Linked ~ Reliance

Hey guys! It's been a while since we've posted a part to Linked, so I'm going to leave a link to the previous part here for you to refresh if needed :)

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Vincent guided the children inside feeling a heavy weight in his chest. He felt guilty for causing such a rift between the two. Valentino kept the information to himself, but at what cost? Vincent hoped Gia wouldn’t hold it over his head, and deep down, he knew she never would. He was more concerned about what she’d think of him after he told her everything.

They relocated to the living room. Vincent did a quick sweep up of the first floor before returning. His other children were all upstairs and Maeve wasn’t home.

Vincent: Let’s keep our voices down… I don’t want your siblings to hear

Gia: Hear what?

Vincent: *scratches his head and looks at Valentino, then back at his daughter* I… I’ve made quite a few poor decisions in my lifetime, and they’re starting to catch up to me.

Gia: You’re going to have to be more specific than that.

Vincent: Long before you and your siblings were even a thought, I was a part of a very powerful gang, one that apparently runs in the family.

Gia: What do you mean “runs in the family”? I need to know everything that’s going on and why everyone is acting so fucking sketchy right now!

Vincent: *sighs* My boss in this gang was your great-grandfather from your mother’s side, though I didn’t know it at the time. He was a very… demanding man to say the least. Very spiteful and evil. Your uncle Al and his sister you unfortunately never had the chance of meeting, Vera, were his children and the legacy for the gang.

Gia: So… mom was in it too?

Vincent: No, no. She never grew up in that life. Vera gave her away to give her a chance at a real life, one far away from the one she was forced to live. I-I didn’t know your mother’s relation to the organization until it was far too late. I got her into a pretty horrible situation because I couldn’t let her go. Then, everything came to light.

Gia: I don’t understand. What does any of this have to do with anything?

Vincent: I made quite a few enemies during my time in that gang. To top it all off, your uncle and I were the ones to put an end to its reign.

Gia: *freezes* s-so you… you… *looks to Val*

Pure fear was written all over her face. A sharp pain struck Vincent in the chest. He knew he had to tell her, but seeing the reaction was more than he could handle. He wanted to be the ideal father, he never wanted his children to fear him, but now, his precious baby was trembling before his eyes because of what he’d done.

Vincent: Baby, I’m sorry. I promise you that’s not the man I am now.

Gia: But you never left. You continued to participate in… that.

Vincent: I left for a little. I promise I did. I told your mother that I would never ever go back, but there were too many loose ends left from what we did that I went back. I’ve been back in the game for a while, and there are plenty of people out there who want me to suffer.

Gia: Does she know you went back?

Vincent: No, I can’t disappoint her again. And you’re siblings can’t know either.

Gia: Wait.. you’re not going to tell them?

Vincent: *shakes head* And I’d like to keep it that way.

Gia: They need to know! Mom needs to know!

Vincent: We are not going to tell them about this, Gia. They don’t need to stress about this. Especially your mother. You cannot tell her.

Gia: Isn’t it better for them to be aware rather than keep up with a lie? It’ll tear this family apart! Just Val ignoring me almost drove me to murder, dad. This can put us all in danger if you’re back in that lifestyle.

Vincent: I’m afraid it already has… Gia, I need to tell you something.

Gia: *looks at her father with fear, then Val, looking for some sort of answer or reassurance* W-What is it?

Vincent: Someone has put a bounty on your head.

Gia: What does that even mean?

Vincent: They’re targeting you.. T-They want you dead.

Gia: W-Why? What did I do? W-Why me?

Vincent: The best way to hurt an enemy is to hurt someone they love. And it’s no secret you’re my baby, my best friend.

*Gia remains frozen, Val tries to comfort her with his touch*

Vincent: Gia, please say something.

Gia: I… I need some time to think...

Vincent opened his mouth to say more, but soon stopped himself. The look on his daughter’s face was enough to pierce his heart and keep him from uttering another word. Those grey eyes of hers seemed so dull and lifeless just as her mother’s had when she got tangled up in his messes all those years ago. He wanted nothing more than to wrap her in his arms and just keep her there forever. He wanted to make everything better, but the fact was that he couldn’t. He couldn’t do anything for her at that moment. He felt like a monster for ever reing and letting the past repeat itself, now with his child, someone who should never have to be brought into a life like this.

He nodded silently and looked at Valentino, hoping he understood it was now up to him to be her comfort. Vincent silently accepted that he had probably ruined every last bit of trust with her. He exited quietly, closing the front door behind him.

