Chapter 2: A Night Out

As the day drew to a close, Roman knocked off, exhausted, and waited for Robert and the others. His mind wandered to Bianca, but he didn't worry; she attended a prestigious school with a safe bus system, so he knew she was in good hands.

Before long, the group arrived, their chatter and laughter filling the air. "Sup, Roman?" they greeted in unison.

Roman's eyes landed on a young man walking with them, and he assumed this was Alex. He extended a hand, "Hey, you must be Alex. I'm Roman. How was your first day in hell?" he asked with a chuckle.

The guys laughed, and Alex smiled, "Nice to meet you, man. Can't say it was bad."

As they strolled to the nearby bar, Roman learned that Alex came from a good family and was interning at the construction company. The bar, "The Red Lion," had a rustic exterior, with a wooden sign creaking in the gentle breeze. The entrance was adorned with a crimson awning, and the windows gleamed with a warm, inviting light.

Inside, the bar was cozy, with dimly lit wooden tables and a long, polished counter. The music was lively, but the crowd was sparse, with only a few patrons scattered about. The air was thick with the smell of beer and burgers, making Roman's stomach growl with hunger.

The group settled in, ordering drinks and swapping stories. Roman couldn't help but notice how easily Alex fit in, despite being the new guy. There was something about him that seemed...different. But Roman knew this would work for Alex in the long run since he seemed to be interning, it was good to befriend the workers.

The group settled into a cozy table, chatting and laughing before a cheerful waitress arrived to take their order. "Hey guys, another day off?" she asked, eyeing Alex with a friendly smile.

Roman responded with a warm grin, "Yep, another tiring day, nothing much. How about you, how's it going?"

The waitress, a young woman with a bubbly personality, looked at Roman and replied, "Been doing well, Roman. So, who's this one?" She nodded towards Alex, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.

Robert jumped in, "This is Alex, the new guy. Just finished his first day, so we brought him to the best bar in the city."

The waitress chuckled, "Haha, flattered, but no discounts! So, what can I get you?" She took their orders with a knowing smile and headed to the kitchen.

Their food arrived promptly, and the group dug in, savoring the flavors and textures. The atmosphere was lively and cheerful, with laughter and conversation flowing freely. The music played in the background, adding to the warmth and camaraderie of the moment.

As they ate, Roman noticed Alex fitting in seamlessly, sharing stories and jokes with the others. It was as if he had been part of the group for years, not just a newcomer. Roman smiled, feeling a sense of belonging and friendship that he hadn't experienced in a long time.

Roman glanced at his watch and announced his departure, "Guys, I've got to head home. Bianca's waiting for me." He bid the group farewell and stepped outside, hailing a taxi. A blue car pulled over, and Roman got in, giving the driver the address: "Brookville, Section A."

The taxi driver raised an eyebrow, eyeing Roman's worn clothes and rugged appearance, which didn't quite match the affluent neighborhood he requested. However, he started the car and drove off without a word.

Roman was accustomed to the curious glances; he knew he stuck out like a sore thumb in Section A, a haven for the wealthy. His rugged appearance and worn clothes screamed "out of place" among the opulent mansions and manicured lawns.

As the taxi cruised through the city, Roman gazed out at the colorful lights and towering skyscrapers, their huge advertisements glowing like beacons. He couldn't help but compare himself to those sleek, modern structures – strong, imposing, and unyielding. Roman's sigh was barely audible as he closed his eyes, the weight of his circumstances settling upon him like a shroud.

The taxi driver's voice broke the silence, "We're approaching Brookville, Section A. Which street do you want me to drop you off at?" Roman opened his eyes, his mind refocusing on the present. "Just drop me off at the corner of Oakwood and Maple. I'll walk from there." The driver nodded and continued driving, the silence between them a reminder of the vast divide between Roman's world and the one he was about to enter.

Roman stepped out of the taxi and walked towards home, surrounded by grand houses, mansions, and half-mansions that seemed to whisper "you don't belong here." He felt like an outsider in his own neighborhood, a constant reminder that he didn't quite fit in.

As he strolled, Roman's mind wandered to Italy, a place he barely remembered. His family had left when he was just a child, and his parents never spoke about their heritage or family left behind.

He had always dreamed of visiting Italy, to connect with his roots and uncover the secrets his parents took to their graves.

Roman approached his home, a half-mansion with a mix of stone and brick exterior, adorned with intricate carvings and a beautifully manicured lawn. He walked up the path, unlocked the door, and stepped inside, calling out, "Bibi, I'm home!"

Footsteps echoed from the stairs, and Roman cautioned, "Hey, don't run on the stairs, you'll get hurt!" But Bianca, his little sister, didn't listen. She rushed down the stairs and flung herself into Roman's arms, giving him a tight hug. "You said you'd stop coming late, you lied," she scolded, her voice laced with worry.

Roman held her close, "I know, Bibi, I'm sorry." He knew that since their parents' late-night accident, Bianca had always been anxious when he came home late. He felt a pang of guilt for not being there for her, for not being the protector she needed. As he hugged her tightly, he vowed to do better, to be the brother she deserved.