It was night time. Rose Bianchi was walking in the gardens of the Bianchi mansion. There was a party going on in the main mansion. It was the birthday party of one of her cousins. Parties were quite common at the Bianchi mansion. Any excuse lead to a party. She was part of a lively family. Her family had only paused partying while she had been gone for one year when her father had abducted her. All the family's efforts had gone into finding her. After she had been found parties had resumed. But only for one difference for her... Her father was no longer welcome like before. He did not exist in the eyes of the Bianchi family and was not allowed to be in Rose's life unless it was for short visits to see her under heavy guards. Even this kind of allowance was done after interference of the Alessandrini family and her insistence.

Rose sighed and sat down on a bench and looked around the gardens. She missed the old days but did not complain. She wished her parents were still married but her father was lucky to be alive after the stunt he had pulled.

Rose spotted one of the guards coming close to her. He bowed slightly and spoke "Ma'am. Your mother wishes for you to return to the party."

Rose said "I just need some air. I will be back shortly."

The guard bowed respectfully and then walked away.

Rose looked up at the stars and went into deep thoughts about memories of the past. She then minutes later snapped out of her thoughts as she felt a presence sitting next to her. She turned and saw Amelia Albertini seated beside her as she was staring at her smiling. Amelia was Amerigo's sister who was Rose's age.

Rose raised an eyebrow "What are you doing here?"

Amelia said "You did not return to the party. Your mother sent me to come look for you... She is busy with the ladies and couldn't come outside."

Rose sighed "I am sorry to have troubled you... Sometimes parties can get boring..."

Amelia said "I don't understand you Rose... How can you get bored in a party like this? The Bianchi family throw the most entertaining parties..."

Rose shrugged "I just don't feel up to it..."

Amelia rolled her eyes "You never do... I thought you would be in a good mood tonight. You saw your father this morning... He visited you, didn't he?"

Rose smiled sadly. It could hardly be called a visit. Her father was treated like a criminal. She understood why but she didn't like how he was treated. Her father's visits could not take place without guards. It was not ideal but at least she could see her father alive and well. She counted her blessings.

After Amelia failed in convincing her to come back inside, Rose started walking around the gardens knowing her mother was going to send more people to drag her in. She didn't feel like partying. She did not feel happy. She just didn't. As she walked around, she spotted Lena Alessandrini getting off a car with her brother Luigi. They were invited too that night. She was so pleased to see her. She walked towards her with a smiled.

Lena greeted and hugged Rose.

Rose hugged Lena tightly and greeted her.

One of the guards gave directions to Luigi on where to go for the party. Luigi turned to Lena and Rose "Lena... Are you ok to go with Rose? I need to go to a meeting with the boys before going to the party..."

Lena nodded "Yes. You go ahead..."

Rose lead Lena away from the party building and Lena found herself sitting on a bench quite far away from where the party was.

Lena asked "Aren't we going to the party?"

Rose looked around making sure no one was standing at ear shot and then turned to Lena "We will... But first I need to ask you something."

Lena said "Ok..."

Rose took a deep breath "I need a favour..."

Lena said "Name it..."

Rose said "I heard you are having a big homecoming dance this semester. I heard lots of difference schools with many crime families attending it... Is that correct?"

Lena nodded "Yes." She didn't know where she was going with this.

Rose said "I saw my father this morning... He said he is working at that venue for that night as undercover extra security personnel hired by the Alessandrini family...."

Lena gasped "What? There is extra security there from my family? But my father said it's safe..."

Rose said "It is safe... But he told me that some families are sending personnel there just to keep an eye out... You know to break up fights and make sure things go smoothly without incident."

Lena nodded "Ok. I understand. That makes sense... But why are you bringing this up?"

Rose said "Let's get to the point... I want to come to the party..."

Lena couldn't believe her ears "What? You want to come?"

