HIS LUNA; CHOSEN AT A COST

Mine started like all the others. I hurried out of bed, showered, and dressed for school. I made myself breakfast, including a hurried sandwich for Dad, and I apologise for the stench of burnt toast in the kitchen. While the kettle boiled, I made our lunches and reflected on how this had become my daily routine. Luna Bianchi, also known as Luna, is almost eighteen. I live in a little house outside of the city with my dad, Enzo. Before our mother, Giulia, died four years ago, there were three of us. When an intruder broke into a supermarket, Giulia attempted to save a woman and her toddler. The bullet hit her in the back. She never showed up. It was that day that everything changed. Thereafter, Dad was never the same. He probably continued to work, but for the most part, he just shut down. I must start expanding rapidly. Mum had only recently begun teaching me how to cook, so I took over. I avoided cooking every night. I went to Dad's room, tossed open the curtains, and placed our sandwiches on the counter. He was saying, 'Come on, Dad, it's time to wake up. Silence. "Dad!" I slammed his foot into the covers. You will arrive late. He slurred, "Five more minutes, sweetheart," after speaking. "You sound worse than me when I refuse to go to school," I replied. By the way, breakfast is getting cold. More moans. I removed the blanket halfway through. "If I'm late, you're late. Come on, Soo! Finally, he sat down. After giving him a quick hug, I grabbed my luggage and left. It was a quick drive to San Lorenzo High, and Nico Romano and Elisa Ferraro were already hanging on the fence when I got to the gate. "Morning!!" I said, embracing Elisa. "Hey." Nico smiled and pulled me in for our usual quick kiss. It was just something we had always done. Nico was someone I knew I liked. It wasn't a secret; I've been crushing on him for the past two years. But San Lorenzo had a particular place in his heart for Chiara Valli, his master of tragedy and tragedy. Chiara was highly fond of all the boys; Nico was perhaps the exception. Of course. However, I had witnessed it previously—how she would take centre stage, especially if a man focused more on me than on her. That's how my last relationship ended. Chiara performed her magic at the celebration of my sixteenth birthday. I came in on them together after telling him I wasn't ready. That night, I broke up with them both. Elisa became my best friend shortly after. Chiara blamed me for her behaviour and circulated rumours that I was the one sleeping around. Now, Chiara seems to be focussing directly on Nico. As we headed to our lockers, Nico put his arm across my shoulders so I could cling to Elisa's waist. I really wanted a real moment with him, but it felt more like a group hug. It felt like the right moment. I gathered my class supplies and moved away from my locker. The bell sounded, so I waved goodbye, gave Nico a brief kiss, and offered Elisa a hug. None of us had shared courses prior to lunch. The lessons appeared to go by quickly. I did much of the work years ago. While everyone else rushed through their assignments, I focused on scholarship forms. Without the scholarship, we would be unable to pay for education. We ate lunch beside our typical tree. I half-listened to Elisa's speech and kept a sidelong glance at Nico. He laughed at something she said, but my eyes wandered again—Chiara and her group were coming towards us. Here we are. She stopped right in front of Nico, c*****g her head. "Enzo's having a party this weekend," she said. "Want to come with me?" Nico's voice trailed off. "I... um...," The bell came to our rescue. After splitting up, we headed to our lockers. Nico left after Elisa, but I caught his arm before he could do so. I said, "Just be careful." She's not looking for something real. She only wants to make her friends laugh later. I gave him a look. I had a mix of uncertainty and perplexity. Then he kissed my cheek, shrugged, and walked away. I stood there for a moment, heart heavy. Why don't you see it? Why am I invisible to you? I managed to get through my last class, too distracted to focus. Since I had already completed all the work, I held up my hand. "Sir, may I leave early?" He nodded. Without a doubt, Luna agreed. I'll see you on Monday. I drove past my next lesson, packed, and knocked softly. "apologies to disturb you, Miss." She smiled as she raised her head. "Everyone is at work. What is going on? I handed her the finished product. "I am leaving early for home." As she looked through it, she stated, "Not due until next week." I shrugged and remarked, "I prefer to be ahead." "See you Monday." I texted Elisa to ask her not to wait for me, waved, and tossed everything in my locker. My mind remained on Nico during the pleasant stroll home. I needed to come up with a plan to convince him not to follow Chiara. I was still in my head when I got home, and I saw something odd. Dad's car was still in the driveway. That's strange. He should be working somewhere. I walked in, opened the front door, and stopped. Voices. His father was one. The other is. I have no idea. "She starts Monday," said the alien voice. "It's final." In a worried tone, Dad continued, "I haven't told her yet." I'm not worried. Enzo, you lingered far too long. "She has school!" I glanced into the kitchen. A tall man in a grey suit was sitting at the table with Dad, and he was pointing back at me. With a direct tone, the father stated, "She can finish school later." My heart sagged. What exactly? The words "I never agreed to this now" came from Dad. By signing the contract, you entered into a contract. They've succeeded. Alessio is excited for Monday. Lorenzo Moretti was the name that made my stomach turn. I was fully aware of who he was. The man who ran half the city talked about it but never brought it up in public until it was absolutely essential. I took a step forward. "What's going on?" In both directions, the man turned. Dad looked as though he had seen a ghost. "Luna," he said as he rose slowly. You arrive home early. Of course. And what's going on now? The man gave me a stern look and didn't smile. "We'll wrap this later." I stepped in between my dad and him and said, "No." You're going to finish it now. "Luna—" Dad tried to halt. "Is this about me? Then I have a right to know. Grey Suit gave a slow nod. Your move is on Monday. The Moretti estate will be your home. Your training will begin there. When you arrive, we will explain the details of the work. I glanced at him and blinked. Where would you relocate? For what purpose? Instruction? He didn't answer. simply turned and walked away. I remained still until the door shut. "Dad??" He sank back, as though everything had fallen apart. "I wanted it, not like this." "What did you do?" He wiggled his hands. I owed Alessio money in previous years. When your mother died, I wanted to help you. He helped me pay off my debt, and I signed a contract. One day, he called in a favour, and we agreed that you would work for him. Did you sign me off? My voice cracked. "To him?" "You were still quite young! I never thought it would get to this point. "I don't have a voice, then? Suddenly, go serve him, or something? Everyone was impressed by his modest speech. I took a small step back, feeling as if the floor were swaying beneath me. You should have informed me. I was trying to protect you. "No, Dad." I got it from you. I turned, grabbed my bag, and walked out the door. I had no idea where I was going. I just had to take a breath. — ---