Adele was so embarrassed by her breakdown that she didn't dare to look any of them in the eyes and she was extra grateful when the food arrived. Now, she had a reason to not look up, burying her face in her food instead. As if they understood her, Arianna and Mimi did not bother her and let her be.
Perhaps, this was the reason she preferred their company rather than being completely alone - aside from the fact that both of them were the only people relatively close to the word "friends" in her life.
They respected each other's boundaries - most times, she thinks - and didn't push their buttons. Also, Adele felt better, lighter, like this huge load in her chest had been taken off. Who knew talking was therapeutic?
"So…." Mimi started up another conversation, which wasn't surprising. She must hate the silence or something. "What's Marcel's plans towards Aricel?"
The question was obviously directed at Arianna.
"What do you mean by that?" Arianna looked down, absent-mindedly rolling the spaghetti in her fork with her gaze trained on her friend.
"I mean, you and Marcel are going for a second child. What if it turns out to be a boy? What would happen to Aricel? Would she take her father's position in the future or would Marcel be forced to make her brother the heir because she's a woman?"
Arianna lowered her fork this time, saying, " Isn't this conversation a little bit too early considering Aricel is just two and I would love for her to enjoy her childhood before being faced with the responsibility? Also, my daughter would do whatever she wants to. If she wants to take up her father's business, why not? If she hates the violence and wants a normal life, no problem. I'm all in support of her choice."
"What's the problem with her being a girl anyway?" Adele joined in the conversation and Arianna was not surprised. She was a badass and a feminist at heart - and Mimi is about to get chewed out.
"I mean…" Mimi shrugged, "It's just that from what I have heard, most Mafia families don't acknowledge female leaders and I'm curious as to know if Marcel would follow the old tradition or shake things up a little?" She said.
Adele stated firmly as if she could already see the future ahead," Aricel is going to be her father's successor as the queen she is, I would make sure of that at all costs."
Arianna breathed, "That doesn't sound foreboding at all. "
"If she's fit to lead the family to the next level, I'll make sure that change happens. It's long enough our gender has been suppressed and our voice unheard all because of this perception of being weak. I advise you as a mother, Arianna, you let Aricel roar because I see a lot of fire in her. You got a handful, that one."
"Oh, you do not tell me." Arianna concurred with her on that one. Her daughter had her father's temper and was a fast learner. She just wished Aricel have the chance of living a normal life before seeing this brutal and cutthroat world as it was.
"I'm curious about something then," Mimi said, her attention now on Adele, "How is it going between you and Elijah? Do you not plan to have more children with him or do both of you still share different beds?"
Adele choked on her saliva and Arianna glared at Mimi. That question was too personal.
"I was just curious if they maintain the facade in front of the kids or if things are going well between them? I mean they have been together for two years now as a husband and wife. Even if she hates his ass for his betrayal years back, they had once loved each other. There should be even the slightest spark. "
"That's enough, Mimi," Arianna warned her.
"Fine," She muttered to Adele, "I'm sorry I cared enough to ask. I guess I forgot that Arianna and I are the only ones being straightforward here. I thought this was a meeting to discuss just anything, but I was wrong, obviously." She said in a huff, her words having a sting to them.
Adele said, "No, it's okay -"
"No, it's not okay -" Arianna cut her off, frowning at Mimi, "You have known me for half your life, but not Adele. She's not comfortable enough to reveal certain aspects of her life and we can't push her just because we are liberal enough."
There was remorse in Mimi's eyes and she bit the inside of her lips in shame before her gaze darted to Adele and apologized to her, "I shouldn't have delved too deep into your private life and made you uncomfortable. I'm sorry."
"No, it's okay -" Adele was about to say when nausea assaulted her and she lifted a hand to her mouth, her eyes going wide.
"What's wrong?" The both of them were quick to notice her discomfort but Arianna was the one who asked.
Adele opened her mouth to speak only to retch once again, Arianna and Mimi's eyes connected and held. They made read the situation and their mouth dropped open. It was impossible! Adele and Elijah doesn't even share the same bed or had been all this while…..
"No way," Arianna breathed, "Tell me it's bad food or the alcohol and not what I'm thinking?" But she knew deep down that it was not the food. She ate the food and it was not bad at all.
"Unbelievable! You and Elijah have been having sex?!" Mimi squeaked, the shock apparent on her face.
"You can't be pregnant already! Marcel and I planned to be the first this time!" Arianna cried out.
However, Adele ignored the two women and palming her mouth, jumped out of the seat to go find the restroom. Mimi and Arianna followed after her, now discussing their discovery.
It was shocking.
Adele might have another baby. And to think that she hated Elijah.
Guess the word "hating" and "shagging" were not too far from each other.
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