ALINA'S POV

We all finished breakfast and got ready for the day. No one questioned my eating today thanks to the smoothies I had.

I wore one of my 6 outfits with my wrecked converse.

I made sure I looked decent.

I didn't have any visible marks on my face as Emma and Jason knew that it would draw too much attention.

They did give me a slap here and there though.

I took my painkillers for the day making sure I wouldn't draw attention to my injuries.

I braved it through breakfast. I don't know how as my body was in agony. I had forgotten to take my tablets so I just had to put up with it.

I had checked my ribs in the mirror of my bathroom and they were turning black.

Usually they started bruising and getting better but it didn't seem to be this time.

My shoulder had a bit of yellowing and my ankle was still hurting.

I didn't know if the yellowing was a bruise or infection as it was way too painful to even touch so I couldn't investigate it.

My ankle was still swollen but it was getting better and the swelling had gone down every day.

I waited for my painkillers to take action before I ventured down the stairs again.

We all met in the foyer.

We went in 2 separate cars. The same big cars that I was brought here in with drivers.

I went with Athena, Salvatore, Adrian and Marco.

I wanted to fill the silence and I felt comfortable doing so.

"So what school am I going to? Is it close?" I questioned.

I was scared.

I didn't want to start a new school or have to make new friends.

"It's about 20 minutes away. It's a private school called St Louis School. You'll fit in very easily bambina" Salvatore replied.

Jeez, I don't want to even imagine the cost of sending 6 kids through private school.

"Twinny, I can introduce you to my friends. I just know they are going to love you. Why wouldn't they? You're perfect"

I blushed.

I really needed to get better at handling attention.

We reached the mall in no time after passing mansions upon mansions.

It was just as posh as the whole area.

I just thought malls were malls. I didnt know there were fancy ones like this.

We got out of our car first and waited for the rest of the boys.

They all arrived and we were ready to set off.

Matheo went away straight away. Luca followed.

Adrian stuck with me and Athena and Salvatore.

Rocco went with Marco.

"Romeo, do you want to come with us?" I questioned.

He looked lost.

Everyone else had left and gone into the mall.

He grinned at me.

"Thanks squirt. Saves me from trying to find the rest of the boys"

Even he's calling me squirt! I can't ever escape it!

"Right let's get to it! Much to do!" Athena said whilst storming ahead.

I hope she's not a crazy shopper. I enjoy it but I can't spend all day doing it.

"First stop, uniforms! We only need yours Alina as the boys have been sorted"

I nodded.

I got upset thinking of how much I missed with my real family.

I didn't have to suffer. I could have had an easy life.

We walked through the massive mall.

It has so many more stores than my local one back in the States.

It had really expensive brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Armani.

Many girls in school had bags and clothes from these places. They loved showing off .

I've never really had anything special or luxury enough to ever do that.

Not that I would show off. I think it's a little obnoxious.

We entered the store and were greeted with the employees of the store bowing as we entered.

That was weird.

I know my family is rich and famous but this is a step too far.

Maybe they helped this store? Yeah that's probably it. Business wise they must have helped them.

That's what they are famous for.

Or maybe it's a sign of respect in Italy and stores just do it to everyone who comes in.

An old lady came to Athena straight away.

She acted like a completely different person outside.

There was no playful side to her, it was all business.

I guess you'd have to do that if you have a reputation.

She was listing all of these different clothes not missing a beat.

As long as she was kind to me and to others then I was happy.

She just seemed strict. Ready to get down to business.

I was looking around the store and I caught the curious glances of the employees.

What never seen a missing child returned before?

Before I knew it I was turned around and taken to the far corner of the room.

Has this lady ever heard of personal space? Or asking to move people?

The rest of my family was following.

That was good.

I was put on a little stage with a mirror in front of me.

What was happening?

The lady who dragged me over here left.

I looked towards Athena through the mirror questioning with my eyes on what was happening.

She just smiled and gave me a thumbs up.

Girl, you cannot just drag me onto a stage and leave me in the dark about what's happening.

The lady returned with a tape measure.

Ok it made sense now.

She measure my arms, thighs, waist, and neck.

I had to hide a wince as she measured my waist due to my ribs.

I stayed as still as possible and allowed her move me however as I didn't want to get in trouble or make her life harder.

It made me self coincious as I saw how easily the tape measure coiled around my body.

I knew I was too skinny but this was brutal.

She whispered words to her assistant and walked over to Athena saying the clothes would be done by the end of the day.

That's very quick. But great for me I guess.

We all exited the shop and received the same treatment as we did when we came in.

"Where do you want to go next Alina?" Athena asked me.

"I don't know. Wherever you think is best"

I don't know the area. I also didn't know where I should shop.

I followed Athena as we went into Louis Vuitton.

I felt so out of place.

Here I was with my tattered sneakers and clothes in a luxurious store.

My family got right on with their elegant suits and dress.

I stayed behind them as we entered as I was embarrassed.

Again everyone bowed.

I most definitely think they do it to everyone who comes into their store as a sign of respect.

