It all seemed to pass by in a blur. The days blended into one continuous foggy cloud I desperately sought a break from.

Though no one wanted to bluntly say it there was tension brewing amongst the individuals whom we had to smile at. Nicky had been in another planet dealing with Damian and Lucien. With the truth out the call to bring the culprits to justice was high but what I didn't anticipate was how it came in the shape and form of me having a front row seat to it...

The day began like any other with Fall upon us the weather was a lot more welcoming. I would have probably spent another day working with the team on the publishing process or spent the day with the ladies if it weren't for the fact Marcie was returning home. Considering I was about seven months along it was exciting having her back at a time when she would not only get back on track but be able to meet the baby.

It was sweet watching Aunt Elle move around baking some treats for her child to munch on when she came back home. Knowing that she had recovered was a much needed streak of light for the constant paranoia I often experienced at the uncertainty of those we kept close.

She was to be discharged later on in the afternoon where she'd be brought by her father to a little spot called Rao's for the party. Nicky had gone out of his way to organize which had been sweet, regardless of how weary he felt being around Joseph as of late...

Rao's was a restaurant bathed in a vermillion exterior situated in East Harlem cushioned by FDR Drive and Jefferson Park. It was a place with a rich history of playing host to the likes of John Gotti and Lucky Luciano. Other than the plethora of celebrities and "made" men who've graced that spot, the food itself was incredible.

The Italian dishes were enough to deepen the very tastes a tongue at some point should experience. Once Marcie walked in her face lit up at everyone's beaming faces that ushered her in to relish in finally beating the demon of addiction.

Aunt Elle was the first to envelop her in a hug whilst Joseph stood behind smiling with pride at the scene before him. After everything that happened I could understand how much such a moment like that meant. When her mother had yet to let her go Marcie giggled tapping her mother lightly causing the older woman to reluctantly release her whilst wiping at her cheeks, "Sorry," Aunt Elle sniffled chuckling, "I'm just so glad to have you back."

"Ma, we still saw each other. It's not as if we went months on end without speaking," Marcie stated wiping her mother's cheeks when the tears kept trailing down.

"I know... but I'm just happy to have you back home," her mother admitted enveloping her into another hug that caught Marcie off guard to the point she began stumbling back but she managed to regain her balance.

We all laughed at the scene. When her mother allowed her to breathe she came towards us. "I have to admit, it's good to be out of there. Felt like I was in a prison," she chuckled turning to smirk in Nicky's direction to find him glaring at her, " shit... still too soon to make those kind of jokes?" she snickered reaching up to squeeze his cheek eliciting a giggle out of me.

He swatted her hand away irked by the gesture that oddly reminded me of Aunt Elle who did it to him on a number of occasions, "I see you're not wasting anytime in getting on my nerve."

"I've been away, cuz. It's time to play catch up," she winked playfully moving past us to greet everyone else. Following close behind we soon settled into the calm provided by the chatter and laughter buzzing in the air. Waiters whizzed past the tables holding trays of food and drink for the family who were all scattered around the establishment occupying the booths and tables conversing wearing animated expressions.

Smiling fondly at the environment it faltered at the sight of Nicky wearing a serious expression that had me leaning forward squeezing his knee gently to get his attention to find out what he was thinking. "Smiling more reduces wrinkles, you know?" I pointed out in a matter of fact tone.

The corners of his mouth lifted upwards at my words. "Do you have any scientific proof to back up that claim?" he challenged lightly shifting forward to pull out his phone that was buzzing. The mere glimpse I got of the name on the screen made me tense at the reminder of the issues awaiting us.

He declined the call lifting up his hand to signal a waiter over where he ordered a glass of alcohol. That was his way of showing he needed something to relieve his stress for the mean time. "It's going to be over soon, I mean some things in life must come to an end," I voiced out my opinion that had him clenching his jaw tightly before releasing a rugged breath.

"Like our youth, wrinkles are only inevitable, baby," he replied throwing his arm around me. Scoffing at words that flew past his lips I went on to say, "That isn't what I was talking about and you're right we can't fight off the process of aging but you should know black don't crack. I'm going to age like fine wine," I winked running a hand across my skin for more emphasis earning a chuckle from him.

It was relieving to still find he was willing to smile despite everything. His ability to maintain composure in the midst of everything will always be something I admired about him especially when he deserved to scream and throw a fit over everything.

"So why does Lucien keep calling you?" I asked letting my eyes stray off to see Sonny conversing quietly in a corner with Joseph whose eyes had yet to shift away from Aunt Elle. He was not doing a good job at all in hiding the longing in his eyes anytime she happened to be near. But my attention strayed from the connection the older man felt when Nicky spoke once more, "He wants blood," he answered, "but I told him it's a game of patience."

"Be honest with me..." I paused turning to look at him searching his face for any weakness in his exterior only to find none in that moment, "you are hesitant because you're still in denial aren't you?"

"Anyone in my position would be, I choose to pick my battles with each passing day," he admitted, "it's getting harder and harder to get Lucien to be patient."

"He wants justice like you," and it was a shock in itself that I actually defended or justified Lucien's actions even for a moment. But once you grow to understand what fuels some people and compels some to be the way they are, you tend to empathize with them.

Lucien turned out to have a lot more in common with Nicholas – sure he went about exerting revenge the wrong way but he needed justice.

Nicholas didn't offer any retort, deep down I believe he knew it was true even if he grew to never like the man. He stood up and quickly excused himself to go converse with Daniel. It would only be after my eyes shifted away from him that he decided to accept the calls...

***

As much as I grew to move around with a gun, I could only stomach pulling it out to steer fear in my enemies.

The street lights were alit at the point when more people grew less willing to stay for the party. It didn't help the sound of thunder rumbling was evident thus it was no surprise when the crowd began to grow thin as more people left.

It was only once Marcie along with her mother informed us they were leaving that the rest of us knew it was time to call it a night.

The prospects of falling asleep the second my head touched the pillow were high but once we stepped outside the prospects should've grown dull and dim at the sight of figures lingering a little ways off. Nicholas discreetly moved in front of us before instructing one of his men to drive Marcie, Eva and Aunt Elle home.

Joseph attempted to join but the quick dismissal from Aunt Elle telling him he didn't need to come would've wounded me like it did him. With a few of his closest men standing guard they entered the vehicle with strict instructions by Joseph to follow and ensure they each arrived home safe. Just because he wouldn't be coming didn't mean he'd be willing to gamble with security. I had yet to say anything to Sonny who stood off by the side conversing with Nicholas.

It was only when we prepared to enter the other vehicle with Leo and Daniel awaiting further instructions that he insisted the men receive a lift whilst he entered the vehicle.

It was probably for the best that no one said a word for a while as the engine rumbled to life triggering my heart to hammer painfully in my chest for some odd reason. A part of me wished I had just joined Aunt Elle, Marcie and Eva in the other vehicle. But as soon as the cars whizzed past us the need to call out to them passed and I was stuck in that phase of time suddenly wishing to close my eyes and call it a night.