Rose nodded "Yes. I want to see my father... He told me he is also performing in a band playing the piano while everyone has dinner before the dances start.... There are student bands but there are external professional adult bands too. He is in one. If I can attend, then I can see him without guards listening in the conversations and he can talk without fear of angering the Bianchi family and getting banned for his words. I need to see him play too. I would love to see him... I need your help Lena..."

Lena was baffled "My help? How can I help?"

Rose said "Your boyfriend Gianluca... He calls the shots for your school community decisions because he is the football captain and his parents own the place... You could talk to him to maybe... You know... extend the invitation to this homecoming dance to my school too..."

Lena took in her words and stared at Rose thoughtfully and silently.

Rose said "What do you say? Can you talk to Gianluca? I want to come..."

Lena breathed "What if something goes wrong or something happens to you?..."

Rose shook her head "That is highly unlikely... My father explained how the Kavannagh family have arranged the night... Its perfectly safe with no flaws... Nothing will go wrong... So will you talk to him..."

Lena sighed and looked at Rose "I ... Well .... I..." She knew if anything went wrong Gianluca and the Bellagios could get into some trouble. The Bianchis did not play nice with anyone who messed with their daughter or remotely threatened her well being. If Rose's school was invited and they showed up, it could go ok but also it could go wrong. She did not want to cause any trouble for Gianluca. The thought of him or his family in trouble did not sit well with her. If Gianluca's school invited Rose's school it made him and his family responsible for her safety as the Bellagios owned the school.

Rose said "Please Lena..."

Lena said "Look... Its not about me wanting to talk to Gianluca... This is no ordinary party... Lots of families show up. Italian families and Irish ones too..."

Rose said "I am fully aware... But its a peaceful event and its perfectly safe... If its safe enough for you it would be for me too in the eyes of my family.... I really want to come... It maybe my only chance to spend some normal time with my father at that venue... Please Lena... Do this for me... Talk to Gianluca on my behalf..."

Lena wanted to say no. She truly did but the look in Rose's eyes really broke her heart. She had so much hope and had faith in Lena to help her. She could not let her down. She said against her judgement "Ok... Fine... I will talk to him."

****

Gianluca was playing billiard with Christian in the game room of the Bellagio mansion. It was quite late at night.

Gianluca took a shot at a ball and said "I cant believe your uncle Artan has allowed you to come here this late at night... I assumed he might be stricter with curfews compared to your grandpa..."

Christian shrugged "Its not that late Gianluca... Besides your territory is safe for me and you know it... For your information he is enforcing the exact same rules as my grandpa... My grandpa maybe absent but his rules stand..." He walked to a bowl of candy that was on a high chair and grabbed a handful of his favourite sweets.

Gianluca chuckled as he watched him eat the candy in his hand "Ease up on the sweets... You may lose your appetite for breakfast... You cant have him suspect you had a candy feast at my house..."

Christian said "You call this a candy feast? Seriously? I hardly have eaten a few dozen here. Get me some more of the purple ones next time. Will you?" He then put some more candy in his mouth.

Gianluca said "Let me get a drink... Do you want anything?"

Christian shook his head to imply he didn't need a drink as he was eating candy.

Gianluca walked to the drink fridge and then froze as he saw who was coming down the stairs. "Lena?"

Lena said shyly "Hi... I hope I am not interrupting anything..." She then glanced around and spotted Christian who was eating candy. He waved at her and Lena politely waved back and looked away quickly. That kid scared her a lot... But she felt safe with Gianluca around.

Gianluca asked "Is everything ok? What are you doing here?"

Lena reached the bottom of the steps "Well... Luigi and I were on our way home from the Bianchi party. Luigi stopped here to talk to your father about a message my father had passed onto him to discuss with your father quickly on our way... So I used the opportunity to come talk to you..."

Gianluca did not expect that at all. So she wanted to talk to him. Really? He said "Erm... Sure... Sure.. Let's go somewhere private..."

Lena shook her head "Actually your friend can stay... It concerns him too..." Whether she liked it or not she had to involve Christian. She needed to know the answer from the Irish too... Lena partly hoped that Christian opposed the idea. Gianluca held Christian's idea very highly. Another Italian school joining in could not sit well with Christian.

