Chapter 27 - Extracurricular Activities

Everything was going so well, Miranda thought.

Classes had started and Miranda found she really enjoyed them. She'd never thought about studying photography but now that she was, she was thrilled to discover a new kind of art.

Darkwing House was great - quieter than the dorms, with her close friends around her and a real kitchen where she could cook. 

It was wonderful to have Mariah back. She tried to be all cool and patient about it, but summer without a word from her - waiting and wondering and worrying - had been hell. Having her close, hearing her voice, being able to look into her eyes, Miranda could breathe again. If Mariah's eyes were hard and held secrets, if she stayed out late dealing with "family business" and woke choking back nightmares... Miranda told herself they would deal with that, when Mariah was ready.

Best of all, Miranda told herself, she'd finally found a place on campus untouched by the shadow of Cassandra Goth - Debate Guild! Despite all her mother's embarrassingly many accomplishments and activities, Cassie had never pitted herself against other students in battles of wit and rhetoric... at least not formally.

When the student groups had put out a call for new members, Miranda had enthusiastically thrown herself into the Debate Guild, dragging Genie along with her. For a moment - the moment when they discovered Orange Bailey-Moon was an established Guild member - Miranda had feared that would be the end of the idea. Genie insisted that it was alright. She'd dealt with her experience with Orange, she said, and while it was still a little awkward, they'd be OK.

So, Miranda had a new activity to occupy her and, she found, she really enjoyed it. Words and ideas came together much like music, with their own rhythms and refrains. It was, she thought, a little like magic.

 -----------------------

Everything had been going so well, Mariah groaned.

Classes were turning out OK. She wasn't sure anymore about Psychology. Did it really fit with working for Uncle Nick? Maybe she'd switch to more business courses, but for now why mess with a good thing. 

The new place was good - quiet, not too many people in her face. The roommates weren't so bad. She liked Genie. She really did. Just... did she have to look at Miranda like that? I mean, at least pretend you're not eying my girlfriend.

Aadi was a hoot, even if they did seem to say anything that came into their head. They'd had a good time together the other day, visiting the rival Foxbury campus where someone had papered that ugly modern art thing they called a campus statue. Really couldn't say who might have performed such an act of vandalism... but they'd done a damned fine job.

Yeah, everything had been going so well. Porca miseria! 

It was OK, she thought. You've got this handled... just... wait, what's she doing up?

"You're home," Miranda smiled.

"Ummm, yeah," Mariah said. "It's really late. Did you wait up for me?"

"Yeah," Miranda admitted. "It's no big deal. I wasn't tired. Are you OK? You look kind of stressed out."

"I'm fine. It's nothing really," Mariah lied, but something in Miranda's warm, caring eyes broke through the walls she'd spent the past months building up. "Just some stronzo cop hassling me... incriminating evidence my ass... like I'm going to roll on Uncle Nick. Porca miseria!"

"Wait, wait, slow down," Miranda gasped. "Cop... evidence... Mariah, are you involved in something illegal?!"

"I... can't talk about it," Mariah sighed.

"Come on," Miranda insisted. "Talk to me. Please!"

"I mean, OK, but you can't tell anyone," Mariah insisted. "Maybe there was this truck carrying electronics that didn't make it where it was supposed to go... and maybe I'm working with some people selling these... second hand... laptops and stuff that might have come off that truck. I mean, really, the prices the campus bookstore charges... who's the real crook here?!"

"You're selling stolen laptops?!" Miranda whispered.

"No," Mariah said. "I'm not selling them. I'm more like... management. And it's not like we're lifting them out of the library or something. I shouldn't have said anything..."

"No," Miranda took a deep breath, "No, it's fine. Just... be careful. I mean..."

"Hey, mia amata, it's going to be OK," Mariah smiled.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 26 - Family Business

 Three months earlier...

"Big Tony Basso's daughter," Nick Alto mused. "After all these years."

"Nine years, sir," Mr. Grey commented, his mild voice bland, devoid of feeling.

"I suppose you've confirmed it," Alto said.

"Of course, sir," Mr. Grey nodded. "The girl's information led us directly to Janet Hara... confirmed by two men who knew her in Tartosa... and state records back up her story. Teen runaway. Sealed juvenile record in Sulani - petty theft and prostitution. There are charges against a Rocco Christman, Hara's common law husband, for sexual assault... charges dropped after he gave evidence in a drug investigation. He was subsequently killed."

"Raped her - a child - and the state let him off," Alto snorted. "Nice of someone to save me the trouble of killing him."

