Organs, but with Pasta

TRE

Il Pizzeria. Verona's sad attempt of a nighttime cookery place thing. Located in the dimly-lit corner of the Piazza Bra, it reeks of dull vibes. It once belonged to a bankrupt food company. While other restaurants around the area look bright and eye-catching, this pizzeria tries to fit in with the rest but it's an eyesore. During the day, all windows and entrances are closed off so it gives the hint that there is nothing in it. But at night, this is where the famiglia stays. It is just a regular pizzeria with a few minor adjustments.

"Buona sera a tutti.", said Velma as she walked in through the front glass door of the crusty building. "Guarda chi ho trovato!", she continued and pointed her face at me as if she found a rare item. I always took notice of how she speaks in Italian than in English.

I walked in after Velma with my hands in my coat pockets. All the lights were off and I could sense the darkness. But I was able to see the famiglia sitting around this mahogany round table with a couple of papers on it. Selmers, Luigi, Cheddar, Marco and beside them were Brent and Alda. We all wore black clothing and each and every one of their pale faces looked at us to show that they noticed our arrival, and they all looked anxious and impatient as if they were on pins and needles.
I guess I was the cause of that. My nerves started to tensify. But aside from that, I automatically knew who was missing.

"Molte grazie Velma.", said Marco putting his hand half-way up as a way of showing gratitude for finding me.
He raised it down and his deep and bright grey eyes darted over to stare at mine. He took a quick breath.

"Mamma mia Tess, what have you been 'a thinking?", he said over-exaggeratedly and slowly.
I let out a small snigger, hiding my mouth behind my zipper as I looked downwards to the floor to avoid eye contact.
Marco has this both high and low pitched voice which I can never take seriously. It's not a voice suitable for scolding.
I could tell Velma must be standing behind me with her arms crossed and giving me that Number 3. Frown, the 'Why-are-you-like-this?'

"Si uh, Marco. Forse dovrei prendere il commando.", whispered Luigi awkwardly as he leaned over to him. The others shifted uncomfortably in their seats. "Tess non prende mai sul serio la tua voce."
"No no. Sto bene.", continued Marco. "I don't care about what she thinks of me. She knows what she 'as done wrong."

I took a quick cool breath and my giddiness faded into the air. I locked eyes with Marco. He's a forgiving gentleman so I know he won't be too harsh.
"We 'ave been waiting and waiting for you to come and we are already an hour behind schedule. It iz automatic that you should be 'ere in time for planning time at midnight. We work hard every hour of the night and we can not waste time. What 'ave you even been doing?"

I didn't respond. I stood still quietly just hoping to get this over with. Punctuation is the most important part when starting the nighttime duty. I've been on time for every single night before and the one time I'm late, they take it out on me as if I do it all the time. No matter what they say, I will never tell them that I make time to myself to think. Because I know they will never understand.

Marco sighed deeply showing that he can't waste more time talking to me.
"Just please don't do it again okay?"
I nodded slowly as my form of apology.

"Tutti.", he said catching everyone's attention. "Come on, here are our plans for tonight.", he spread the papers on the table. Everyone leaned in and me and Velma went closer.

"We 'ave six hours to get all of zis done. Tonight we are all going to make this deliziosa Spaghetti Bolognese.", announced Marco gesturing to the papers.