Gianluca looked at Christian who shrugged. Christian said "If your girl wants me to be present I don't object." He walked slowly to Lena. "If you want to talk, then go on... I am very keen to know what you want to talk about that concerns me of all the people... You do know I am enemies with your family Lena..."

Gianluca narrowed his eyes at him "Watch it Christian..."

Christian said "What? It is the truth..."

Lena interrupted "Christian is right Gianluca... This is no ordinary topic... Let me explain the situation... I need the input from both of you I think. You will see why when I tell you about it. You can have a think about it... I had to tell you urgently about it because a rash decision can be costly..." She then sat down on a high chair nearby. She needed to sit down for this. She took a deep breath and told everything about her conversation with Rose Bianchi.

Lena tried not to make eye contact with Gianluca and Christian. She said everything and then looked up. "So... What do you think?"

The boys looked at each other and remained silent.

Gianluca looked at Lena and said "I don't know... The Kavannaghs are hosting this... Bianchis are complicated... There are so many Italian families joining in already from other schools... I don't know how the Irish will take it... I need to discuss it with Christian..."

Christian said "I can extend invitations to more Irish schools if you wish... Its no problem..."

Gianluca turned sharply towards Christian and looked at him "Are you sure about that? I think the word problem has a different definition to you than it does to me..."

Lena wanted to find out more about what the final decision was but just then a guard showed up who was sent by Luigi to call her to come up. They were leaving. It was late. They had to go home. Lena said her goodbyes quickly and left. She could ask Gianluca his decision in school and then could inform Rose.

Once Lena left, Gianluca walked up to Christian "Are you out of your god damn mind? Do you know what you are suggesting?"

Christian said "Yes..."

Gianluca said "Christian... You are insane... We have to refuse... Dean would be there ... Dean and Rose cant meet..."

Christian said "Why not? Its fate if they meet... I won't stop fate..."

Gianluca said "Be reasonable... We cant invite that school... I have a feeling they would say yes... You would start a war..."

Christian said "A war? Come on. You are being dramatic... Dean saved Rose all those years ago... They know Rose's saviour belonged to an Irish crime family... He was attending that wedding as a guest... They expect it... What if Dean reveals his identity to the Bianchis. They would thank him at least..."

Gianluca sighed "I am not too worried about that..."

Christian said "I know Dean's family would get mad but not too mad. He saved Rose when he didn't know who she was and he was much younger than he is now... They can say he was not mature enough to grasp enemies had to die... I doubt Dean would be in trouble if he says hello to Rose and somehow the truth comes out..."

Gianluca said "Christian. What planet do you live on? You are ignoring the obvious problem because you are crazy enough to not care for drama and fights... Rose will show up with Amerigo and Dean will show up with Sorcha. Dean and Rose cant talk to each other in that party. A war will break out if they do..."

Christian said "And? What if a war happens?"

Gianluca sighed "Christian... Stop trying to downplay this serious matter... I would have to say no to Lena ..."

Christian said "Come again? You will say no to your girl? You heard her. She has been asked to pull in a favour for Rose... It makes her look bad in front of Rose if you say no. You have to help her..."

Gianluca said "Christian... If a war happens your grandpa won't be happy... He is involved in the organisation of this party... He won't like it if bullets fly around..."

Christian said "That is where you are wrong... There won't be any bullets at the party... The kids have to be civil on the night of the party... If any war happens it would happen after the party somewhere else... So your worries are baseless..."

Gianluca sighed "Christian... You don't get the seriousness at all..."

Christian said "I do though... Dean and Rose must meet... They should... Wars don't happen unless there is provocation... I have a feeling if they handle it well on the night, no war will happen afterwards anyways... Sometimes taking risks is worth it."

Gianluca sighed and said "Don't get me wrong... I don't mind risks..."

Christian said "Then if you truly believe what you said, you won't mind this risk.. You will make Lena happy by inviting Rose's people to the party. You will make Rose happy. You will make Dean happy... And you will make me happy..."