"The girl was placed in foster care," Mr. Grey continued his cold recitation. "Adopted by Londyn and Danielle Huntley of Tartosa. Some curious activity there. Certain barriers removed by outside parties."

"Do we know why?" Alto asked.

"Not yet, sir," Mr. Grey replied, a momentary hitch in his voice betraying his irritation at not immediately having an answer. He continued, his equanimity restored, "Another sealed juvenile record in Tartosa - theft and misdemeanor drug possession - all cleaned up, mostly legally, by the Huntleys. She's been largely kept out of the media, despite her adoptive mothers' joint fame... though there are some mentions of an association with..."

"Miranda Silveroak-Goth," Alto smiled. "Grey, sometimes when you least expect it, life deals you a straight flush."

"I would advise caution, sir," Mr. Grey said. 

"Don't you always?" Alto laughed.

"Shall I contact our... associate?" Mr. Grey asked.

"No, not yet," Alto said pensively. "Let's play this your way for now... I want to know more about Mariah Basso. Arrange a meeting with her, here."

"Yes sir," Mr. Grey nodded. "And Ms. Hara?"

"Keep an eye on her," Alto said, "but there's no need to act, for now."

"Yes sir," Mr. Grey nodded again.

----------------------------------

"I can't believe it," Mariah cried. "I can't believe it!"

"I'm afraid it's true, my dear," Nick Alto said soothingly. "The Agency murdered your father. They call us criminals but we, the Families, have a code of honor. The Agency has none. They killed your father in cold blood and God knows what they would have done to you. Your mother must have run to protect you..."

"Col cazzo," Mariah swore, "that puttana ran to save her own ass. She probably got a discount on airfare bringing me along."

"Perhaps," Alto agreed cautiously.

"Why?" Mariah snarled. "Tell me why."

"Your father was in charge of all our operations in Tartosa," Alto explained. "That might have been reason enough for those Agency assholes but, at that time, we were negotiating a deal with... other parties. A deal that would have put the Altos above those Landgraab bastards. Big Tony, your father, was a major part of those negotiations. When he died, the deal died with him." 

"For a deal?" Mariah snarled. "They killed him to block a fottuto deal?"

"Yes," Alto said gravely. "I am sorry that Janet ran... and took you with her. We could have protected you both. In fact, I promised your father I would if anything happened to him. You would have grown up here... with your real family. Eventually, you would have even taken your place in the family business."

"Really?" Mariah said, taking a deep breath.

"It's what your father would have wanted," Alto assured her. "For you to be part of the Family."

"Huh." Mariah looked thoughtful.

"We are your family, Mariah," Alto said warmly. "I... I owe it to your father, to make up for all those lost years. You... you have a place here. If you want it?"

 ----------------------------------

"Did you know?" Mariah demanded into the phone.

"Know what?" Londyn answered, shaken by the rage in her daughter's voice. "I don't understand what you're saying."

"The Agency murdered my father," Mariah snapped. "Liberty's Agency! You've told me before that Liberty helped smooth over some things when you adopted me... used her Agency contacts. So, the Agency that murdered my father arranged for you to adopt me?! Did you know?!"

"No, honey," Londyn insisted. "I can't imagine... I'm shocked. Listen, you're upset... come home. We'll talk to Liberty. We'll figure this out together."

 "Col cazzo!" Mariah snarled. "I'll figure this out on my own!"

----------------------------------

"Marco," Alto said, "I want you to take Mariah and set her up with your new crew. See how she handles the business." 

"Sure, I can do that," Marco nodded.

"Is this wise, sir?" Mr. Grey asked. "Ms. Basso is an unknown quantity with ties to a number of dangerous parties... including the Agency. Exposing the business to her is a risk. Also, I must point out that there is always a possibility, however slim, of her learning the truth about her father's death."

"When God deals you a hand this good, Grey, you bet big," Alto replied. "Beside, Marco will keep an eye on her. Won't you Marco?"

"I'll take care of it, boss," Marco grinned.

 

Chapter 25 - Darkwing House

Darkwing House, at the edge of Britechester campus, was once the home of Professor Psyded, one of the university's founders. Now it was the most notable, and expensive, student housing available on campus. 

Still, Miranda thought, what's the point of being ridiculously wealthy if you didn't treat yourself and your friends once in a while. Besides, unlike the dorms, Darkwing House had its own kitchen... and Miranda wasn't sure she could handle another year of dorm food.

