Mafia's Obsession

2

“The Rossini Financial Holdings?” Julia asked.

She has heard about them before and the weird things they do to their debtors. She had never thought her family would be one of their numerous debtors. The thought of it alone made her quiver in fear.

“But why didn't you tell me all this? I would have figured out a way to earn more money to pay it off.”

“Didn't you just drop out of college due to lack of money? That was already enough torture. I watched you cry every night but I couldn't do anything to help. Don't you think bringing this up would have been terrible?”

Julia was speechless. Her mother was right, even now there was nothing she could do, and the Rossini's would want their money back by all means.

While she was still contemplating, her mother stood up, went to her safe where the daily sales money was being kept. She brought out a bundle of Euro notes and handed it to Julia with shaking hands.

“Here, take this, I have been saving it up so that you could go to college again.”

Julia looked up with a surprised expression, “Whatdo you want me to do with it?”

Mrs Bianchi lowered her voice, “Take it and run. Just go anywhere, away from Italy. Maybe the US or any other country.”

Still perplexed, Julia inquired, “Why, Mum? Is there anything you are not telling me?”

Her mother dismissed her question: “We don't know when they will be back; you should have gone somewhere far away by then.”

“No! No!!” Julia shouted, “Not until you tell me what's going on.”

“Giulia Bianchi, can't you see!” Her mother shrieked, then hid her face in her hands, sobbing silently.

Her mother just addressed her by her entire name. There must be something dangerous that is about to happen, she said to herself.

“They want you.” Her mother spoke out amidst her tears.

“Want me?”Mrs. Bianchi handed her the envelope, “Your father signed an agreement to use you as collateral if he is unable to acquire the funds after five years.”

“What!” Julia shouted as she grabbed the envelope, “No, my father can't do that.”

“He was confident he would repay it in five years,” her mother continued, still weeping.

Julia was taken aback. She could not believe it.

“What about you? What would they do when they don't know my whereabouts?” Julia asked in fear, “I have heard about the Donatello family and I have already imagined something terrible if I escape.”

“Don't worry about me. Your safety is what I am thinking of now!”

“No, no mum. If there is anything, we are going to fight it together.” Julia said, shaking her head.

Mrs Bianchi sniffed, “You're just like your father. Having confidence when you can just see it failing already.”

“I just don't want to lose you too, mum.” shesniffled.

“I wish we could go back in time, but the deed has been done already.” she said, almost choking on her cry.

Julia did not say anything. It was all clear to her. She now understands why that man made advances at her. She already belonged to them.