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Post by Sedona Rossi on Mar 8, 2011 18:16:46 GMT -5
Sedona nodded, still with her arms around him. "Si, I know." She knew he didn't like this... and when she asked him to promise that he forgave her, she was really asking him to not forget her. They both knew that this very likely would end very badly... and she loved Gaby, and she loved the idea of the shop. But was that worth walking away from Teo for? Gio, her father?
"I'll make him be okay with this," she whispered, more for her own sake that Mateo's. She couldn't bear the idea that she would never see Teo again.
Finally, she pulled away, and tears still in her eyes, she took her brother's hand and gave him a smile. Sedona was ready to hit this head on. "Come... it's now or never, no?"
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Post by Mateo "Teo" Rossi on Mar 8, 2011 19:55:06 GMT -5
How could she possibly make their father be OK with this, when Teo wasn't even OK with it? Nothing about this seemed like a good idea to him. He didn't blame Sedona, and he didn't even really blame Gabriella. But he did not trust Marcello Santino or the rest of his organization. It was impossible to predict what danger the girls might be in just by living together. And what if the business struggled? Would it cause tension between the girls that would somehow come back to the two families?
Sooner or later, Teo knew that he would have to let Sedona grow up and live her own life. And she'd have to make her own mistakes. He just wished she wasn't starting with something so big.
He looked at her, nodding slowly. "Now or never," he repeated, as the familiar "tough guy" mask slipped back onto his face. He gave her hand one last squeeze and led her back into the living room.
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Post by Sedona Rossi on Mar 9, 2011 17:32:04 GMT -5
Sedona's smile softened, and deep down, she knew that there was a very real possibility that this might be the last time she would have a moment like this with Teo. It broke her heart.
Still, she took him back into the other room, squeezed his hand.... and let go.
"Padre," she said, getting the attention of her father and Gio. Then, she softened again and took a deep breath. "Papa, Gio. I've opened a business. A little dress shop, actually, and my business partner will be my room mate, well. It's called Sedriella Designs... for Sedona and Gabriella. My best friend.... Gaby Santino." She barely took a breath before she plowed on, hoping to just run right over the anger she was sure would come. "I was hoping you'd be proud of me." All the same, the tears were still in her eyes, and there was a tangible fear around her. Waiting for whatever would happen, she shot another look a Mateo.
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Post by Mateo "Teo" Rossi on Mar 9, 2011 19:12:26 GMT -5
But Teo wasn't looking at her. He couldn't look at her, couldn't allow himself to betray even the slightest hint of an emotion in front of their father. He kept his face completely blank and stared straight ahead, not looking at any of them. This way, he made it clear that he did not endorse what was being said, but that he was not condemning her, either.
Inwardly, he braced himself for the inevitable explosion from their father. If she was lucky, he'd be too stunned to react properly, and she would be able to get out of there before the hammer fell.... but Teo didn't think that was very likely.
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Post by Niccolo Rossi on Mar 9, 2011 21:48:06 GMT -5
Niccolo trusted Teo to settle whatever was going on with Sedona. While his two children were out talking, Niccolo found himself in a conversation with Gio. It wasn't all that often that he got the chance to speak with Gio alone. Of course, he wanted him to come into the family business, like Teo had, but Gio wasn't going to budge. He wasn't sure what his youngest son was going to do with his life.
As Teo and Sedona entered the room, the conversation between him and Gio stopped. Niccolo could tell something was off before Sedona ever spoke. He knew his children well enough to know when there was something being hid.
When Sedona mentioned she opened up her shop, Niccolo was about to tell her that he was proud of her but she continued on before he could say anything. The name Gabriella sounded familiar, and then it hit him as soon as Sedona said the last name. Niccolo's face fell. His daughter was in business what a Santino?
"Your best friend," Niccolo said, "is Gabriella Santino?" His face lost all good emotions he felt earlier. Now his face started to look a little angry. He wasn't one to be a fan of the Santinos. "How long has this friendship gone on?"