After all, they'd agreed to room together and there was no reason not to do so in comfort. Cassie had agreed to cover the costs. Miranda had covered her ears and sung loudly when her mother threatened to tell her about her own days in Darkwing.

"So, how was your summer?" Miranda asked.

Classes would be starting in a few days. Miranda had arrived early, to make herself comfortable in the new house, she'd told Gwen and Cassie. Neither had raised any argument. Genie had arrived the following day and Aadi shortly after her.

Now, unpacked and having explored the house, they'd gathered in what they decided was the sitting room to catch up.

"Not much to tell," Aadi sighed. "Summer in the city with my folks... but I did get to spend a little time with Sheldon. Took him to the Gallery in the Arts district and we discussed all the beautiful things. We even looked at some paintings."

"You're terrible," Genie laughed.

"Girlfriend, my Shel-boy can tell you different," Aadi grinned.

"And what about you and Mr. Carlos?" Aadi asked. "Did you and your boy-toy go messing around on Daddy's Island of Money and Power?"

"Technically the estate is in my mother's family," Genie said.

"How did a dazzling urban youth like yours truly end up with all you little rich girls?" Aadi mused. "And you are avoiding the question."

"Carlos and I saw each other," Genie replied primly. "In fact, we had some very romantic walks along the bluffs."

"Girlfriend, what are we going to do with you?" Aadi rolled their eyes.

"Oh, and I saw that Mr. Alto again," Genie added. "At one of my dad's political things. He's really very charming."

Aadi winced, hissing, "Girl, I'm gonna smack you."

Genie blushed and glanced guiltily at Miranda. The absence of one of their number, unspoken and unasked, was like a living presence in the room.

"Well, how was Miranda's summer," Aadi asked with brittle brightness.

"Quiet," Miranda sighed. "I caught up on some reading."

"... and no," she added, "I haven't heard from her. She didn't come to the charity gala. She hasn't called. I know she had some kind of blow up with Londyn and Danielle... but they say she's... well, I guess she stayed in the city for the summer."

"She's... she's coming back for classes though," Genie said. "I mean, she must be... right?"

"Sure," Miranda nodded. "She'll be here."

 --------------------------------

"Excuse me, miss," Miranda said as someone walked down the hall, "are you in the right... Oh... My..."

"Ciao," Mariah said. "Um... I'm sorry I didn't call. It's been a crazy... I'm sorry.... I..."

"You... changed your hair," Miranda said softly.

"Umm, yeah," Mariah replied self consciously. 

"I like it," Miranda breathed.

"I missed you so much," Mariah whispered.

Neither remembered who moved first. Only that their arms were around each other, their lips pressed together, a kiss trying to erase a long and difficult summer.

--------------------------------

"So, yeah, I spent the summer with my family," Mariah was explaining. "Nick Alto... I called him Uncle Nick when I was a kid... he's really sort of a cousin of my dad's but he still wants me to call him Uncle Nick. He's kind of a big deal businessman."

"Holly Alto is an amazing graphic designer," Aadi put in. "You have Got to introduce me."

"I didn't really get to meet her," Mariah said, "but I know her husband, Marco... he's one of Uncle Nick's business partners. I guess I could ask him to introduce you."

"Danielle said you and Londyn had a fight," Miranda started to ask.

"I don't want to talk about that," Mariah said sharply, then more gently continued, "The whole foster care / adoption thing turns out to be messy... stuff I didn't know about before... but we're working it out. I just need a little time." 

"Well, I'm glad you're here," Genie said.

"I'm really sorry about the whole radio silence thing," Mariah said, mostly to Miranda. "There was a lot going on... stuff I needed to figure out. Stuff I still need to figure out, but I'm here now. It will be OK."

--------------------------------

"Do you think something seems off?" Genie said later. "I think something seems off."

"You're going out?" Miranda asked. "It's so late and I hoped we could spend the evening together."

"Sorry, I have something I need to do," Mariah replied. "Family stuff."

"Girlfriend, something is definitely off," Aadi agreed.

 

Chapter 24 - End of Term

"I'm gonna miss you, girlfriend," Aadi said, hugging Genie.

"Don't" Genie said, a little catch in her voice. "You're going to make me cry."

Their first year of college was over. Projects had been completed, exams taken, term papers handed in. Friendships had been made, build on the foundations of shared experiences, shared strangeness. Now it was time to go home for the summer.

"We never did make it into the city to sing karaoke," Aadi said to Mariah.

"Proco cane, that's a good thing, Aadi," Mariah smirked.

