Page 29 of Carmine

Chapter Seven.

Carmine

My heart bled for Molly for the scene that had just happened, but she seemed to take it in her stride. I couldn’t believe Molly’s parents didn’t know when her birthday was. That was appalling. No wonder Molly had been shocked when I knew the ages of my brothers and sisters. Mom had always made a huge fuss on our birthdays, and I understood what it was like not to have a celebration.

Sometimes, I thought Mom tried to make up for what we missed, but honestly, she just loved to celebrate our lives. If Mom realised that Molly had never had that, she would spoil her rotten. I already had decided to find out when Molly’s birthday was and ensure it was one she’d remember. The anxiety and my emotional turmoil left me when I pulled onto the road leading to Reading Hall.

We’d all thought Mom had lost the plot when she bought this. But Mom had ploughed ahead and made a wreck a home. Now, it was our safe harbour. Molly took stock as we headed up the lane.

“Where are we?” she asked.

“Reading Hall, Mom and Dad’s home, and sadly, where I still bunk when I’m not playing.”

“You live here?” Molly questioned in disbelief. As we drove around the bend, she hissed. “That’s a castle!”

“That’s home. And yes, I do. See that tower there? That used to be mine, Tye and Fanatic’s. Once Tye and I became pros and Fanatic bunked at Hellfire, the younger kids took it over. Now I sleep in the basement when I’m here. There’s no point in having my own place when I’m away from March to October.”

“So, shouldn’t you be playing ball now?” Molly asked. “It’s August.”

“I’m out on an injury. Luckily, I return in three weeks, so I can be around for what’s happening,” I replied. “I’ve got a grade two wrist sprain, which can take up to six weeks to heal.”

“Oh, should you be driving?”

“Yeah, I’ve got a wrist support, and my docs are keeping a check on it. Relax, Molly,” Carmine said, squeezing my leg. “Nobody here will hurt you.”

Molly

Easier said than done, I thought as I smiled warily. Carmine had mentioned how huge his family was. Carmine parked outside and then hurried around to open my door. As he helped me out, Carmine stopped me and ran a finger down my cheek.

“Molly, I won’t ever let anything happen to my girl,” he muttered.

My heart fluttered in reply.

“Yours?”

“Mine, Molly,” Carmine replied and kissed me lightly. “My girl’s skittish and shy and never been courted before. I’ll goall out to demonstrate how amazing she is. And that means bringing her home to meet my parents because I’ve found someone special.”

“Me?” I squeaked.

“You and only you,” Carmine said seriously. “Now, let’s go meet Mom and Dad before they come and find us.”

Carmine walked up the steps leading to the wrap-around porch. It appeared out of place on the building but fit at the same time. Carmine opened one of the heavy doors, and I winced at the noise coming from inside.

“I’m gonna kill you, Tony!” a screech greeted us. Immediately, I moved behind Carmine as kids shot past, screaming.

“Mom! Eddie’s armed!” a boy yelled. “Hey, bro!”

“Kill each other quietly,” Phoe shouted back from somewhere.

“Wow,” I muttered, shocked.

“Dante,” Carmine replied as the kid disappeared.

“Carmine, run! Eddie’s going to murder someone!” another kid bellowed as he slid down a banister on a staircase. That looked fun.

“Scout, be careful,” Carmine called.

“Hello, son,” an older man announced, approaching and hugging Carmine.

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