Episode 004
1267 Words
Sera's POV
Loud laughter reverberated from the walls when I woke up. My jaw popped as I dragged myself out of bed after squeezing my eyes shut tighter for a moment. Stretching was also not very helpful.
I moaned as I looked down, Fantastic. Once more, my tank top had let me down while I was asleep. Blinking the sleep from my eyes, I pushed myself back into position and staggered out into the hallway.
I didn't get much sleep last night, man. His face kept flashing back at me whenever I closed my eyes. It was as persistent as a ghost.
Livia was sitting cross-legged on the floor with her colorful blocks all around her when I shuffled down the hall.
I dragged my voice in a silly tune as I sang, "Livia."
Her wild hair stood up as if she had just inserted her finger into an electrical socket as she whipped her head around. My hair looked similar to hers at that moment.
I leaned over the baby gate, chuckled softly, and gathered her in my arms, kissing her plump cheeks.
Tucking her head into the bend of my neck, she squirmed and giggled. As usual, my heart melted.
"Baby girl, are you hungry?" "Baby girl, are you hungry?" I asked, using my palm to smooth her wild hair.
She rubbed her drowsy face against my shoulder and nodded. As I carried her downstairs, I grinned and gave her little diapered butt a pat.
Our elderly mutt, Vito, raised his head from his bed. He waggled his entire body with the force of his tail stump. He hauled himself up and followed me to the rear entrance.
I ducked into the tiny bathroom by the door after pushing the door open and letting Vito go outside to relieve himself. I quickly washed my hands, put Livia in her high chair, and cleaned her up.
Like a little drummer, she snatched up the board book I gave her and began banging it against the tray right away.
"All right, child, what's for breakfast?" After turning on the kettle, I started brewing my coffee.
Today, a truckload of caffeine would not be sufficient.
"Egg"s," Tost muttered.
I muttered a laugh. "You got it." Toast and dippy eggs are on the way.
I turned on the TV and swiveled her high chair so she could watch her favorite cartoon characters bounce around on the screen while the water boiled.
I threw some kibble into Vito's bowl after the eggs had boiled. Happy as ever, he scarfed it down.
I put her breakfast down a few minutes later. I watched her carefully dip the long, buttery toast strips into the runny yolk, making sure they were just the right length for her small hands. Each time she successfully dipped the toast, she would do a small wiggle in her chair.
My chest didn't fit my heart.
The doorbell rang.
I scowled as I used a towel to wipe my hands before reaching for my phone to check the camera.
Wonderful. Simply amazing.
I chose to ignore it in the hopes that the person would disappear. No luck. The door rattled with a heavy pounding.
With a deep growl, Vito pressed his enormous head against my leg and gazed out the window.
I kissed the top of Livia's head and said, "Mommy's going to get it, sweetheart."
Unconcerned, she continued to eat her toast.
I yanked the door open while holding Vito's collar in one hand.
Bruno appeared to be the owner of the world as he stood there with his boots planted and his arms crossed.
"Viper, what do you want?" I lost my temper.
His eyes widened, seemingly taken aback by the tone. Then he flashed those damn dimples and grinned.
"I just want to talk, Sera," he said in a syrupy sweet voice.
Vito growled again, and I pulled harder on his collar. "We have nothing to say to one another. Three years ago, you said enough.
His boot jammed the door open as I tried to slam it.
He stated bluntly, "I will not leave without seeing my child."
I thought I might throw up there because my stomach turned over so badly.
Who in hell told him?
He grinned more broadly. "Don't you think we really need that talk right now?"
I tightened my jaw. Alright. He was not mistaken.
"At one, meet me at Notte Luna. "We'll have a conversation there," I muttered, struggling to maintain my composure.
He took a step back, beaming as if he had already won. Breathing heavily, I pressed my forehead against the door and slammed it shut.
With a squeal, Livia threw her toast onto the ground. Vito quickly grabbed it.
I picked her up and blew a raspberry on her untidy cheek, saying, "You, little miss, need a bath."
The bath time became a full-on pool party. By the time we were finished, we were both half-drenched and the floor was soaked.
I got her a pink unicorn T-shirt and tiny jeans. Two small buns crowned her head, resembling tiny horns. She seemed like she could cause trouble. She was cute, yet troublesome.
I looked at the clock and saw that it was almost twelve-thirty. Whoa. I got Vito's leash and made her a quick snack.
There was a part of me that wanted to turn around and remain confined to the house. However, that was no longer an option.
I was juggling my child and the car keys when Tessa suddenly showed up.
"Where are you two going covertly?" She raised an eyebrow in question.
She knew something was wrong, of course. She did it every time.
"Viper arrived this morning. He is aware of Livia. I muttered, "I agreed to meet him."
A tiny, empathetic smile twisted Tessa's mouth. "Sera, you're acting appropriately."
I gave a snort. "It feels like a silly mistake."
She bumped my shoulder and laughed. "If you need backup, give me a call. I'll bring the frying pan.
I felt a little lighter after laughing. Tessa was always able to give me strength.
"Thank you. I'm hoping I won't have to summon the cavalry.
Vito curled up protectively beside Livia as I buckled her up in her car seat. Then I got behind the wheel, my nerves getting worse every mile.
We arrived at Notte Luna to find Viper's bike already parked outside. The bike was large, black, and exuded confidence Similar to his.
I briefly entertained the idea of backing into it. It was just a brief moment.
Act, Sera.
I exited, unbuckled Livia, and placed her gently on the floor. Vito stayed close, alert at all times.
As soon as I opened the bar door, I saw Fiore behind the counter. She might have taken off like a helicopter because she was fluttering her lashes at Viper so fiercely.
I suppressed a chuckle and proceeded inside.
"Hi, Sera!" Fiore called and grinned at me.
I nodded to her, but I didn't really listen. Viper's gaze was on me, and I felt it.
Not me, please.
Regarding Livia.
I slowly turned around.
Viper wasn't even glancing at me. His whole world had shrunk to the little girl holding my hand and gazing back at him with wide, inquisitive eyes.
A slow, incredulous smile appeared on his face. His hand trembled as if he was unsure whether to reach out or flee.
With my heart thumping so loudly that I could hardly think, I gave Livia a gentle squeeze on the hand.
It was this.
There's no turning back now.
- Writer