The boys went together to look and so did Athena and Salvatore.

I guess that meant I was free to look around.

I saw a really cute and fluffy jumper that I fancied. I went over to it to see how much it was.

€540

No way, for an item of clothing!?

I knew it was expensive but I didn't know it was this expensive!

There's no way I can ask my parents to buy this for me.

They've already taken me in and they said they'd buy me clothes but I can't ask for these types of clothes.

I stepped away and just looked around, trying not to wince as I caught the prices of items.

I'm hoping there's a store around here that's actually affordable.

I continued to look around at the shirts when a member of staff came up to me.

Did I look that lost?

I didn't need help.

"Ma'am I'm going to have to ask you to leave the premises."

"Oh, I'm sorry but why?" I asked.

I wasn't doing anything wrong.

"Only paying customers are allowed in the store, and you are not one of those" she said whilst eyeing my clothes and me in disgust.

I looked around for my family but we were behind a little corner.

"But I haven't found anything I like yet. If I do I will pay!" I tried telling her.

I might have bad clothes but she shouldn't assume anything.

She scoffed.

Plus my family can afford the stuff in here.

"Yeah, right. You either need to escort yourself out or I will be forced to get security" she threatened.

I didn't want to cause a hassle. I didn't want to embarrass my family and tarnish their name so I let her escort me out.

I tried finding one of my family's eyes but they were all facing the opposite direction.

I was too scared to call out for them.

I was shoved out of the store and fell on my hands and knees.

I was winded as I fell and it didn't do anything good for my ribs or shoulder.

With a lot of effort I lifted myself up to face her.

"Stay out, you filthy brat"

It's not my fault I don't have the best clothes.

Not all of us grew up with lots of money.

I decided to wait just outside of the store so I didn't lose my family.

The lady was glaring at me from inside the store.

Dude, I'm outside the store.

I averted my gaze to Romeo, Marco and Adrian. They had armfuls of clothes.

I didn't even want to imagine the price.

I bet they have a lot of pocket money.

Would my parents give me pocket money if I asked?

I sighed as I waited for them to be done.

I was looking around and picking my nails when I heard the loudest scream I think I ever had.

"ALINA!!"

My whole family was running around the store like headless chickens.

It was really funny.

I just had to laugh.

They were all panicking, and it seems to be getting worse.

I was debating.

Should I go in and show myself, or do I listen to the worker?

I don't want to get in trouble.

But as soon as I saw Adrian crying, I walked back into the store.

It's as if everyone sensed my presence as they all turned to me and rushed to me discarding anything they were carrying.

"Alina baby where were you? We got scared for a minute there" Athena questioned checking me over everyone else was doing the same .

"I'm all good, I'm sorry I scared you all" I replied.

"Why did you leave? Is the store not good enough? I'm sure we can find somewhere else that's better!" Salvatore said.

I stayed silent.

"Alina, are you ok?" Romeo asked genuinely looking worriedly

"I'm sorry! The lady chucked me out because I look poor. She didn't think I could afford anything in there and that I was tarnishing the stores name so she escorted me out." I said embarrassed.

"Who was it Alina?" Salvatore asked with gritted teeth.

I looked around and saw that the lady was nowhere to be seen.

"I don't know she's not here any more" I replied hoping they believed me.

I don't want them to think I'm causing drama and that I'm a bad kid when I'm not.

"GET ME EVERY MEMEBER OF STAFF YOU HAVE WORKING HERE, RIGHT NOW!" Salvatore screamed at the whole store.

I shrunk back into the arms of Adrian who was was sniffling.

I held his hand as we both watched what was occurring although my family seemed to be used to it.

All of the staff looked terrified as some went around the store into staff rooms searching for other staff members.

I didn't really know what was going on.

I swallowed anxiously as I saw the lady who kicked me out line up with the rest of the staff.

"Who's the lady who kicked you out Alina?" Athena asked in a deadly tone.

As I looked at the lady she gave me a death stare. I looked down and whispered to Adrian who the lady was.

I couldn't face her.

Adrian then told Athena who then walked up to the lady.

The store was dead silent.

"In what world did you think it was acceptable to kick my daughter out of this store?" Athena questioned angrily.

The lady looked shocked.

"Da-Daughter? I didn't know!" She tried to argue.

"Well now you know. Who's the manager here?" Athena replied.

A man stepped forward.

"I am Miss Giovanni"

"We planned on buying some clothes for my daughter from here, but I demand some sort of punishment for your incompetent staff or I will take my business else where" Athena threatened.

"What would you like Miss Giovanni?" The manager asked.

"For her to be fired. No one who treats my daughter like that should get away with it. I demand she be punished!"

Whoa!

That's too far!

Some people just make bad decisions!

What if she doesn't have much money and this is her only income?

I would have hated it if I lost my income from the diner.

She might have a bad life at home as well.

The lady was crying and the manager looked as if he was going to go through with it.

I couldn't let it happen.

"NO!" I said drawing everyone's attention.

