Chapter 2 - Puerto Rico 

I watch out the jet window as the pillowy clouds drift through the sky beneath us. I had never been on a plane before, let alone a jet. I had only heard stories of them in school from other kids. Yet as we fly through the air my thoughts only consist of Puerto Rico. What will it be like? I've only seen it on a map in social studies back in middle school but other than past knowledge, I don't have a clue.

My anxiety begins to eat away from inside out and I let out a rugged whimper. The pain swallows me as I cry softly. From his position at a booth with another man, my husband looks over at me as I cry. 

Not long after I'm spotted he briskly makes his way over to my seat and crouches down beside me. Instead of trying to at least make an effort to comfort me, he gets straight to the point. "Why are you crying now?" His voice reeks of dominance as I turn away from him with a quivering lip.

"Boy, I would rather you not ignore me. Now answer my question." I whimper, "Sir... I-I.." I look out to the blinding white outside the window. "Sir, it's really hard for me to go somewhere I have no clue about…"

Before I can continue he interrupts me, "Puerto Rico is my home country and I'd rather be there with my Mafia and family than in the States. Puerto Rico is the best way to avoid the Feds as well. It's an island off at Sea filled with beautiful views and cities. Whether you enjoy your time with me or not I won't be crude and I will allow you to explore. Though I won't let you go alone, you will still get to explore."

I frown slightly but the quirk of exploration has me slightly interested. At least I won't be cooped up for the rest of my sorrowful life with this man. 

"Now boy, get some sleep, it will be at least 4 hours until we're there. I want you well rested and prepared." He stands and walks back to the booth. I watch as he settles down in his seat and continues to talk with this other mysterious man.

Maybe it is best to sleep the rest of the flight away but I can't resist the urge to want to stay up and be alert of my surroundings. In an unknown environment, I'm unsettled by everything but my surging need to sleep wins me over as my eyes gradually close and I pass out in the enemy territory.

“MOM!” I scream as the ground crumbles and falls apart before me. I look around in search of a way to get to my parents as the ground decays and falls to pieces. “NO! You can’t leave me!” I feel a hand grab me from behind as the ground deteriorates more. I look back and spot my husband as he drags me away. Tears fall down my face as I scream and cry out for my parents. Both Mum and Dad stand there without a care in the world as they turn their backs on me. Both walk inside as I scream until I feel my vocal cords break and snap. 

“You can’t just fucking leave me with him! MOM! DAD! PLEASE!” I break as sobs shake my body and defeat my disposing brain. I’m knocked off my feet as the taller man drags me away to my inevitable doom…

I'm shaken awake by an unknown man as I jump and scoot away quickly. Alarms go off in my head and before I can flee the man speaks. "Master Alferenzo requested me to recover you and give you a tour of the mansion. He had an urgent meeting to attend and could not be present. I suppose you are his newlywed husband. I hope he will treat you well but I can not make any promises."

I watch the flush warm man warily. He's a bit pudgy but he wears a kind and gentle smile. "I forgot to mention, My name is Antonio but you can just call me Anthony if you would like."

I nod softly and speak out quietly, "My name is Alexander but you can call me Alex…" He smiles and takes my hand as he gently leads me out of the private jet. I'm greeted by the tropical wildlife and flora in the distance of the runway. Yet in front of us sits a beautiful black 'Mercedes-Maybach S 600' informs the pudgy man as he opens my door kindly. I give him a soft smile in thanks as he shuts the door behind me. 

I try to relax into my spot but I can't help being unnerved. I'm in another country and I'll never see my only family left ever again. I'll be living with a brood of a man and his Mafia. 

Anthony opens the driver’s side door and gets in. He starts the sleek and luxurious car and drives off. I feel weird with no seatbelt on but I try to shake it off as I look at the beautiful scenery. 

A small smile graces my face at the sights and wonders that I'll be able to explore. The only good thing so far is the experience of wandering the streets in my future. "Sir Alexander, the staff will be pleased to meet you. Master has been discussing your arrival for many months now and it has the staff bustling with joy. They will all be delighted to finally meet the infamous Darcely boy."

I furrow my eyebrows and look toward the man, "Why did you call me Sir? You also don't have to use my full name…" The man smiles gently and glances at me, "Sir is just your title for now until you're accustomed to living here. Now, if you would like- we'll get you settled into your brand new room when we arrive."

I gradually nod and turn my eyes back to the sights of the country. The beautiful colours, the bustling people, yet the dreadful thought of the temperature plagues me. This temperature is going to kill me, even though it's late November, the temperature seems like hell.

I take a deep breath and sigh, "Can you at least tell me what the Sir is like?" I watch out of the corner of my eye as the man pauses to think before he speaks. "Sir Alferenzo isn't around as much as you think he is. He's mostly working out on the field or at his office. When he is home he usually eats Breakfast as well as Dinner and he works out in his private gym. Though he is usually out of the house- when he is home, he isn't rude to his staff." 

I let out an inner sigh of relief, at least he won't--hopefully-- abuse me if he's nice to his staff. I relax a bit at the thought. Leaning my head against the window we slowly make our way through the streets as I drift off into my thoughts.

Though not soon after my thoughts are interrupted by Anthony gently shaking me. "Let's go inside Sir Alexander." I blink and look around out the windows and marvel at the huge mansion-like house in front of me. The beautiful tropical exterior has me wondering what the inside will look like. 

I open my door shyly and step out, following after Anthony as he leads me up the steps to the front door. I watch as he pulls out a keychain decked with tons of keys and finds the right one to unlock the door. With a swift click, he pulls the keys out and opens the door for us. 

He holds the door open for me as I nod to him and say thank you. I'm greeted by a beautiful and large living room with wide-open windows spread across a whole wall. The warm comforting appeal with the antique white walls and brown couches and chairs brings everything to life. 

The accurately placed fauna gives the room a welcoming vibrance to it. I turn to Anthony and mumble quietly, "It's beautiful…" 

Soon though my thoughts are interrupted by the sound of heels tapping on the hardwood floor. A light and warm accented voice speaks. "Ah! Master Alexander! We've been awaiting your arrival for quite some time now."  

I look at the beautiful brunette woman with a maid dress on her slim figure. Her tanned skin glows in the sun's rays shining in through the staggeringly high windows. "My name is Marionette but you can simply call me Mari if it's easier for you." She gives me a gentle smile. 

"Come get lunch Dear, it's still warm. Master Alferenzo has already taken his portion." She beckons me to follow after her as she treks through a large dining area and into a gracious modern kitchen. I gasp in awe at the angelic chandelier in the kitchen over the island bar.

"You can sit at the bar if you would like." She smiles reassuringly as I make my way to the bar and sit on a high barstool. She sets a beautifully made dish eight in front of me with a soft clink as it touches the granite countertop. 

The dish smells heavenly as I take in the smell, golden-brown chicken sliced equally with a portion of avocados along with carrots and some red radish pieces. My stomach growls as my cheeks light up causing the woman to laugh. "Dig in Master Alexander, it was made for you." 

I smile thankfully at her and dive into the delicious meal with the best aroma. Maybe this won't be that bad.