Val: *scratching the back of his neck* I guess this is the part I'm supposed to apologize for being a dick… listen, I know I shouldn't have shut you out like that for the last couple of days, but I didn't know what to do. I didn’t want to slip up and tell you something I wasn't supposed to… I'm sorry, Gia, I really am.

Gianna didn’t know what to feel. Was she supposed to be angry that so much was kept from her by the people she loves? Was she supposed to feel fear that she was dragged into this mess? Sadness? She wasn’t able to feel anything at all in the heat of the moment. So many thoughts raced through her mind that she forgot Val had even spoken to her.

She couldn’t even bring herself to look at him, the person she’d grown to love so much. Not because she was angry, but because she felt in some way information like this would drive him away, if not now, sometime down the road. Or even worse, she feared the people who wanted her would eventually get to her and he’d be left alone and broken. She didn’t want that. This isn’t what she imagined. She wanted a future, specifically one with him if she was lucky enough, but now that seemed unattainable.

Gia: It’s… I understand why you pushed me away *staring off* I forgive you, I just… this is a lot to process right now, and I’m not really sure what to think of it all.

Val: Believe me, I know what’s probably going through your head right now… well not entirely, but I’m probably one of the only people here that have a clue of what it feels like to be targeted.

Gia: *looks at Val* What do you mean?

Val: It’s uh it's a long story… to tell you the truth, your dad isn’t the only person with a background in “gang” related acts. My *sighs & looks at Gia* My mom and dad were part of a similar lifestyle. It was a little more “lux”, but the same principles were applied.

Gia: Were… *looks down* Were you ever harmed? Or was your family ever harmed by rivals, enemies, or whatever you call them?

Val: *slowly breathes in then out looking away* I was lucky enough not to be home when it happened… my sister, not so much. I don’t much of it, but what I do was my dad pulling me out of school and then him frantically driving us to the hospital. From what they told me, some people they pissed off years ago found them and since they weren’t under anyone’s protection anymore, well… let’s just say they were unprepared and under staffed to handle all of them. We were lucky enough that they didn't kill any of us; both of my parents were left without any serious injuries, but Mari… *looks back again at Gia* I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed the slight limp she has… if you did, it’s from what happened that day.

Gia: *grabs Val’s hand* I’m sorry. No one should ever have to experience that. I don’t- I don’t really know what else to say other than I’m sorry and I hope your family never has to experience something so horrible again… *pauses for a moment and looks at Val in fear* Will I put you all in danger again?

She took a step back, thinking of how much this could affect Val and his entire family. The Haines have been nothing but nice to her; she didn’t want to put them in danger all over again. She contemplated what she could do… what she should do. But looking at Val, she knew she couldn’t go through with any of the ideas she had. She couldn’t break him like that.

Val: *brings Gia close to his chest, holding her* Don’t think of it like that… it’s *trying to think of what to say* Don’t worry , okay? We’re not the one with a target on our back. We’re here for you.. I’m here for you.

Gia: I just don’t want anything to happen to you or either of our families because of me, Val… *starts to cry* I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if anyone else got dragged into this. I care about you too much.

Val: *holding her even tighter* And nothing will happen. Now that you know of what’s happening, it’ll make it easier to keep you and your family safe.

~~~~~~~~~~

A few months had ed since the night where a young girl’s seeming simple life had been turned upside down. Since that conversation, her whole demeanor had changed, and it was no secret to anyone around her. Her time was more commonly spent with her boyfriend, even more so than before. It’s not that she didn’t want to be around her family. It killed her to be so distant. But now, she understood how Val felt.

She kept her distance in fear that she may slip up and say the wrong thing. She still disagreed with her father and believed that the rest of the family should know about what was happening, but with everything going on, she didn’t want to complicate matters further. Instead, she focused on surrounding herself with people she could talk to when needed, people she trusted and loved.

She knew her actions would have their consequences eventually, but in the end, she had to follow her father’s orders and do what she thought was right to keep everyone safe.

~~~~~~~~~~

The school bell rang, signaling anxious teens that they were free for the day. Liam jogged to catch up with his sisters, a huge smile growing on his face. He wrapped one arm around Ny’s shoulder, the other around Gia’s.

Liam: What are we doing today, ladies?

Nyomi: *shrugs* I’m down for anything, but I do have to study for a chem test tomorrow at some point.

Liam: Any suggestions, Gia?

Gia: *slips away from Liam’s grasp* Sorry guys. I won’t be around tonight.

