Morituro

Chandeliers, Fine-Dinning And Food Fighting

By the time we got inside the triple story home I was sinfully out of breath. Luca-who due to an very unfair headstart beat me by mere seconds-flashes me a cheeky grin. The golden haze of the light making me feel very queasy. I'm seriously out of shape.

I give Luca a final scowl, "You're lucky you won this time but eventually luck runs out."

"As long as you are as unfit as you currently are I think I'll be safe." I huff at his comment as he smirks and ruffles the hair of a younger chubbier cousin disappearing into the dinning room.

Val catches my eye with a single raised brow-a very defined one at that.

"It's a long story." I mouth at her and she nods in understanding as she links her arm into mine as we walk into the large dining room.

The chandelier is the first thing that attracts my attention. What with its huge size and the fact that it's adorned with glittering diamond looking stones-knowing the networth of the Dellucci family there's not a single doubt in my mind that they aren't real diamonds.

I marvel at them as I take a seat between Val and Dimitri.

"Hey there, Kei. I haven't seen you in a hot minute but I must say your making this minute a hot one." Dimitri says grinning widely seemingly wanting to receive a slap against the head but since I'm still tired from all the physical activity I've done already, I only manage a weak roll of the eyes, which seems to be enough of a reaction for Dimitri as he gives me a quick wink and continues on speaking to a smaller cousin of Julianos. They're probably talking about soccer-the guy's obsessed with the sport. If he could legally marry it I'm pretty sure he would. That flirtatious attitude he has with all the girls is a hoax, we all know the guy's first love is soccer, damn he even has a shrine for it in the back of his closet (or so I've been told by trusted sources aka Val). I know creepy.

I feel a light tap on my shoulder and look down to see tiny Isabella looking up at me with a content smile placed on her once hysterical face. I'm truly glad she's feeling better but a bubble of amusement rises within me as I see the empty space between her left front tooth and her canine.

"I hope you're feeling better." I say tapping her little nose with my index finger.

"yep, I am! All better!" she says enthusiastically.

I giggle, "I'm glad then."

"Nonna told me to bring you over there." she points across the table where two seats are empty next to Nonna. Nonna, who has been watching us the entire time, waves her bony hand at us. One thing is clear, she's a very determined and persistent woman.

As to not insult her and causing a scene by denying her request, I get up from my seat no matter how reluctant I am.

I lean down to Val and whisper in her ear, " I'm not sure if I'm going to survive this Dinner." I frown pushing my bottom lip out. " The food better be worth it." I huff causing her to giggle before quickly containing herself.

I hear her whisper, "Goodluck." as I walk away hand in hand with with the tiniest of the Dellucci's-dragging me around the table like a chihuahua on a leash.

When I get to my seat, Nonna sends a worryingly large smile my way. I hesitantly return the gesture knowing that she's got a few tricks up her sleeve.

I am proven correct when a very tense looking Juliano takes the empty seat next to me. I internally say a continuous string of curse words. Why is the aged woman so adamant on causing world war three to break out.

I decide it is best that I refrain from saying a word to him for the enter dinner-not that I was even considering to- and to sit at far away from him as possible even if that means sitting on the very edge of the chair and maybe even falling off in the process.