"She made a mistake. She was just trying to do her job. It's a posh store and I don't really fit in. I don't blame her for thinking I couldn't pay. All I want is an apology for her assumptions." I stated seriously standing my ground ready to argue if my family disagreed.

"Are you sure?" Salvatore asked looking confused as to why I was letting her off.

We all make mistakes.

I won't punish her for that. I can't.

"Yep!"

The lady came straight over to me.

She gripped my hands as she got on her knees.

Not happening.

I made her get up so we could be face to face.

I mean she was still crouching down as I was only 5"3.

"I'm really sorry for assuming anything about your life and status. I just wanted to do a good job. My co workers do stuff like this all the time so I did as well. I'm really sorry! Please don't fire me!" She cried.

"Thank you for the apology. I'll let you off the hook as long as you promise to never assume anything like this again. You never know someone's actual life" I replied.

She nodded like crazy and went back to the rest of the staff who still looked petrified.

"Can we still buy some clothes from here?" Romeo asked.

"Of course as long as Alina is happy with it." Salvatore replied.

I nodded and smiled.

Romeo and Adrian both went to pick up the clothes they'd dropped on the floor whilst Marco picked even more off of hangers and shelves.

I could have sworn I saw the jumper I had first looked at in Romeo's pile.

I guess we have the same style.

My parents joined us at the cash register.

"Your grand total is €12,569"

Oh my god!

Just for clothes!?

I could go on a 5 month vacation for that price.

Marco got a card out of his wallet but Salvatore swiped his before Marco could.

He didn't even look back to make sure the transaction was successful.

He started walking with Athena who was next to me.

"Where to next then Alina?"

"Can we go to New Look or Primark?" I asked.

"Are you sure? Money is not a problem need I remind you"

"I'm sure!" I replied.

I'm not wasting money.

Clothes are clothes.

My family reluctantly agreed and we made our way through the mall.

Almost everyone stared at us as we walked past.

It wasn't uncomfortable as most of the attention was on Athena and Salvatore. Some were on my brothers.

None was on me though.

I'm guessing it's because people don't know me. I don't think people realise I'm actually apart of the family. They probably think I'm a tag along or something.

Which I'm happy with. I don't want to be centre of attention.

We finally reached the stores I wanted to go in.

My family followed me everywhere as if they were scared something would happen in this store as well.

I picked out 5 pairs of jeans, 2 pairs of shorts and around 10 t shirts and put them in my basket.

I got some belts and some other r little things as well.

I turned to my family with a smile on my face telling them I was done

"Is that all you want Alina? It's nowhere near enough clothes!" Athena stated.

"This is all I want I promise!" I replied.

"Ok, let's go pay then"

I didn't miss the looks she gave my brothers and Salvatore but I didn't care as I was too happy with my new clothes.

The total to this came out to €376 which I thought was much more affordable.

Me and Athena walked out to the cars. I didn't see Adrian, Marco, Romeo or Salvatore.

I gave her a questioning look.

"They are going to pick up your uniform for you, whilst we head home to sort your bag and stationary out. We have cupboards full of those kinds of stuff as your brothers seem to loose everything school related." She laughed.

That sounded like them.

As we got to the car with my new clothes I saw Luca and Matheo waiting.

We're they waiting for us?

Nooooooooooo!

Literally anyone else would a better option to be stuck in a car with.

I made sure to sit by Athena as I got in, and kept my bag with me the whole journey home.

Luca and Matheo gave the driver all of their bags to put in the trunk.

They had a lot from many different stores.

"So, are you excited for school?" Luca asked.

I was shocked.

He hasn't spoken to me before.

"I'm not sure. It's a new school, a new country with new people. It's nerve racking to say the least." I replied.

He just smiled and said I'd be fine and that everyone would want to be my friend.

I hope so.

He'd apparently beat anyone up who was mean to me.

He was obviously joking.......... I think.

Athena nor Matheo laughed.

Athena just smiled the whole journey back.

As we got back home I I went straight to my room to unpack my clothes, and I would meet Athena after to sort my bags.

I was in the middle of folding my clothes when Matheo barged into my room.

I was scared.

There was barely anyone in the house. What if he hurt me? Would anyone hear me in order to save me.

My attention turned to the bag he brought in with him.

It had an Apple logo on it.

The Apple store was damn expensive.

He pulled out what I believe was an I phone 13 and AirPods.

Is he trying to show off what he can afford and I can't?

Rude!

He outstretched the devices.

"For me?" I questioned quietly.

"Who else? Is there another person in this room?" He replied sarcastically

Yeah... you?

"Why?"

"Why, what?" He asked looking confused. He looked like a puppy.

"Why are you giving these to me?"

"Because it's embarrassing to be seen with you with that old ass Iphone, and because I've noticed you don't like noise. I got you the noise cancellation version, so you can be in silence when you want to" he rambled on.

I found it cute. As soon as he realised what he was doing he left the gifts in my hands and sped out of my room.

No one had ever got me a gift, nevertheless realised such small details about me.

Did he truly care for me?

A/N - LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS CHAPTER!