Never forgetting you

5- Railey

Maddie came back and handed me my phone. She had a devilish grin in her face and I just know she’s upto something.

Ever since last night she has not stop giving me those stupid look and grinned.

She came with Finn to pick my up from school and of cause she would not missed the hickories mark on my neck or the fact that Issac Romano was so close to me. Or that all his friends were there. As soon as we got home she basically rib Issac’s shirt off me to check my body.

And you guessed it, I have countless hickories on my neck, chest and breast. So she sat me down and began her interrogation and would not stop till every details was given to her about what happen between Issac and I.

Maddie is my best friend and also my cousin.

Her mom and my dad were siblings. Aunty Marg was my dad’s younger sister. She fell in love while she was exploring South America on her gap year before College . She meet Uncle Jeffrey on her first week and they instantly know they want to spend the rest of their life together.

When she came back home, uncle Jeffrey followed her and they quickly got marry. Much to everyone’s surprise but poppy and Nan was still happy she found someone so loving and caring.

1 yr later Maddie arrived, she’s only 6months older than me.

When we were 3yrs old, aunt marg and uncle Jeffrey was in a car accident coming home from date night. A drunk driver ran the red light and the were killed instantly. From that day on Maddie become just as much my sister, as well as best friend and cousin. She lives with poppy and Nan next door. But my mom took it upon herself to care for Maddie and unofficially adopted her. She always a happy and bubbly girl. She also loves dresses, and everything that girl likes. Dad treat us exactly the same and I’m so happy to have an other sister and best friend in one.

She never understood my need to distance myself from being associated with the family but she always respect whatever I do.

It also help that she likes spending mummy daughter time with mum at spas and lunches. Save me being dragged out by my mother.

But no matter how much I hate shoppings, I was still dragged on one today.

Dad has informed the family that we were having a dinner with the Romona and Tang on Sunday. This is to celebrate the new alliance that the 3 families has agreed on to keep our territories safe from being taken over from the threat of the west coast gangs. They have been trying for the last year.

So here we are at the mall with my mother and Maddie handing me everything in silk, satin, chiffon and lace. Because I have absolutely nothing appropriate for such and important even.

It was host at the country club grand ballroom and every high ranking members and family from all 3 families will be in attendance.

I’m so nervous to see what Isaac’s reaction gonna be.

Turning to Maddie, I asked her for so advice.

‘Maddie, I’m meeting Issac tomorrow. I want to tell him who I am. What you you think?

‘You are? Where are you guys meeting? I think it would be a good idea to let him know. But it would be so funny to see his reaction on Sunday you rock up with THAT AMAZING SILVER DRESS!!’ She yelled when the sale assistance came over with Chanel latest winter line. Maddie took a long sleeve, backless silver number with a thigh high slit and hand it to me.

‘Try it on. This is the one for you Leyley. I just know you’ll look amazing in this. Your eyes and hair will pop’ she said, and I have to agreed. It was a beautiful dress.

I took the dress and head for the change room. Maddie stayed outside.

‘So where are you meeting Issac? And what time? You know dad’s not gonna just let you leave the house.’

‘We’re meeting at Frankie’s at 7.’ I said.

She’s right, daddy would never let me go without a bodyguard and questioning me.

‘I was gonna ask Finn to drop me off.’ I said to her. I came out of the dressing room and mom and aunt Jen was there as well.

They all turned to look at me and had tears in their eyes.

‘Oh my baby. Look at you. You look so beautiful in dresses. I don’t know why you insist on wearing those baggy clothes all the time’

‘Yep, that’s the dress you’re wearing tomorrow Ley. Here, match it with these and we will have dad and the twins fighting off suitors all night’ she said while handling me a pair of black Sequence thigh high boots. I eye the boots questioning but took it in hand and slipped into them. They were extremely comfortable and easy to walk in. Plus with the slit on the dress so high up my thigh, I’m glad the boots covered a big portion of my leg.

Standing in front of the mirror, I was stunned to see myself. The dresses was hugging in all the right paces, my ivory skin was glowing against the silver silk. My hair and eyes pop amazingly and deepen a shade darker. Maddie’s right, the dress made me feel amazing. Plus, it’s got a high enough neck line to hide all the hickories.

‘Ley, the girls and I are going out for some dinner and maybe bowling tomorrow. Can you please come? Please, please? You never come out and I want my best friend with me. Please?’ Plead Maddie, and I eyed her like she was insane, didn’t I just tell her I was meeting Issac? Then when no one was looking she winked at me. Ohh, she’s trying to help me get out tomorrow. God I love her, she’s the best friend and sister anyone could ask for. Playing along

‘you know I’m do really like crowded places. And I don’t know.’

