Chapter Five

< Nina > 

There is a sound of a spoon drop on the table as Gene looks at my mom, completely stunned.

Surprisingly though, Gene has been handling it so well that he didn’t speak his own thoughts like he normally does.

“I was opposed to it at first of course because I don’t want to bother Luca.” Has my mother ever thought that this is actually the LEAST of the problem? 

Sometimes I’m envious of my mom’s ditzy nature.

“Does he mind at all?”

“Of course not, Elina said he would like to see you again soon.”

I sure doubt Elina even knows her own son.

“Besides, you will be staying there until the wedding. We tried inviting Luca but for some strange reason, he doesn't have time to attend."

Oh for the love of God. My mom can be oblivious to situations like this. My stepbrother (can I call him that?) is probably being forced to do his mom's bidding. Otherwise, he could flatly say no and we can all just live alone in peace, thank you very much.

“Also, Nina, honey, you will be staying with him in Dawn City.”

Wha—I try my best not to be too shocked as I gulp. “D-Dawn City?” I assume that I will be staying in Freedomville until now!

“Yes, he has lived there since he graduated from the university. Come to think of it, we’ve never been there before.”

That’s because only the affluent get to live there.

“Where am I going to study, mom?” Please anywhere other than that prestigious school!

“Why, Rodrigo thinks the best for you, honey!” She smiles. “He already enrolled you in Dawn Peak Academy.”

Oh, God. I stare at her in disbelief. That school is considered the toughest to enter but those who are blessed with the silver spoon on their platter can also enroll in their academy. And I have none of that!

What is Rodri—my future stepfather thinking?!

“When am I going to the city?” One more surprise and maybe I could freak out anytime soon.

My mom smiles, nervously. I know that mom isn’t ready to have this talk. This might be the first time we had a serious talk like this. “In three days.”

This isn’t happening.

I am definitely dreaming.

“Aunt Marina.”

Both of our eyes turn to look at Gene who seems as perplexed as I am. This is the first time he says anything after the news.

“Are you sure that you would allow your daughter to live with someone who isn’t related to her by blood?”

Mom hesitates for a moment. “True, Luca may not be blood-related to Nina but he is the son of the man I’m in love with.” Then she adds a smile. “I was hesitant at first but I think that if Rodrigo and Elina were his parents, I have no doubt that Luca wouldn't hurt her.”

“Can’t she just live on her own?” He asks again.

“I thought about the possibility that you can start living independently, Nina but…I just want to make sure that you are in safe hands,” she says, curved lips feeling strained from the excessive smile. My mom is still trying to show that everything is going to be alright, huh?

I am aware that she’s as nervous as I am now.

Gene looks even more hesitant, judging from his face. He is trying to be careful not to offend anyone like he normally does with the bullies.

“Oh, Gene, one more thing,” she says, interrupting his thoughts. “I called you here for a reason as well. I know this might be hard to be separated from my daughter,” my mom says with a gentle smile.

“If you don’t mind,” she continues. “I would like you to ask your family if you could also live within the city as well.”

Gene looks startled as his unpatched cheek brightens as red as his natural hair color.

“I’ve told Rodrigo about you and he said he’s willing to help you with the transfer and everything. I will do my best to convince your foster family.”

“It’s okay,” he immediately says, shaking his head as he mutters something under his breath and then gives an awkward smile. “As much as I appreciate the offer, I would like to continue staying here in Freedomville.”

Just like before, he refuses another chance.

It’s his decision and Gene is stubborn when it comes to it. All I could do is to stay put and continue worrying for him.

“Are you sure?” My mom looks at him, worriedly.

“I’m sure.” with a nod. He then turns to look in my direction. “What about you, Nina?”

“M-me?” And now the attention goes back to me. I am still not sure if I’m going to take this. After all, despite everything else, despite the bullying, Freedomville is… Freedomville is still a place to call my home.

“Sweetie,” my mom looks at me with a smile. “I know this decision is hard and I’m aware that you and Luca were on a rocky start when you met.”

Wait, how did she know that?!

“But if you wish to be here, I’ll find ways to make you happy.”

Now I was wondering why she thought that Luca was good. Despite my complaints in the past, my mother thought despite our “misunderstanding”, Luca is a good man deep down.

I know that I have the right to deny this and forget this conversation ever happened.

But… I’ve never seen my mom this happy before.

And honestly, I don’t want to be the one who will take away her happiness.

This is my chance to give her something in return.

“M-mom,” I say. “I will go.”

“S-So Nina, honey, knowing that you will be staying with him till next year, will that be okay with you?” She asks again, reassuringly.

“You have nothing to worry about, mom.”

Oh God, I said it.

My fate has been sealed.

And just like that, with my words alone, I will be living with Luca de Milano for a year.