Page 5 of Untouchable

“Seraphina, that boy loves you.”

Butterflies flutter through my stomach and up to my chest at the thought. I never thought I would see the day. Is this actually real life? In just a few hours, everything I have always wished for will finally come true. Happy birthday to me.

Chapter Three

Seraphina

As I am putting on the final touches to my outfit, I pull out my phone and frown when I look at my messages. I have plenty of so-called friends and even some strangers wishing me a happy birthday, but none of them matter. Because the one message that I am missing is from the only person that does.

I didn’t send my usual good morning text this morning since it has become a tradition that he always sends me a happy birthday text at midnight every year. I guess I have been holding out for it all day, not wanting to appear desperate or needy. Though I can’t deny that the fact that I haven’t heard from him on today of all days, hurts.

Pushing away any negative thoughts, I focus on the positive that I will be able to see him for our date in only an hour. There are plenty of reasons why he hasn’t messaged me yet. It is no big deal.

I waste away the time, anxiously picking at my outfit and mindlessly scrolling through Instagram before I decide that it is time to make my grand entrance. I still haven’t heard from Alessandro yet, so I decide to send him a quick text.

Me: Hey. Are you here yet?

I stare at my screen for 1 minute, then 2, then 3 and still nothing. It doesn’t even show that my message has been read. Maybe he is driving? Or maybe he is looking for me and didn’t hear his phone. Yeah, maybe that is it.

Deciding to go somewhere that he can find me easier, I make my way out of my room and through my home until I come to the hallway that leads to the double doors of the bustling ballroom. I tuck away to the side where no one can see me as I begin to anxiously pace before deciding to send another quick text.

Me: I am waiting in the hallway. Wouldn’t want to miss our grand entrance, would you?

Hopefully I come across as teasing and not nervous as hell like I currently feel. Another few minutes go by, and I am now frantically pacing. My eyes quickly scour the crowds in the ballroom from the hall for the 3rdtime but come up empty, again. He isn’t here.

Maybe something happened?

Uncle Gio comes walking out of the ballroom as if I summoned him by my thoughts alone, and I waste no time pouncing on him.

“Uncle Gio,” I say, calling his attention to me.

He looks surprised for a moment before his face melts into a smile. “Seraphina, you look beautiful, sweetheart.”

I give him a weak smile as I glance down at my dress. “Thanks. Do you know where Alessandro is? Did he come with you guys?”

Uncle Gio’s brows dip as he looks at me. “No. I thought he was going to drive himself. He isn’t here yet?”

I shake my head.

“And you haven’t heard from him?” He asks.

I shake my head again as worry begins to seep in. Did something happen? An accident? Or maybe not so accident. When it comes to the Family, you never truly know. I feel panic at the thought of him hurt or in danger begin to rise in my chest as Gio whips out his phone and taps it a few times before bringing it up to his ear.

I watch with bated breath for a few moments before Gio greets someone and I let out a sigh of relief.

“Hey. Where are you?” He asks.

He stays silent as he listens to Alessandro, his eyebrows drawing closer and closer together by the second.

“What do you mean you are sick?” He scoffs. “You looked fine this morning.”

Sick? He is sick? As in he isn’t coming? Why wouldn’t he tell me? Why would he just blow off my birthday, our date?

More silence goes on before Gio clenches his jaw and turns around. I am assuming in attempt to keep the next part of their conversation private, but I am a world class eavesdropper. I take a tiny step closer as I listen intently.

“Seraphina is waiting for you. Why didn’t you tell her? She is worried about you.” He pauses. “What the fuck is going on with you? Why are you being like this?” Another pause. “You know what, fucking forget it,” Uncle Gio snaps before he hangs up the phone and turns to face me.

He tries to give me what appears to be a comforting smile, but it just comes across pitiful.

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