‘Maddie’s right leyley, you need to go and enjoy yourself. Your a senior and stay in every weekend. Go and be a teenager. When I was your age, I already traveled through Europe’ said mum.

I looked over and pretended to signed and said ‘Fine’

We paid for everything and headed to grab an early dinner then head home.

Saturday morning I woke up early and was feeling restless, so I headed to the gym.

I’ve been training here since I was a kid. And really took it on mor win the last few years, I train 5 morning a week, from 5am-7am. It’s a part of my day. Dad made sure that I was pretty well train in combat. But he doesn’t tell mom. All she knows is I come here to run on the treadmill.

After my training session, I head back to my room, showered and just watch some old Criminals minds episodes till it’s time to get ready.

About 3pm Maddie and Abbie came in and started fussing about what’s I should ware and telling me that I need to get ready.

They went to my closet and came out 20mins later with nothing and a disappointment look.

‘Ley, there is nothing in your closet that’s wearable for a 1st date. And we don’t have time to go shopping.’ She looked at Abbie and they both left my room talking amongst themselves.

Well that was weird, and continued watching. 10mins later both girl walked back into my room armed with clothes, shoes and makeup bags.

They laid the clothes out on my bed and mixing and matching till they were happy with a Tight jeans, Turtle neck cashmere combos.

‘Here put these on, your lucky we’re the same size’ said Maddie, handing my the clothes and pushing me towards the bathroom.

The clothes fit my body like a second skins and I actually feel very comfortable in them.

I walked out and Abbie came upto me.

‘Damn Mad, you cousin has a hit body!, she’s got lumps and bump in all the right places.’ She then smashed my arse and I screamed in surprise.

They both laughed and I joined in. Next they sat me down and started on my makeup. Maddie told Abbie to give me very minimal coverage and to emphasise my cheek bones, lips and eyes. They didn’t do anything to my hair, it was naturally wavy and sit perfectly pass my shoulders. I was reaching for my chucks but Abbie took it away and handed me some sexy black ankle boots.

‘I don’t think I’ll be able to walk in those’

‘Just put them on. It’s easier then it looks’

I put the boots on and stood in front of them waiting for some comment. Then Maddie hand me a crop bubbly dusty pink fur hooded coat to finished my outfit. The coat sit just above my butt and totally emphasised my bottom more. And I think that’s what she was hoping for.

‘Oh, my baby is grown up now. She looks like s*x on legs!’ Maddie pretended to wipe a tear from her eyes and I rolled my eyes at her. We all burst out laughing. She can be so dramatic, but that’s her charms. When Maddie is around, she makes everyone smile.

A knocked on the door got us turn to look who it was. My dad poke his head in.

‘Hey Leyley Bear, I heard Madmad convinced you to go out with them tonight. So I want to come but to check up on you to see that you’re not held against your will’ dad said winking at me

And I laughed at him, dad knows how much I had going out.

‘Thanks Dad, but I’m actually enjoying it so far’

‘It’s ok Leyley, if you need me to save you, blink twice’

Giggling Maddie went to dad and push him out the door.

‘Dad, stop trying to change her mind, she going. And who knows, she might meet a boy tonight too’ teased Maddie

Dad looked pained at her words and held his check like he was getting a heart attack.

‘Now girls, why would you want to put this old man in an early grave?’

‘Oh, stop being so dramatic Sean, and you wondered where Maddie gets it from.’ Came mom’s voice from behind. She was dress up and looking very nice. Then I noticed that dad was suit up as well.

‘Date night? I asked

‘We’re actually taking poppy and nan to dinner’ replied mum

‘You girls have fun tonight, Finn will be driving you. I have also send Mike and Tommy in another car.’ Said dad in all seriousness and a look that said don’t even try to fight him.

We nodded our head and said our goodbyes.

Dad whispered something to Maddie and she nodded twice.

By the time the girls got themselves ready it was quarter pass six. So we all headed to the car.

Finn was waiting and I can see Mike and Tommy ready in their car as well.

The drive to Frankie’s was just a little over 25mins, we arrived early and waited in the car.

Maddie and Abbie will be meeting their other friends for dinner and bowling.

Abbie’s phone buzz with a text and she said that the other was there and had a table already.

