Back & Forth | Book 1 of Back & Forth Series

I open my eyes, finding that the sky is turning dark as the sun sets. The lack of light source make my room dark. From how dark the sky is getting in each passing minutes, the dinner di definitely about to be served soon. Or it already is. So, I better get ready now.

With my eyes still heavy, I swing my legs over my bedside. I put my feet on the cold marble floor, still gathering my energy after the not-so-fulfilling nap. The door to my bedroom swings open, revealing Luciano on the other side of it. He then stops in his track, looking a bit surprised that I’m already awake.

“Oh. You’re awake.” Luciano said.

“I’m not awake. I’m sleepwalking.” I said. I close my eyes and get on my feet, trying to go towards Luciano. I put my hands in front, not wanting to walk into the wall or anything

“If you’re sleepwalking, you won’t care if you crash into something or bang your head on the wall. Also, I don’t think someone who’s sleepwalking going to walk with their arms stretched in front of them like a Chinese vampire.” Luciano said.

“You caught me.” I said, frowning. I open my eyes pretty surprised that I’m actually only an arm away from Luciano.

“Anyways, everyone’s already at the dining room so we better go there now.” Luciano said.

“Okay. You can leave now. I need to go to the bathroom first.” I said.

“Alright. Here’s your pajamas for tonight.” Luciano said, holding a paper bag in front of me.

“Thanks.” I said, accepting the bag.

Luciano steps out of the room again, closing the door as he goes. I tap on the light switches next to the door and immediately close my eyes at the bright light coming from the chandelier. Fuck. Okay. I’m officially blind now.

I turn off everything again and then turn on one light switch and it turns out to be the lights over the TV. Okay. Those lights are bright enough. There’s no way I’m turning on the chandelier again. Never again.

I go to the window and close the heavy curtains. After that I go to the bathroom to freshen up myself and also go to the toilet. After putting on a bit of lip tint to make me look not too pale, I walk out of the room and go downstairs to the first floor and immediately go to the dining room where everyone has been waiting for me.

I step inside and everyone else already dressed in different outfit than earlier. But not as formal looking as yesterday. I still have my clothes from the morning because I don’t have much clothing choice to wear at the moment and when I was still living with my parents I only change my clothes twice a day. Put an outfit for the day and then change into my pajamas for the night. Maybe changing clothes so often is just a wealthy people thing, I guess.

The appetizers have been served in front of everyone. I’m just the tardy one, as always. I approach the table in silence and sit between Matteo and Luciano like usual.

I look over at Luciano and then he smiles at me. My cheeks turn hot from seeing the smile on his face. Out of nowhere, I feel sheepish in all of a sudden. Why am I even feeling like this? He’s just smiling at me. That’s it. Oh no. Now I’m reminded by what happened this morning. When he whispered those words to me. What the fuck was that about. It was so embarrassing because nonna and Aunt Emilia saw that happening. They might have assumptions about us already by now. Damn it, Luciano.

“Allura. We’re leaving tomorrow. Your nonno and I have to go back home and take care of my small restaurant and also my cats. We’re here to welcome you only and we’re also already done with your tests. They were quick but that’s how it’s always been when figuring out our powers. I’m sorry we have to leave this early.” Nonna said, smiling apologetically at me.

Aww. They’re leaving already? We just meet each other for a day. I want to hang out with her more. We haven’t done anything much together other than just doing the tests. Did she also said she has a restaurant? I definitely want to learn how to cook with her someday.

“I am also leaving tomorrow with Matteo.” Uncle Tomasso said. Matteo turns to his father, frowning. Oh no. I don’t think he wants to leave yet. I also don’t want him to leave yet.

“Papà. I don’t want to leave. I want to stay with Allura. Can I stay here instead?” Matteo asked.

“Figlio, you have to go to school in two days. We can come back here after you’re done with you final exams, okay?” Uncle Tomasso said.

(Son.)

“Okay.” Matteo said in defeat, frowning sadly at his lap. Uncle Tomasso is right, though. If he has school to attend then I don’t want to hold him back from that.

“Your father’s right. You can come back here later. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be here.” I said to Matteo. Despite the smile on his face, I can feel he’s doubtful about my promise. That we’ll see each other again. I push the strange feeling aside, thinking that I’m just reading into things.

“Yeah. You’re right.” Matteo said, still frowning as he avoids my gaze.

“Emilia and I are also leaving tomorrow. I have some matters to attend regarding our other business.” Uncle Emiliano said.

They’re leaving too? Everyone is leaving tomorrow? This sucks but I can’t tell them to stay. They have their own lives and things to do.

“You can come to our house and stay there if you’re bored in here. We have a beautiful view there.” Aunt Emilia said.

“Where is you house?” I asked.

Ooh. I’m getting that Uncle Emiliano and Aunt Emilia’s house is by the sea. I love going to the beach so, staying in a seafront house would be amazing. I mean, the sound of the waves crashing to the shore and rocks. Ugh, it’s heavenly. I can watch the sea all day long and just listen to the sound of the ocean.

“It’s about a four-hour drive away from here. It’s a long drive but it’s worth the view.” Aunt Emilia said, smiling at me.

