CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO MAFIAS

KERIEN “Kerien! Come out already, we are running late.” Dad’s voice rings from the sitting room. I quickly dab my face with the brown powder puff in my hand, making sure it blends smoothly as I stare into the mirror. Moments like this don’t happen often—going out with Dad, the only family I have. And whenever they come, I try to make the most of them. Today feels different. I’m wearing the white puffy-sleeved gown Dad got me yesterday for my birthday, paired with my red stiletto shoes—the same ones I have had since I was 20. We are going for a wedding. One of his friend’s daughters is getting married. For once, I don’t feel like the poor baker’s daughter from Simpson Street. I actually feel like a princess because I’m wearing something new, and it’s all thanks to Dad. I hurry out of the room, holding the hem of my dress so I don’t trip. I grab Dad’s hand like I’m the one getting married, and together we board a taxi. When we arrive, the church looks stunning. Important people are everywhere, and the decorations are so grand, I can’t stop staring. If the church looks this beautiful, I can only imagine what the main wedding hall will look like. I walk into the church with more confidence than usual. And why not? My rose-scented perfume fills the air, turning a few heads as I walk by. I take my seat next to Dad and join the rest of the guests waiting for the bride and groom. “What’s keeping them?” I whisper, leaning closer to Dad. He only lifts his hand in a small gesture that says he doesn’t know. Maybe they’re just really important people, I tell myself. Maybe they’re still getting ready for their big day. Dad hasn’t told me much—only that they are family friends. Nothing more. “He ought to be here by now. What’s going on?” someone behind us says, tapping Dad on the shoulder. I turn to him with surprise.We just arrived like every other guest, so why is this man asking Dad as if he knows where the groom and bride are? “Let’s hold on a bit. He will soon arrive,” Dad replies calmly, giving the man some assurance. I look at Dad, trying to meet his eyes, but he quickly looks away like he is avoiding me. And that makes the question in my heart grow stronger. What is really going on? I can feel the priest’s frustration. He looks like he wants to rant but is holding it in. This couple must be powerful, because no one here is bold enough to ask why they’re late. I glance at my wristwatch. I definitely have other things to do, and from the look of things, this wedding may not even happen. I quietly show Dad the time on my wrist, trying to signal that I need to leave soon. My work shift is about to start. “He’s here already… shhhh! You better sit where you are…” I hear someone behind me whispering sharply, like they are warning another—or maybe even me. Then, I turn my eyes to the center door. The long-awaited groom finally walks in, accompanied by two able bodied and armed men who look like bodyguards. He moves confidently, like he doesn’t care that he kept everyone waiting. Well, that’s his problem. But where is the bride? My eyes follow him as he walks. He doesn’t look at anyone in the congregation. Instead, he heads straight to Dad, who quickly lowers his gaze like he’s counting the floor tiles. “Dad?” I whisper and lightly tap his hand. He slowly raises his head to look at me, then turns to the man standing before him—the groom. “Is she the one?” the groom asks. Dad nods. I’m confused. What’s going on? Why is he asking if I’m the one? Maybe Dad brought me here to help out with the wedding. He has done it before—like that other wedding where he suddenly said I would be ushering and earning some pay. He didn’t tell me beforehand. He just put me on the spot. But today feels… off. “Stand up,” the groom says firmly, looking straight at me. I blink, trying to make sense of his words. Why is he being rude to someone who is supposed to help with the wedding? Why speak like that? What is really going on? “Didn’t you tell her?” he asks Dad sharply. Dad wipes the sweat from his face, his hands shaking a little. “No, I didn’t. She would have run away if I had told her about it. I’m sorry,” Dad says, not even looking at me. My brows furrow in confusion. The powder I took so much time to apply is now breaking and patchy from the sweat and shock covering my face. What is going on? Can someone please tell me? “Since your father failed to tell you who I am, I’ll do the honor,” the man says, turning to me with a cold stare. “I am Jason Roderiguez. And you don’t get to sit when I’m talking to you. Get your ass off that chair!” His bodyguards suddenly raise their guns, ready to shoot. A low murmur runs through the church. I stand up immediately, even though I still don’t understand what’s happening. “Keep your filthy mouths shut!” he snaps at the congregation. Everyone goes completely silent, not a single voice is heard or even a movement. Then, he grabs my wrist and starts pulling me toward the altar, caring less about how I struggle to lift my gown or how I keep stumbling over my heels as we walk down the aisle. “Can someone tell me what’s going on here? Dad! Tell me what’s going on?!” I shout, my voice shaking but loud enough. My heart palpitates and the tears rushing down my face won’t stop unless someone tells me this is not what I think. Dad walks slowly to the altar, covering his face with his hands, crying like a child. “You won’t stand there and cry. Tell me, what have you done?!” I shout before he reaches the altar. My hair is a mess now. The neat bun I packed earlier is falling apart. Strands of hair are sticking to my wet, sweaty face. The chest part of my white gown is stained with powder and sweat, but I don’t care. I need answers now. “You wouldn’t have agreed if I had told you,” Dad begins, sniffing hard. “I have debts, Kerien. A lot. You know how much I owe people…and…” He turns to the man standing beside me—the one they say is the groom. “Mr. Jason here…I’m deeply indebted to him. I owe him more than I can ever pay back, so…I…” He pauses, sniffs again, then brings out a handkerchief to wipe the mucus coming from his nose. So… what? Wait. I have been used to pay off a debt?