So she and Maddie headed out the car and into Frankie’s. I looked at the time and it’s 6.55.

I got out as well and waited out front for Issac.

I waited for a bit then check my phone. 7.20.

I quickly type a message to him.

Me: Hey, I’m just at the front of Frankie’s. I wasn’t sure if we were meeting inside or out front.

I looked up and down the block and waited abit more. When no reply came, and I have waited another 20mins, I call him.

It rang out and went to voicemail so I left him a quick message.

‘Hey, I’m not sure if everything is ok or are you ok……Umm, just let me know that your ok’ I hanged up and decided to wait a bit more.

I continue to wait out front for Issac, when someone came up to me.

‘Hey, you ok? The person asked

I turn around and to see a stranger I’ve need seen before. He looks concerned, and was as tall as Issac. He had his hand inside his jacket and kept a safe distance.

‘Yeah, just waiting for someone’ I replied

‘I noticed you’ve been waiting for a while, have they call?’

Turned to look around again and still no site of Issac. Looking back at the stranger.

‘No, he hasn’t call. I think I’ll wait a-bit then leave.’ I said

‘I’m not trying to be rude or anything, but if he has come by now and not call or text. His probably not gonna turn up. You’re just wasting your time.’ He said

I signed and slump my shoulder,

‘Yeah your properly right, I should just leave’

Taking out my phone to see if I missed a text or call, but sill nothing. So I send a quick text to Finn to come pick me up. Turning to leave, the stranger reach out and grab my arm.

‘I’m Cris btw’

I look at his hand, and look up to him. There was a friendly smile and I smiled back.

‘Railey’ I offered back, Cris again place his hand in his pocket.

‘Well Railey, would you like to join my friends and I? You must be hungry waiting out here all this time?

‘Thanks……’ I managed to get out before I was cut off.

‘Abit out of your usual Cris’ commented Angelo, and I turned to see Issac and his friends approaching with Teresa and Laila. Thea looks pissed and I noticed that Issac had his arm on Teresa’s shoulder and she hand her arm wrapped around his body.

Issac wasn’t looking at me, his eyes were locked on something behind me. And the cold staring send chills down my spine.

‘Romona, I ain’t after any trouble tonight. So let’s not get in each other’s way’

So they know each other.

‘You’re asking for trouble the moment you walked into my territories’ replied Issac.

There was a silent stare off between the two and I noticed that there was a few more ppl coming out standing with Cris.

‘Baby, let’s not do this. I’m hungry. Can we just go inside and leave him alone? Asked Teresa.

Issac didn’t say anything, he just gave a slight nod then turned to walk into Frankie’s.

‘Issac’ I called after him and he stopped and turn around looking straight at me with his eyes void of all emotion.

‘What Railey? What do you want’ he snapped at me and I flinch at his tone, not understanding what’s happening.

‘I..I..Can I speak with you?’ I asked softly, while looking at the ground

‘I’m busy atm. Can you see?’ Came his replied and I snapped my eyes up to him. And I can see anger. So much hate and anger in them that it took my breath away. I stood frozen in my spot and knowing how to react and what to say.

‘Go home Railey, Why the f**k are you still waiting here. If I haven’t call or reply back to your text it means I’m busy’ he said to me, while pulling Teresa closer to him.

I looked down at his arm and the smirk on her face and understood the meaning. He was too busy with her to bother texting me back.

Looking him straight in the eyes with as much hate as I could muster up. I turned and walked to the Rover as Finn just pulled up and got in with out looking back. Before I could close the door, Maddie and Abbie came rush to my side to see what was happening.

I quickly said nothing. I was heading home and will send the car back for them. They both turned to look at Issac and Abbie had to hold Maddie back.

‘Maddie, promises me you’ll let it go. I do t want to bother with them’ I said and she nodded her head yes to me.

‘I’ll see you at home’ she said and hug me.

Closing the door, I finally let my tears come.

‘Railey?’ Finn called from the diver seat and looking at me through the rear view mirror.

‘Can you please take me home’ I asked and wipe the tears away.

I just want to crawl into my bed and stay there forever.

As soon as I got home I headed to my bed, not bothering to shower or wash my face. I just curled up in a ball and too exhausted, I blacked out without realising it.

I was woken up when Maddie came into my room to check up on me.

‘Leyley?’ She whispered into the darken room.

‘Mmh’

‘Do you want me to stay with you?’

