clock. 'Six-ten,' it read. I took a deep breath and headed towards the spiral staircase. Corrina and I walked down and once we reached the double wooden door, I looked behind me, and down another set of stairs was the front door. I turned back to the double door and Corrina opened it. I looked at my engagement ring from Sean, and kissed it.

I took one more deep breath and walked through the biggest part of memory lane.