Liam: But-

Before he had the chance to protest, Gia was already walking in the opposite direction toward Valentino. Liam instantly frowned at the sight.

Nyomi: Hey, don’t get so sour

Liam: She only runs to him nowadays

Nyomi: They’re pretty serious, Liam. Nothing wrong with her wanting to be around him

Liam: *shaking his head* She was never like this. They’re hiding something *sees Maricarmen walking to her car* And I’m about to find out what

Liam pat his sister on the shoulder before heading towards Mari.

Liam: MARI! *starts half-assed jogging towards her car* HEY, MARI!

Mari: *fumbles her keys* huh? *turns around* WHAT?! Oh, HEY LIAM!

Liam: *approaches her car* Do you know what’s going on with Valentino and my sister? They’ve been keeping to themselves a lot recently. Is there something I should know about?

Mari: So no “hi, Mari. how are you”?

He knew he was wrong for just demanding answers from her immediately, but he was quickly growing more frustrated with every second that ed without answers. He could tell something was really wrong. Gia was never one to just constantly avoid her family. She always made time for Liam and Ny, and now she was running to Valentino every second she could.

He understood they were in a pretty serious relationship, but they were never like this before. He felt uncomfortable with the way she was acting and angry that she didn’t tell him anything. They told each other everything.

Liam: Sorry… Hey, Mari. Hope you had a great day. Now, do you know what’s going on with those two? I’m not going to be a teen uncle, am I?

Mari: *laughs* No, at least I don’t think so. Besides, I don’t know what’s going on between them. Nino doesn’t exactly tell me everything he does with his girlfriend.

Liam: I wouldn’t expect him to, but something feels fishy here, and I would think he would at least communicate if something were wrong to you.

Mari: Well he hasn’t so I suspect that everything is fine between them.

Liam: *looks at Mari and sighs* ‘Kay, I’ll see you around then *turns to leave*

It took everything in Liam to not lash out on Mari. He knew she knew what was going on, or at least something about it and she was hiding it. She was by no means obligated to tell him anything and he knew she would remain loyal to her brother, but when it involved Gia too, he expected answers. She could have even said that something was going on, but he should hear it from them. Although it wouldn’t have satisfied him, her honesty would have meant something to him. The lack of answers and honesty made the frustration within him turn to pure anger and he had to walk away before he unleashed it all on her.

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Meanwhile at home, Maeve sat at the kitchen counter staring at the glass of wine in her hand, the red substance slowly swirling, sucking her into its delightful trance. The sweet aroma wafted to her nose. She brought the glass to her lips, temptation and desire controlling her muscles. She drank the whole glass like it was water and poured herself another, returning to her previous state.

Worry, doubt, anger, and sadness swirled in her mind. Her husband was gone more and more each day and whenever he decided he wanted to come home to his family, he was distant and short with his answers. Maeve was convinced that he was back in the gang or something gang related. There was no denying it. The same excuses he made all those years ago were the same ones he used now. Numerous times she attempted to give him the benefit of the doubt and believe his words, but she was only fooling herself.

“Should I take the kids and go?” she asked herself as she stared at the new glass full of wine that was calling her name. “I can’t let the same thing that happened to me happen to my children.”

But could she ever leave Vincent?

Maeve would never want to deny Vincent his children. He’s an amazing father, but he is a man who makes poor decisions, and if her intuitions are correct, the safety of her children and herself outweighed her loyalty to her husband. If he truly returned to the life he promised he would leave, loyalty would no longer matter to her. No matter how much it would destroy her, she would terminate their marriage and take her children somewhere where his lies, deceit, and actions could not affect them.

Thinking of it all brought tears to her eyes. Her grip on the glass tightened.

“Damn it, Vincent. Why? Why can’t you just talk to me? Be the husband and father I know you to be.”

She sipped her drink.

“If you’ve gotten yourself into something sketchy again, I…”

She didn’t want to think about the rest of the sentence. She didn’t want to confirm what she already knew. She chugged her drink and poured yet another. And another.

Before she knew it, a bottle was gone. She didn’t know how much time had ed, how long she’d been sitting at that counter playing various scenarios out in her head. As she stared at her last glass of wine, her eldest child walked into the kitchen.

He gazed at her with disapproving, yet concerned eyes. He picked up the bottle, shaking it to see how much of it remained and only shook his head when he found it to already be empty. He returned his attention to his mother who couldn’t bring herself to look at him. He wanted to scold her, to tell her she was more dedicated to alcohol than her own family in the recent days. But he couldn’t. He wouldn’t. He was more concerned about her even smaller frame, the bags under her eyes, her days when she wouldn’t leave her bed, and the nights he could hear her sob through the wall. The person he really wanted to scold and scream at was his father, but he wasn’t around enough for that to even happen.

