♥ Chapter 6♥
Enzo D'Angelo.
''Make yourselves at home, you can eat without shame. '' The twins' father says this, smiling.
Everyone starts serving themselves. I feel people looking at me, and I look up, meeting the twins' curious eyes.
''Take a picture, it lasts longer.'' I say it with a harsh tone. The twins just widen their identical smiles.
''Why take a photo if it's more interesting in person?'' They ask in sync, leaving me perplexed.
I hear a weak laugh from Alex next to me. In response, I lightly pinch his thigh, making him jump in fright.
''Boys, don't bother young D'Angelo.'' The twins' father says, smiling, apparently enjoying the situation.
You're enjoying it, you wretch!
''Right, Dad. '' Luan replies, keeping his gaze fixed on me, just like his brother.
I let out a sigh and started eating under the watchful eye of the twins. I wonder why they keep looking at me.
''How old are you, Enzo?'' Lucas asks curiously.
''You're not… '' My mother interrupts me before I can answer.
''He's seventeen, and he'll be eighteen next month. '' She says, looking at me seriously. I go back to focusing on my plate.
''Next month? Hum, you'll still be here. How about a party?'' Luan asks, smiling enthusiastically.
''I don't like parties. '' I reply, trying to avoid prolonging the conversation.
'' Why not? It could be fun. '' Lucas insists, with a persuasive tone.
''I really don't like parties. '' I say, now with a firmer tone.
''Let's change your mind about that.'' Luan says, laughing, with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
I bet this is going to be interesting.
After dinner, everyone returns to the living room, except me, who decides to head towards the pool. My steps are heavy, reflecting the weight of my worries. I sit on the edge of the pool and let out a deep sigh, trying to relax, but the restlessness persists.
I think of my snake, whom I left at home. The thought of being away from her for so long unsettles me. We had never spent such a long time apart. Every moment, my mind sinks into worry: How is she? Is she well-fed? Is she healthy? The feeling of missing her is almost palpable. I would have liked to have brought her with me, but circumstances didn't allow it. Besides, running away now is unthinkable. My father, Elijah, would be ruthless if he knew I was causing my mother more worry.
''Oh, I just want to go home. '' I mutter to myself, frustration showing in my voice.
Suddenly, without warning, I feel a jolt and fall into the pool. The cold, unexpected water envelops me, and, after a moment of disorientation, I come back to the surface. The ironic, contemptuous laughter of the teenagers in the living room reaches my ears. I look at them and see satisfied smiles on their faces.
''That's for you to learn to respect the twins, you little shit. '' says a young blonde, her expression a mixture of amusement and disdain.
''That's right. Next time, if you treat the twins like that, it'll be even worse. '' adds a tall boy, the threatening tone in his voice clearly audible.
The three of them leave, leaving me alone and soaking wet. My body trembles with the impact of the cold and humiliation. How can these idiots act with such indifference? They throw me in the pool and leave as if nothing had happened. I can't leave it like this; I'm going to get revenge.
I struggle against the water and climb over the edge of the pool, feeling frozen as an icy wind hits my wet skin. Furthermore, I hug my body in an attempt to warm it up and head into the mansion. My steps are resolute, but my spirit is in tatters.
I reach the living room, where my family is watching me with looks of surprise and concern. The scene is a marked contrast to the comfort of the living room.
''Enzo, darling, what's happened?'' My mother rushes towards me, her face marked by genuine concern.
I take a deep breath, trying to control the anger and discomfort I feel. I don't want to take my frustration out on my mother, who is only trying to look after me.
''I'm going to my room, Mom. '' I say, avoiding facing her. I walk past her with a brusque gesture and head towards the twins' room, the weight of the situation crushing me.
I don't want to take my anger out on my mother, who is not to blame. But those three… They'll pay for this.
I enter the twins' room and go to the closet, where I grab a pair of black pajamas. I head to the bathroom and take a hot shower, trying to soothe away the feeling of frustration and discomfort. The hot water not only cleans away the chlorine and humidity from the pool, but also helps to relax my tense muscles.
After the shower, I put on my pajamas and walked towards the bed. I lie down with a heavy sigh, trying to relieve the physical and mental fatigue. The door opens, and the twins come in, their faces still showing the curiosity of dinner.
''Enzo, what happened to make you so wet?'' Luan asks with an expression that tries to look worried, but it's hard to believe his sincerity.
I frown, suspicious and irritated.
“You don't have to pretend to be worried about me,” I say coldly, my voice laced with disdain.
The two of them look at each other, making a silent gesture of communication between them, before looking at me again with a mixture of curiosity and doubt.
'' We're not pretending. We're really worried. '' Lucas replies, and they both approach my bed, their gazes fixed on me.
'' Stay away! I don't want either of you to get too close. Now, leave me alone.
I cover myself with the sheet and turn my back to them. I hear them both sigh, and their footsteps move away, marking the end of their intrusion. The silence that follows is a temporary relief.
I close my eyes and soon fall asleep, exhausted by everything that has happened. Sleep comes with the promise of a short rest, away from the frustrations and conflicts of the day.