THE MAFIA'S WILDEST OBSESSION

ONECATHERINAI always wondered what it would feel like to transform or transcend out of the mortal plane and be in one with the birds; the wind going through my hair and rushing at my face with such force, it would be impossible for me to see. I wondered at how the outside world was and if I had a day to not be the girl I was; what exactly I was going to do with that day.I sat staring at the ceiling while the TV in my room droned on, I could hardly hear what the woman was saying I pbutromise I wasn’t even trying. I only wanted to dream of a life where I wasn’t the daughter or born into the family of one of the most notorious mafia syndicate in the country.The voice, I could hear him in my head… his screams as he pleaded with my father for mercy while I cowered at the corner shaking like a leaf. I glanced down, observing my neatly painted nails and soft hands. It had been stained with blood that day, I thought My throat closed up as guilt racked my entire body, constricting my br

THREECATHERINAI knew I most definitely must have read his lips wrong, there was no way in hell he would mouth sexy to me while we sat at the table and surrounded by my family. I was being paranoid about his attention towards me, that was all it was. My eyes trailed to the people at the table, my papa took the head seat while he, Andres Cruz sat beside him on his left and my mamma on the right. My sister sat gloomy faced beside him while I sat beside my mamma, trying to keep my eyes far away from his face. Antonio, my brother sat to my right glaring pointedly at Andres who made it a point to ignore him.Rumor had it that Andres had beat him one day in a casino game and the price on the table was a night with the girlfriend of whomever won. Antonio’s girlfriend had been more than happy to spend the night with Andres and even left her panties with him as a souvenir which he sent to my brother the following day, soiled in her juices. They had broken up immediately but the insult remaine

FIVECATHERINA“Where have you been, hermana. I have been searching all over for you.” My sister asked, settling herself beside me.I had remained in the garden, pondering on so many things when Andres left. It was like my mamma had said, I loved to day dream but what she did not know is that it kept me sane and it was a safe place for me, away from my family and their drama.The music filtered through from the patio, old Spanish songs playing and if I wasn’t in such a mood; I would have smiled at the things the singer was trying to say.“I am just taking fresh air, what is the matter?” I asked.“Nothing, you are the only one I recognize in that house right now. Papa is entertaining one of his many guests and mamma, she is in a conversation with an anciana. They are discussing the wedding and I cannot help but feel pressured.” She said softly.“Come here.” I said, hugging her to myself as we both sat in the comfort of the gardens.She sniffled before saying“You know, I already packed

SEVENCATHERINAWe all sat down at the table again, me to my mamma’s right and her to my papa’s. My sister sat beside her future husband whose sleeves were still rolled up; tempting me to look. I kept my eyes fastened to my plate, hoping there would be no drawing me into the conversation going on at the table… fat chance.My papa had extended an invite to Andres Cruz to dine with us after their little meeting that morning and again; just as last night, the presence of his uncle was required. My brother was absent for reasons best known to him and I was forced to sit beside his uncle who was doing all he could to look down the bodice of my gown and at my breasts.My papa glanced towards me and I could feel the disgust in his cold stare but I did not bother looking up, not because of him but because of the man sitting opposite me who was at that moment burning me with the intensity of his stare.“Your papa tells me you are a singer.” Franco Cruz and uncle to Andres said to me.“I am” I

NINEANDRESShe got up immediately, excusing herself from the table even as her dress dripped blood. My eyes followed her movement, waiting until her eyes met mine from behind her papa’s chair. I smiled in amusement at the wild look in her eyes but at the same I was concerned which was a feeling I found quite irritating.She turned and fled from my presence, her bloodied dress trailing behind her like in a horror movie. Mr Salvador cleared his throat beside me, drawing my attention back to him.“You shall take the body with you, I presume?” he asked“Yes, I shall” I answered distractedly as I glanced over to his wife who stayed silent beside him.“And you will definitely want something in return for the incident?” He asked.“You know the laws, Manuel.” I replied through gritted teeth, my eyes showing my anger.He nodded and then said nothing else; of course, he knew the laws. It was an eye for an eye but in this case, a life for a hand.I turned over to the sister who was sitting quie