Gianluca asked "Let's say I do as Lena wants... Why would it make you happy?"

Christian shrugged "I will get to invite some more Irish crime families to cancel out your extra Italian Americans that are getting invited close to the deadline... This is a business event too Gianluca. Its about showing off your allies. You cant forget that... Don't. I maybe your friend but other Italian Americans are no friends of mine and neither are they friends of my friends ... Besides I love drama...." He then looked around "You said you have some packs of sweets I can smuggle to my house. Can I have them?"

Gianluca walked to a cupboard to get Christian's sweets. "I wish you took life more seriously..."

Christian said "So ... do I have to argue with you some more to say yes to Lena's request or you are convinced."

Gianluca opened the cupboard and said "I am not convinced but I think this is inevitable... If I say no to Lena, you will find a way to get Rose and Dean meet in some other way. Its best to get it over and done with..."

Christian smiled "I am glad we have an understanding..."

*****

It was late at night and Christian reached home after leaving Gianluca. He made his way to his room and stuffed his library with the packets of sweets.

Christian then walked to his desk and sat behind it and dialled a number. He then smiled at Dean O'Brien's sleepy voice "Hello."

Christian said "Hello there..."

Dean said "What time do you call this? It better be important... I have had a very long day today..."

Christian said "It is important. I have some interesting information that may be of some significance to you..." He then told Dean everything about the conversation with Gianluca.

Once Christian finished explaining everything, there were a few seconds of silence. Then Dean said in hardly a whisper "I cant believe this.... How can this be? Surely there will be objections..."

Christian said "There won't be... We keep the Italian and Irish numbers equal. Whatever numbers are added from the Italian school side I will match it... So the question is... Are you ready to unmask yourself to Rose at the homecoming dance? Or you are just going to watch from far?"

Dean responded again with a whisper "There is no way this happens... Inviting so many families is ambitious. I don't think Rose and the Bianchis will show up... They won't... Its a security risk,.."

Christian rolled his eyes "I am telling you they will show up... Its a power display... Everyone has to show up. They won't refuse for security reasons. I know that's for sure... Fine... If you dont want to answer me I won't push you for it... At least think about it...You must make a decision. Hide or reveal yourself. Either way Rose will come. You will see her again. I leave you to it." He then said goodbye.

****

Mariella was standing in the corner of the study room of the Romano mansion watching the two girls she was meant to be serving. Smeralda Romano and Marilene Rizzi were sitting across each other behind a table in a massive room surrounded by shelves stacked with books and stationary. They were studying and had been doing so since dinner. Their brothers were downstairs hanging out doing god knows what. Mariella was so glad she was assigned with the girls. They were less intimidating for sure compared to Salvatorio Romano and his best friend Marcello Rizzi.

Ever since Smeralda had arrived at her uncle's mansion to join her brother, Mariella had been assigned to serve her and only her. Mariella was not complaining at all. She was getting paid well and she was provided with taxi home when she had to stay late like that night. Mariella was on guard of course and watched her step but she did not fear Smeralda like how she feared Salvatorio. Her fear of him was not easing at all. Mariella had seen first hand how Salvatorio could be as cruel as his uncle Silvestro Romano around the house. However most cruelty was due to some business related errands that had not been fulfilled properly and not due to domestic chores being wrongly executed.

Smeralda glanced at Mariella and then at the clock "You can go you know... Its late..."

Mariella said "Ma'am. I cant leave. I have been instructed by your uncle to stay and accompany you around to serve you until your bed time."

Marilene said "Well... We could be here for awhile because Smeralda here wants me to give her a full session on what she has missed so she will not be sleeping any time soon..."

Smeralda turned to Marilene "I haven't missed that much... Its only been a few weeks and my old school was also an American school so I am pretty much upto date... But I must admit these extra subjects make my head spin... Some of them are not even taught at university."

Marilene said "You will be fine if you attend homework clubs with me a few times a week... I don't know what is the rush for you to catch up on everything our school does..."