Cajoled bliss

It was the day I lost everything. My love, family and my support . Though the morning seemed normal but in actuality it was far from it . I remember the moment I stepped in the room , my gut was telling me something was wrong . My dad loved spending most of his time here . After mom's death he spent days together in this very room .

The stench of blood hit my nose . I knew for sure that something was not right .As I made my way toward his chair , I could feel the melancholy in the air . My world came crashing down at the sight of my father . Pale and lifeless . A gun in his hand and our family photo at his feet , broken .

I did not know what to do as I yelled for my nonno my nanny since my mom died 18 years ago . I felt numb and frozen . My father would never kill himself . He was the only thing I had . I was sobbing and crying my heart out at the biggest and most gravest loss of my life . After that all went black as I welcomed the abyss with open arms .

I was running down an endless path whith ox bow turns. Everything was bright and surrounded by light and joy. At a distance a gunshot was heard and then everything went black. I kept running out of fear calling for my dad but no sound came from my mouth. I felt helpless and frustrated. I could see a door so I opened it abd found my mom and dad hand in hand. 'We love you honey! Remember that. 'said my dad and then both of them fell backwards into darkness. I tried so hard to catch them but I couldn't. I tried to catch hold of my dad's hand but his fingers just slipped through mine.

Suddenly I woke up with a start. I was in my room as I could see the all so familiar lavender walls and photographs embellishing them. A I.V was attached to my arm. It was a dream,;a horrible scary dream. But somehow I felt it was true. After I removed the needle slowy out of my arm, I made my way down the flight of stairs into the living room. I could hear voices and people talking as I reached at the end of the stairs. I slowly peeked into my living room, only to find many people in black, my zio Daniel Valentino who is my dads bussiness partner stood there talking to the guests. I then saw it. His photo. That smile which used to light up my day. My dad was no more. Suddenly the memories of that sinister morning rushed to me. I was overwhelmed by the loss of my support and my life. I had no one now in this world.

"Honey are you okay? " asked a voice which I realised belonged to zio.

His eyes were red from all the crying. He was my dad's best friend and like an uncle to me. I hugged him and cried for what seemed like hours. I was scared and alone. He cooed soothing words in my ears. "Mr.Valentino let me take her to her room and dress her up " said my best friend in a tender voice. Rhea was my best friend since elementary school. She lived to blocks away and we were practically sisters as we did everything together. She took a hold of my hand and gently guided me upstairs. We entered our room and headed straight for the bathroom. She helped me undress and washed me. I just stood there numb ad empty. After that she helped me dress in a black dress and led me downstairs. I stopped her before entering the living room. She gave me a wry smile and hugged me. I cried a little as she said the words. "Its been two days since the day he died. You were out for two days. Don't cry Becca please. Be strong. He wouldn't want to see his princess luke this.

I just nodded my head in understanding. "Nonno called Mr.Valentino after you passed out. He came with his son and tge doctor. The funeral will start in a few minutes. I am with you Becca. Please be strong. "she said earnestly.

We enter the livingroom and headed towards zio. Beside him stood a tall and handsome man. I guessed him to be his son, Adrian. My zio gave me another hug.

"Do not worry everything is taken care of. We will be leaving in some time to go to the cemetery. Nonno will be here.

She just went home a few hours ago. I am so.sorry honey. Remember we are with you. "

" I am scared zio. He was the only thing I had and now he is gone too. Just lije mama. "

" His death was the end of a beautiful journey. He loved you with all his heart."

I nodded my head as I tried to stiffle the sob.

"Adrian I think we should leave. The priest must be ready. " Zio turned to Adrian. Adrian merely nodded his head and left the room. We slowly made our way to the car. Zio sat in the front while we sat behind. There was another man sitting in a black SUV. He followed us to the cemetery. The guests were already gathered around the coffin.I could not bear to see him like this. I wa petrified as we approached the crowd. I sat beside zio and Rhea. Aunty Lisa was there too.She was seated besides zio. Adrian stood behind me and the guy who was in the SUV was standing behind Rhea. I saw a few familiar face and all of them gave me a small smile. The priest began his service as I tried hard to hold back my tears. Rhea held onto my hand all through the service. Zio gave a small euology and after that people paid their homage by offering flowers. Soon most of the guests left. Zio and his family and Rhea were there. I also saw nonno who had red eyes. She came over to me and gave me a warm hug. She stood by my side as my father was laid to rest.

The gravity of the situation hit me with full force. I would never see him again. He was gone leaving me alone in this world.