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Post by Sedona Rossi on Mar 12, 2011 14:20:38 GMT -5
Sedona could see her father's temper rising, and she wondered if she lied, would Teo rat her out? "I don't see why that matters, Padre. We're friends and now business partners. Please just say that you're proud of me."
It wasn't like she was marrying into the Santino family or anything... even if she unknowingly was sleeping with their right hand man.
"I don't want to do this without your blessing, but I will if I have to. It doesn't affect the business, I swear."
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Post by Niccolo Rossi on Mar 12, 2011 22:07:34 GMT -5
Niccolo didn't want to be angry with Sedona. She was, after all, his one and only daughter. He took pride in her, even if he didn't always show it, which nine times out of ten he did show it. However, she was going into business with a Santino.
"Business partners," he said as his eyes traveled over to Teo. Niccolo wondered how long Teo had known about it, or if he knew about it at all. He let his eyes travel back over to his daughter. He kept her out of the 'family business' for a reason. Sedona didn't need to get involved with the family business, especially after what happened to her as a little girl. Niccolo didn't know how the Santino's were going to take the news once they found out about their daughter.
"Out of all the people in the world, you go out and befriend a Santino. Although, you not only befriend one, you become business partners with one." Niccolo's eyes were back on his daughter. He knew that she was going to do whatever she wanted to do. After all, she was much like her mother was, but that didn't mean that Niccolo was happy about it.
"As for this friendship, it does matter to me. How long has this gone on? How long have you kept this a secret from me?"
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Post by Sedona Rossi on Mar 12, 2011 22:23:16 GMT -5
It hadn't actually dawned on Sedona that the issue wasn't how long she'd been friends with Gaby, but rather how long she kept it a secret. Merlin, she was in so much trouble. "Since third year," she finally answered, her tone softer now that she seemed to understand. "Please understand that I didn't befriend her because she was a Santino. I didn't even know her last name for months."
Maybe they would have shied away from each other had they known... but it was too late now.
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Post by Niccolo Rossi on Mar 13, 2011 12:36:27 GMT -5
He should have known that Sedona and that other girl would have been friends for a long time. "Since third year." Niccolo closed his eyes and put a finger on either corner of his eyes. It did hurt that she kept the secret for that long, however in a way Niccolo could understand why she never said anything.
"Sedona," he started but he stopped himself before finishing. Niccolo was far from okay with what was going on. "I can't begin to tell you how angry this makes me. First of all, you keep it a secret for the longest that you're friends with her, then you announce you're business partners as well as that you've been keeping a secret." By now, he had opened his eyes. "I can't tell you that I'm okay with this, because I'm not, not at all. What was your plan? Tell me then run away from us?" Maybe he shouldn't said that last bit, but he couldn't help it.
"Where is this business you have?"
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Post by Mateo "Teo" Rossi on Mar 13, 2011 13:10:30 GMT -5
Teo, who had stood stiff and silent during this conversation, abruptly turned and faced his father. It was still obvious to anyone who knew him that he was struggling to keep calm and neutral. "Padre, I'm not saying that I approve of this, either, but we know that Gabriella Santino is not part of the family business, and neither is Clarice Santino. We've always made an effort to keep innocents out of the business--" except where Shana was concerned, he thought bitterly-- "so there's no reason why they should also be part of the rivalry, either. Sedona didn't tell us because she knew how we would react, but there really shouldn't be any reason why the two girls shouldn't be friends, as long as they keep to their own business and out of ours."
It was the best argument he could come up with, but it still sounded flimsy to him. Maybe it was because he still didn't like this idea any more than their father did. But he also hated that Sedona was, in a sense, imprisoned by a life that they didn't even want her to be part of.
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Post by Niccolo Rossi on Mar 13, 2011 15:50:12 GMT -5
Leave to Mateo to try bring Niccolo to terms. Niccolo already knew what his eldest son said was true. Neither girl was in on the family business. The idea that Marcello probably blew up knowing that his daughter was going into business with Sedona did amuse Niccolo in a way, but he showed no reaction to this thought.
