The Mafia Couple

Jason sank to his knees, his heart heavy, as he witnessed the gradual vanishing of his best friend's house. He released a heart-wrenching sob, and everything around him faded into the shadows as he witnessed the house crumble into ashes and the sky ignite with a crimson haze of smoke. If only he had been spared the sight of the paramedics as they solemnly transported the bodies, swathed in stark white sheets. Yet, even in that moment, he remained unmoved as his world disintegrated around him; he longed to have been the one to succumb to death instead of Selena. "No, it can not be." he whispered under his breath, retreating slowly, unwilling to confront the reality that lay before him. He sprinted towards the lifeless forms and attempted to reveal the charred remains, which belonged to Selena. As Jason gazed upon the body, disbelief washed over him, making it difficult to accept that it was Selena. It was not until his eyes fell upon the bracelet, a cherished gift from her 12th birthday, that he felt a flicker of recognition. She had worn it faithfully, never parting with it since that special day. Jason's mother hurried to his side, her concern evident as she realized the gravity of what he had just seen. Jason squeezed his eyes tightly, his hands firmly covering her face. As his mother enveloped him in her warm embrace, Jason found it hard to comprehend the astonishing sight before him. Before the house could succumb to the flames, he gasped for breath, struggling against his mother's grasp as he dashed toward the inferno. His heart raced with the hope of salvaging a cherished memory. Amidst the devastation, he discovered a charred album filled with images of Selena and a handful of his photographs, their edges singed, while the remainder had turned to ash.

I've waited my whole life for this day. I finally get to leave my parents' mansion and live with a mysterious roommate who won't tell me their gender. Yet, that does not diminish my overwhelming joy. This day stands as the pinnacle of my college year, filled with significance and anticipation.

In just two weeks, my classes will commence, and I can not help but feel a surge of anxiety. Today marks the intriguing occasion of my initial encounter with my enigmatic new roommate.

A flutter of apprehension danced in my stomach as I contemplated my new roommate. It seems she embodies the essence of a roommate who revels in nightlife, embracing the vibrant energy of parties each evening- the kind of roommate who radiates kindness and warmth, I suppose.

I hurried into the elevator and pressed the button for the floor where my apartment awaited. I frowned at how life had quickly changed from being simple to complicated. I don't even remember how my childhood was, nor do I have any childhood friends. The elevator interrupted my thoughts as it dinged and opened its doors.

I stepped out and walked a few steps to find my room. "Thank God it's not as far as I thought." Taking a deep breath and waiting to see what was waiting for me on the other side, I placed my hand on the doorknob. "Shit, it's not locked." I cursed myself and pushed the door open.

My heart stopped beating. I felt the nerves start to creep in. Why did my heart suddenly stop, and why was it beating so fast? Staring at the tall, muscular boy with electric blue eyes, He's shirtless and only wearing black ripped jeans. His hair is short and black. My eyes widen at his body; it's as if the Greek gods sculpted his physique.

Before he catches me perving, I shoot my eyes straight down to my feet to avoid getting embarrassed. "Who are you?" I ask. "I should be asking you the same question," he says, excitedly walking towards me. I chuckle at his sudden mood change. "I guess you are my roommate then," I ask, raising an eyebrow at him. He nods quickly. "Yes, I am Mrs. Votterello." "How do you know my last name ?" I ask. "Because I did a background check on you," he says. I laugh. "And why would you do that?" "It's to ensure my wealthy roommate isn't a serial killer," he winks. "Well, I guess we are both serial killers," I smirk. "He says, 'Then I guess I will have to kill you first,' as he walks past me and disappears into thin air. " He should have given me a list, informed me that he was going out, and perhaps had the courtesy to tell me which room would be mine.

I grabbed my phone from my right pocket, unlocked it, and hit the call button. "Hey, Mom," I say with a big smile on my face. "Hey, sweetie, did you see your new roommate? Is she friendly?" she asks. "You mean him, Mom?" I say sarcastically. "What the-I hear my dad curse on the other side of the line." "Mom, you didn't tell me he was home," I yell playfully. "Oh, sweetheart, your father has been eagerly anticipating your return all day; he longs for you," she pretends to sob. "Marie, I am back," my anonymous roommate suddenly interjects into my conversation. "Hey, Mom, I will call you shortly," I say as I conclude the conversation. "It seems you're already scheming my demise, Marie," he remarks, setting down two hefty pizza boxes on the table. And here I was thinking that you were gone for good. I let out a sigh and tilt my head back, my eyes drifting upward in exasperation at him.

