Imani's POV
While doing my final hair check up I heard their voices.
Zio Andrèkio and Nonno Luniko.
My least favorites from my dad's side. Taking several deep breaths as I walk down stairs. My slightly heeled sandals definitely making my presence known. Everyone turns their heads to face me. Papà always smiling proudly. Mama always stares admiring my beauty. Nikholas with the stupid signature blank stare that he does. Grandpa smiling ear to ear and Uncle Andrèkio with a cocky smile.
"Aahhhh if it's isn't mia belle Imani Russo, the most beautiful young lady to set eyes on."
"Oh please Nonno." I 'blushed'
He reached to my palms and kissed the back of my hands. One thing that I like about Nonno Luniko even Nikholas took over he still treats me as the queen I am."
I reach towards Zio Andrèkio to hug him but he actually pats my back instead. Rude much. I've always felt as if he rubs it in my face that Nikholas took over but trust when I say I couldn't care less as long as Nikholas dies and not me. Papà puts his arms around my shoulders as we headed to the dining table to have breakfast.
20 mins later. We're all settled, everyone chose what they wanted and we're all just eating.
"So Imani…" Grandpa spoke up
My heart skipped a beat.
"Yes." I answered
"What have you been up to?" he asked
I kinda confused is he asking as he knows or doesn't but as always I keep it neutral.
"My painting classes have needed really going well it's just that it'd be nice to like go to the actual class with other students in their and get the attention off me for like a second."
"Imani you know that's not possible, we've already asked spoken about this." Papà said
"It's probably not one of the safest ideas." Grandpa added
"I don't know it's just a thought." I shrugged
"Yeah not don't think again." Nikholas added his unwanted opinion.
"Shut it Nikholas nobody asked you." I warned
"Well since nobody asked I'll add anyway."
"If there's someone you wanna add, add weapons in your pockets as that big mouth of yours that always have unwanted opinions will get you killed one day."
"No,no,no TRUE Nikholas but no Imani where's the politeness." Grand papa scolded.
"There's no need to talk to Nikholas with politeness."I shrugged.
"Imani, Nikholas is YOUR next Don you better start treating him with respect NOW." Zio Andrèkio warned
"Exactly next not now I mean if he even lives long to see that day." I added
"Ayyy aayyyy watch that mouth or yours lady or else-" Papà cut Zio off
"Or else what, che diavolo pensa di fare uno come te a mia figlia? Tu non vivi nemmeno...respiri aria in prestito .(What the hell does someone like you think they're going to do my daughter?You're not even living— you're just breathing borrowed air.)" Papà warned.
"La sparerò una pallottola in testa." (I'll put a bullet through her head)
"Purtroppo non te lo lascerei mai fare visto che sono ancora vivo ma ecco un assaggio per te." (Unfortunately I'd never let you do that since I'm still alive but here's a taste for you.) Papà threatened.
Within a blink of an eye Papà draws out his gun and shoots Zio in the hand.
BANG!
Mamma and I scream. Obviously being girls.
"Ahhhh hhhhhVoi!" (You!) Zio spoke so loudly.
Before we knew it he draws him gun and shoots Papà in the shoulder
"Papà!" I scream
"Ahhhh!" Papà sniffs in pain.
Both Papà and Zio aim the weapons at each other ready to fire but Nonno screams
"Abbastanza!...…..CHE DIAVOLO VI PRENDE, RAGAZZI? AVETE PERSO LA TESTA?!!!!" (Enough.... What the hell is wrong with you guys have you lost it?)Nonno yelled
"If next time he speaks to my daughter in such i disgusting manner I'll aim straight for his head." Papà threatened.
"Ascoltare." (Listen) Papà walked towards Zio Andrèkio
"The only reason you are keeping your head high is because I gave your son that position of the next Don. I can take it back anytime I want. So I was you I would REALLY lay low." Papà said and walked off.
Mamma followed him obviously to tent to his wound. Zio slammed the table. Nikholas scratching his head what a weird human. Nonno plopped on the chair clearly confused on what happened.
How did things really escalate this fast? I'm so confused now. All I know now is to go check on my Papà. I ran towards his office but he wasn't there, he's probably in his room. I walked up to his room but he wasn't there either. I walked around the whole house but Papà wasn't there while wanting run to Mamma to ask the back door was slightly left ajar and the swing in the garden was moving. Someone dressed in a white shirt with a few blood drops.
Papa.
"Papà!" I called out to him
"Come, mia belle."
I sat right next to my Papà and placed but head on his chest I could hear his heartbeat. It was beating at a slow pace.
"Papà you scared me today." I almost cried out
"Really did?" He asked as if he just wasn't involved.
"Papà you got shot right in front of me." I said with hesitation in my voice obviously not like shot and
Papà in the same sentence.
"Wait, that was today?" Papà joked
"Not funny Papà, I though I lost you."
"Awwwmffff." Papà kissed my forehead.
"What Zio shot me?" I asked just out of curiosity
"I'd kill his son right in front of him then shoot him then and there."
"He's your brother." I stated
"And you're my daughter I have a bigger responsibility towards you that's anyone else.You're my only daughter, my only child and I'll protect you until my last breath. And I'd kill anyone that poses as a threat in your life." he assured me
"Even Mamma." I asked. Papà looked at me literally looked at
"Mia, belle Mamma why would she ever do that."
"It's just a question Papà even her??" I pressed on
"I don't know maybe." He muttered. I've always questioned Papà love for Mamma it seems forced.
"I love you Papà." I expressed
"I love you too, My sweet girl."