The Thief(Complete) (Sample)

XIV.

I've never sat at a table with a big family before, aunts, uncles, and kids. I took all of this in because I was enjoying myself, they passed around so many dishes of different foods but it was their tradition and it was exciting to see.

There was Chicken Piccata with Artichoke, Eggplant Parmigiana, Meatballs, Focaccia, Stuffed Shells, Stuffed Peppers. She made a lot of food and that was just half of it, I was stuffed. The kids went to go play again as the adults still sat along the kitchen table, Theo cuts me a piece of the Migliaccio, it was a traditional Italian cheesecake.

"So, Marnie, you grew up here in Philly?"

"Yes!" I answered with a smile.

"Which part?"

"North Philly, badlands as it's called.." I expressed while taking a bite out of my cheesecake as some of the table nods.

"I used to run heavy drug traffic in that area, shits no joke."

"Yeah, lots of gangs and other things that I'm thankful to get away from but it wasn't too bad. I stayed away a lot from things like that, I literally grew up on the streets of Philly." I said as Theo's uncle tilts his head and nods.

"How'd you stay away from it, you got any family?"

"The library majority of my time or working for my dad at his café, no one really bothers you if you keep to yourself. I have a family but not like this.." I took another bite.

"What do you mean?" One of his aunts asked.

"My dad and his wife, she's my stepmom. I'm not gonna say that they raised me because as much as I remember of my life, they weren't so nice to me. My brother is the same, he's just like them. You guys welcome me and my daughter with open arms, I'd love to experience that with people that are actually my family." I explained.

"Well, you're apart of the family now!"

"Thank you!" I replied as they lifted up their glasses then clinked them with one another.

"What about your mom or ?"

"I don't know much, I honestly wish I knew! I have this ring, I used to wear it around my neck but now I wear it on my finger. My dad used to try to take it from me, I got it apprised one time and found out that it was a unique custom made ring worth millions now that I'm older. I know he didn't give it to me so I know it's from I assume my mother." I look down at my ring, Theo glances at my ring too then thinks for a second.

"I'm sorry.." his aunt says as Theo's mom reaches for my hand then rubs it.

"It's okay, I'm just hoping that I wake up one day and hear that it was just a dream or that she turns up one day." I said to them and Theo leans over and kisses me on my cheek while softly rubbing my shoulders, he was comforting me and it felt good.

"Well, we're all happy that Theo has you! It may have just started for you both but we enjoy you and your daughter enjoys her time here too!"

I nodded while finishing my cheesecake, they were so comforting and easy to talk to. I'm in a house full of people that could kill me before I blink but they weren't out for my blood, they were seeking my happiness and it was amazing.

* * *

"I enjoyed my time with your family tonight!" I said to Theo while he drives, Giselle was asleep in the backseat.

"I'm glad you did, little slugger back there seemed to enjoy herself too!" He says as I laughed while glancing back at her sleeping peacefully.

"Yeah, this means so much Theodore and I know that I've been saying it to you almost every single minute of the day but I truly am grateful for all of this! This is the happiest that both of us have ever been.." I explained and he nods his head.