Chapter 4

Seraphina waited at the dining table for her father and the remaining members of her family to gather so she could tell them the exciting news she had gotten earlier in the day.

She had applied for admission into the University of Michigan to study theatre arts, and she had been given admission. She wanted to tell her parents to gain their support and discuss what her future was going to look like.

After high school, her father had ordered that she stay at home. He said it was only safe considering his reputation and his status, and she understood. He also stated how he wanted to ship them all to Europe so that they could be safe and enjoy the lives that they all deserved and desired. But as usual, her father hadn't kept to his promise.

Although she was just twenty, she felt that her life was slipping before her. There was no way she was going to continue to remain in her father's house, eating, drinking, and listening to the sounds of guns blaring while her peers were doing something with their lives.

That was why she had applied for admission in the first place. Because she wanted to leave her father's house, and because she felt it was time she did something with her life. Waiting for her father's European dream wasn't going to make her gain anything.

And who knew how long she would have to wait before that dream became a reality? She couldn't wait anymore, and that was what she wanted to let them know by showing the admission letter to them.

At the same moment, her brother came into the room, a cigarette in his right hand. He was now completely copying his father. Having completed High school, it was clear he wasn't interested in furthering his education. He talked about the family business as if it was something that he treasured and had always wanted to do all his life, and Seraphina found herself thinking he was stupid.

How could someone decide to lead a life of crime because his father did? Why was her brother trying to ruin his life without even trying?

It was crazy.

“No smoking at the dining table, Sampson. Remember that rule please.”

He laughed, dragging a chair, allowing it to scrape the tiled floor. It made her wonder if he just liked noise or if he was way more stupid than he always was.

“That rule will cease to continue once I take over the family business, my sister. I'll be even crueler than Father is currently, trust me on that.”

“Yes, I can tell. You have no use for your life. All you care about is the family business and how you can make it yours. You're way dumber than I thought you'd be.”

He laughed again, sitting on the chair he had chosen, then putting out his cigarette as he took in the last drag. He inhaled, then continued his laughter, grinning from ear to ear.

“Now now, watch your tongue, sis. I've not yet been issued my gun, but I assure you that I'll probably do target practice on you once I get it. It's inevitable because you talk too much. If only you would learn how to shut up sometimes.”

“Sampson, that's no way to talk to your older sibling. Apologize to her this minute!”

It was her mother, her hair neatly done and her nails shiny. Despite the stress of being the woman in charge of the Du Vanguard household, she always tried to appear presentable and very beautiful. She owned a hair salon just in town, and Seraphina loved the salon because of how she seemed to escape from the harsh reality of her life inside its small walls.

“Oh, come on. She insulted me first. How do I get to apologize?”

“You should do it, or you'll forget about eating for the moment.”

Sighing, he raised his arms in surrender, then rolled his eyes. It was normal coming from him. Seraphina felt she heard those sighs almost every day of her life.

“I'm sorry little miss Seraphina, daughter of Du Vanguard.”

“You will apologize properly, Sampson!”

Seraphina smiled in triumph, looking at her brother who was going through the option of having to choose between apologizing or losing his dinner. She knew that he would've stood up from the table, but partially he was scared of his father who seemed to control him with an iron fist.

“In a few years, you'll be the one begging for food, I assure you, Seraphina. I apologize, I'm sorry for insulting you.”

“It's not even a proper apology Mother, but I'll take it I guess. However, I'm sure I won't be begging you for food, Sampson. I have a future ahead of me. Not lying in a bed and being attended to by servants all day.”

When her father entered the room, it went silent. Scanning the table and ensuring that every member of his family was present, he said the grace, ensuring that they all held hands.

As soon as they began eating, Seraphina threw all caution to the wind, speaking even though they weren't supposed to talk at the dinner table.

“I have something to share with y'all. I applied to study theatre arts at the University of Michigan, and I got accepted. I want to go, Dad.”

Her father continued eating, acting as if he hadn't heard her. He tore into his chicken, and Seraphina stared, irritated at his complete show of not caring.

Sampson on the other hand stared at her in something that was mockery and awe. He laughed a few minutes later, a chuckle because he knew what was going to happen to him if he didn't focus on his food completely.

“Wow, Seraph, that's good to hear. Congratulations! I expect that you were one of the best to pass the exam.”

“There is to be no talking at the dining table!”

With those words, the chatter seemed to cease. Her father had finally spoken.