I can feel that she loves her house so much. I wonder how amazing the view is. A four hour drive is pretty long, though. Maybe it might not feel like a long drive if there’s a beautiful view along the way but even if it does, a long drive can be pretty boring.

“Oh. That’s a quite long drive.” I said, frowning a little.

“It is. But worry not. The view along the road is also nice.” Aunt Emilia said. The drive might not be that bad, I guess. From the way Aunt Emilia said it, I bet the view is amazing.

“I definitely want to go there someday.” I said.

“You can come by next weekend.” Uncle Emiliano said.

Next week? Yay-

“No. Allura can’t leave yet. She has to stay here until next week. I need her here to deal with Evan.” Alessandro said. I turn to him and frown and he only gives me a stern look in return.

“Right.” Uncle Emiliano said.

“Why do you have to remind me of him now?” I said.

“Because that’s one of the reason why you’re here in the first place. After he paid his debt, you’re free to do anything you want. Until then, you have to stay here. This is also for precautionary reasons.” Alessandro said.

“You’re right. Fine.”

I hate to admit it but Alessandro is right. What if my father finds out that I’m actually fine all this time I’m here? That no one has ever hurt me and actually treating me very well with so much care and kindness? It’s not safe for me to leave this place just yet.

I tune out of everyone’s conversation, quietly feeding myself the soup in front of me. After an hour of eating and conversing with each other, we finally finished eating our dinner. The once full plates have now turned empty.

“Good night. I hope you all have a good rest tonight.” Nonna said.

“Good night. Sleep well tonight.” Aunt Emilia said.

Everyone exchange their good nights and then almost everyone leave the room immediately after that. Alessio takes the seat next to Alessandro. Alessandro only glances at his twin as he listen in to someone on the phone with him. I take my eyes off my twin cousins, deciding to go back to my room now. I leave the room and feel someone walking close behind me. I turn my head around and see Luciano. He then catches up to me and now we are walking next to each other through the hallway.

“I have a question. You don’t have to answer it if you don’t want to.” Luciano said as we step on the stairs. Why does he wants to ask me a question all of a sudden? What is this about?

“Okay. What is it?” I asked, suddenly feeling cautious about the question he wants to ask me. I hope it’s not something personal from my past. I don’t really want to talk about my parents and my old life now.

“What do you want to do here if you decide to live here for the rest of your life?” Luciano asked.

That’s a good question. I’m actually still not sure if I want to stay in this house for the rest of my life. Maybe I’ll take Alessandro’s offer to get an apartment and live somewhere else. I’m still not sure. Just like what Alessandro has said before, he doesn’t mind me staying here, but I don’t know. I still feel weird about this. I feel like a freeloader if I decide to stay here after helping everyone finding the moles and not doing anything. It sounds horrible to me. Perhaps Alessandro will give me an actual job and position in the family? I’m not sure about that but I’ll definitely take a job from him. It’s better than sitting around and do nothing while living in this luxury.

“I’m not sure. Alessandro only wants me to stay here until I find the moles. After that I can either stay here for the rest of my life or get an apartment somewhere. I don’t know what to choose yet though. I haven’t really planned out my future after this problem with the moles is solved. I don’t want to stay here and do nothing. I feel like I’m only going to be a burden to him if I do that.” I explained.

“I don’t think he’ll feel like that. He’s literally the one who wants you here despite the situation with your father. I’m sure the rest of the family feel the same.” Luciano said.

“Maybe you’re right.” I said, shrugging as we go to the stairs to the third floor.

“No. I’m right. We won’t feel like you’re a burden even if you don’t do anything while staying here for the rest of your life. I don’t think Alessandro and Alessio think of you that way. If you do feel like that, you can always ask Alessandro to give you something to do. I’m sure he’ll give you an easy, non life-threatening job.” Luciano said.

That’s a bit relieving to hear. I still feel uncomfortable living here for free, though. I better take Luciano’s advice. I have to ask Alessandro if he wants me to help with the organisation later. If I decided to stay here, not only that I want to actually be a part of the family, I also need to do something to avoid myself getting bored.

“Okay.” I said.

“Next question. What job or position would you like to have if you have to work for the famiglia?” Luciano asked.

“Your position.” I said, looking straight into Luciano eyes, and he only deadpans me.

“I’m kidding. Of course. I know your position in the famiglia is important and a hard one to manage. So, no. I don’t want to be in your position. Absolutely not. Honestly, I don’t know. Maybe I’d rather work with Alessio instead for now. I mean, he works on the legal side of the family business, right?” I asked.

“Yes.” Luciano nods.

“If that’s so. I think I prefer to work with Alessio first. I’m not sure if I can handle the illegal side of the business. I mean, what if I mess things up?” I said. At least if I work under Alessio, I don’t have to deal with the illegal side of the family business. I don’t want to mess things up and cause more problem for everyone.

“What if Alessandro wants you to work for him instead?” Luciano asked as we stop in front of my door.

“Well, if I have no other choice then I’ll take it anyway. I’ll probably get used to everything after a while. It’s on him if everything goes south, though. He’s putting an incompetent person to deal with his stuff.” I explained.

