*Mafia boss and his lost love*
Alessa Romanov had endured a difficult childhood. Kidnapped at two years old, she had no memory of her biological family and spent fifteen years in captivity. It wasn't until her stepfather's death that she was finally...
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I tugged at the hem of my mom's shirt, my eyes big and pleading. "Mama, can we go to the park today?"
My mom looked down at me, a playful glint in her eye. "Nico, it looks like someone's got a crush," she teased, ruffling my hair. I blushed, my cheeks turning a shade of red that perfectly matched Lili's hair. "N-no, Mama, she's just my friend," I stammered.
Mama chuckled, "Alright, alright, we can go to the park, you little devil. But you better behave and be a good friend."
I couldn't help but grin. The park was my favorite place, and today was going to be special because I'd get to see Lili again.
***
I was at the park again, my little sneakers kicking up gravel as I sat on the bench, waiting for Lili. My legs dangled, not quite reaching the ground, but I didn't mind. I had my eyes fixed on the path, hoping to spot her any minute now.
I'd met Lili a few days ago at this park, and we'd quickly become friends. She was super nice, and her smile was like the sun coming out after a storm. I couldn't wait to see her again.
She was like a ball of cuteness, always making me laugh and smile. My ball of cuteness.
Yep, that sounded good.
As I waited, I couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. What if she didn't come today? What if she was too busy? I really wanted to show her my toys. I knew she'd like it.
I scanned the park, my heart racing with excitement. I couldn't stop thinking about her. She was so pretty and cute.
Finally, after what felt like forever, I saw a flash of red hair standing out. "Freckles!" I shouted, waving my arm like crazy. She turned and flashed me a big smile.
(GODDAM, THATS SUCH A CUTE NICKNAME)
"Niwo!" she cheered as she came over.
I grinned, flashing her a smile like Momma always said I should. "I missed you so much, Did you bring your magic smile today?" I asked her, playfully.
Lili giggled, her cheeks turning a bright shade of pink. She was so adorable.
As we continued playing, I carefully reached into my pocket and pulled out the paper ring I made for her. Gently, I tapped her on the shoulder.
Lili turned to me, her eyes filled with curiosity as she looked at the paper ring in my hand. I couldn't help but feel a bit nervous.
I held out the paper ring toward her, "For you," I said, my voice filled with shyness. "One day, I'll get you a real ring to replace it."
Lili stared at the paper ring for a moment, her bright eyes studying it. Then, with a sweet and gentle smile, she reached out and took it from my hand.
"Thank wu so mwch," She mumbled.
I smiled back at her, feeling a warm and happy sensation in my chest.
As we continued to play, I couldn't help but think about when I could give her a real ring, just like I had promised. Until then paper rings it was.
***
As we continued playing and chatting, Lilith's older brother, who she told me about before, appeared out of nowhere. He grabbed her arm rather forcefully and said, "Let's go, Lili."
I clenched my fists in anger. "Hey, don't be so rough!" I protested, "You can't just grab her like that!"
Lilith looked at me with concern, and I could see she was trying to convey that it was okay. But I couldn't stand seeing her treated that way.
"And what are you going to do about it, little guy?" he sneered, his face uncomfortably close to mine.
I felt a surge of anger, my fists clenching tighter, my small knuckles turning white as I glared up at him. "You can't do that to Lili!" I yelled at him, and then I did something I'd seen in movies. I swung my fist and tried to punch Jake.
It was really surprising because Jake's nose started to bleed a lot, and Lili looked scared.
She was afraid.
Of me?
I reached out to touch Lili's arm, but she just looked at me with really big, scared eyes. I felt really bad and stepped back.
Jake, on the other hand, grabbed Lili's arm and started dragging her away. She looked back at me, and her eyes said something like.
Goodbye.
My hands started to shake, not out of fear, but out of anger. How could he take her away like that? She might not know it yet, but she was special to me.
Very special and she was mine.
Mine.
My freckles.
***
Day after day, I went back to the park, but Lilith never came. I waited on the same bench, my heart getting sadder each time.
The park just wasn't the same without her. The swings didn't swing as high, and the slides weren't as fun. I missed our games and her big smile.
And I missed her cute freckles.
I didn't understand why she didn't come back. Did I do something wrong? Was it because I punched her brother? Did she not want to play anymore?
I tugged at my mom's sleeve one day, my lower lip quivering. "Mama, where's Lili?" I asked, my voice small and sad.
Mom looked down at me, "Oh, sweetie, sometimes people have to go away for a little while. Maybe Lili will come back one day."
"But I miss her, Mama," I said, tears welling up in my eyes.
Mom pulled me into a warm hug, her arms wrapping around me tightly. "I know you do, Nico and it's okay"
"I want to find her, Mama. I want to know if she's okay," I whispered, my gaze fixed on the paper ring clutched in my hand.
Mom gently cupped my face, "We can try to find her, sweetheart, but it might take some time."
My heart swelled with hope. "Really, Mama?"
She smiled warmly. "Yes, Nico, we can try"
I hugged her tightly, my tears slowly turning into a smile. "Thank you, Mama. I love you."
"I love you too, Nico," she whispered, holding me close.