‘I just want to be alone, can we deal with it tomorrow’ i replied

‘Ok, I love you’

‘Maddie, thank you. I love you too’

She came over and have me a kiss on my forehead and whispered ‘rest up Leyley, tomorrow we will show Issac Romona who his fucken with.’

And I drafted back into my slumber.

I woke up later than usual the next day. The sell of coffee and bacon made me realised how hungry I was and that I missed dinner last night.

Last night…just thinking about last night makes me lose my appetite.

I pull myself up and headed to the shower, that’s what I need. A hot shower to wash the depressing feelings away.

After a soothing hot shower, I thrown on some my lace indie sets. And put track pants and hoodies on. I headed to the kitchen to find food.

Upon enter I can see that Maddie has set up my favourite breakfast all warm and ready for me.

I went over to give her a h big hug, cause she’s the only one that knows what to do to make me smile, and I love her so much for that.

I sat down and the heavenly plate is pushed in-front of me with a giant glass of freshly squeezed OJ.

I begin to tuck into my breakfast with the biggest grinned as dad and mom walked in.

‘The only time I ever see your beautiful smile is wherever there’s food. I swear you are the most unusual Teenager I have ever seen Leyley.’

My mom chuckled and walked over to give me a kiss and when to Maddie’s side to pull her into her arms for a motherly hug. They continue to hold on to each other while dad come over to me and sat down.

‘Baby, you already have Maddie, leave Leyley for me. I don’t think I can take the stress with 2 of my girls having boys knocking at my door.’ Dad said

Mom rolled her eyes he dad’s being dramatic overacting. Maddie and I just giggled at them being silly.

‘Well, I’m gonna be worry about your health after tonight pa, I heard mom and Maddie convinced Ley to wear a dress for tonight’s dinner’. Said my brother Ian, one of the twin.

We all look at dad and he had the most pained look on his face.

‘Someone call the doc. I think my heart is braking, how could you betray me so my Leyley bear. A dress? Just end my life now. Lord! Have mercy on this old man’ Dad held onto his chest and thrown an arm on his forehead.

‘Daddy, I had too. These two wicked wrench threaten yours and the twins lifestyle if I don’t comply with their demands. Something about never cooking these delicious breakfast and the older wrench threaten to send you to sleep on the couch. Please daddy, I did for the sake of the better good!!!’ As I fall into my fathers arm, fanning myself.

The whole room erupted in a fit of laughters over our over the top dramatic acting.

‘I don’t know who’s worst, you or Dad.’

Maddie said as she came around and hug me right. ‘Hurry up princess, it’s already 10 o’clock. We need to go shopping for shoes and our appointment at Lux Solon is at 12.30.’

‘What? Why? Why are we shopping again?’ I groan. ‘Because I want to get some shoes for your amazing Chanel dress. The boots won’t do.’

She declared and drag me and heading for the door.

‘We’ll make our way to the country club ourselves pa. We’ll meet and the the twins there at 6.30’ Maddie called over her shoulder.

So off we went to get shoes, bags and got ourselves pampered. Waxed, and I mean waxed in places I didn’t know that needed waxing. But we did it all. By the time Finn pulled up to the country club is was well pass 6.30. Abbie met us out front and we proceed to make our way to the ball room.

I was feeling so nervous as we make our way there. I can see everyone turning to look as us as we walk through the reception. Make me more self conscious. Maddie held my hand and gave it a squeeze.

‘They’re looking because your beautiful, your rocking in that dress. Be confident, never let anyone get under your skin. You’re the Red Lion’s daughter. These bitches would die to be in your place and have the power that you have. Leyley, you may not realised it now, but you very charismatic and people are always draw to you and your kind soul. Hold you head high, shoulders back. Let’s make that asshole regret his actions.’

‘Yes Ley, you are stunning in that dress. That asshole won’t know what hit him.’ Added Abbie.

I nodded and took a deep breath to steady my self and as we reach the door for the ballroom. Maddie turned and told me to wait outside and count to 20 before entering.

The girls went in and I did as Maddie instructed.

17, 18, 19, 20, I approached the door and the doorman open it wide. As I made my way through the door, I can see everyone turning to watch me enter. Maddie has a grin and winked at me as I slowly made my way to my family. Which of cause is on the furthest end of the room. As I made my way across the room, I noticed Issac was near the bar with his friends and a few girls. I can feel is gaze on me, following each steps I take. There’s an unreasonable look on his face and he sat on the atoll and turn his head slowly to my each step.

