My murderous savage (2)

"Now!" Mrs. Ricci's sudden cheerful voice takes me out of my wild and very errant thoughts. "Let's get to the matter that has made us really happy." She says with a wide smile, glancing at me. Oh no, she's going to begin the other battle.

In a moment, it is going to be me that is going to cry.

Someone, save me!

"Something happened?" Heidi asks confused, looking between her parents while giving surreptitious glances at me.

"Don't play dumb, honey. Aldo already told us everything. My, this is the third happiest moment in my whole life, of course after our wedding," Mrs. Ricci gushes and looks lovingly at her husband, who just gives her a faint smile back. "And your birth." She beams at her daughter, who is still as lost as it comes.

"So, he told you everything…?" Heidi looks at me with eyes that ask what exactly they are talking about. She signals me with a subtle expression that she has already begun with her improvisation, and, just like that time in the workshop, she wants me to include myself.

"Yeah, I, um, I told them that…" I stutter before her expecting expression that will surely collapse and become the epitome of rage. "…that we are dating. For some time, now." I unnaturally look away when I notice her face blanks. My gaze catches Mr. Ricci's and I hurriedly add, "But we are not living together!" For the man's sake, who nods approvingly.

It was a test from my father-in-law! And I passed! Yes!

My happiness vanishes when I see Heidi staring at me with an indescribable expression, but it is gone the next second as she immediately turns and smiles to her parents.

"So, that's how it is. Isn't it wonderful?" She even happily laughs and reaches for my hand, giving it a tight squeeze that promised pain as soon as we are alone.

"Incredibly wonderful!" Mrs. Ricci exclaims. "Why didn't you tell us such amazing news before?!"

"Ah, well, with his fame and scandals, I thought you wouldn't be happy with him." Heidi says with enviable calm while taking a sip of her juice. That was such a low hit! I don't have that many scandals! Besides, they all were embellished by the media! There were some things that didn't see the light, but it's better none of the ones present here know about them.

"Nonsense! Fame comes and goes but his unconditional love won't come twice!" I am not sure if that was meant as a praise or not – I want to be famous for a while! – but mother-in-law is right! No one can love Heidi like I do! "I was so worried you'd never date anyone seriously since you bounced from guy to guy when you were younger. You always claimed they weren't the right person. So, you think Aldo's the right person?" Mrs. Ricci inquires.

Hey, hey! What do you mean she bounced from guy to guy?! You only told me she dated several guys! And, mind your words, Mrs. Ricci! Heidi might not be my girlfriend but I won't accept you saying something so crude about her!

Heidi unconsciously starts rubbing her thumb on the back of my hand as she replies. "Sometimes you don't realize you have the right person under your nose." She says with a slightly bitter expression that she immediately hides with a smile. Wait a minute there! Stop! What does that mean?! You've truly liked… loved someone to the point that you regret your lost chance?!

WHO?!!

Who was it?!

"Yes, that's true. It's good that you noticed he's the one for you. Even if it took you years. I always thought he was perfect since you were little." Mrs. Ricci's words make Heidi's expression grow dimmer, and she releases my hand. Mrs. Ricci! Wrong words to say! However, the older woman is too elated to notice her daughter's expression.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ricci has lost himself in the juice long ago. He obviously does not care about anything else besides knowing we are not living together. I am not sure if he's too carefree or… I am starting to understand why Heidi feels like her parents only see things their way. They become too absorbed in their own thoughts that fail to see the reality of things.

My poor Heidi…

Even so, why did her mother's words affect her so? Is she thinking about that unknown guy she could not get in the past? Or is she thinking about the mess of her being my fake girlfriend? It is not so bad, right? Being my girlfriend… Many women want to be so, wish to be so, would die to be so. Only Heidi is the opposite, looking cramped even when it is a made-up story.

Have I truly wronged her with my scattered-brained idea?

I remember she looked really happy when we met again after more than a decade. She even follows my career! It is obvious she cares about me, in her own way, of course. I don't understand you Heidi, I thought you were simple, but you really aren't easy to understand anymore.

"...though Aldo said he hasn't told his parents yet, I think we should all gather to make this a bit more formal." Mrs. Ricci puts her hands together extremely delighted. That little clap startles both Heidi and me, taking us out of our own thoughts.

Heidi immediately reacts and takes my hand once again, showing a wide smile. "Yes, of course, let's make this more formal, and let's all celebrate this good news. I bet your parents will be extremely surprised, Aldo. After all, we've been dating for sooo long." She turns to look at me, and all I can see in her eyes is the seventh entrance to hell.

And like that, I, Aldo Greco, have dug my own grave.

I also signed up my own death. The two women are even setting the date.

We set my funeral date to tomorrow.

Everybody is invited to know how this famous, handsome, a genius in music, loved by everybody, and an icon's life will end by the hands of my murderous savage.