Dom: Mom-

Maeve: Don’t. Please, don’t, Nicky. I know

(Nicky = Maeve’s nickname for Dom since he was an infant)

Dom: We need to talk about… this *gesturing to the glasses and bottle*

Maeve: There’s nothing to really talk to about, is there? I’m drinking more than I should be each day. I recognize that *brings the remaining glass to her lips, staring her son in the eye* Is it the best way to cope with whatever it is I’m feeling? No, but I don’t need you to lecture me about it

Dom: *shakes his head and takes the glass from her* I don’t want to lecture you, but I don’t like what I’m seeing and you’re not leaving me much of a choice here, mom. I mean, I’m not stupid. You’re struggling right now

Maeve: I wouldn’t say struggling

Dom: *raises a brow and glances at the time* So demolishing a bottle of wine at 3pm is normal? Skipping meals because you’re too stressed to eat is normal? Or what about losing sleep to only cry alone in your room? *sighs* Look, I know dad isn’t really around much these days, but just because you’re my mother doesn’t mean you can’t rely on me or talk to me if you need to. You don’t have to go through whatever it is you’re going through alone

Maeve: I appreciate the concern, baby. I do. But you shouldn’t worry yourself with all of this and neither should your siblings. Focus on yourself. I’ll be back to myself soon *smiles weakly*

Dom: I’m an adult now. You can’t brush me off like a child anymore. I want to help you, mom. You’ve done so much for me; let me do this one thing for you

Maeve: Dom-

Dom: Please

Maeve sighed, placing the half-full wine glass back on the counter. She pinched her nose, furrowing her brows. Dom wondered if the alcohol was starting to take its toll. She raised her head and looked at her son, finally realizing how grown he actually was. She could see the determination in his eyes and knew that he wouldn’t give up. All of her children were stubborn… just like their parents.

Maeve: Fine

Dom: Great *claps hands* So what's troubling you?

Maeve: We’re doing this now?

Dom: Uh, yeah? You think I’m going to let you just slide by?

Maeve: *chuckles lightly then becomes more serious* It’s your father. Something… something isn’t right

Dom: What do you mean?

Maeve: I know something is going on that he’s not telling me

Dom: I’ll it, he’s been sketchy as hell and pretty absent recently, but I don’t think he’d cheat or anything. I mean, he doesn’t look at anyone the way he looks at you

Maeve: That’s not it

Dom: Then what?

Maeve: I-I can’t explain it. I just can tell something is off.

Dom: I mean, I know things have been different, but I don’t think it’s anything bad. It can’t be. Why are you so sure?

Maeve: Let’s just say this wouldn’t be the first time he’s kept something from me. And he’s acting the same way now as he did the last time this happened

Dom: I mean, it couldn’t have been that bad if you stayed with him, right? I don’t think he should hide anything from you, but I’m sure if you talk to him, he’ll be open with you.

Maeve: It’s-

Maeve stopped herself from arguing. Instead, she smiled and told her son she would try. He didn’t understand just how secretive and deceptive Vincent could be when he wanted to be.

Whatever he’s hiding, he probably thinks he’s doing the right thing, but Maeve felt in her gut that it was awful. Nothing could ease this uneasiness in her body except for Vincent himself. But how would she get him to talk to her? He never would. She knew if she wanted answers, she’d have to do some snooping.

~~~~~~~~~~

Gianna walked along the streets of Willow Creek humming to herself. She thought about how she'd ditched her siblings yet again. The look on her brother's face hurt her tremendously, but she only felt safe with Val and his family. Her connection with her father had taken a huge hit after she found out about the gang activity and bounty. She strongly disagreed with his actions and beliefs, especially when it came to telling the rest of the family about what was going on. She loves her father dearly, but right now, she needed time to heal.

Before she knew it, she'd made it back to the Haines' house with the snacks she, Val, and Mari had decided on. She was excited to spend her evening with them. Just before she walked up to the door, she paused and looked around her. It felt like someone was watching her, but she couldn't see anyone. She shook off the feeling and knocked on the door, returning to the only place and people she felt safe with.

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Whew! It's been a while since we've seen these guys. Make sure to check out the part by Story.Book Sims as this story is collaborative and there will be scenes in her part that are not mentioned here :)