On His Knees

Chapter 9

Caden and I arrived at school before the bell rang. We parted ways and went to our respective classrooms to start the day. Nothing interesting happened, just endless lectures, tons of quizzes and projects. I received a message from Caden at lunch time informing me what time the party was. He told me it was a social party—an event that only rich folks in the mob could take pleasure with. As hard as I try not to get involved with the Mafia, it’s hard when your father was a leader of a group. Not only that, he’s also a major player.

Was it alright for me to go to such party? I know it’s nothing serious, just a normal get-together of the vilest people in the world. No big deal. But I’m not one of them. I don’t share their ideals, their goals—I had nothing in common with them.

I replied to Caden that I’m going to ask permission first. I’m sure dad wouldn’t allow me to go and I didn’t want to but Caden’s going to be there. If I could spend one more second with him, I’d do it in a heartbeat.

Classes ended fast, thank God. I wasn’t in the mood to study and sitting in a classroom listening to the teachers yapping about things we probably wouldn’t use in the future was exhausting. Nevertheless, I managed to get through the day. I took my phone out, hoping Caden could give me a ride back home. I didn’t bring my car with me.

I called his number and a few rings later, he answered. “Hey.” His voice was deeper in the phone, I was both amazed and turned on. “Where are you?” he asked.

“About to leave the building,” I answered.

I was about to ask him if he could give me a ride but before I could, he already said, “I’ll come meet you up. You don’t have your car with you, right?”

I flushed. He’s always been attentive to me. “Yeah,” I said, shyly.

“Okay. I just need a minute. I have to submit some papers to Ms. Monroe.” Caden hung up the phone. I went to the entrance of the school building and waited at the stairs for him. Students were walking or running to get to their destination. I sat on farthest side of the steps, clutching my bag as I patiently yet excitedly wait for Caden. I couldn’t wait to see him.

Minutes after, I felt a presence behind me. I looked and saw Caden smiling at me. He was lazily holding his bag. “Let’s go?” he asked. Walking to his car, I held the strap of my bag tighter. I wanted to go to the party but the chance of dad not allowing me was incredibly high. What should I do? “Did you ask uncle Saverio about the party?” Caden inquired, eyeing me. “It’s just a simple get-together. Nothing fancy. And I assure you, you’ll be safe.”

It’s hard to hide the blush on my cheeks especially when he’s close, saying those sweet words to me. “I-I—” I paused, biting my lip. I would be in so much trouble, but it’d be worth it. I know it’d be. “I already asked my dad. He said yes,” I said, forcing a strained smile at Caden.

“Really? He did?” Caden asked, gratified that dad allowed me to go. I’m so lying but what could happen, right? I wouldn’t be sold to the Mafia. That’s impossible.

“He did,” I said with a trembling voice, finding it hard to lie to Caden. “Dad said it’d be good to go out sometimes and…live life.”

Caden grinned. “That’s great!” he exclaimed. “Do you have formal clothes? You need to wear one to attend the party.”

“I don’t,” I said, my shoulders dropping. I wasn’t fond of going outside and mingling with people. I hated doing that. I’m aware that there were events held by the Saverio group, but not once did I attend it. I would only watch my brothers dress up nice with their expensive suits, following dad as they leave me alone in the house. Dad was secretive about our place thus why he never holds parties at our house. It’s common sense. You wouldn’t want people who could potentially become your enemies invited to the place you’re living in. In the mob, a family friend would most likely turn their backs against you the moment you put your guard down.

I stared at Caden and saw that wonderful smile on his face. He’s the one only one who wouldn’t do that. “Hm,” he hummed, thinking. “I don’t think my suits can fit you. You’re really small.”

I pouted, insulted by what he said. “Hey, I grew like…two inches, okay?!”

Caden scoffed. He suddenly cupped my crotch, gripping it hard. “Did this grow too?” he teased.

I shoved him away and he let me. He’s laughing so loud, amused by my reaction. “Stop that!” I yelled, glaring at him.

“I’m just teasing you, calm down,” Caden said, ruffling my hair.

