Desolation (New Rochelle Mafia #1)

36. EPILOGUE

EPILOGUE

THREE MONTHS LATER

ELODIE

L ouis opens my door and helps me out of the car. I stop and look at the Tisch School of the Arts and smile.

It’s my first day. Finally.

Drake wanted to be here but he’s sitting in on a court case with Evan today. Besides, I want this to be just a normal first day at University. Not a big production, so it’s just fine with me.

I am now in my freshman year in the Department of Photography and Imaging. My dream. The dream I worked my whole entire life for. That was nearly ruined by my parents and Dominic.

I wouldn’t have been able to do without the loving family I now have.

I thought this wasn’t going to happen. But I called, after Drake insisted, and explained that I had been indisposed due to an accident and was unable to contact them. They said if I paid full tuition, they would reinstate my acceptance but couldn’t do it under the scholarship. Gio immediately called them and paid for it.

I’ve still been doing therapy with Vanessa. Drake had to make sure I was really okay after my laughing episode at the warehouse. Vanessa told him it was simply a trauma response and not to worry about. Though she and I have a secret giggle about it now and then.

I was afraid he’d throw himself off the Brooklyn bridge or something he was so freaked out. And I just lost it a little. Listen, my life has been a roller coaster of bullshit and to see Drake freaked out like that over a little scratch was priceless.

Now though? I have Drake and his family. Reba. Gwen. Evan. Louis, Zeke, and Eren. All of the Biachi Familia and Ms. Bates behind me.

My world, my family, has grown so much. Mafia Princess indeed.

The police and fire department ruled the fire at my parents’ house an accident. Cigarette fire and with the amount of alcohol content they found during the autopsy of what was left of their bodies, it was ruled an accident .

Of course, my parents didn’t have insurance so the whole thing was a loss, but that part of my life is now over and I never have to think of them again. Except when Vanessa makes me talk about it in therapy.

I’ve gotten to see more of the city. We’ve been to fundraisers, balls, and everywhere I’ve always wanted to go visit in the city. The house is now full of all the photos I’ve taken of all the places. Gio thinks he has to hang up every single one I take and it’s gotten a little out of control.

For the first time in my life, I’m happy. I am safe. I am loved.

I would do everything all over again if it would lead me right back here.