Page 32 of My best friends little sister

Im sat in my home office making arrangements for the next shipment. A lot of preparation needs to be done for this one because its a large order and theres plenty of people in our world that are dying to get their hands on a shipment like this.

Angelica is on the floor of my office, laying on her stomach surrounded by books and her laptop. I look up from my work every now and then to watch her. Shes deep into her studying and has barely said 3 words since coming in here.

I peer down at the books, trying to figure out what subject shes studying, only to find house plans and furniture. Everything carefully labelled and organised. Images printed out and stuck on pages with other images, creating a whole room layout.

Mateo talked about this long before I met angelica.

She was deprived of any kind of education for a long time.

Mateo is the reason shes even able to speak.

He told me she hadnt said a word until she was around 7, and it was barely understandable.

Mateo is the one that made his parents send her to school, the one that helped her with her homework when she was struggling, the one that spent hours at a time trying to teach her how to read and how to write.

I know shes a smart girl, she just lets her past drag her down too much.

Interior design? She applied for a course about interior design and didn't tell me? ''Why didn't you tell me that was something you were interested in?''

About an hour passes and i finish up the last of the preparation.

Angelica is now sat on the chair in front of my desk, her laptop on her lap and her headphones on clearly watching some show.

I watch her in awe as she giggles every few seconds, her eyes lighting up with pure happiness.

This is what i want. My girl happy, carefree, that sparkle in her eyes every second of every day. It will happen, I'll make sure of it.

I remember her birthday. The last 2 gifts I was supposed to give her. I still havent had the chance, every time i feel like i can something goes wrong that stops me. Its been weeks.

I lightly tap the desk in front of her to get her attention. She removes her headset and places it on the table, closing her laptop and doing the same. ''Angelica. Your birthday. I told you I had 2 gifts that I needed to give you and I never got the chance. Would you like them today?''

She furrows her brows, ''Dante what you gave me was already way too much'' I shake my head standing from my desk and putting my hand out to her.

She takes it and I pull her from the seat so shes standing in front of me.

''I would give you the world if I could mia cara'' (my darling)

She blushes at my words and I pull her out of my office to the living room.

We walk to the couch and i grab her shoulders, pushing her down so shes sat.

''I need to make a call. I had to have someone look after them until I could give them to you.

Stay right there'' she nods and grabs the tv remote.

I had out the front door and pull my phone out, dialling his number. It rings once, then twice, then suddenly he picks up. ''Boss, to what do I owe the pleasure?''

''No please? No thank you? I look after your shit for weeks and I dont even get respect. I'm hurt Dante'' I roll my eyes knowing hes joking. Annoying little shit.

''Already on my way as we speak. I'll be there in 15'' and then he hangs up. I head back inside to see angel still sitting on the couch, her knees meeting her chest as her arms wrap around them.

I walk over to her and wrap my arm around her chest, kissing her hair. ''You scared me'' she says, pausing her show. ''Sorry baby. Ivan will be here soon. I want to take you out somewhere, after I give you your gifts, so go get changed''

She turns around on the couch so shes facing me ''out? Where are we going? What do I wear?''

10 minutes pass and i hear a knock at the door. I walk towards it, grabbing my gun for safe measure. I'm sure its Ivan, if it wasn't I would have been alerted by security but I'm not taking any chances.

I open the door and I'm greeted by a smiling Ivan holding a gift box. ''Hey man'' I say moving aside so he can come in. he hands me the box and removes his jacket.

angelica's outfit

Before I can scold Ivan, the box on the counter starts to move. All of our eyes immediately looking at it ''Dante what is that? Why is it moving?''

I gently grab the box off the counter and hold it out to angelica. ''Go on, open it'' she hesitates slightly, looking down at the holes in the box. Shes confused, looking at me questioningly before grabbing the bow and tugging it.

She lifts off the lid and gasps, dropping it to the floor and stepping back with her hand slapped across her mouth.

A head pops out the box, looking around at all of us.

Inside, is a beautiful white cat with a light purple ribbon tied loosely around its neck.

''D-Dante is that...is that a cat?'' shes shocked, her words coming out in stutters.

She shakes her head violently and I raise my eyebrow in confusion. ''Angelica, hes yours. The paperwork was filled out, he was paid for. Hes your cat'' I set him down on the floor and he slowly walks to angel, unsure at first but then gently rubbing his side along her legs.

She crouches down putting her knees in her arms and pets him, ''hey there little guy'' he flops over allowing her to pet his stomach. ''He doesnt have a name yet. I wanted you to name him''

She scoops him up and stands with him in her arms. ''Hmmm how about....'' she trails off, picking him up and holding him in front of her face ''carbuncle''

Ivan snorts, breaking out into a fit of laughter. I try my best to compose myself and not do the same but a small laugh escapes my lips. She looks at me and Ivan with sadness in her eyes ''you dont like it?'' she pouts

Angels face suddenly turns to a look of panic, ''wait wait we dont have any stuff. We cant take care of him. I have no food or toys or-'' I grab her shoulders to calm her down.

I take jasper from her arms and hand him to Ivan. I cover her eyes with my hand and guide her outside the house. ''What is going on?''

I dont answer, continuing to walk forward and stopping at her gift. ''I need you to not be mad at me okay?'' I say before removing my hand from her eyes to reveal her gift.

In front of us is a beautiful light purple vintage convertible. Angelicas eyes go wide and her face is flushed. ''Dante is that a car?''

I smirk, walking closer to her and cupping her face in my hands ''oh I did'' I say before kissing her. She doesnt kiss back right away, still in shock, but eventually eases into the kiss. We break away but I keep my forehead pressed against hers.

I grab her hand and pull her around to the front of the car. Her eyes widen as she sees the side of the bonnet. Engraved on the side in silver cursive letters is her name. Angelica. ''You had this done for me?'' I nod with a smile on my face.