There were many people around me who cared for me, yet I felt alone. After the burial was over we all went home. Nobody spoke as everybody tried to come to terms with the death of such a magnificient being. I rested my head on Rhea's shoulder and closed my eyes. The tears were still flowing.I doubt if they would ever stop. I must have fallen asleep in the car as I felt two strongs arms pick me up and carry me to my room. The person laid me down on the bed and pulled up the blankets and tucked me in.I was exhausted both physically and emotionally. I heard the person say 'I will always be there for you ' I could not recognise the voice and just decided to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~$~$$~~~$$$©"

People say time heals. In my case I beg to differ. It has been a month and a half since my dad passed away. The house seems awfully quiet without his charming presence I go to work at the art gallery like a robot. I loved art and painting. But now I feel as if I lost my inspiration to create art.

For the past month zio has beena constant visiter. He or aunt Lisa make it a point to check on me everyday. Nonno is staying with me but I still feel empty.

I was driving home from work and as I entered into my driveway I saw a shiny sports car parked there.I got out of my Accord and walked towards the door. As I was fishing for my jeys in my bag, Nonno opened the door with a worrie expression on her face. " Whats wrong Nonno? Whoes car is that? " I say pointing towards the car.

" His name is Samuel and he wants to meet your dad. I told him tht Mr.Johnson passes away last month. So he insists on meeting you. "

" Ok Nonno I wilk meet him. Pkease get me something to drink. "

I was perplexed at the arrival of this Samuel. I failed to recall that name though I thought I had heard it somewhere. I went into the living room to find a tall man with black hair looking at tge photos on the wall. I cleared my throat as his back was facing me. Sensing my arrival he turned towards me and gave me a warm smile.

" Hello miss. I am Samuel. I wish my deepest condolences. Your father was a really great man. "

He said in a thick Russian accent. " Thank you Mr.Samuel. Please have a seat. I was informed you intended to meet my father. But now its just me " I said.

" Your father did bussiness with my boss which caused my boss tremendous losses. So I on behalf of my boss would like to inform you that the losses have to be repaid. "

I was confused as I asked " What bussiness did my father do with your boss? It is better if you talk to Mr. Valentino regarding this. "

" Oh miss this deal is not known to him. Well let me be blunt with you " As he was about to continue the door opened and Nonno walked in witha trolley full of biscuits and tea. " Thank you Nonno " As she left I said " Would you like some tea or may be coffee? "

" No thank you. I would like to continue with our discussion.I am being blunt to you. You father had borrowed 20 million dollars from my boss. He had to payback that money 2 years ago. I just wanted to inform that my boss is a very patient man. But his patience is now over and he wants his money back. You have a weeks time to return the money or the consequences will be not good. "

In hearing his wird I shot up from my seat. " Mr. Samuel I am not aware of such a deal. You do not have proof of the dealings. This is incredulous. " I yelled.

" Please leave or I will be forced to call the cops. I hope that you never return again. " In a flash of a second I was pinned to the sofa and his body was hovering over me. His one hand pinned my hands above my head and the other inched toward my skirt. " Oh the daddy's little princess is fiesty. You don't wanna pay the money. Fine! I will take you with me right now and I am sure my boss will enjoy this body. " He said as he tried to snake his hand insid my skirt. Suddenly the door opened and Adrian was pointing a gun at his temple. " Step aside from her right now. Hands on your head or I empty this gun in your head. " Adrian said in a booming voice Samuel got up slowly and tried to retrieve his gun. " That would not be a smart move " Adrian said. Samuel faced Adrian and smirked. " Oh you cannot kill me. It will rage a war between us. You don't want it. I just want the boss' money returned. " I did not comprehend a single word he said as my head was pounding like hell. Adrian merely stepped closer to him and said something in a foreign language. I guessed it to be Russian. Samuel just looked at Adrian straight in the eyes and then a smile cracked up on his lips. " Ok I want the money or this La belle petite will pay for it. It was nice meeting you miss. I hope we do meet again to continue what I started. "

" Leave god dammit! !" Adrian yelled at him. He just smiled and took his leave. I sat glued to the sofa teas pouring out of my eyes. " Hey hey Rebecca don't cry you are safe. That man is gone. He won't cone back. " Adrian said. Adrian had just saved my life. The same Adrian Valentino who was the hottest guy in highschool, who hated me to the core. Who could not stand my presence. He and his teamof jocks called me a nerd and a geek.

After high school I saw him.rarely. I was snapped out of my walk down the memory lane when Adrian sat besides me. On instinct I scooted away from him. He just let out a grunt disapproving my action."Thank you Adrian. I don't know what woupd have happened if you didn't show up." I said calmy. " It was nothing. I hope you are okay now."

