The Mafia's Flower (ON HOLD)

Chapter Twelve

"Oh come on! You know you're cheating!"

"Ha-ha!" Abel laughed. "Don't hate the player, babe. Hate the game."

"Not when the player is clearly cheating." I rolled my eyes, dropping the game pad on the wooden stool by my side and crossing my arms over my chest. Abel laughed again.

"How? How am I cheating?"

"You've obviously been playing this your whole life. You know the cheat moves and how to manoeuvre your way to victory. The game is rigged. I'm not playing anymore."

"Oh don't be a sore loser, Fi. Okay, I'll go easy on you." Abel winked at me but I hissed in return. My eyes shot back to the blaring REMATCH sign on the TV screen, shining in its red and white neon letters, as if daring me to play again. I wasn't someone who gave up so easily, so I picked up the PS pad—ignoring Abel's wide grin—and pressed the X button for another round of pure adrenaline fueled racing.

After the Shrek movie we watched on Saturday, just as he had anticipated, I loved it. Although having to admit defeat in our little wager was a bit annoying, especially with Abel throwing his feet into the air and gloating with countless I-told-you-so's, I wouldn't deny that it was ten times better than Cinderella. And just as we agreed, I had to be his escort with his friends to the cinema the next Monday. But on Sunday evening, I got an email from him about a sudden History test scheduled for that Monday. So our little cinema shindig was going to be for a later date.

But that didn't stop him from coming over to the house almost every day after school. And the more I saw him, the more excited I was for the next time I would see him.

When Abe came over, we mostly watched more movies on his PC. Starting first with the trilogy of Shrek, then moving on to action movies like Gladiator and ending on some days with comedy sitcoms like Friends. Then, he promised he would bring his PS3 and teach me how to game.

Every moment spent with him was fun and thrilling. Belinda and Joan even joined us on some of the days and I was glad almost everyone in the house was gradually warming up to him. Gregory made sure to stay out of our way but kept a side eye on us to ensure order still remained in the Valdez Residence. Taylor and Abel once had a banter about rival football clubs and Matt once baked us some oven fresh cookies. Everyone seemed to like Abel, well, almost everyone, because I wasn't quite sure Michael was aware of the young boy who was becoming a frequent visitor in his residence.

If it was any more possible than it already was, I think Michael's work seemed to had tripled by the start of the new week. He would leave home as early as 7 in the morning and only come back around 9 in the evening, looking exhausted from stress, before he would trudge up the stairs and into his room quietly. The only time I got to see him was when I'd stay up late just to make sure he came home. Hoping to maybe talk about the day's events and my new friend with him, but only to be greeted with his tired smile and a pat on the head like I were a 5 year old who just welcomed their dad.

I'd missed our conversations, our lengthy talks, no matter how rare they were. Those were the only times I got to connect with Michael. Even though I hardly knew him, I felt close to him during those moments. But lately, he seemed so distant, so close yet out of reach. And it was so frustrating that it was literally the only thing on my mind all day. I needed a distraction, something to take my mind off him and off the situation. And as if beckoning to my call, the universe sent me Abel.

So I allowed myself to drown out the desire of wanting him with the excitement that Abel provided. I tried to fixate more on the new experiences and things I would learn from him than allow myself to wallow in self pity and unnecessary thoughts that would only cause more problems between Michael and I. I knew it wasn't the most healthy basis for a friendship, but I had to admit that Abel was the perfect distraction from my already mundane life. And I honestly loved spending time with him too.