Page 114 of Vicious Behaviors
“Izzie, hi,” she says, turning toward me, discreetly wiping the silent tears streaming down her face.
“Are you alright?” I ask, hurrying to her, worried that she’s hurt.
“Yes, I’m fine.” She offers a meek smile.
“Are you sure? You don’t look like it.” I frown, placing my hand on her back and rubbing it gently.
“It’s nothing really. I’m just… I don’t know. A little sad, I guess.”
“Is it because it’s your birthday? Most girls would be excited about turning sixteen.”
“Is it only sixteen? I feel older than that.”
My frown deepens at the reasoning behind her words. Annamaria might have just hit a significant milestone in her teenage years, but the sadness in her eyes seems like she’s lived twice as long.
“I would have thought you’d be more excited. Most teenagers get cars at this age,” I say, trying to lighten her melancholic mood by offering something she could look forward to.
“Not me. I get chauffeurs and bodyguards to drive me around,” she counters sullenly.
“Yes, I heard that your parents are a little overprotective.”
“That’s a generous way of saying it,” she sighs. “But I’m used to it. Besides, that’s not the reason why I’m a bit… off today.”
“What is it then? Why are you sad, Anna? Is it because of the party? Did your parents not let you invite your friends from school?” I ask, since I’ve been curious about that too.
Though, from the little Marcello has talked about his parents, there is nothing they wouldn’t do to make their children happy, particularly Annamaria, being the youngest.
Annamaria doesn’t offer an explanation right away, preferring to stare back at the woods, as if they hold all the answers to her melancholy.
“I don’t have any friends,” she says at last. “And the one I do have wouldn’t be welcomed in my home. Not anymore.”
My forehead creases at the ominous remark, but I don’t have time to dissect Annamaria’s confession since she turns her attention back on me with the same sad smile.
“Can I ask you a favor, Izzie? Would you mind covering for me for just a little bit? I think I’d like to take a walk to clear my head.” She points to the woods with her chin.
“I don’t know, Anna. It’s going to get dark pretty soon.” I glance over at the darkening sky looming above us. “I wouldn’t want you to get lost in the woods in the dark.”
“Don’t worry. I know these woods like the back of my hand. I won’t get lost,” she says, then looks back at the mansion where the partying guests continue to enjoy themselves. “Besides, everyone seems to be having a great time. No one will miss me.”
“That’s not true. Marcello is searching the house as we speak, looking for you.”
“Of course he is.” Her shoulders slump, as if saddened by the fact that she can’t have one minute to herself without someone keeping track of her every move.
“He’s excited about giving you his present,” I explain, trying to uplift her mood. “I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but I think you’ll like it. No, I’m positive you’ll love it.”
“I’m sure I will,” she retorts in defeat, not looking one bit enthusiastic about returning to the party, or her gifts for that matter.
Damn it. No one deserves to be sad on their fucking birthday, let alone someone as sweet and selfless as Anna.
“How well do you know these woods again?” I blow out a breath.
The fact that I’m even debating letting Anna wander alone through the woods at night is absurd. However, when her eyes light up with my question, I know I’m seconds away from caving.
“So well, Izzie.” She smiles for the first time. “I promise I won’t take long. Consider it your birthday present to me. Please.”
“Hmm,” I mumble, still unconvinced, looking back at the shadows now immersing the woods, and then back to Anna. “Promise me you’ll be safe?”
“Promise,” she retorts, pure joy back in her stellar blue eyes.
