Secrets II - The unforeseen

Chapter two

Addison’s POV

I threw myself on my big white bed and buried my head in the fluffy pillows that by now had taken over the entire space.

I wanted to be able to go places with my friends and be able to be me, just like Damien was. To be who I was. I was not and would never be some ragdoll that just did whatever she was being told.

Yes, I was very well-mannered and polite, and I behaved accordingly to who my family was, but that was exactly what the problem was. I wanted to be able to show who I truly was instead of what someone wanted me to be. I wanted to be able to feel the breeze of being outside, to take some risks, and just feel free. I wanted to be able to breathe for once in my life without someone looking over my shoulder.

That was also why being a part of the family business would mean so much to me, but for some reason, I was being kept out of it at all costs. I didn’t know whether it was because of me being a woman as he so politely just had said or if it was because I was the ‘princess’ like my dad always called me, but I believe that I, as the princess, should have just the same amount of say as the i***t of a prince that was my brother.

I woke up to the sound of my door being opened, I hadn’t even realized that I had fallen asleep, and I didn’t wake up fully until I felt my bed shift under me.

I groaned and turned around only to bump into someone. I opened my eyes slightly and looked up and stared straight into the eyes of my Uncle Dario.

“What are you doing here?” I mumbled slightly shocked while rubbing my eyes. “I didn’t think you’d be here until tomorrow!” I said as I crawled over and hugged him.

“Well, your mom called me and told me how excited you were and also told me something else,” he chuckled.

“Ugh she is such a tattletale,” I complained.

“Kiddo,” he sighed. “You need to give your old man a break.”

“Not you too,” I wined. “I thought you were on my side in all of this,” I sighed.

“I am, but you’re nearly giving him a heart attack,” he chuckled. “I remember the first time you went over to him and said that you wanted to go to work with him. You were five, almost turning six. He almost passed out just by the thought of you getting anywhere near a gun and when he said no, you didn’t speak to him for almost four days which nearly killed him,” he laughed.

“I don’t remember that,” I said in a wondering tone. “But it sure does sound like him.”

“The point is that he loves you more than life itself and he is worried,” he said with a warm smile.

“Why just me though? Why not Damien?” I questioned.

“Because of your mom,” he said scratching the back of his head, avoiding looking me in the eyes.

“What about her?”

“You know, your mom didn’t have it easy when she was your age and a lot of bad things happened to her, which is why he is trying so much to make sure that none of that ever happens to you.”

“What happened exactly? I mean I know about her having it rough and all that, but I have never been told why,” I said curiously.

“Well kiddo, that is a conversation you have to have with your mom,” he smiled. "It is not something I should be telling you since it is not my story to tell."

“Does it involve Aunt Adeline?” I asked hesitantly which I quickly regretted seeing as his face fell.

I had heard stories about my mom losing her sister and how Uncle Dario lost the love of her life, but I didn’t know any of the details. I didn't know where or when or how. I just knew that she died.

“It does,” he said softly. “Everything is connected, but again, this is a conversation you need to have with your mom. And your dad too for that matter,” he said. “Now come on and let’s go grab some food,” he smiled while patting me on my head.

“How long are you in town for?” I asked when we were seated at one of my dad’s many restaurants.

“For a month or two maybe,” he said. “I need to make sure that my new club is functioning before I go.”

“New club?” I asked.

“Yes,” I confirmed. “Do you remember the old playground you played on as a kid?”

“The one that got taken down because everything broke, and it became a danger to be there?” I chuckled.

The memory of my dad freaking out when the swing I was sitting on suddenly snapped, popped into my head. He had run to me so fast that he tripped over his own feet, landing headfirst in the gravel. To me, it was a funny memory but to my dad, it was yet another one that made him worry. Afterward, I wasn't allowed to sit on a swing before my dad had tried it out first to make sure it was safe.

“Yes, well I bought the ground and build a club. It’s opening tomorrow night,” he said while putting his fork down.

“Really?” I asked excitedly.

“Yes, really, why?” he asked sounding suspicious.

“Well, dad won’t allow me to go clubbing, but,” I said dragging the word out a bit as I waited for him to catch on.

“If it’s my club you think he will let you go?” he asked with a raised brow.

“Yes?” I more asked than stated.

“Well, it is worth a try,” he shrugged. “But don’t come tomorrow, come after the opening day,” he said sternly. “Too many creeps will be there tomorrow and I really dont want your dad to shoot someone on the first night.”

“Thank you!” I exclaimed happily.

Uncle Dario was one of the cool uncles, one that I believe every kid should have. Whenever I was in trouble or had a disagreement with my dad or mom for that matter, he was the one I went to. It had been rough when he moved away, but he always made sure to come and visit me as much as he possibly could, and now that he opened a new club, I knew he would be here for some time. The time I would use to make him help me convince my dad to give me a little extra freedom.

“Anytime! But don’t tell your dad that I allowed it. Just say you’re going with Gabriella and that I will be there along with Luca,” he shrugged.

“Wait, uncle Luca is going to be there too?”

“Of course. You know, Gabby might have some more space and free time than you do, but clubbing isn’t one of the things she gets to do alone just yet,” he chuckled. “Now finish your dinner so we can get home. It’s a school day for you tomorrow.”

After my uncle dropped me off, I went straight to my room. I didn’t really care to be ignored by my brother or being questioned by my dad. My mom was still at it with the flowers which didn't surprise me at all. She was like me a perfectionist and whenever one of us started on a project, we had a hard time leaving it before it was absolutely perfect. I had asked her if she wanted help but she insisted that I went to my room to get ready for bed and for that I thanked her.

I didn't really want to spend the next four hours fiddling with flowers and plants. The only thing I wanted, was a nice hot shower before I allowed myself to be swallowed whole by my bed.