I pouted. “Shut up.”

“Anyway, we have to go now. The party will start at nine. We only have a few hours to get ready,” he said. He grabbed me by the hand and dragged me towards his car.

“W-wait, what?!” I asked, utterly confused. “Get ready?” Was he thinking of doing make-up? Why did we need hours to get ready?

“We have to buy you a suit,” Caden announced. He opened the vehicle door for me, urging me to get inside. I did and almost banged my head on the roof. I watched Caden ran around the car. He hopped in and slammed the door close before starting the engine.

“A suit?!” I asked. “Can’t I just wear a dress shirt and some black pants?”

“No, we can’t let them see you like that,” Caden said. “My date has to look good tonight.”

My jaw dropped and my whole body burned. “W-what? D-date?” I stammered, trying to sound disgusted but was failing miserably. “I’m not your date!”

Caden flashed me a dashing smile and I got blinded by it. “Whether you like it or not, you’re my date, Livi. And we have to make you the fairest of them all.”

Caden turned the car at the corner, parking it on the side of the road. He was about to take my seatbelt off for me, but I didn’t let him. He’s not my damn babysitter. I could do these trivial things on my own. We got out of the car and I was faced by a clothing store that catered men. There were business suits worn by mannequins behind the glass displays and everything looked authentic and pricey. Based on the exterior of the store, I could tell this was a place only a few could shop. And anyone who does, they had incredible taste.

“I don’t have money for this, Caden,” I said, pulling his arm to stop him from going inside. Sure, I’m a son of a very wealthy Mafia leader but it didn’t mean he gives me money to spend on stuff. I had allowance but it wasn’t always that big like what he gives to my brothers at a daily basis. And I understand why. I had no contribution in the family business.

“It’s my treat,” he said, winking at me.

I might not be a sociable person, but I know suits like this doesn’t come cheap. “Wait, Caden—” It was too late. He had already opened the door. The bell chimed, signaling the store had clients. The smell of wood mixed with some sort of perfume lingered in the air, tickling my nose.

There was a man behind the counter wearing a black dress shirt and khaki pants. He was dressed exactly in a typical tailor attire and he looked intelligent and sophisticated. His dark brown eyes focused on Caden and a big smile appeared on his weary face. “Caden, my boy. It’s been so long,” the man said, opening his arms to hug Caden.

I was confused. He knew this guy? “Hey, Houser. Looks like you’re still busy, huh?”

“Well, sewing is the only thing I’m good at,” he said, chuckling. He looked at me and raised a brow. “You brought a friend. That’s a first.”

“Hey,” I greeted, stretching out my arm to shake his hand. “I’m Livio Sa—”

“Yep, he’s my friend,” Caden said, interrupting me before I could tell my name. “He’s going to attend a friend’s party tonight and it’s kind of formal. Do you have something that can fit him?”

Houser rubbed his beard, thinking. “You know I only make custom made,” he said.

“I know you have lots of unused suits in the back,” Caden commented, his eyes becoming dark for a second. He said it like he had meaning behind his words, but I didn’t know what.

The tailor grumbled. “I do have something. Let me see what I can do. Wait here.” He disappeared in the back, going through his stuff to find a suit that could fit me.

“I don’t think this is necessary,” I said, worried that I’m causing trouble. I only wanted to be with Caden, not attend some superficial parties.

Caden sat on the couch and crossed his legs. He’s familiar with this place and it showed. The way Houser looked at him as if they were good friends, this store was probably under their territory. “It’s fine, Livi. Sometimes you have to act like us. Sooner or later, you will be.”

I froze. I furrowed my eyebrows at him. “What do you mean?” I asked.

Caden stared at me, his gaze hard and sinister. “You know you belong to a Mafia family?”

“I-I do,” I nervously replied. It was as if there’s a different Caden sitting in front of me and it was scaring me. “What about it?”

“Do you really think you’ll be able to live a peaceful life?”