He lets out a soft chuckle at my reaction, then settles onto the couch, savoring each bite of his pizza. Fortunately, the belongings of the enigmatic boy lie untouched in the hallway, indicating that I must first select the room that will transform into my personal sanctuary. Fortunately, the belongings of the enigmatic boy remain scattered in the hallway, indicating that I must first choose which room will become my own.

What a missed opportunity to have considered this idea sooner! With a burst of energy and a hint of humor, I seize my luggage, dashing as if it were my very first experience of being welcomed into a place to stay. He chuckles, his cheeks stuffed with food, and remarks, "I thought wealthy girls didn't behave like this, you know." Just as I was preparing to respond, he interrupted my words mid-sentence. "You can choose any room you desire, Marie; that is the reason I left my belongings unpacked," he remarked. "Have you devised some sort of cunning plan to eliminate me?" I express it with a hint of irony. He lets out a soft chuckle, only to suddenly find himself gasping as a piece of pizza lodges in his throat. "Damn, Marie, you sure are a witch, alright?" he coughs.

With a dramatic roll of my eyes, I expressed my disdain for his rudeness. "When you have finished unpacking yourself, come join me to savor the last of this pizza," he moans as he chews. "That food moan resonated through my body, sending delightful shivers coursing through me." "Oh, nameless boy, your deadly traps have proven ineffective, and now you attempt to bring about my demise through food poisoning," I chuckle. As I approach my bed, I settle onto the corner, reaching for my phone to glance at the time.

I arrive at my bed and settle into the corner, reaching for my phone to glance at the time.

A smile graces my face as I gaze at the screen wallpaper featuring my parents and me, a single teardrop cascading down my cheek. I gently wipe it away and let out a soft sigh.

A sensation of weight settles upon my eyelids, drawing me into the embrace of sleep.

The reason for my insufficient sleep lies in the haunting nightmares that echo my childhood, yet they are far from pleasant. This is due to the fact that neither of my parents has been able to articulate the reasons behind my nightmares, nor have they provided any insight into my childhood. I recline on my bed, shifting onto my side. I sat in the dimly lit room, my eyes scanning the shadows for what seemed like an eternity, until the faint glow from outside my door finally vanished. I truly wish for him to find some rest.

My eyelids feel heavy and drooping. I sense my eyelids growing heavy, so I make an effort to pry them open and remain alert. What if this peculiar boy enters and plunges a knife into me while I slumber? My eyelids feel heavy, and I struggle to keep them from closing.

I settled into bed, fully aware that the same haunting nightmare awaited me in the depths of sleep, yet I decided to push it aside and not dwell on it. I found myself in my dream house, yet the innocence of childhood had slipped away.

I have blossomed into the person I am at 18 years old. The fire rapidly engulfed the structure, with flames consuming the entire house in a fierce blaze.

I tried to change my position, but there was no reaction. This moment was unlike any other; I felt completely frozen, as though I had transformed into a statue, stiff and resolute like the Statue of Liberty. As I attempted to pivot and flee, a tingling sensation coursed through my arms and legs, yet I found myself frozen, unable to budge a single muscle.

The flames advanced steadily, their heat intensifying, yet I remained frozen in place. My heart was pounding in my chest.

I tried to let out a scream, yet my voice vanished into silence. The same child, their face obscured, emerged once more, beckoning me with my name and urging me to awaken.

The child's voice escalated in volume, piercing the stillness and jolting me awake with a scream, my heart racing in a flurry of anxiety. "Marie, Marie, it is time to wake up!" "Are you feeling alright?" He asked. "I found myself completely immobilized," was all I could express. "Hold on, I will fetch you a refreshing glass of water." He departed, and after a span exceeding 30 minutes, he returned.

I continuously sip the water. "Thank you very much." He gives a slight nod of his head.

"Are you okay?"

"I believe so," I plead. "Please do not leave; I can't sleep,"

He lets out a deep, weary sigh.

"Alright," he responds.

"I appreciate it,"

He offers a subtle inclination of his head, and carefully he positions his pillow in the space. He settles into his seat, tucking his legs beneath the warm covers. He slides down, rests his head gently on the pillow, and reclines on his back.

He gazes intently at the ceiling above. "Jason," he utters. "I am Jason Mendes," he declares with a serene confidence. I turn my head and look at him intently. "You may address me by my name now," he said with a sly grin.