"I'm not saying that I forbid her to do anything," he said turning to his son. "After all, she's going to do whatever she wants to do. I can't really stop her from doing anything." Niccolo looked between all three of his children. He knew that Mateo didn't like the idea anymore than he did. Maybe he would make sure that someone kept a watch on Sedona.
"I'm not extremely happy about this, but you've always had fairly good instincts," he started looking back to Sedona. "I can't keep you locked up because you'd find one way or another to get out."
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Post by Sedona Rossi on Mar 13, 2011 18:56:25 GMT -5
The question from her father damn near broke her heart. "I didn't have a plan... I was hoping this would go well so that I wouldn't have to make that decision.' It at least seemed to be going better than she thought it would.
Mateo spoke up, surprising her, and her eyes turned to him... nothing but admiration and gratitude were there.
She tools deep breath, turning back to her father, and Merlin help her, she couldn't help but smile at his words. She'd always been bold and strong willed, even moreso when someone told her her mother had been the same way.
"Im not sorry that we're friends... but I am sorry I never told you. I didn't want you to be angry."
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Post by Niccolo Rossi on Mar 14, 2011 13:52:53 GMT -5
It was extremely hard to yell at Sedona, no matter what was going on. Sedona was his little girl. Had Gio or Teo admitted they were going into business with a Santino, or anything like that, things would be a lot different for them. Like Mateo said, the girls were innocent. No matter how much Niccolo wanted to keep Sedona from the Santino's, even their daughter, he couldn't do anything.
Sedona was right to have waited until now to tell him about her friendship with Gabriella. Had she told him when she was younger who her friend was, then he was pretty sure he would have done everything possible to keep her away from her. Now, Sedona was older and he couldn't exactly do that. "Like I said before I'm not too happy about this, but I'm not going to tell you I forbid you from anything. Where is this business going to be?"
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Post by Sedona Rossi on Mar 14, 2011 17:20:28 GMT -5
Sedona sighed, the smile fading however slightly. At least he wasn't screaming at her or disowning her. That was better than she expected, and this pleased her.
"It's in Muggle London, really close to Diagon Alley. I can give you the address. There's a little apartment above it, too. Gaby's already there... things didn't really go well with her family. It's really cute, and safe. And I swear it has nothing to do with your business." She didn't know what else she could say, so she hesitated and looked towards Mateo again, and then back at her father.
"What can I do to make you okay with this?"
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Post by Mateo "Teo" Rossi on Mar 15, 2011 0:21:51 GMT -5
Mateo wouldn't look at Sedona. He felt her eyes on him when he spoke up, trying to defend her actions, but he would not even look in her direction. The truth was, he was feeling deeply conflicted about this, and he was only just managing to keep control of himself. If he looked at her, that control would slip.
To a certain extent, he believed what he had said--Sedona should have the right to be friends with Gabriella, as long as neither of them were in any way involved in the family business. It wasn't fair to her that their father's business should hold her back from being friends with someone. And yet, Teo couldn't help but feel... betrayed. It felt as though Sedona had chosen her friendship with Gabriella over the family... over him. And for Teo, who had always put the family first, that thought cut him deeply.
And his father's reaction wasn't helping. He seemed resigned to it, as if there was no point in trying to stop her. Like he was just letting her go. Yes, he should be glad for Sedona that Padre wasn't making this any harder for her... but he wasn't. Their father had always insisted that Sedona and their mother be kept out of the business, and Teo had agreed with that. Gio had been allowed to stay out of the business. But no one had ever given Teo an out. He'd never had a choice, and he'd never had an out. He'd been groomed for the business practically since he was born. He was just expected to join the business, and Teo had never questioned it. Why hadn't he ever been given an out? He had sacrificed his love for Kate, probably his only chance at happiness, and for what? Teo wasn't even sure anymore.
