New life
I wake up with the sun shining on my bed.
I sit up in bed and listen to the activity that's been going on in the house for at least a week.
Today is my sixteenth birthday and also my formal introduction to the mafia and the other families.
To think that time has passed so quickly.
I've experienced so much since I arrived here, a rollercoaster of emotions and situations.
But I can say that, in the end, it was worth it.
I get out of bed excited; the ball is at seven o'clock and I need to start getting ready in a few hours.
I take a shower and wash my hair, wanting to get a head start on the process for later.
I put on denim shorts and a loose red shirt, tucking one side into my pants, I put on black sneakers and leave my hair loose to dry naturally.
Aunt Esther convinced me not to cut my hair; she said it will be easier to style when it's long.
But I'm determined to cut my hair when the ball is over. I leave my room and go down to the kitchen.
My father is the first to hug me, bless me, and wish me a happy birthday.
Soon the others do the same.
“Thank you,” I say with a huge smile.
This is the first birthday I really want to celebrate, the first of many.
“Elena, the makeup artist, and the hairdresser arrive after lunch, and the stylist arrives at five with your dress,” informs my aunt Isadora.
“Okay,” I say while eating a piece of bread.
The boys finish breakfast and return to the office.
If it's going to be a busy day for me, I can't even imagine what it must be like for them.
Having all the mafias gathered in one place is dangerous, even after we defeated the Sinclairs, there may still be risks.
I know they are nervous about choosing a new, trustworthy boss for the American mafia. Putting someone in charge of something like this carries risks, so they need to choose wisely and someone they can trust.
I thought they would put one of the guys in charge, but everyone has their obligations here, so that's out of the question.
But there is another option.
An idea has been on my mind for a few days, and I intend to talk to them about it when everything is over.
My cell phone vibrates in my pocket, and I smile when I see messages from my friends and Dominic.
They congratulate me and wish me all the best.
Only Anabela and Dominic can come to the party; it's too risky for other people who aren't connected to the mafia to attend.
The day passes quickly; in a few hours, I'm sitting in a chair with my hair full of hairspray and neutral makeup with dark lipstick.
The stylist is making the final adjustments to my dress before I can put it on.
"I'm finished, miss," she says nervously. People who don't know our family from the inside always get anxious and nervous around us. She helps me put on the dress and fastens it at the side.
The fabric is cold and makes the hairs on my arms stand on end.
I look at myself in the mirror and I have to admit I look stunning.
The dress is blood-red, fitted at the top and strapless, the bottom is pleated and has a side slit that goes up to my thigh.
The black high heels I'm wearing match the dress.
I'm happy I no longer see the scars they left on my skin.
Grandma and Aunt Andreia found a place that removes scars and blemishes with laser. I had a few sessions until I finally got rid of them.
"What time is it?" I ask, since the woman has a watch.
"Six forty," she informs me and I thank her.
Five minutes later, someone knocks on the door and Lorenzo enters.
He's wearing a black tuxedo and his hair is styled with gel, his beard perfectly trimmed.
I don't know how my siblings haven't gotten married yet. "You look beautiful," he says, and I see he's carrying a small jewelry box.
"You look amazing, brother," I say with a smile.
He comes closer and kisses my forehead.
"This is my birthday present for you," he hands me the box.
I smile as I open it.
A pair of flower-shaped earrings made of clear red diamonds and a necklace sculpted with the same flower.
They are delicate and beautiful.
"They're beautiful," I say, touching them carefully. "Can you help me put them on?"
Lorenzo helps me with the necklace clasp. As soon as I put on the earrings, I look in the mirror and it was exactly what I needed.
"Thank you," I say, throwing myself into his arms.
“You’re welcome, now let’s go downstairs or we’ll be late,” he says, pushing my hand away from my dress.
We go down the side exit towards the garage; the others go ahead to greet the guests, leaving me with Lorenzo, the mafia boss.
We get into the car and the driver starts driving as soon as Lorenzo gives the signal.
“I want you to be alert, but also to have fun,” my brother instructs. “We’re allies, but I don’t trust any of them.”
“I’ll be careful,” I reply firmly.
Minutes later, the car stops in front of the enormous event center.
The place looks like a mansion from the outside, but it only has two floors, the first being a huge hall.
Lorenzo helps me up and I take a deep breath. He signals for them to announce our arrival.
The music inside the hall fades and I give a cold smile, leaving behind all the nervousness and anxiety. Lorenzo does the same and offers me his arm for support.
They promised me this party would be just a facade, that any marriage proposal would be refused.
After all, I'm already engaged.
"It is with pleasure that I announce the arrival of the Don of the Italian Mafia and the birthday girl, Elena Valentini," says the receptionist, and the doors of the hall open.
Everyone applauds, and I see my other brothers standing, one on each side of the stairs, to greet me.
I descend with Lorenzo, looking at nothing but my family, who don't hide their pride in me.
After our entrance, each of the guests approaches and introduces their mafia.
Anabela is the second to last to approach; I hug her happily, remembering when I went to her party.
"Be happy, Elena, may you find peace and joy until the end of your life," she whispers in my ear.
"Thank you, Ana," I say with a soft smile.
She steps away as her brothers pull her closer so Dominic's family can approach.
"May you have a beautiful life, full of love and happiness, my angel," he whispers in my ear, taking a step back and watching me.
I bite my cheek, which I'm sure is red and not from blush.
"You look stunning, angel," he says, spinning me around. "My present will be waiting for you when you get home."
I look at him confused, but I don't question it.
Lizandra hugs me as soon as Dominic steps away, wishing me a long and happy life.
When I'm sure I've greeted everyone, I dance for each of my brothers.
The night drags on, and I feel like I'll finally have my happy ending.