Chapter 9: Meeting Alonzo

SERAFINA'S POV :

Serafina, Serafina, wake up. I kept hearing those words in my sleep, and someone was constantly tapping me. I finally decided to open my eyes, and I saw Lessia standing at my side.

"Good morning Lessia", I said while yawning.

"Good morning princess, I thought u didn't want to wake up", Lessia said, while laughing.

"Alonzo will be here soon, don't you want to meet him?", she added.

I jumped up immediately, trying to find my flip flops.

"Calm down, you will have to bathe and get dressed because you are going to your new school today, and I am here to help you with everything", Lessia said in one breath.

After an hour i was ready to go downstairs, I decided to look at myself in the mirror first. I stood gracefully, my bright eyes sparkling like diamonds. I wore a stunning long dress, a soft pastel hue that matches my delicate features. The dress is a work of art, with intricate lace and embroidery that resembles a fairy tale illustration. The fitted bodice showcases my tiny waist, while the full skirt falls in soft folds around my legs, perfect for a royal curtsy.

My hair, a rich chestnut brown, is styled in a neat bun, secured with a small tiara that adds a touch of magic to my overall appearance. A few loose strands frame my heart-shaped face, emphasizing my bright smile and rosy cheeks.

On my feet, i wore dainty high-heeled shoes, complete with sparkling buckles that catch the light as i move. My tiny hands are adorned with delicate gloves, adding a touch of elegance to my overall ensemble.

As I move, my dress rustles softly, and my hair stays perfectly in place.

"Wow, Lessia is this not too much?", I ask unsure.

"No, it is perfect", Lessia said still trying to arrange the strands of hair on my head.

I rolled my eyes and said, "Lessia why did you dress me like this, I look like two million threw up on me".

She looked at my reflection in the mirror and said, "You look amazing and by the way you are the daughter of the Mafia boss, you need to dress the part".

"Mafia?", I asked confused.

"Uh-uh-uh I was just joking", Her words trailed off in a nervous mumble.

Why is Lessia acting weird and what's the meaning of Mafia, I thought to myself.

"Sera it is time to go downstairs, you don't want to be late on your first day of school", Lessia said, looking more relieved.

"Lessia you gave me a nickname, that is so cute", I said, while smiling.

When I got downstairs I saw Papino waiting for me at the dining room.

"Papino", I shouted while running to give him a hug.

"My Ameretto, how was your night?", Papino said while pecking my cheeks.

"My night was fine", I said, trying to sit on the chair Lessia pulled out for me.

"Someone is here to see you, I am sure you will be happy to see him" Papino said.

At the same time time Papino finished talking, Matteo, Papino's right hand man walked in with a little boy.

The boy stands confidently, his bright dark blue eyes shining like the morning sky. His brown hair is neatly combed, with a slight messiness to it that adds to his endearing charm. He wears a stylish school uniform that fits him impeccably, showcasing his slender yet athletic build.

The uniform consists of a crisp white shirt with a stiff collar, adorned with a elegant tie in a subtle pattern. His dark blue blazer is adorned with a golden emblem on the chest pocket, adding a touch of sophistication. His matching dark blue trousers are perfectly pressed, with a sharp crease down the center.

His brown leather shoes are polished to a high shine, reflecting the light with every step he takes. A simple yet elegant watch adorns his wrist, completing his refined look. His dark blue eyes sparkle with excitement as he prepares for another day of learning and adventure. His bright smile reveals a hint of mischief, suggesting that this charming young gentleman is always up to something delightful.

"Hello, my name is Alonzo", he said stretching his hands towards me.

"My name is Serafina", I said shyly.

Alonzo and his father sat at the dining with us and I persuaded Lessia to also sit down, Papino does not have a problem with it, I don't know why she loves standing.

After a while the servants, dressed in crisp white aprons and black uniforms, moved with quiet efficiency through the opulent dining room. They carried silver trays laden with the finest Italian delicacies, carefully prepared by the chef in the kitchen.

First, they set down a steaming espresso machine, its copper body gleaming in the morning light. Next to it, they place a delicate china cup and saucer, adorned with intricate gold filigree. The aroma of freshly brewed espresso wafts up enticing me. One servant carefully pours a shot of espresso into the cup, while another servant presents a tray of freshly baked cornetti and bomboloni (Italian doughnuts). The cornetti are flaky and buttery, with a delicate glaze, while the bomboloni are soft and airy, drizzled with a sweet glaze.

Meanwhile, another servant sets down a platter of prosciutto di Parma, thinly sliced and arranged with precision on a bed of crisp lettuce. A bowl of fresh fruit, including juicy grapes, ripe strawberries, and sweet melon, is placed next to it.

A servant smiles and offers me a warm, fluffy brioche, fresh from the oven. My eyes light up as I take a bite, the soft bread melting in my mouth.

As they continue to serve us, they move with the grace and efficiency of a well-oiled machine, ensuring that every moment at the table is a delight.

"Today is your first day in school Ameretto", Papino said.

"And I will be the one taking you to school", he added.

"Guess what?", Matteo said looking at me.

"Just tell me Uncle", I said with my puppy eyes.

"Alonzo is in the same school as you", he said excitedly.

I was so happy but I kept a calm expression. Papino held my hands, and we went outside. A black limousine pulled up in front of us. The black limousine is a sleek and luxurious vehicle that pulls up to the curb, its engine purring smoothly. The driver, dressed in a crisp black suit and a chauffeur's hat, steps out of the car and moves to the rear passenger door. With a gloved hand, he reaches out and grasps the door handle, pulling the door open with a smooth, fluid motion. As the door swings open, the driver stands up straight, his arm extended and his hand grasping the door frame, holding it open with a graceful gesture. His face is expressionless, yet courteous and professional, as he awaits our arrival.

The door itself is a masterpiece of design and engineering, with a soft-close mechanism that ensures it opens and closes with a whisper-quiet smoothness. The interior of the car is revealed, showing the plush black leather seats, the polished wood trim, and the soft glow of the interior lighting. The driver's uniform is immaculate, with a crisp white shirt, a black tie, and a black suit that is tailored to perfection. His shoes are polished to a high shine, and his hat is perfectly aligned on his head. He exudes a sense of professionalism and courtesy, a true master of his craft.

As we approach, the driver's eyes flicker towards us, his gaze courteous and welcoming. He inclines his head slightly, a subtle gesture of respect and greeting, as he awaits our arrival.

Alonzo kept staring at me on our way to school, I wanted to know why so I asked.

"Why are you staring at me?"

"You look so beautiful", he said honestly.

"Thank you", I said shyly.

"I can't wait to see how you will look in school uniform", he said eagerly.

This is the first time I am going to school after my mom died, Miss Caterina could not afford to pay everybody's school fees in the orphanage, so she tutored us at home, but now I get to go to school in an expensive car wearing an expensive and pretty clothes, I am so happy, I wish mommy was here, I thought to myself.