Affection from a Mafia

Chapter One

New town, new school. All of my supplies were organized and in my black backpack. I got off my bike, locked it up, and walked inside. Sunset High School; starting as a senior in Portland, Oregon. Everyone was walking up and down the long, narrow hallway. I was an outcast. I knew immediately that I would not fit in. Before I left the house, I was in a hurry. I threw on black skinny jeans, and a black crop top with heeled black boots with a black beanie.

My hair was up in a messy bun. I was so different. My older foster brother said I was being too 'extra' and that I was kind of an emo girl. Before I left home, I wanted to look like I fit in. He was right. I took a deep breath, put my jacket and hat in my new locker, locked them up, and head to the gym. I had to follow a map I received in the mail when I got my classes.

I lived with my foster mother three blocks from Sunset High, so getting to and from was easy. My foster mom and my foster brother were both of religious practice. Before I was religious, I wanted to be Christian, but my real mother wouldn't allow it. She said it wasn't 'logical'. My foster mom and my foster brother were Christian. I wanted to belong and I found this as an opportunity, so when I found out that they were religious when I first came to them, I wanted to be religious, too. With that, I started practicing Christianity. Ever since, I loved God. He was my true father. I prayed to Him every single night to show my love and thank him for my life.

Once I arrived to the class, I got my uniform, changed, then rejoined my new peers. There were nets set up and a bag of balls. Then I realized what it was; basketball. I was clumsy enough already. Coach Lind tossed me a ball and sent me to the other side of the gymnasium. At that court, it was an all boy team on both sides. I stood next to a boy with brown hair and green eyes. He was my height in my two inch boot heels. I was shorter in my sneakers. I handed him the ball and he started the game.

I was so ready to go to my next class. Gym was my least favorite so far and it was only first period. My next class was Trigonometry.

"Ugh. Math." I thought to myself. That class seemed to fly by quickly as well as the whole day. I didn't really talk to anyone. I stayed quiet, minded my own business. Then, the boy from gym approached me during my sixth period lunch.

"Hello," He smiled. "May I sit?"

I nodded.

"You really kicked ass in gym." He looked pretty nervous.

"I hit you with the ball like five times." I said quietly. "I made us lose. Besides, I don't know how you didn't get a concussion."

"Nah. Losing doesn't really matter. And it's okay. I have a hard head,"

I nodded in agreement.

"I'm Xander by the way."

"Yvette." I replied softly.

The rest of the period was awkward. We made small talk, not really getting to know each other until he said this;

"Where you from?"

"California, but I lived in New York until I came here." I said blandly.

"Cool!"

"What about you," I asked, feeling very interested in him. "Where're you from?"

He smiled. " I'm from California, too."

It was nice to know I wasn't the only one. I felt more comfortable near him. He was a really nice guy. Sometimes, I have word vomits. (Which is where you say something out of nowhere and unintentional.) With him they were more controlled. I had no idea why I was like that with him. There was this kind of connection we had that felt more than someone I just met. It was strange.

Then, sadly, the bell rang. I sighed.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Xander." He nodded and we went our separate ways. I hurried to my next class after throwing my lunch trash away.

I had english. We discussed a book and summarized it. After class had ended, we were given homework. We were given another book that we had to read and summarize by next friday. Once I collected my things from my locker, I rushed outside to my bike, unlocked it, and started to ride home. It was mid September, so it was pretty chilly outside. While I rode, my thoughts wandered to Xander. Mid thought, the ground fell beneath the wheels of my bike. The last thing I remembered was a boy calling my name, and strong arms carrying me.

When I opened my eyes, I wasn't in bed. Well, I was but it wasn't mine. I sat up and looked around. The floor was wooden and black. The curtains were white silk, as were the bed sheets. I was even wearing a white, silk nightgown. "What's with all this white?"

I walked over to a mirror in the room, and looked at myself. My hair was down, reaching the center of my back. My makeup was changed. The eyeshadow was black mixed with silver, and the eyeliner was a cat-eye design. I looked at my lips. They were red; blood red. And my eyes themselves were looking darker than ever.

My fake black nails were replaced with fake red ones. When I turned around, there was a silver formal dress. At the bottom of the bed, just below the dress, were black velvet flats. Next to the dress sat a note. I picked it up and read it to myself.

"'As a guest, it is requested you wear this. All shall be explained. Please do not keep the master waiting. Sincerely, Corrina.'"

I did as the note said. I didn't understand why dressing up was necessary or why I was even there. I did feel a bit scared, but I was also sure that there would be answers. Once I changed, I looked in the mirror and adjusted the dress, slipped the flats on and brushed my hair so it wasn't a mess . As I did so, the bedroom door opened. Stood there was an older woman, in her mid thirties, with gold like hair and green eyes. She was thin, and looked like she was fragile. Her eyes made me think of Xander.

"Ms Perez, the master is awaiting you. Please come with me."

I swallowed. Fear rose inside me as I followed her. The halls were a dark, oak brown, as was the carpeting, only the walls were a bit lighter than it. She opened a door at the end of the long corridor which revealed a set of stairs. We continued on.

"You're Corrina, aren't you?" I spoke hesitantly. 

"Yes, I am." She replied sourly.

"Then you can tell me why I'm here."

"It is not my place. The master will explain."

I didn't say anything else. Shortly after, we reached a dining hall. At the end of the long wooden, vintage table sat a man with a black mask that covered half his face. I knew this was bad. I should've just ran but my legs were frozen in place.

"Master, Ms Perez is here."

"Ah, yes. Bring her forward."

Corrina guided me towards the man. I sensed my fear becoming stronger. I wanted to cry, but I had to show my bravery.

"Please, sit," I did as he instructed. "Yvette Perez. So lovely to see you. You are the spitting image of your mother."

"Thank you..." I was confused. It wasn't exactly a compliment, to me at least.

"We have much to discuss. I hope you slept well."

"Yes. I won't be staying, though." I said, courageously.

"Don't get your hopes up. You're staying for a while."

The confusion spread across my face.