17 The Family Emblem as a Birthmark (1/2)

SEAN LOCKHART

I don't know what's happening around us anymore but all I know is that since Aviana left and Ace woke up from the hospital. Everything changed. Wait. That's not right. Let me rephrase that, since Ace met Aviana everything changed. The world that we thought was peaceful became a world of darkness. War is inevitable, a war between powerful individuals that only fights for fame, money, and status.

A week already passed. Tomorrow, every family will officially announce the next boss of each mafia. I'm nervous but in the end, we can't refuse or escape from this since death will find us all.

I looked at Ace and he's just blankly staring at the dancing floor. For no particular reason, he seems to be out of this world. Ever since he has been discharged from the hospital, he doesn't talk much and always staring at nowhere. We are here at some club, trying to cool off our minds. There are just so many things happening around us. Also, this party for the mafia family will be held tomorrow. Our schedules are full and I want to take a break right now.

”Ace...” I called. He looked at me.

”Let's go?” I asked. He looks bored, it's too obvious. He stood up from his chair without giving a word. I was right. I just followed him and so both of us proceeded to walk away from the club.

When we finally arrived at the parking lot and got in his car, I suddenly remembered something. I want to investigate it quietly and on my own only but until now I still can't find what is the reason why Aviana has that kind of birthmark.

”Ace, let's head towards your parents,” I suggested. He looked at me first, probably he is thinking why I would like to meet his parents and at this time? However, he just nodded as an answer.

He is not living with his parents anymore. He prefers to stay on a condo. I don't know what is his reasons but this is a good opportunity for him to visit his parents. It's also been a week when he decided to leave their mansion.

A few minutes later we finally arrived. Tita welcomed us and she told us Tito isn't home to welcome his son's return. I looked around the house and everything changed. Even though I just occasionally visit here. I can tell that a lot has changed. I noticed also that there are so many men standing inside and in front of the house. Seems like they're highly alert from their enemies. I guess this is the reason why Ace left. He's sick of this. Well, who can blame his parents?

When we were finally in the living room, Tita offered us to sit. A moment later, the maids served us with some beverages. I looked at Tita and she just smiled at me. She's glad that I brought Ace here.

”Tita. We came here because Ace wants to visit but also, I want to ask you something.” I started to talk.

”What is that?” She asked while sipping from her drink.

”Well, I noticed someone.” I paused and looked at Ace because he still doesn't know about this.

”But I think that it is impossible.” I just said and sat properly.

”Tell me.” Tita suddenly said seriously. I decided to not ask her anymore or else this will make them confused. Since that I, myself am confused about what I found out but damn Tita looks terrifying with those eyes looking at me.

”Well, Tita.” I paused and looked at her again but she's just still looking at me with those eyes. Here goes nothing.

”What if I saw someone with a birthmark of your family emblem? What does that mean?” I asked. Hence, I was startled when Tita's glass suddenly slipped from her hands. She was surprised by it. The maids helped her to clean the broken glass, then she looked at me after that.

”What d-did you say?” She asked.

”I said-” but Ace cut me off.

”If you saw someone with a birthmark like our family emblem, that means he or she is a family-related. Are you sure it's a birthmark, not a tattoo? It's very rare for people to have a birthmark with red color in their skin.” He stated. I froze. I am sure that it was a birthmark. It's not a tattoo.

”Well, that someone could be a great descendant of our ancestor,” Tita added while wiping her clothes because some of her drink was spilled at her dress.

”A great descendant who can inherit the Family's ability. You already know that Sean.” Tita said and my eyes widened after hearing those words.

”Why is that?” Tita asked.

”Well... Nothing.” I said and just awkwardly smiled at them. Ace noticed me trembling and that made him glare at me. He noticed that I'm lying.