Highschool

THIRD PERSON

The evening had arrived, and Josephine stood in front of her mirror, adjusting her dress one last time. The delicate fabric shimmered in the soft light of her room, the color a deep blue that matched her eyes. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. Tonight was the night of the parents' ball, the event she had almost forgotten, but now it was happening, and her brother, Vito, would be there with her.

She ran a hand over the fabric, feeling the smoothness of the dress against her skin. It was beautiful, but also something that brought back a rush of emotions she hadn't expected. For as long as she could remember, she had never worn anything like this. The idea of wearing a dress felt like a distant dream, something she had told herself was off-limits. But tonight, she was wearing it, and it felt like both a victory and a challenge. For years, the thought of putting one on made her feel exposed, like the world could see every part of her that she wanted to hide. She had shielded herself with an armor of sweatshirts, loose clothes, and simple outfits, never daring to wear anything more revealing, afraid of being too visible.

But tonight was different.

When she entered the living room, her eyes immediately landed on him. Vito was standing by the door, looking every bit the part of the protective older brother. His suit, dark and tailored perfectly to his form, made him look even more imposing than usual. But there was something else in his expression—a quiet pride that Josephine hadn't seen before.

"You look..." Vito paused, taking a moment to look her over, before his lips curved into a faint but genuine smile. "You look beautiful, Josephine."

Her heart fluttered at his words. Despite all the teasing and joking, Vito's approval meant everything to her. "Thanks," she replied, her voice soft, though she couldn't help but blush. She had never felt more out of her element than she did now, but with Vito beside her, it didn't seem so bad.

Vito's hand rested on her shoulder briefly as he gave her an encouraging nod. "Let's go. You've got nothing to be nervous about."

They left the house together, and though the ride to the venue was silent, there was an unspoken understanding between them. Josephine felt oddly reassured by his presence. As they entered the ballroom, the sight of people milling about, talking, and laughing under the soft glow of chandeliers made her feel small. She clutched her brother's arm a little tighter, but he didn't seem to mind.

"Just stay close," Vito said, his voice low, guiding her through the crowd.

She nodded, grateful for his silent support. As they made their way to their table, Josephine looked around. The ballroom was a swirl of colors—everyone dressed in their finest attire, the soft glow of chandeliers casting a warm light over the guests. She felt slightly out of place, despite being there with Vito, and the weight of the dress—though beautiful—still felt strange against her skin. But Vito was here, and for now, that was enough to keep her steady.

Vito, ever attentive, made sure Josephine felt comfortable, his presence a constant reassurance beside her. The meal was exquisite, but Josephine's focus was scattered, distracted by the grandness of the event, the laughter of people around her, and the unfamiliarity of it all. The rhythmic hum of the ballroom music filled the air as they enjoyed their dinner, and Josephine tried to relax, focusing on the food in front of her, letting the distractions fade into the background.

"How's the food?" Vito asked with a raised eyebrow, noticing the faraway look in her eyes.

Josephine glanced up and smiled softly. "It's good. I just- I don't know. It feels so surreal to be here, you know?"

Vito gave her a knowing smile, his gaze warm. "I get it. It's a big step. But you're doing great." She nodded, taking comfort in his words. For all the grandeur of the evening, the only thing that mattered was that Vito was there, beside her. Even if she didn't fully belong in this world, at least she wasn't alone.

As dinner came to a close, the energy in the room shifted. The murmurs grew louder as the host announced the next part of the evening. Josephine felt a flicker of unease in her chest as the announcement rang out across the ballroom. "May I have everyone's attention, please," the voice of the host boomed through the speakers. "We will now begin the traditional Parent-Children dance."

Josephine's stomach dropped at the mention of the dance. Everyone would be able to see her! She wasn't sure if she was ready for that, but before she could think too much about it, Vito squeezed her hand gently. "Ready?" he asked, his voice low but encouraging.

Josephine looked up at him, feeling a mix of nerves and apprehension. "I don't know if I can do this. I—" Her voice faltered as she tried to speak. The idea of being the center of attention, in a dress, especially for a dance, was overwhelming.

Vito tilted his head slightly, his gaze softening. "You're doing great so far. Just remember—you're not alone. I've got you." The crowd began to part, leaving an open space in the center of the room. Vito stood, his hand outstretched to her. She hesitated for a second, her body frozen with uncertainty, but then she took his hand. His grip was firm, steady.

As they made their way to the dance floor, the music shifted to a soft, slow melody. The soft strains of the piano filled the room, adding to the magic of the moment. Vito positioned her in his arms, one hand gently resting on her waist, the other holding hers. Josephine's heart raced as the room seemed to fade away, the eyes of the other guests on them, yet all she could focus on was Vito. "Just follow me," he whispered, his voice steady and calm. "You're doing fine. Trust me."