I felt like I was nailed to the floor. How did he know about that? Did ever tell Caden what my plans were? “I—”

Houser got back, holding a suit that covered in plastic. It looked like it just came out of the dryer. “I have one that might fit him,” he stopped as soon as he noticed the tensed air between Caden and I. “Is something wrong?” he asked.

“No,” Caden said, pulling out that fake smile he perfected. Standing up, he went over to where Houser was. “Let me see.” I watched Caden check the suit. It was nothing out of the ordinary, just a tuxedo that might have been used in the past. “See if it fits,” he said, handing the clothes to me. “And since we’re here, we might as well take your measurement.”

I gulped. “What?”

“You need to have one, Livi,” Caden said as he patted my shoulder. “Remember what I told you.” Straightening his back, he said, “please show him the changing rooms.”

Houser nodded. “Of course.” Turning to me, he guided me to where I could fit the suit. “This way, please.”

Before leaving, I gave Caden one last glance. He only smiled at me, but it didn’t reach his ears.

The inside of the shop was disorganized. There were cloths everywhere, from different kinds and colors, hanged and folded on the desk and the cabinets. There were also tons of mannequins dressed in tuxedos, some of it were done and some were still not finished. It was chaotic but Houser managed to bring me to the dressing room. It was nothing like the back room. It was meant for visitors as everything was in order. The red carpet was soft and there were couches that faced a wall made out of mirrors.

“I’m sorry. The door to the dressing room in front was…broken,” Houser said, smiling apologetically at me.

“No, it’s fine.” I said. True enough, the door that led outside was missing and it was covered in what seemed like a cabinet. I wondered what happened.

Houser opened a stall for me. “Do you want help?” he asked.

“No, thanks,” I politely replied, smiling awkwardly at the older man. I went inside and shut the door behind me. I heaved a sigh. Caden had always been an odd one, saying cryptic things and such. But he’s getting weirder every day, it’s creeping me out.

I sighed again before pulling the suit and staring at it. I should have said no. If I did, I wouldn’t be having this problem, damn it.

Nevertheless, just thinking about spending the time with Caden all night…it’s something I’m looking forward to.

After I put the suit on, I exited the stall. I stood in front of the mirror and observed my face. Nothing had changed, except that I looked sophisticated. And it’s all because of the clothes I’m wearing. Houser was waiting and when he saw me get out, he approached me. “Does it fit? Is it tight…or—”

“No, it’s perfectly fine,” I said. I held the waist of my pants, smiling timidly at him. “It’s a little bit loose here. Do you have a belt?”

“Of course.” I watched Houser go through the cabinet to find a belt for my pants. “I didn’t know that Caden has friends,” he said, starting a conversation with me.

I faced him. “What do you mean by that?” Normally I would just nod and smile at a person trying to talk to me, but Houser was saying something about Caden and everything about him interests me.

“He brought some people before, but I don’t think they’re his friends. More like…business partners if you ask me,” Houser said.

“People?” I asked, blinking. Were those people his guys from the gang? Or was it from the Vaccarino group. Caden was a charming person and could befriend anyone. It’s ironic how this man could say he had no friends.

“Yes. They’re different from you. Real nasty. But you—” Houser stopped and stared at me, “you’re not like them, are you?”

“You know you belong to a Mafia family?”

“Yeah, I’m not like them,” I said, melancholic.

“Caden’s a good kid but…it’s tough with his family and all,” Houser continued, shaking his head. He smiled at me and said, “please forget what I told you. The boy won’t like it if we talk behind his back.”

“No, it’s fine,” I said, finally smiling comfortably at Houser. He must have adored Caden. The way he talked about him was something a father would say. “You’re close with Caden?”

Houser was rummaging through the cabinet in hopes of finding the item I needed to complete the suit. “His father is a client of mine.” Oh, so uncle Dom comes to this shop to make his suits done by Houser. I had no knowledge about tuxes, but he did seem like he had passion for this craft. “Very handsome man…and big too. There’s a lot of tailors who could make his suits, but he chose me.”

“How did you two met?” I asked.

