Page 4 of Vicious Games

That’s the other thing about Sacred Heart. Instead of homeroom, we’re forced to attend mass every morning. It’s a killjoy way to start the day. But aside from that miserable first hour—when Father McDonagh preaches about us being all sinners in his eyes—no one comes here willingly. Which explains why the chapel is deserted.

Now fully at ease, Sister Agnes turns to my parents, giving them her full attention.

“My apologies for Mother Superior’s stern demeanor. I assure you, her intentions are rooted in care. She has had to adopt a firmer approach with the twins’ recent antics. While this may be harsh, it’s important to understand her perspective—the twins haven’t exactly made her life easy over the years.”

“The same could be said about her. Sister Margaretta could’ve let them skip a few grades like my husband suggested years ago. If she had, they’d already be in college, and none of this would be a problem.” Mom frowns, clearly done with anything and everything pertaining to the Mother Superior.

“That’s true.” Sister Agnes smiles apologetically. “The twins should have been off to college long ago. They more than have the grades for it. But may I be so blunt to ask why you didn’t enroll the twins in a different school? You could have easily fixed the boys’ problems, too.”

“If life was that simple. Unfortunately, my children are as stubborn as their father.” Mom sighs. “Transferring to another school would mean admitting defeat, and neither Enzo nor Lucky knows how to do that. I’m afraid none of my children do.”

“That’s what I thought.” Sister Agnes nods understandingly. “However, I worry that Sister Margaretta has that same flaw. Stubbornness, as well as pride, can be blinding. And in the twins’ case, prejudicial.”

Dad narrows his eyes. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, today might have gone in your favor, but that doesn’t mean Mother Superior will stop looking for any excuse to either expel them or hold the twins back another year, just to—”

“Fuck with us?” I cut in, already seeing my life flash before my eyes.

“Teach you a lesson in humility,” she corrects with a little smile.

Mom’s gaze sharpens, as well as her claws, ready to protect her cubs from any threat.

“Well, she can’t expel them if they behave for the rest of the year, now can she?”

“No, she can’t,” Sister Agnes agrees. “But she can keep them from graduating. Luciano, especially.”

“The fuck? Why me?” I throw my hands in the air in disgruntlement.

“Because you haven’t completed your community service hours, Lucky,” Sister Agnes explains patiently, not one bit bothered by my cursing. “That’s part of every student’s graduation requirement.”

“What if I don’t believe in charity? Sister Margaretta can kiss my—”

Smack.

I barely have time to finish the sentence before Dad slaps me across the head.

“Basta,” he mutters. “Listen to Sister Agnes. Can’t you see that she’s trying to help you?”

“I really am.” Sister Agnes nods. “Enzo worked in the soup kitchen all his junior year, so he’s covered. But you, Lucky? You haven’t even made a dent in the hundred hours that are mandatory to graduate. You must do something to fill that gap before Sister Margaretta uses it against you.”

“What do you suggest?” Mom asks worriedly.

“Well, there’s no question Lucky is one of the brightest students this academy has ever seen. Having said that, maybe we could use his intelligence to help the student body instead of coming up with new ways of making them laugh.” She grins widely. “I was hoping he might consider tutoring some of his classmates to help them graduate. That way, Sister Margaretta wouldn’t have anything to use against him come graduation time. And who knows, it might even win him some favor with her, too.”

“Like I give a damn about that old hag’s approval.” I scoff.

“Lucky!” Mom scolds, having had enough of my lip. “I’m sorry, Sister. I don’t know what’s gotten into this boy lately.”

Sister Agnes waves a hand dismissively. “It’s quite alright, Mrs. Romano. I understand why Lucky and Enzo have a strained relationship with Mother Superior. She hasn’t exactly been their biggest fan, either.”

“Well, at leastyoulike us.” Enzo winks, causing Sister Agnes to fight back a laugh.

I roll my eyes because I’ve seen this show before—Enzo oozing his charm, while Sister Agnes never takes his flirtatious nature to heart, preferring to laugh it off instead. Good thing, too, because my twin wouldn’t think twice about fucking her.

See, this is where my brother and I differ.

He likes nuns.Lovesthem, in fact.

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