I just nodded my head.

At that moment zio barged in through the room. Aunt Lisa too enntered after some time with nonno.She came to me and hugged me tight. "Are you okay? ?" I answered zio by nodding my head. "You are coming to my house Becca. It's not safe to stay here alone. " zio asserted.

"I don't want to be a burden zio.I will be okay and I don't think so he will come back. Did you know my dad took money from his boss? I do not believe him. Why woupddaddy take 20 million dollars from his boss and who the hell is his boss? " I asked exasperated.

" Becca don't stress yourself with this anymore. It will be taken care of. But I insist that you come and stay with us for a while. "

"Okay zio. But only for tonight. I have work tomorrow. " I said. He nodded his head and said"Okay lets go if you want you can ride with Adrian. "

"Let me get my handbag" .

We left for zio's house which was a 30 minute drive from my house. I sat beside Adrian looking ourside the window."Have you met that guy before?" Adrian questioned me. "No. What did you say to him? ? Which language were you speaking?"

"It does not concern you. The matter is taken care of."

"This matter concerns me. That man was in my house trying to rape me so I have a right to know what the hell is going on. I am not a small girl anymore. So just tell me who the hell was that. " Adrian just ignored my outbust anddrove silently to zio's house. I had tears rolling down my cheek as I looked out of the window. My head still hurt and I felt like puking. We arrived at zio's house and I straightaway got out of the car abd ran to the powder room in the house. Adrian followed me inside calling my name. I emptyed the contents of my stomach in the toilet. Adrian came kneeled besidea me as he held my hair out of the way as I continued to puke. I felt so tired and sick. I slowly got up and washed my face and rinsed my mouth. Adrian was waiting for me in the hallway. "Are you okay? Do you want to go to a hospital?" Adrian asked me in a concerned voice. "No. I need to lie down. " I told him as I made my way to the guest room. I had spend a lot of time after high school in this house. My dad was in Argentina for bussiness and Adrian had joined the military. Adrian was a marine. He retired last year and joined zio in his business. So I practically knew this house in and out.

Adrian was a guy who I could not stand. He was a jock in school and an out and out badass player. He always called me a nerd and geek as I wore glasses in high school. They did not make me look like a geek. Atleast my then boyfriend thought I looked good in them. I dated a lot of guys over the years. But nobody was intresting enough to settle down with.

I laid down on the bed and tried to sleep. After few minutes I heard a knocking on the door. It was zio's butler summoning me for tge dinner.

I went downstairs to join the family for dinner. Dinner was always a pompous affair in the Valentino household. I sat down besides aunt Lisa while Adrian sat opposite her. Zio was at the head of the table. I decided to take a chance and ask zio about the incident. "Zio I just wanted to know if the man was saying the truth?"

"You should stop worrying about that incident. The man will never trouble you again. "

" Zio you are hiding something. You have to tell me. "

" It isn't important. " Zio said dismissively. I was angry as both of them refused to answer my question. I suddenly lost my appetite. I was sick of being treated lije a little girl. I had to go home. This wasn't my family. I nibbled with my food and after dinner I tried to leave.

Everyone was asleep by now. I desceded the steps and went towards the door. Only my luck ran out as I heard his voice. "Where do you think you are going?"

Adrian turned on the lights and I saw tat he was seated on the sofa with his one leg crossed over the other.

"I wanted to go home. None of you answering my questions. I don't want to be treated like a child who is ignorant. "I said sternly.

"Listen Rebecca. What happened today is taken care of. You are safe and that should be your only concern. "Adrian said as he approached me.

"Now be a good girl and go upstairs or I will haul that pretty little ass on my shoulder and carry you upstairs" Adrian asserted with a smirk.

"I am not scared of you. Watch me go!" I was about to head for the door when I felt Adrian pull me into him. "You are not going anywhere babydoll"

"I am going home. Do not call me a babydoll. And get your filthy hands off me "I bellowed.

"No can do babydoll."Adrian said teasingly. He suddenly picked me up in his shoulder. "I warned you Becca. And do not make noise. I do not want dad to wake up."Adrian said. I could hear his smirk in his voice. I began trashing and hitting his back. And he just smacked my ass. Smacked! !!He is unbelievable. "Put me down you oaf. "I whispered. He just chuckled and continued to carry me upstairs. Entering the room he dumped me on the bed and warmed in a cold voice. "Do not leave this room. You can go wherever you want tomorrow in the morning. "

After saying that he left and I had no other choice but to try to sleep and relax .