“That’s reasonable.” Luciano said.

“Anyway, if he does force me to work for him, what job do you think he’s going to give me?” I asked. I wonder what job will Alessandro give me if I do have to work for him. What job does Luciano think will fit me the best?

“Let’s talk about this in your room, shall we? We don’t want the moles to eavesdrop on us.” Luciano said. That’s a good idea.

“Right. Come in.” I said, opening the door to my room. Luciano steps into my room and then I close the door again behind me. I go to the sofa in front of the TV and then sit there with Luciano next to me.

“Okay. What do you think he’ll make me do?” I asked.

“He perhaps will keep wanting you to read people’s mind. Your power will absolutely be helpful for us. We can have the upper hands over everyone else, including our rivals. Maybe he’ll bring you to meetings with us and make you act like his assistant or something when in reality you’re reading everyone’s mind.” Luciano said.

Oh fuck. I forgot to do that. Alessandro told me to read the minds of people around here yesterday and I haven’t read any of their minds.

“Shit. That reminds me that I haven’t done that. Reading people’s minds, I mean.” I said, sighing to myself. How could I forget about that? My memory is seriously effed up most of the time.

“You could start doing that tomorrow. We would be really grateful if you find the moles as soon as possible. We’ve done everything in the books and haven’t find any lead on them. These motherfuckers covered their traces really well.” Luciano said, looking a little stressed about the situation.

“How many moles do you think we have among us right now? Is it more than one? Do you think there are any moles in this house?” I asked.

“Absolutely. There are definitely at least two moles here. We discuss almost everything here in the house basement. The basement is literally our office. Our headquarters. Some of our important information are leaked. We know about that because one of our rivals said that they got the leaked info. We think these mole work for him.” Luciano said.

“How about outside the house? Do we have any other workplace there?” I asked.

“There are also moles at the warehouse, definitely. Especially the drugs warehouse. The security there has been shit for the last few months. Because of that, our drugs keep getting stolen. Just like what Alessandro said yesterday, we’ve lost 30 million dollars only in three months just because of the drug losses. For them to be able to steal the drugs, they definitely need someone who knows the ins and outs of the place. Despite the guards and security cameras all around the place, the thief somehow always manage to leave the place without getting caught by the guards while bringing bags filled with kilograms of drugs. We also always lost the security footages after the theft. We’re left with no leads. Because of this, we’ve lost approximately 30 kilograms of drugs every single month.” Luciano explained.

30 kilograms? That’s a lot. We probably have a lot more drugs than that but still, that’s a lot of loss. We literally lost 30 million dollars from about what? 90 kilograms of drugs in three months?

“That’s a lot. Have you ever tried to interrogate them?” I asked. That’s the only logical solution at the moment. I’m sure they’ve done it but I want to know the result of it.

“We’ve tried but none of them ever confess. We can’t really do anything yet about our possible moles because of the lack of information we have currently. If we torture all of them, we might face the consequences of declining numbers of soldiers and professionals. We can’t risk doing that and lose people who are actually loyal to us.” Luciano said. Right. If we torture the wrong people, then we’re going to lose our loyal people. Solving this is actually harder than I thought.

“Damn. You’re right. It’s definitely the right choice to do for now. Not torturing people without solid evidence.” I said.

“That’s why Alessandro needs your help. Since you can read mind and also a uh, what is it? A claircognizant?” Luciano asked.

“Yes.” I nod.

“Okay, that. If you do that, we might actually have an actual lead on who the moles and traitors are. We really have to find these bastardi and stop them.” Luciano said.

(Bastards.)

“Yeah.” I said.

We stay in silence. I try to get any info through my claircognizance ability but not getting anything much from it. Damn it.

“I just got that there’s one traitor who has an important position in the famiglia. There are at least two man who worked with him.” I said. It’s not a very specific info, but it’s better than nothing, I guess.

“That’s quite an improvement after three months with no progress. I’ll tell Alessandro about this later. At least we know who we should keep our eyes on for now.” Luciano said, nodding.

“I think the moles are mostly working at the warehouse. I have to go there to really find out about them. How can I know who they are if I’m cooped up here?” I said, feeling determined to find the moles and solve this problem.

“I’ll let Alessandro knows about that. I think it’s better if we discuss this together with Alessandro and Alessio tomorrow.” Luciano said.

Luciano’s right. We better continue this tomorrow. I feel like I’m sleepy again from talking about this. Not because it’s a boring matter but because it makes me think a lot. I rarely do this much thinking before.

“Yeah. You’re right.” I said.

Luciano gets on his two feet, sighing.

“Alright. I’ll leave now. Have a good rest tonight.” Luciano said, smiling at me.

“You too.” I said, returning his smile. He walks to the door and then opens it. He steps out of the room but then he turns to me again with a smirk on his face.

“Dream of me.” Luciano said quietly. He closes the door right after and I gape at the closed door.

What the hell? Why is he keep doing this to me? Being all flirty and a teas? He’s making me feel weird and stuff. I’m not sure if it’s in a good way or not. Whatever. I don’t want to think about it too much. I just want to get ready for bed and go to sleep now.