When Rox opened her eyes, it was still dark. she checked her phone, 4:00am. she slid down the bed and went to the bathroom to take a quick shower. ugh! she had to go to college today, however there was no class until 8:00am which was not until four hours from now. Removing her coat from the hanger, she went downstairs to get herself some breakfast.
"You went to bed early last night," Rashad's voice echoed from inside the dinning hall.
She went in and saw him with a glass of wine in his hand, and the other in his pocket with his left shoulder tilting against the wall.
"Good morning," she greeted, placing her coat on the chair and sitting on another.
An elderly woman stepped into the hall with a tray of fruits in her hands. she bowed deeply before coming closer and gently placing the tray on the table.
She turned to Rox, "would you like it hot or cold today?"
"Hot," Rox said leaning back on her chair and closing her eyes.
After a moment, she opened her eyes and looked at her brother, "when can I stop college?"
He looked at her amused, "What do you mean by 'when can you stop college'?"
She gave him a look but he just stared at her.
"You don't get it," she sighed, "The place is so annoying and boring."
"I'm seventeen but in college which means I am smart enough," she said, counting a finger down, "I am also in the Mafia. I don't need no school to be in it..."
"No, you are not," Rashad interrupted, "you are not in the Mafia."
Rox frowned, "okay? yes, I am."
"You are not in the Mafia," Rashad repeated slowly, "You live in a Mafia home, with two brothers, all in it, but it doesn't mean you are part of it."
"Why not?" she clicked her tongue, "I don't see why..."
He gave her a smile but his eyes spoke differently.
"I have told you this before and I will repeat it to you," he said, "The Mafia is a dark business, kissed by crime. Dirty crime. All through history, the only way a Mafia ends is either prison or death. Dad ended with death, I might also end up with either of them."
He paused before continuing, "you shouldn't bare the same fate. I will not allow you to."
"You always say this but you dont give a reasonable reason," she argued, "I know so much about the Mafia, okay? I know how to use the gun, I can fight..."
"That's self defense, Rox"
Rox knew no matter how much she argued, she wouldn't be able to convince her brother. She just gave up and changed the topic.
"Can I stop college at least?," she asked, but knowing her brother too well, she added, "I'll find something doing. We have more than enough money for a capital. ill think about it."
He chuckled, "Okay. But you will have to stop going to the town without permission or any escort."
She hesitated before she mumbled a quick 'whatever' and flicked a berry into her mouth.
"End this semester," he said, dragging his slim fingers through his shoulder length black hair, "I won't bother you with school after that."
Rox gave a satisfactory nod and took her mug from the elderly maid who came back in with a tray of tea.
Without eating much, she stood up and made her way to the stable.
"I think you need a little bit of morning exercise today," she said to her black stallion, Ardanwen, holding him by the reigns and leading him outside. Their Mansion was in the middle of nowhere, far from the dangerous eye so she was allowed to ride out alone, provided she didn't cross out of the jungle. she didn't plan to. They'd catch her beforehand anyway.
"let's go for a little trot," she said, hoping onto Ardanwen's back with a few swift movements.
In no time, Rox was soaring through the air on Ardanwen. There was no sign of life. she just rode on and on. She rode along the narrow shortcut to get to the river side so she could make a turn and go back home. She slowed the horse down to a quick trot and rode on.
She remembered being thrown into the river many times by other horses anytime she rode past the river, during her days of learning, but Ardanwen, who was said to be a very stubborn horse allowed her and nobody else to sit on his back. Their first ride was a bit rough but she did it.
Rox noticed some movements in the trees ahead. She pulled the reigns and shushed Ardanwen. Climbing down she looked through the trees. No more movements. she knelt down and placed her hand on the mossy ground.
"Horses," she muttered
Who the Hell would be in the jungle. That too early this morning?