wander

11|dinnertime talks

I slipped on the green dress I had bought earlier today. A small bow detailing on the vest area and ruching down the skirt of the dress. It was gorgeous and hugged my curves perfectly. I love it. And I'm sure Romeo will to.

I walked down the stairs to see 3 pairs of eyes on me. "What? I didn't take too long did I? Oh no I'm so sorry!" I gasp. Thinking I did something wrong. I wasn't used to people staring at me. It felt mostly uncomfortable but it's something I had to get used to now I guess.
"Oh no. No. Chiara. You're fine. We're just looking at you. You look great!" My Dad reassures as he pulls me in for a hug.

Romeo's eyes wonder from my hair to my shoes. His mouth open, and his eyes glistening. He was definitely taking in the view. It was not until Rose told everyone to hurry up when Romeo shut his mouth and walked out of the door.

I followed behind them watching as security opened the door to the Rolls Royce. Guess it's the nice car this evening. I mean I was all dressed up, I kind of was expecting a different car to this morning.

This time us three weren't as close as we were in the other car this morning so there was no excuses for sneaky knee touching or thigh touching. It would definitely have been to risky to try something now. My Father can't know about me and Romeo. What would he think of me? Me coming here for love and not for family? I hope not. That's not what I planned for. Not what I had wanted.

We arrived at the restaurant and one of the security helped me out of the car, holding my hand and staring at my attire. Good to know people liked my outfit yet it was a little unsettling knowing everyone was now just staring at me with the infamous Leonardo Smithers and Rose and Romeo Bianchi. They must have wondered who this peasant girl with them is. I was new to them. But it was all new to me too.

I looked over to Romeo and only noticed that the security was still holding my hand when I noticed Romeo glaring at the sight in front of him. I pulled away from the guys hand and sweetly thanked him and walked next to my Father.

As we took our seats I found myself sitting next to Romeo. It's silly how we keep ending up next to each other. Almost suspicious. Breaking the silence, I had said how lovely this place was. The three of them smiled back at me and then skimmed through the menu. I copied.

It was all Italian food, of course. And I had decided on a pasta dish. I loved pasta, one of my favourite foods. Everyone around the table had said there orders, Romeo saying mine because I couldn't pronounce the name for shit. You would have expected it to be like spaghetti, right? No I can't even remember it.

I don't know how the conversation starts but somehow we're talking about life back in Louisiana. I had talked about how mom was rude and all her snarky remarks. School. My non existent friends.

"I remember when I was about 14, when we first moved to Louisiana I had started this school called GreenField and I became friends with this guy, James. He was the only person I was comfortable around and somehow we became a "thing". I had invited him round for dinner one night and I walked into the door, mom shouting at me for having a boyfriend. She said I was too young. Whatever. It wasn't anything serious but it was something I needed at the time." I explained.

Romeo tightened as I talked about James. It's like he never wanted me with someone. Other than him, I suppose. I decide to continue.

"He left soon after we ate. The next day at School he didn't speak to me. And we never spoke since. Unless you count the time he "broke up" with me. Then it was Moms idea to move again. Me being seen with a guy was too immature. Then we moved to my last school. That was the worst. I was bullied. Beat. Everything."

I begin to recall a certain incounter with one of the girls at that shitcase of a school and begin to tear up; these bad memories come flooding back and then begin to drown me. I excuse myself to the bathroom because I don't want to be seen like this. I look awful. I can't put that on them.

Slamming the door behind me, I push my back against the door and scream to myself. My voice box tightens as my screams become more muffled. I was losing my voice. Letting go of my pain. My tears smeared my makeup and my mascara ran down my face. It wasn't until I realised I was curled over on the floor until I heard a knock. Followed by a voice. His voice.

"Chiara. Open this door. Chiara!" The sweet voice said. I followed his instruction quickly and he pulled me in close. The smell of his cologne filled me and made my forget about what I just be crying about.
"Hey. Hey. Stop crying. It's ok. I'm here!" He reassured me. Stroking my back and tucking loose hairs behind my ears.

"Hey. I think we should go home. It's not a good idea to stay here longer. Let me get your Father." He said as he cupped my chin and took my hand in his and lead me out of the bathroom.