Taraninja16
Junior Member
Mentions: TheZuma Bellz megmegmeg Misty Gray
Interactions: Lacey Abbedelli, Everleigh Biancardi
Aquila nodded again as Lacey gave more advice. She knew the elder woman was probably right, and just sitting here by the bar was proof enough that the feelings of joy and freedom would only flourish if she were to cast aside the negative opinions of others. But she also couldn't entirely remove her own silly emotions that reacted to the insults and mockery of others. Being demeaned or looked down on was a pet peeve of hers, especially as the youngest in a large family like the Biancardi's. Regardless of this, she still put on a smile for Lacey, as she didn't want to seem ungrateful.
"Thanks again for the positivity! I know I can at least look to your opinion as valid, if nothing else." Before she could say anything more, the waiter came with their drinks. Tentatively picking up the wine glass, she brought the base up to her lips and took a hesitant sip. Instantly, her eyes widened and a bit more color flushed into her cheeks. The taste was extraordinary...divine even! With a citrus edge and familiar fruitiness provided by the grenadine, the alcohol was accentuated in a colorful manner that still provided a tiny sample of the raw headiness wine contained. The Shirley temple drink was sweet, while simultaneously mature and filled with the whisper of adulthood, which made it perfect for a young adult like Aquila.
"This...is...amazing!" she gasped, her blue eyes alight with wonder and ecstasy. "I can't believe I haven't tried it sooner!" her outburst made the waiter turn around slightly, and shake his head that someone would become so enamored over a mocktail. However, partly because of the alcohol and partly resulting from her giddiness, Aquila paid him no mind. She was happy enough simply to relish in the taste of virility the drink had administered.
Returning her attention to Lacey, Aquila noticed a slight change in demeanor as the elder lady discussed the idea of Aquila being her protege. Aquila didn't think about this shift too much, as her own personality tended to take drastic transitions depending on the situation. Instead her focus caught on Lacey's last statement, on how her father tried to shoot her in the house. "Oh dear, that seems a bit too severe." she said, giggling less at the thought of Lacey's father and more on the notion of Lacey putting on too much eyeliner. It was hard to imagine Lacey as anything else but elegant and dangerously beautiful, but she supposed everyone had to have a messy childhood phase. After all, Lucrezia was much the same way as a child, but had grown up to become a magnificent scarlet butterfly. Aquila was just waiting on her own beauty transformation.
"But anyways, I would love to train under you, Lacey." Aquila continued, with a minor serious note in her tone. "This night, just talking with you about makeup and insecurities...i think it's been more useful than even one class at the Bowdoin college." Sincerity and candid thoughts filled Aquila as she spoke, remembering the multiple classes she had attempted at the university. She had hoped that some life skill would be taught, and she could throw away the earnestness and vigor which others associated with childish ways. But the stiff-necked stodginess of professors and book-learning had only encouraged her return to the barre, as it was the only place she had felt herself. Even the loud college parties and impromptu dorm meetings with friends had not bestowed her with any sense of solace. But her conversation with Lacey tonight had felt different. Even though she usually enjoyed conversing with people, there was a realness between them that separated how Aquila felt talking with most others. It was like some aspect of her inner self was on the verge of being unlocked, and all she needed to do was push herself a little bit further, and it could be awakened.
However, before she could fully express these feelings, she saw her brother Everleigh approaching at a rapid pace. "Come on, mom wants us upstairs like yesterday." he said, grabbing her by the arm and yanking her forward before she could give any sort of protest. Turning to Lacey, Aquila gave a quick wave of farewell before responding to Everleigh.
"Why does Mom want us? What's going on?" she asked, feeling too lightheaded from the alcohol to fully establish what was happening. She saw several of her father's staff running around, obviously worried about something, but surely it couldn't be too serious. Her father had the best mafia in the city, and arguably the world...there was no way the police could be a worry, right?
Well, either way, he wasn't sparing any security. Everleigh led her up a narrow flight of stairs, almost tripping as the lights went out. Aquila frowned, becoming increasingly more concerned about the situation. Where was her father, anyway? Shouldn't he be with them as well? Usually he had enough faith in those working under him to handle a social media situation, and from the small brushes with the cops she'd witnessed, he'd tried to keep his face and public image away from the authorities as much as possible. This knowledge caused her to worry quite a bit, but hopefully whatever event was keeping her father wouldn't be too serious. And since her papa was intelligent and quick-witted, Aquila was certain he would have a plan even if the circumstances were grave.
Everleigh let her go once they reached the room, but she still remained close to him, unsure what else to do. She hadn't drunk too much alcohol, and her senses were already returning, but they brought an energetic buzz with their restoration. She uncomfortably laughed along with him, her gaze spinning back and forth as she looked between her brother, mother and sister who stood in the room as well. "Yeah, it certainly filled us with high spirits." Normally she would've sent out a chuckle with a pun that bad, but she was too tense to even notice her own joke.
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