"There's always next year," Aadi grinned back.

"Thank you so much!" Genie threw her arms around Mariah. "I... I don't know what I would have done without you."

"You would have kicked ass," Mariah smiled. "You're amazing, Genie. You read too many gossip blogs, but you're amazing."

"So, roomies next year," Aadi addressed the group. "We agreed, remember."

"I hope so. Anyway, what about you and Sheldon?" Miranda asked.

"Hey, Shel-boy and I might be an item now," Aadi grinned back, "but I am not ready to co-habitate... not everyone is our little M&Ms. You girls have a good summer."

-----------------------------------

"I'm not going to see you this summer," Miranda said when they were alone in Mariah's room.

"What do you mean?" Mariah said cautiously. "Your mom will bring you to Tartosa."

"But you won't be there," Miranda said. "I know it... I... I've been seeing it for weeks."

"I... I have something I need to do," Mariah admitted.

"I know," Miranda said. "I don't know what will happen. I don't know how it will end... but I've seen it... and I know I can't change it. It's like... even though you haven't done it yet, for me it's already happened. Goddess, is this what Gwen feels all the time? No wonder she's half crazy."

"Oh mia amata," Mariah sighed. "What do you want me to say?"

"Lie to me," Miranda said, a tear slipping down her cheek.

"I'll be careful," Mariah said. "I'll be safe."

"I'm... I'm going to go now," Miranda sighed. "If you need me... just call. Just... whisper my name in the moonlight and I'll find you. I'll find you."

"I know."

-----------------------------------

Orchid Lounge,  Del Sol Valley

"The new legislation being proposed in Lower House is concerning, Sir," the man in the grey suit said.

"Grey, it's a warm spring night. We're at a lovely club, full of lovely girls. I want you to relax. Have some fun," his companion laughed.

"See, Grey," Nick Alto continued. "Here's a lovely young thing now. My friend and I are in need of some charming companionship. Would you join us, Ms.... ?"

"Basso," she replied. "Mariah Basso."

 "What did you say?' Nick Alto rose slowly to face her.

"Hello, Uncle Nick."

End of Year One

 

Chapter 23 - Can We Pretend

Can We Pretend by Pink

I remember conversations / We were dancing up on tables

Taking pictures / When we had nowhere to post

 

You were laughing / I was crying / We were dancing, we were dying 

Sometimes I don't know how we walked away

 

If I'm honest what I liked / Were the things we didn't know

Every morning, every night / I'll be beating down your door
Just to tell you what I'm thinking / But you'd already know
Screw this, I don't wanna let it go

 

So can we pretend? / That I'm twenty-two today

Dancing on the tables with you / Oh yeah 

Can we pretend? / That we all end up okay
I just want to forget with you / Oh yeah

 

Can we pretend? / That we both like the president
Can we pretend? / That I really like your shoes / Hell yeah
Can we pretend? / 'Cause honestly reality it bores me
Let's pretend / Oh let's make believe
Can we? / Can we pretend?

 

Can we pretend?

 

I remember what we wanted / What we'd never take for granted 

How our daddy issues took us to LA

 

If I'm honest what I miss / Is not knowing what to say
And the feeling of your lips / And it haunts me every day
When you'd tell me what you're thinking / But I'd already know
Screw this, I don't wanna let it go

 

So can we pretend? / That I'm twenty-two today 

Dancing on the tables with you / Oh yeah

Can we pretend? / That we all end up okay
I just want to forget with you / Oh yeah

 

Can we pretend? / We both like the way it is / Hell yeah
Can we pretend? / That we like these fake-ass dudes / Oh yeah 

Can we pretend? / 'Cause honestly reality it bores me 

Let's pretend / Oh let's make believe
Can we? / Can we pretend?

 

Can we pretend?

 

If I'm honest what I liked / Were the things we didn't know
Every morning, every night / I'll be beating down your door
Just to tell you what I'm thinking / But you'd already know
Screw this, I don't wanna let it go

 

So can we pretend? / That we both like the president ha ha
Can we pretend? / That you like my fake-ass shoes / Oh yeah
Can we pretend? / 'Cause honestly reality it bores me
Let's pretend / Oh let's make believe
Can we? / Can we pretend?

 

Can we pretend?

 

Can we pretend? / Can we? / Let's make believe
Can we? / Can we?
Can we pretend? / 'Cause honestly reality it bores me
Let's pretend / Oh let's make believe
Can we? / Can we pretend?

 
Honestly?