Whisper of Blood

I was still laying in the middle of my king sized bed, my arms and legs ached from holding them so tightly to my chest. My Chest heaved tiny sobs even still, hours after I received the news that flipped my world upside down. I tried to be strong, no I had no choice but strength. I took a deep breath attempting to clear my mind as I repeated my mantra in my head for the millionth time today alone. I am Giovanna Valentina Cappelletti, first daughter and eldest child of Gionni. I am a mafia princess and I am stronger than this. No I needed to be stronger than this. Now stop f*****g crying and deal with the hand you were A knock on my door pulled me from my self pity.  "Come in." I choke on the words, disgusted with my own voice. The door opened to reveal my mother. "Giovanna," she started to speak, her voice soft, offering comfort. Her face however told a different story, one of hurt and heartbreak and my shared dread for what's to come. She walked gracefully into my room stopping as she approached the edge of my bed. Silently and slowly she reached out and place her hands on my head trying to calm me. It only evoked my rage. "Mama lo odio. Come potrebbe papà fore questo?"  Fear and angry took ahold of me and I started to sob uncontrollably. My mother sighed deeply and grabbed my face forcing me to look at her. "My beautiful daughter, first of all you do not hate your father. Do not ever let me hear those words leave your lips again. Do you understand? Second of all I know you hate it but what will you have me do? What about your father? Your brother? will you have them labeled as untrustworthy? Will you put targets on our backs? Do you want them to think your brother is unfit to rule and that your sisters will simply roll over to any man? Your family comes first always, you know that. You also know your father is not asking. He is telling you, this will happen. You have to be strong la mi principessa. Now clean your face and pack your bags. Your new life starts tomorrow. Make us proud" She kissed my forehead and left before I could say anything. As much as I hated it she was right. I groaned my muscles stiff as my feet found the floor. I dragged myself to my walk-in closed and pulled down three Louis Vuitton rolling cases and two MCM carry ons from the top shelf. I threw them onto my bed stomping back to my closet to grab handfuls of my belongings and throwing them into my cases. My mind drifted as I packed my life away. Eight hours ago everything was different. It seemed like ages away instead of minutes. Eight small hours ago, Me, Giovanna Cappelletti came tumbling from her throne.