The Crimes of Love and Hate

Chapter 11

SERAFINA- When Poppy entered my room, I knew I wouldn't be able to ignore my feelings for her. No matter if they were unnatural, or evil, another mark of my disappointing nature. They were real as any emotion I'd ever felt. I couldn't breathe for a second.

"Hello," She said, looking at my room.

"Hey. You look beautiful," I finally said, and she didn't seem to notice how I stammered.

"Thank you." She did a joking little twirl, and my heart fluttered. She seemed to be immersed in my decor. It was pretty interesting, especially compared to the rest of the house, which, in my opinion, lacked character. I had a wall full of books, and a small desk where I identified plants and animal bones. The walls were a deep blue, and I had large windows that let in light. I had attempted to decorate it in a way that mimicked an old study, thinking that might irritate my father. It did.

"I love your room," she said, "It's so interesting! I love stories. My mother taught me how to read when I was young, and ever since, I've considered books a priceless commodity." Poppy picked Little Women by Louisa May Alcott off the shelf. She examined it, and I, her, taking in every detail of her features and expressions as she looked.

"You can borrow any of them whenever," I said, rising from my bed and walking towards her. I didn't understand how someone could be so beautiful to me, and someone unattainable, at that. Even if I was allowed to love her, she would never feel the same. I combed through her behavior for signs that she might. But I knew, deep down, that hope would hurt me if I let it live.

We talked for hours, until dinner was announced by the chef. Giovanni and Seamus joined us in our walk to the dining room. My father would not be home until after dinner, and the staff had sent word that Matteo would not be home until much later. We ate the dinner that the chef had prepared for us quickly, and I asked Seamus what he would sing for my father.

"Hmmm," he mused, "what would he like?"

I thought for a minute. My father didn't care for music all that much, but he liked simple songs. I told seamus this, and encouraged him to sing something sweet and simple.

We ate a traditional Italian-American meal, and I was glad that both Seamus and Poppy seemed to enjoy it. After dinner, they cleaned up their appearances and awaited my father's arrival in the parlor, Giovanni and I close behind.

Finally, the door creaked open, my father stepping into the light as a maid fussed over him. I felt my body stiffen in apprehension as I watched him talk to her, walking towards the parlor.

"Hello, father. This is Poppy, and this is Seamus." I gestured towards the two of them, who bowed their heads and greeted him respectfully.

He smiles courteously, the kind of smile that doesn't quite reach his stony eyes. I could tell he was waiting, examining the potential in the two.

He tenses and begins to speak. "I have heard of you from Serafina. I understand that you-" he gestures at Poppy, "could stay on as a maid, and the boy can sing?"

Seamus nodded eagerly, and Poppy squeezed his hand. "I can sing for you now, if you like, Mr. Romano," he said, smiling crookedly at the intimidating man. I could see Giovanni looking closely at Seamus, grinning.

"Very well. Sing whatever you like. If you're good enough, you can sing for my..." he hesitated. "Clients." Fellow crime syndicates was more like it, but that wasn't my place to share. Suddenly, my thoughts were cut off by the sound of Seamus, singing what I presumed was an Irish song, for I didn't recognize it. He truly was talented. His voice was clear and bright, and it reminded me of summers by the ocean when my mother was still alive. It filled the parlor, and Poppy smiled admiringly at Seamus.

I wasn't quite sure what my father thought, but his expression seemed to soften as Seamus sang merrily. When his song was finished, my father spoke.

"You have a gift. I can teach you some new songs to sing, and my clients will love it." He finished, turning to Poppy. "You may work as a maid, as you seem responsible. That will be all," he finished, leaving the parlor in the direction of his study when he received his thank you's. I couldn't believe it. So much had happened so quickly, and Matteo hadn't even met either yet. I was sure he would like Poppy, as I wasn't sure I knew anyone who wouldn't. As I drifted off to sleep that night, hope blossomed beside me.