Josephine swallowed, nodding. She felt awkward, her steps uncertain, but Vito was patient. He guided her gently, his movements graceful but subtle, making sure she felt safe and secure. Step by step, she began to relax. She wasn't perfect, but with Vito's encouragement, she let go of her anxiety. His presence, his warmth, made the whole experience feel less daunting. The music seemed to lull her into a state of calm as they moved together in the dance. It was slow and simple, but every movement was so- she couldn't describe it. For the first time, she felt the weight of the moment—not just the awkwardness, but something deeper, more comforting. This was a real step forward for her, a milestone she hadn't anticipated to reach.

In the back of her mind, Josephine thought of the years she had spent avoiding; the years where the idea of wearing a dress, of dancing, or being part of a formal event like this felt impossible. But tonight was different. Tonight, she was doing it. She wasn't the same girl she had been. Vito's voice broke through her thoughts, soft but clear. "See? I told you. You're doing great."

As the applause died down, Vito stepped back, his gaze never leaving Josephine as she joined her friends on the dance floor. Her laughter mingled with Maya's and Janu's, the trio spinning and twirling with a carefree joy that made Vito's chest swell with pride. He watched as they danced, Josephine smiling brightly, her confidence growing with every step. It was a side of her he hadn't seen before—a side he had hoped she'd find.

For a brief moment, Vito allowed himself to relax, leaning against the edge of the dance floor and watching his sister from a distance. His protective instincts remained strong, but tonight, he saw a new Josephine—someone unburdened by the shadows of her past. She was blooming before his eyes, and it filled him with a quiet happiness. The soft hum of conversation around him, combined with the fading music, made for a serene atmosphere. Vito looked around, noticing several of the mothers from other families glancing at him with interest. His reputation preceded him, and some seemed eager to strike up a conversation. He was used to the attention, but tonight wasn't about him. It was about Josephine, and he had no intention of letting anything distract him from that.

"Vito?" One woman, dressed in a rich, navy gown, smiled at him as she approached. "May I call you like that? It's so good to see you," she said with a soft laugh, her voice flirtatious. "I must admit, I've heard a lot about you. You've certainly made quite the name for yourself."

Vito smiled politely but didn't offer more than a courteous nod. "Thank you, it's been a pleasure," he said, keeping his tone professional.

She didn't seem to take the hint. Instead, she leaned in slightly closer, her perfume overpowering. "You know, we should catch up sometime. I'm sure we'd have so much to talk about."

Vito held back a sigh. He wasn't interested—not tonight, not any night. His mind was elsewhere, focused entirely on his sister. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm afraid I have a very full schedule at the moment," he replied with a polite smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm just here to make sure my sister enjoys herself."

The woman, undeterred, gave him a teasing look. "Ah, the devoted older brother," she said with a soft laugh, though there was a hint of challenge in her voice. "That's admirable."

Vito didn't have the patience to entertain the conversation any longer. "Excuse me," he said, his voice firm but still polite, before he turned away and walked back toward the dance floor.

As he approached the edge of the floor, he could see Josephine laughing with her friends. His heart lightened again at the sight. She looked so free, so happy in that moment—something he hadn't thought he'd see for a long time. But she was here, now, and she was doing it.

The woman had hardly finished her sentence when Vito felt another presence near him. This time, a mother he recognized from the neighborhood stepped forward. "Mr. Marini," she greeted, a flirty smile playing on her lips. "I've been meaning to speak with you about a project I'm working on. Perhaps we could discuss it over dinner sometime?"

Vito was already about to turn away when he heard his name. He paused. Looking up, he saw his sister, her eyes briefly meeting his, her expression a mixture of joy and relief. It was enough to shift his focus entirely away from the mothers, his attention now solely on her.

"Vito!" Josephine called again, her voice full of warmth.

Vito's heart swelled with pride. For the first time in years, his sister was out there, enjoying herself. He glanced over at the woman who had been speaking to him, giving her an apologetic but firm smile. "Sorry," he said. "Duty calls." He went away, winking at Josephine and positioned himself on the other side of the room, hoping it would be enoughto keep him safe.

Vito watched as Josephine and her friends continued to dance, her laughter and carefree movements filling the space around her. There was a glow in her eyes he hadn't seen in a long time, and it filled him with a sense of pride and satisfaction. As the music played on, he decided it was time to check in with his sister again—maybe bring her and her friends a drink to keep the energy up.

He walked over to the refreshment table, where a variety of soft drinks and juices were being served. After a moment of consideration, he selected a few lemonades and sodas for Josephine and her friends. He made his way back through the crowd, his eyes briefly catching sight of his sister, who was still talking animatedly with Maya and Sarah. When Vito reached them, he offered the drinks, giving Josephine a knowing smile. "I thought you might need a little something to stay hydrated," he said with a wink.

Josephine looked up, surprised but grateful. "Thanks, Vito," she said, accepting the lemonade. "You really didn't have to."

"No problem," he said. "Just make sure to take it easy on the dancing, okay?"

