Chapter 2 BELLISSIMO

ARSENIO'S POV

Life is a paradox of contradicting similarities!!!

Uncle Alejandro was waiting for me at the airport with a big cardboard display, 'Welcome from Prison Human!'

I smiled when I saw it - the first genuine smile from my lips in a good while.

"We thought you were going to come by the weekend" Uncle Alejandro said as he opened his arms to hug me. I shook my head, a signal that I was still not in my 'hugging humans phase' and he tapped my head from behind.

"I was able to wrap things up quickly. You look good, Zio" I said. The least I could give to him was a compliment after outrightly rejecting a hug from him.

"I'm forty seven Arsenio. Good is far from what I look like '' He said with a big smile flashing his teeth and I couldn't agree more. He did not look a day older than thirty five.

My dad had made sure Uncle Alejandro was the only person present which was due to two reasons. More persons like an entourage would attract the eyes of many...the eyes of our enemies and probably this was still one of those his tiny tests to know if I was who I used to be.

The irresponsible, have- it- all son!

When the electrical wired gates slid open, there were guards lined from the gate to the top of the stairs and they bowed their heads consecutively as the car passed by them.

I wondered how they had been able to get everyone into a good act so quickly when I had just told them a few minutes before I got on the airplane that I was a few hours away.

What could not be done in public, can surely be displayed with reckless abandon in private.

The air welcomed me as I stepped out from Uncle Alejandro's car.

The fountain was as clear as day, the garden looked trimmed to my mother's fashion and taste.

The regal mansion stood like a castle and even though this is where I had spent a good part of my childhood and teenage years, I was still in awe of the architectural design.

My parents, Mum Carla and Dad Angelo were at the top of the stairs waiting for me. I did not dilly dally any further and I climbed up the stairs to meet them.

Although my father was standing there beside my mum in a neutral all grey outfit, I knew that my mom must have threatened him to have him there obediently.

He would rather choose to be holed up in his study.

But as I climbed, I could not help but notice that someone was not with them.

A particular white haired girl.

'Is she still terribly angry with me?

Angry that I left the way I did?

Angry that I had ignored her for a total of five years??'

I looked back up to my family as I finally got to where they patiently stood. Their faces were all bright except my dad who had his unreadable game face on but you could tell from the joy on the faces of the others, that they were happy to see me.

My mom encased me in a huge hug - the hugest she could afford with her forever slender frame while Mom Carla popped a confetti. Dad Angelo stood behind with his hands crossed behind him but with a big smile on his face.

"Welcome home son!" My father said curtly and firmly as we held each other's eyes for two seconds before I was whisked inside.

As we entered our home, my arms around my mum's shoulder and Mum Carla's, I bit back the quick urge to demand where Serena was. We got to the living room and she was still nowhere to be seen.

I could not resist it any longer and I had to ask for where she was... with a pre meditated nonchalance.

"Is that brat still alive?" I asked and my mum's elbow connected with one of my ribs. I faked being hurt and she scowled at me.

"It's actually a surprise that she is. Who would not ask that kind of question when Serena decides to work for animals.

Girls of her age are out there partying and having fun due to the holidays but my little girl decided it was best to save animals even at her own risk." Mum Carla said and you could see the concern etched on her face.

Dad Angelo kissed the top of her head and she looked up to him.

"You should not sound so worried about her. You know she can handle herself especially with Gerald's help" Dad Angelo said.

'Gerald?!' A masculine name being mentioned tingled in my ears.

I coughed slightly.

"Gerald...is he her uhm bodyguard?" I asked.

Her mom scoffed. "Your sister stood her ground saying she wants no human hovering behind her. Her both fathers would not have it and still have men who watch her from afar.

Gerald is just a friend..."

My mind calmed down a notch.

At least they had not said he was her boyfriend. If he was, I would have known before now and he would have been long gone. But 'just a friend?!'

"A very good one at that and I'm glad she has him by her side. If only she would look beyond their friendship and give him a chance.

You can definitely see it from his eyes that he has a thing for our little angel" My mum said with a smile and I wished she wasn't my mom at this moment because I wanted to think evil things about the statement and of the person who had said it. But I couldn't because she is my mum.

My father and Dad Angelo cleared their throats at once and my mom rolled her eyes at them.

They were still very protective of Serena and the idea of her having a boyfriend has still not settled within them.

If only they know that I was the reason the confident guys around her had not taken their interest in her further.

The door to the living room swung open. Serena came in but she was in the arms of a guy.

'A guy?!

He must be the Gerald!' I thought as I accessed him.

"Can I get an ice pack?" He asked nervously.

Serena's arms were locked around his neck and she seemed so comfortable in his arms.

She had not yet noticed me because her eyes were closed and she was resting on his chest.

'Resting on his chest?! She is so unbelievable and I bet the bastard is having the time of his life!'

"Oh my GOD!"

"What happened??!"

"I'll go get the ice pack"

"Serena are you alright?"

I marched over to him.

"Hand her over!" I demanded, my voice calm but rough with anger and sheer possessiveness.

Serena, whose eyes were closed for whatever reason, suddenly opened them, enabling me to be graced with the sight of her foggy orbs.

"A lie..." She whispered but I heard her clearly.

I smirked at her.

"Hi Bellisomo"