Page 4 of The Diávolos: Part One
I got accepted into Antium City University and moved out of my grandparents’ house to an apartment in the Greenwich area to be closer to school. My father still transferred money to my accounts. I didn’t want to rely on him, but I wouldn’t have been able to support myself while attending college full-time. After everything that had happened between us, I didn’t want anything to do with him, but I wouldn’t have refused money when I needed it. It’s the least he could’ve done. He had called my grandparents in his quest to find me, and when they confirmed I was there, he didn’t press me to come back. Instead, he checked in with them every now and then and kept sending me funds. The switch in his behavior was confusing, given how he was initially threatening me to come home, but I didn’t question it.
It’s hard for me not to think that he, too, was relieved I was gone.
As I walk to take the subway to the university for the last time, I realize what day it is. It’s been four years and we still haven’t spoken.
“The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life.”
-Richard Bach
Being alone in a new city was a welcomed change.
I was able to start over and make new friends who knew nothing about who I was or what type of family I came from. I was a different person here.
While at college, I met Amanda, Nicole, and Daniel.
Danny and I studied in the same program, both majoring in Sociology. We met in our intro course and were instantly drawn to each other. He is a sassy, outspoken, and gorgeous man who loves to have a great time. As soon as we were tasked with a group project, Danny pointed at me. We’ve been inseparable since.
Nicole and Amanda were his long-time best friends. He introduced me to them almost immediately. They accepted me without hesitation, and we soon became a foursome. We do everything together, and crash at each other’s apartments after long nights. None of them pry into my life and they love me for who I am.
I’m so happy to feel part of a family. A found family.
We graduated a few days ago and are meeting at the The Watertower Bar in Williamsburg for celebratory drinks. It was Daniel’s idea to go out in the ‘Burg.’ There’s a long-standing silent battle between Anzionites and Burganites in Antium City, the latter thinking that people who live in Anzio are pushy, rude, and boujee, which just so happen to be the exact categories that Danny falls under. He comes from a rich family and has expensive taste, so the girls and I weren’t surprised by his choice.
The Watertower is the best place to go in Williamsburg if you want a taste of Anzio.
I take a moment to check my outfit in the mirror. I’m wearing a black, form-fitting, backless jumpsuit, with a plunging neckline that makes the most of my small chest. My highest pointy heels poke out from the bottom of the wide legs. My hair is half-up with two curly strands framing my face, and I painted my face with a soft smokey look to complement my dark brown eyes. I apply some sheer gloss to plump up my lips and finish off with a bit of sparkly body powder on my shoulders and chest to highlight my honey brown skin.
After one final glance at my reflection, I step out of my apartment and strut down the hall to hop in the elevator of my sixteen-story building. I do one last check to see if I have everything with me. I get into the Uber, pull out my phone, and send my friends a text in our group chat.
Me: Heading out! I’m in my Uber. Can’t wait to see your outfits…or lack thereof *laughing emoji*
Amanda: Brat. See you soon!!! Nikki and I are hopping in a cab *taxi emoji*
Nicole: HA HA. You’re a hoe as much as we are…but maybe not as much as Danny.
Daniel: Fuck off, Nikki. Don’t be jealous I get more guys than all of you combined.
Me: Touché.
Amanda: Hey! Leave me out of this *laughing emoji*
Nicole: *Middle finger emoji* @Daniel
Me: This is going to be fun! Get ready for the best night out bitches! *happy devil face*
I smile as I put my phone away. Our group chat messages are the highlight of my day. Four fiery personalities in one conversation equals a lot of teasing, swearing, and laughs.
The girls are waiting for me at the entrance and they both look gorgeous.
Amanda is wearing a short, emerald, sparkly, strapless dress that brings out her green eyes and her pale skin. Her short brown hair hangs in perfect curls right above her shoulders. Nicole is in a shimmery, sleeveless romper in black with matching wedged heels, her short blond hair swept to the side. Her perfect, pouty lips shine with a dusty nude gloss.
I’m so proud to call these bombshells my friends. I wish Aria were here to celebrate with us, I know she would get along with the girls so well, and Daniel would love her. They met briefly once when she came to visit, and all had great first impressions of each other.
“You can pick your jaw off the ground now, Ang,” Nicole teases while Amanda flips her hair off her shoulders with a smirk on her face.
“Sorry, I’ll get right to it,” I respond as I pretend to reach for the hotel floor. “It’s not my fault my best friends look like two of the most expensive hookers waiting to take all my money.”
“Who are you kidding? You could never afford us,” Amanda jokes.