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Post by Niccolo Rossi on Mar 15, 2011 8:49:07 GMT -5
Niccolo was sort of putting on a mask for his daughter. Inside he was boiling with anger, but his wife had made him promise long ago that he would never lash out at Sedona. She also made him promise he wouldn't lash out too harshly against the boys either. Niccolo was attempting to keep that promise, even if it was hard.
"I don't know," he said to Sedona. Niccolo wasn't sure what would make him okay with it at all. Sure, they weren't in the 'family business' but he couldn't help but wonder if something might happen.
"However, if you're doing this whole business thing, you can't stay here." He was aware that it did sound harsh. "You can come visit when you like." Niccolo thought that it would be in Sedona's best interest if she did move out since she was wanting to start this business with Gabriella.
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Post by Sedona Rossi on Mar 24, 2011 16:48:38 GMT -5
Sedona's eyes shot up at that condition from her father. It didn't matter that she had intended to move out anyway... she was still getting kicked out.
"I don't understand," she said, her tone soft and her head shaking slightly. "You say I can visit... but it sounds like I'm not welcome here. Is this true, Padre?"
She couldn't help but keep glancing at Mateo, wishing he would just look up and meet her eyes... just for some kind of connection with him. "I don't want to leave on bad terms. I don't.... I don't know that I could leave you all like that."
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Post by Marco Valentin on Mar 25, 2011 22:18:58 GMT -5
It was not by chance that Marco walked into the room at that moment. He had overheard the conversation between Sedona and her brother, and was just biding his time until he could walk in for this. The idea of the two girls working together elated him. It was too easy.
He cleared his throat, making his presence known. Sedona did not look away from her father.
Marco walked into the room, stopping near Mateo, and he couldn't resist a jab at his cousin. Quietly, he raised his eyebrows and murmured from the side of his mouth, "Couldn't teach your own sister better, Teo?"
He feigned a sight and nodded to Niccolo, though remained quiet.
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Post by Mateo "Teo" Rossi on Mar 26, 2011 0:52:25 GMT -5
Teo twitched when Marco cleared his throat. It was no secret that the two of them hated each other. Marco had taken Mateo's rightful place as Niccolo's second-in-command, because he'd come of age before Teo had. And now he was standing in Teo's way of taking his rightful place.... and he never let him forget it.
He tried to keep any reactions to a minimum, but Marco's snide comment was nearly enough to unhinge him. Everyone knew that Sedona had a mind of her own; she had always done what she wanted. If anyone was to blame for Sedona's willfullness, it was Niccolo for indulging her at a young age. But who could blame him? After Sedona's kidnapping, they had all been so glad to have her back that they let her have her way. And in spite of everything, Teo still thought he wouldn't have had it any other way.
And he didn't appreciate Marco's comment.
"This is a family matter," Teo said tightly, all but telling him to get the hell out. Technically, yes, Marco was "family," but he wasn't immediate family. Just because he was second in command in the business and their cousin didn't mean that he had the right to interfere in private family issues.
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Post by Marco Valentin on Mar 27, 2011 2:03:48 GMT -5
Marco correctly read the tone of his cousins response, and it took everything he had not to laugh. Still, a small smile escaped. "Then it's a good thing I'm family, isn't it?" Of the lot of them, Marco's accent was the least pronounced. He worked hard on this, another way to blend in when he needed to.
He continued quietly, not to interrupt Sedona and Niccolo. The last thing he wanted right now was to get kicked out of the room. No, Mateo would get too much satisfaction from that.
"I could keep an eye on her. Poor thing's probably a little naive about the real world." These words were said for Mateo alone, a very subtle way of suggesting that Sedona was never properly prepared for something like this, and perhaps an even subtler suggestion that despite such naivity, she still just wanted to get away from them. He could be cruel to Mateo, but he had to keep himself in check so as not to lose favor with his uncle.
And damn the girl, anyway. She was supposed to have been dead years ago. That had been the real plan... her death marking the fall of the Rossi family. That plan had clearly failed. But both girls going into business together... well, that was definitely a turn of luck.
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