Chapter 4: Questions

I nodded up toward Yujin, hugging my coat tightly in a nervous stance. I looked over toward Paolo who rolled his eyes and waved for me to follow him. “Come on, piccolo topo, let’s get you inside.”

Yujin gave my head a soft pat and moved to get back into the car. “I’ll be back soon, you two behave yourselves.” Sergio returned to the driver seat to drive them back down the driveway. I moved toward Paolo, slowly at first then a quick shuffle to keep up with his fast pace.

I followed him inside, but he moved quickly without speaking. The inside of the mansion was as extravagant as I'd imagined, and had a distinct floral smell that I couldn't quite place. I quietly followed the gaudy man down a massive hallway, asking "What is topo? Is that Spanish?"

He spun around and flashed an almost offended glare. "Italian, little mouse. Sheesh, did Jinnie really not tell you anything? Typical."

“Why do you keep calling them Jenny?” I asked.

He raised a stern finger in my direction, “You do not let them catch you calling them that, you hear me? I changed the diapers, so I can call them whatever I like. Not you.” I nodded, embarrassed at my question.

He spun around and continued leading me down the hall toward a large door. “This will be your suite for the time being.” He swung the massive door open and motioned for me to follow him inside. It was far larger and nicer than the tiny apartment I’d been living in.

“Wow,” I muttered quietly, taking it all in with a slow waddle forward.

“Thank you, I designed it myself. That piece is an original-” he motioned to a large painting, then cut himself short when he looked in my direction. “Nevermind. We need to get you cleaned up before they get back.”

He extended an impatient hand as though expecting me to hand him something, but I wasn’t sure what he wanted so I just shrunk a little, staring at him. He sighed and jerked the coat out of my grip and slung it over a chair. “Any allergies we need to worry about? Sensitive skin, fabrics you can’t wear, anything like that?”

He pulled out a soft tape measure to start taking my measurements while I awkwardly looked around the exquisite room. “I don’t think so? I’ve never had an issue before.” When he went to measure my bust, my face turned a bright shade of red and my shoulders instinctively caved forward.

Paolo gently pushed my shoulders back and tilted my chin up with a squatty finger. “No point in being shy around me, little mouse. You’re one of us now. Chin up.”

I swallowed, watching him work to get my measurements. “One of who?” I hoped I had a better chance of getting a straight answer out of Paolo than I did with Yujin.

He ushered me toward the bathroom, saying “The family. No more questions. Clean yourself. I’ll find some more… appropriate clothes in your size and lay them on the bed for you. Leave your dirty clothes in the hamper so I can burn them later.”

I took the most fantastic shower of my life. The fixture was massive, the pressure was amazing, and the products they had were salon quality. I did my best to hurry, but it was so relaxing that I wanted to really take my time and enjoy the experience. Once I was finished, I carefully wrapped myself in a towel and stepped back out into the room.

The wardrobe door was open and filled with an assortment of clothes in my size. I heard Paolo approaching before he came into sight. “Finally. You are small, it should not take so long.” He huffed into the bathroom to collect the dirty clothes, pointing toward the bed. “Get dressed, so we can do something with that hair.”

There was an outfit laid out for me, a surprisingly conservative designer one. Something you would wear to a fancy event, though I had been hoping for pajamas. I tugged on the tights and was halfway into the dress when Paolo got back.

I could hear him snapping his fingers impatiently. “So slow! Move like you have somewhere to be, little mouse.” He helped zip me into the dress and piled me with accessories in a very specific manner. I couldn’t help feeling a bit like a Christmas tree, a sparkling array of red, black, and gold.

He sat me down in front of a large mirror to get started on my hair. I kept my eyes closed while he worked, worried that rest wouldn’t be coming soon for me. "I’ll get you an espresso before you head out, can’t have you nodding off.”

I peeked up at him. “Where am I going?”

He pointed my face back toward the mirror to continue to work on my hair. “Midnight Mass, sheesh. For the holiday. Did your family teach you nothing?”

I closed my eyes again and took a long breath. “I don’t really have a family.” It was a lie but easier than explaining.

He started putting things away and moved with a quick pace toward the kitchenette. “Well you have a family now. In this house, you are Italian and Catholic. Have you at least been to a mass before?”

I nodded and started to stand to follow him, but he waved a hand in opposition. “Get your makeup started, don’t f*ck it up. I’m just pulling you a shot so you don’t embarrass us by falling asleep.” I did as I was told to the best of my ability. I hadn’t worn makeup much, but I knew the basics. He returned, offering me a tiny cup. “You have no idea what you’re doing. Drink fast so I can finish you up.”

Once I was caffeinated and made up, he had me walk around to make sure I could handle myself in heels. I wasn’t graceful, but I could manage to move in a fairly natural manner if I went slowly. He packed a tiny purse for me and checked his pocket watch. “Shouldn’t be long now, I’ve done what I can.” He casts a serious expression in my direction. “Keep them happy. Jinnie is a cranky child, you don’t want to be on their bad side.”

I kept looking at myself in the mirror, still in disbelief that I was seeing myself looking so fabulous. “Otherwise I’ll end up in the canal?” I joked.

Paolo laughed and grabbed my clothes and coat, moving toward the door. “Don’t be silly. You’re a pretty girl. If Jinnie doesn’t want you around, they’re far more likely to sell you off and ship you out of the country. Good luck.”