Mamma Mia, Chapter 9

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Mamma Mia: Chapter 9

  “And now for more local news: Our beloved Mother Altamura has her hands full yet again as her own son -the young, handsome Arthur- sorry, as her son Arthur has caused havoc at the Cressidan School. Reports are coming in by the hour, ranging from harmless pranks to outright crimes. Security has been keeping an eye on him as he finishes his last local week at Cressidan. As the heir to Mother Altamura’s leadership, it is critical that Arthur maintains as clean of a record as possible. With that said, a few experiences add flavor to a personality that rarely exists in the role of a syndicate leader. If any newsworthy happens, we will keep you informed.

  “In a related message from the MWS, the local annual apprenticeship selection deadline is coming soon. Students who are not chosen or do not attempt to obtain an apprenticeship will be subject to denigrated forced labor or assignment by Mother Altamura herself. So get those forms in and interviews done as soon as possible.”

  Mia turns the news broadcast on her communicator and swivels to face Arthur. The boy, very clearly, wasn’t interested in what she was about to say. He fiddles with his smaller communicator and inspects its exterior. He seems more annoyed with this request for a discussion than anything. Mia remembers the feeling when she had to listen to lectures. “I’m surprised you made it this far without getting in trouble.” Mia chuckles. Arthur looks up at her with an unexpected smirk. Mia’s observations seem to prove a point; he was aware of what he was doing, and he was enjoying it. “It seems appropriate then that I have chosen your apprenticeship for you then. Almost as if I knew this would happen.” Of course, she did know. The log shows the kitchen needed cleaning the night before, and the communicator cleaning hub activated. That is enough to tell her that Arthur threw one of his fits. She muses over the small memories of a much younger Arthur throwing toys at the floor. This Arthur, however, needs an attitude adjustment. Or -at the very least- a change in the people he is around. “This is why I placed you under Major General Kent’s charge.” Mia continues, “Jonatha will teach you well. And it is far more rewarding than you think.”

  Arthur asks about Carlo. Mia wonders how close those two really are. “Carlo will be in my charge. He has always shown interest in being a diplomat.” She pauses to get out of her chair and looks past Arthur to her library. “Perhaps you two can find a way to work together after you receive more official work.” Arthur nods and stands up. He thanks Mia for making sure he has an apprenticeship and for taking care of him. She smiles to him before he leaves. He walks past the door and even out of eyesight before he grimaces.

  Mia looks down at the pattern on the floor. It’s sweeping swirls usually give her a place to reset her emotions, but the pattern only reflects her starting line. This carefully crafted life of hers shows its frayed edges. So many questions and accusations of wrong-doing fill her with paranoia and anxiety. All of the work she has done can disappear in a local year, all because of a conspiracy-laden AMS boy and her lackluster son who seems bent on rebelling against her.

  She has to do something -quickly.

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