The glow of the streetlights filters through my windows, casting a soft illumination on his face.

"Thank you!" I whisper.

As I contemplated my dream, a shiver coursed through me. Jason approaches me with purposeful strides. He seizes the moment and draws me nearer to him. He then coils his arm around my waist, securing me in place. My head gently settles on his shoulder.

I become motionless as his calloused hand glides to my stomach. "Are you feeling at ease?" he inquires. I turn sharply to face him. "Not really," I reply, my voice steady and clear.

He causes me to tumble from his chest. I shift my gaze to the soft, inviting surface of my pillow. I sense his warmth pressing against my backside as he gently nestles into my back.

His breath brushes softly against my neck. "Wishing you a peaceful night, Marie!" His voice drifts softly from the rear. "Goodnight, Jason!" A gentle smile graces my lips as I find a moment of quiet joy within myself.

I was taken aback by the speed at which I felt at ease with him resting his arm across my stomach. In the past, I would rise from these haunting nightmares, my heart racing and sleep eluding me; yet now, I find solace in the ability to drift back into slumber, untroubled by the fear of revisiting the same unsettling dream.

As soon as I close my eyes, I am enveloped in a gentle embrace of slumber.

The loud, piercing soundtrack from the hallway startles me from my slumber. "I would love to know how he succeeded in being so irritating!" In a swift motion, I shed my cozy pajamas and slipped into my clothes. I burst out of the room, clad in a casual t-shirt and shorts.

As I step into the living room, the atmosphere envelops me. I direct my gaze toward two disheveled figures, glistening with perspiration, sprawled on the couch. "What in the name of all that is holy to you are you doing?" I shout, recoiling at their sharp intakes of breath as they hurriedly try to shield themselves. "Who is she, Jason?" the brunette inquires, her finger jabbing in my direction. "That's Marie, my roommate," he states, adjusting his stance. "Oh, I see." "Could you please grant us some privacy?" she inquires.

A soft laugh escapes me "Are you referring to yourself or to me?" I asked, my arms tightly crossed over my chest. "I mean you," she states.

"In my opinion, I believe you are the one destined to exit this room," I declare, a wicked smirk playing on my lips. Jason lets out a soft, amused laugh. "And what are you laughing at?" casting a piercing glare at Jason"

"Leave immediately," he shouts. "Who?" the brunette and I exclaim in unison.

"I mean you, Clover," he declares, his voice sharp and deliberate. "Are you serious?" she exclaims, her hands flung dramatically into the air. I pivoted, allowing her the space she needed as she slipped into her clothes. "Alright, step out, Clover," he commands, his voice resonating with a deep authority.

What a display of arrogance it is for him to believe he can engage intimately with someone and then treat them in such a dismissive manner. I have a sense of sympathy for this brunette, known as Clover. "It is Claire." The sound of the door closing echoed in the silence.

"You are so disgusting, pig," I say.

"So full of attitude," he remarks with a playful grin. I tilt my head back slightly, my eyes narrowing in disbelief as he approaches me. He gently cradles my chin, raising my face to meet his gaze.

A fluttering sensation swirled in my stomach, but the recollection of him moaning that brunette's name surged back to me-and it was not even the right one.

This boy is truly repulsive! His gaze drifts from my lips to my eyes, a fleeting moment of connection. He leans in, and a burst of laughter spills forth from his lips. "Did you really believe I would lean in and kiss you?" He expresses it with a light-hearted chuckle. "You are so pathetic," I say.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

On his way to the grocery store, Jason got into his car and drove off. I am fairly certain he did not venture there; boys of his kind typically just frequent the grocery store. In an unexpected moment, the door swings open, revealing Jason, his arms laden with an assortment of bags.

I continued to gaze at his muscular physique. "Rather than envisioning the unpleasant things I might inflict upon you, could you kindly assist me?" He wears a sly grin. "Lower your self-esteem," I mumble. His smirk lingers on his face. "Oh, Marie," he utters, his voice rich and resonant, filled with a captivating intensity.

His voice possesses an extraordinary quality, my goodness! "Hey!" he interrupts my reverie. "Yes," I respond, pivoting to meet his gaze. "Would you like to discuss what happened last night?" he inquires. "Not really," I respond, my voice carrying a hint of uncertainty. "Yeah, sure," he replies, his hands busy with the task of unpacking the groceries. "I will take charge of the cooking," he declares. I let out a soft laugh; he casts me a bewildered glance, and I merely shrug in reply.