I in turn totally ignored his gaze and even through it’s burning on every part of my body, make me so self conscious. I did what Maddie tell me too.

I held my head high, straighten my shoulders and put on my sweetest smile. As I reach me parents, dad turned and took my arm to lead me over to make introduction. We were only a few meters away from where Issac is seated. So I know he can hear everything.

‘Carmelo, Chang. This is Railey, my daughter. As you can see why I’ve been hiding her from everyone all these year.’ Dad jokingly add while I can’t help the blush creeping up my face.

‘buonasera signor Romano, spero che tu abbia passato una piacevole serata finora’ I greeted Issac dad in Italian. (Good evening Mister Romano, I hope you had a pleasant evening so far)

‘buona sera anche a te signorina Kennedy. il tuo italiano è molto buono. parli molto? (Good evening to you too miss Kennedy. Your Italian is very good, do you speak much?)

‘grazie Signore. sto ancora imparando.’ (Thank you sir, I’m still learning). e temo che sia tutto ciò che posso conversare finora. (and i'm afraid thats all i can converse so far.)

Mr Romano bursted out laughing, ‘Well then, we better switch back to English then.’

I move on to Mister Chang.

‘***，***。*************。’ (good evening Mr Chang. very nice to meet you and your family today.)

‘*，***，*****。*************'’ (oh good evening miss Kennedy. im so honour to hear you speak Chinese so well')

‘*********。***********。**’ (im afraid i'm showing off in front of the master. my chinese only extended to ordering restaurant.)

Again, I had Mr Chang laughing. He turned to my parents.

‘I can understand why you are hiding this treasure Kennedy. She is a darling.’ He then turn to Maddie and asked if she speak Chinese. And they began to converse in Fluent Chinese. Even Mrs Chang join in and they are having a very pleasant conversation that has Maddie blushing a deep shade of pink.

Mr Romona then ask Dad about some work stuff and I have noticed that mum are also in deep conversations with Mrs Romona. The twins had wondered off with their 2 daughters and I’m left with Louis Tang.

‘You’ve won them over in less than 10 mins, Railey. That’s very impressive’

‘I’m just being me, I wasn’t trying to win anyone over. I thought it would be nice to greet them in their native tongue.’

‘You’re right, it was very entertaining. How many languages can you speak?

‘I’m just dabbing in a few. But haven’t mastered any yet. Maddie on the other hand is flaunt in Chinese, French and Japanese.’ I said as we watch Maddie charm his parents.

‘She’s amazing’ said Louis, never taking his eyes off her. Her chuckled when he realised I was looking at him. And I smile seeing how shy he got.

I was about to ask him about Maddie then she walked over with Abbie and Lynnie. At the same time Issac and his friends approached us.

‘Railey…’ Issac started but I cut him off and turn to Louis.

‘Louis, would you mind showing me the bar? I’m in need of some refreshments’ he look down at me and nodded. We turned and walked together to the bar and as we pass Issac, I look straight ahead without looking at him one.

Once we reach the bar, Louis ordered me a peach iced tea. ‘Railey, if looks could kill, I would be a dead man by the way Issac is looking at me.’

‘I’m sorry, please ignore him.’

‘Oh, I’m was instructed flirt with you outrageously and flaunt it his face.’ Louis said soft as he lean in closer to me,

‘Instructed? By?’ I question him.

He leans in and his hand move to my hair, he looks like he was moving my hair to to tuck them behind my ear when I see that he has an air pod and he slipped it place. Louis moved back and gave me a wink.

‘Leyley, it’s me’. I hear over the ear piece. I turn around to find Maddie and she’s at the far end of the bar with Abbie. They both look like they’re having their own conversation.

But she’s actually talking to me.

‘Ok, what’s going on? I asked her and looked at Louis and his eyes are on me with a massive grin.

‘Ley, we’re gonna make Issac regret he stood you up last night. And Louis has been kind enough to offer his service.’

‘Offered or forced?’ I asked. And Louis said ‘her exact words were. If I ever want her piece of ass again, I gotta do this and do it well.’ Replied Louis and I started laughing. Yep, that sounds about right.

‘Come on Ley, he hasn’t stopped looking at you the moment you step into this room. I’m sure at this rate, His dad will ask Dad for your hand. Let’s make him sweat abit for playing with your feelings last night.’

‘Fine, what do I do?’ I asked

‘You don’t need to do anything. Just follow Louis lead and I’ll instruct you along the way.

With that I smile and nod to Louis to prove with Maddie’s plan.