Houser smiled warmly as if reminiscing something lovely. “Caden’s father saved me.”

I blinked, tilting my head. “Saved you from what?”

“Not from what. From who.” Houser’s smile faltered and his visibly shuddered. “From the most evil man.”

I stared at him. I wondered who this evil man was? Was he a part of the Mafia? There’s a good chance he might be. Uncle Dom was a mob leader and I’m sure this guy was under their protection. “I-I see,” I stammered. I wanted to ask more questions, but I deemed it as disrespectful. I should mind my own business.

Houser held a belt he found in the cabinet and gave it to me. “I think this one will fit you. You have a slender waist,” he commented.

I nervously laughed. I agree that I wasn’t like Caden’s other friends. I’m not athletic, I’m not good-looking, I’m not cool. I’m just me. The same old Livi that grew up detached from the world. I didn’t have any talents, nor any abilities I could use to help dad make the Saverio group stronger.

I’m not even sure why Caden wanted to be friends with me.

Maybe it’s because he pitied me. That’s the only reason I could think of. Like what Houser said, Caden was a good kid.

Caden’s head lifted from his phone when he heard Houser and I appeared by the door. He stiffened, staring at me. “Woah,” he mumbled, eyeing me from head to toe. I suddenly felt conscious. “You look…damn fine, Livi.”

I resisted the urge to blush. If they see it, I’m sure they’d know my feelings for Caden. “This suit is beautiful,” I said, praising Houser. I faced him and smiled. “Thank you.”

He returned it with a nod of his head. “You’re very welcome, Livi.”

“Did you take his measurements?” Caden asked.

“Yes, I did.”

“Can you make him five different suits, any design. I’m sure everything you do will look great on him,” he said, patting Houser’s arm in appreciation.

“I’ll get on it right away.”

“But I don’t need a suit!” I retorted. The one I’m wearing would suffice.

“Of course, you’ll need it,” Caden said, rebuking me. “I’ll send someone to collect it once you’re done.”

Houser nodded obediently. Putting an arm around my shoulders, Caden pushed me to the door. “Thanks for everything, Houser!”

I was horrified we left without even paying. “Wait, what about Houser’s fee?!” I asked, holding onto Caden’s sleeve to stop him from walking away.

“He’s fine,” he said. “You look great in your suit. I like it.”

I rolled my eyes at Caden to prevent him from seeing my flushed face. I didn’t need any more of this embarrassment. “Shut up,” I grumbled, taking his arm off me. I walked back to the car parked at the side of the road and Caden unlocked it to get inside. Once we were in, I heaved a sigh. “Damn, I’m tired already.”

“I told you we need lots of time to prepare.”

“I hope they have good food there,” I said, leaning my head against the window glass. “I’m starving.”

“Don’t worry. They have.”

I didn’t notice I had fallen asleep in the car. Caden was shaking my shoulder to wake me up and when I did, I stretched my arms and yawned. “Sorry,” I muttered, rubbing my swollen eyes, “I fell asleep.”

Caden chuckled and fondly caressed my cheek. “It’s fine.”

I looked outside the window and saw we were at the Vaccarino mansion. “What are we doing here?” I asked.

“I’m going to get change,” he replied. “You can stay here in the car and wait. I’ll be quick.”

“Okay.”

Caden left the car and went inside the house. I waited, turning the radio on and turning the volume up. I sat up properly, straightening my coat. I didn’t want Houser’s suit to be ruined.

I pondered about his words, about how Caden had no friends. At school, he had tons of people who admired him, girls who wanted to him to be their boyfriend, guys who were desperate to become cool sticks to him—Caden was a popular guy.

I lowered my head. He had friends but he chose to hang out with me. I couldn’t help but think it’s because I was the easiest person he could be with. There’s no reason to hide who he was with me; I knew what kind of person Caden was.

“Do I need to like you?”

His words still haunted me and as much as I wanted for Caden to like me, it’s impossible. Even with the sweet words and affection gestures, he wouldn’t ever see me past a friend.

It’d ruin us.

“Damn it.”

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