I burn, I freeze;

"Stefan Rinaldi, after the baptism, with a gun because Genevieve’s very presence was enough to set him off." Preston watched the lift register floor after floor out of the corner of his eye. It was unbearably slow. He wanted to slam his fist into the Stop button, take a long selfish second to look at Eva, head to toe, ensure she was (physically, at least) unscathed. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and feel that she was real and still around.

"Is he dead already?" She was actually torn on that concept. Did she want him dead already, just for having the balls to think of hurting a Rossi? Or did she want to do it herself, dragging it out in the slowest and most painful way possible? Eva of all people certainly knew just how much Genna was capable of when it came to irritating someone just by being there. It had been a long time since the two girl had gotten along, had even been close to civil, but she was still blood. She was family. Genna was her sister, and Eva was going to be damned before she lost another of her siblings. She simply wouldn't allow it.

Steady Glances || Eva & Tomas

Since they’d allowed her to sit in Genna’s room, Eva had hardly left her side. The steady beeping and humming of the machines that kept her sister alive were her constant company. But now matter how alone she felt, she wouldn’t leave her sister’s side. She had to be there when she woke up. And she would wake up.

“Eva!”

Typically, Preston's presence cheered her. He was one of the few people who could actually nudge a smile out of her anymore, who didn't look at her like she was crazy. He'd been around for so long now, always close by. Almost like a brother really, though she wouldn't admit that to anyone. Especially now, when it seemed like being a part of this family was like signing your own death certificate.

And still my expectations won’t waiver as I’m sure Genna’s wouldn’t either. Patience is a virtue and He rewards those who show such discipline and grace. This is too important to let our selfish needs destroy what we’ve waited years to enact. 

We aren’t supposed to be spared pain and it’s selfish to think so. It’s a part of life. And those of us who can triumph over it come out stronger. I’m here for one reason and that’s to extract our revenge, not waste time and effort on reckless, indulgent acts that could set us back. There’s too much at stake. He enjoys discipline as much as He does vengeance.

I lost any discipline I had a long time ago. You expect more of me than I may ever be capable. I have no patience left to wait on the suffering that is due me. They will know my pain intimately, and soon.

You’re too pretty to be a nun anyway.

Maybe I should talk to the priest. It might not be too late to change my mind.

And I’m sure he’s a great one. What, no calling to be a nun for you?

Some of my family has encouraged me to join a convent in previous years, but not lately. I may not have heeded to the call early enough.

I know you’ve been spending a lot of time with Izzy. Of course I love her, but you must know not everyone is filled with evil. I’m sure even some of their followers are there out of fear. Moves still must be thought out and the counter ones considered. I refuse to have the death be on our side because some couldn’t contain themselves…

I was good once, Gianna. The best. And that did not spare me pain. Those who are not evil will still suffer, and it may just as well be at my own hands. I understand you don't approve of the choices Isabella and I made, but God does not always spare the innocent, dear cousin.

I think it does them well to be in such a place - a little faith and good will is sorely needed.

Only God can save their souls now... And that's all that will be left when I'm through.

Because all priests and nuns are so moral.

My brother is a priest.