She rolled her eyes, but smiled back. "I'll be fine, but thanks anyway." Vito handed drinks to the other girls before stepping back, giving them the space to enjoy the rest of their night. As he watched them, a sense of pride swelled in his chest. Josephine was out there, fully engaged, and she was happy. That was all that mattered to him.

As he looked around the ballroom, he spotted Mr. Hastings, standing near the edge of the dance floor. Vito made his way over, giving the man a polite nod as he approached.

"Oh Mr. Marini," Mr. Hastings greeted him, his tone warm but with the serious undertone Vito had come to expect from him. "How's the evening treating you?"

"It's been good," Vito replied with a smile. "It's nice to see everyone here, having a good time."

Mr. Hastings nodded, his gaze shifting to the dance floor, where his daughter Eve was chatting with some friends. "Yes, it seems like the kids are enjoying themselves tonight. I'm just keeping an eye on Eve. Although girls are easier than boys. You surely know how it is."

Vito chuckled lightly, understanding exactly what Mr. Hastings meant. "I do." They shared a knowing glance, both aware of the challenges of being a parent.

They continued to chat for a while, the conversation veering from school to family life. Vito listened intently, but his mind occasionally drifted toward his sister. He couldn't help but glance over at Josephine every now and then

As the conversation with Mr. Hastings continued, Vito understood more clearly why Luke, Mr. Hastings' son, was such a well-behaved young man. The man's calm demeanor, his attention to detail, and his genuine care for his children were reflected in Luke. It made sense—kids usually took after their parents, and Luke's respectful attitude was the result of Mr. Hastings' steady guidance.

"Luke's a good kid," Vito said, glancing toward Mr. Hastings. "I see why you've got him so well-mannered."

Mr. Hastings smiled proudly, a small, knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "He's always been that way."

Vito nodded. "Sounds like you're doing something right."

The conversation shifted again as Mr. Hastings glanced at his watch. "Well, I don't want to take up too much of your time, Vito. I'm sure you're enjoying the night with your sister."

Vito smiled, a little more genuinely this time. "Thanks. I'll be around, but I'm glad you could take a break and enjoy the evening too." With a final nod of understanding, Mr. Hastings excused himself, heading toward the dance floor to check on his daughter Eve. Vito watched him go, his thoughts briefly lingering on his own family.

As the evening wore on, the energy of the ball began to dwindle. The dance floor was less crowded, the laughter quieter, and the buzz of conversation began to fade. Vito noticed Josephine rubbing her feet as she sat with her friends, a pained expression crossing her face. He approached her, a soft concern edging his voice. "Hey, you okay?"

Josephine looked up at him, a grimace on her face as she carefully adjusted the heel of her shoe. "Yeah, just... my feet," she said, glancing at the shoes that had been pinching her all evening. "I didn't think they'd hurt this much."

Vito bent down slightly, inspecting her feet. "Let me see." He watched as she gingerly slipped off one of her heels, revealing a deep red blister on the side of her foot. It was clear that the heels hadn't been kind to her. "That's going to hurt tomorrow," Vito said with a frown, his protective instincts kicking in. "Come on, let's get you out of here."

Josephine smiled weakly, trying to downplay the discomfort. "I'll be fine. Just give me a second, I'll walk it off."

But Vito could tell by the way she was wincing that she wasn't fine. Without hesitation, he stepped closer to her, his voice soft but firm. "No, you're not walking anywhere. You've been on your feet all night. I'll carry you."

She shook her head, a laugh escaping her lips, despite her discomfort. "What? No, you can't do that, Vito. Everyone will see it!"

"I'm your older brother," he replied simply, offering her a hand. "And I don't care how many are watching. I'm carrying you to the car."

Josephine hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Okay, fine."

Vito crouched down and, with a gentle but firm grip, lifted her into his arms. She let out a soft laugh as he adjusted his hold, and he felt a weight settle in his chest, a sense of pride mixed with tenderness.

"Hold on tight," he said as he began walking toward the exit, making sure to move carefully so she wouldn't feel jostled. Her head rested lightly against his shoulder, and he could feel the warmth of her body against his.

As they reached the parking lot, Vito could hear her softly giggling. "I can't believe I'm letting you carry me like this," she murmured. "But thank you, Vito. Seriously. I wouldn't have made it much further on these feet."

"Don't mention it," Vito said, his voice soft but resolute. When they reached the car, Vito carefully opened the passenger side door and helped her inside. As she settled into the seat, he closed the door with a quiet click, feeling the weight of the evening slowly lifting off him. He walked around to the driver's side, his own feet aching slightly from standing so long, but his concern for Josephine overshadowed any discomfort he felt. Sliding into the driver's seat, he started the car, glancing over at her with a reassuring smile. "You good?" he asked, his voice laced with care.

Josephine gave him a tired but genuine smile. "Yeah. Thanks for everything tonight, Vito. I don't know what I would've done without you."

"You don't have to thank me," Vito replied, shaking his head. "I'd do anything for you, Josephine."