MATHEO'S POV

As I was shopping today I was drawn to the AirPods in the store.

I didn't know why at first but an image of Alina flinching at loud sounds popped into my head.

I picked them up and went up to pay when I remembered that she had a really old iPhone.

It wouldn't be compatible, so I picked up an iPhone 13 for her as well.

I got the blue colour as that was the colour of the her skateboard deck.

Now I just had to figure out how I was going to give it to her.

ALINA'S POV

I sat there staring at the headphones in my hands.

I think this was the best gift I had ever gotten, not that I'd ever had one before.

Well apart from Adrian's bear.

I put the headphones on my bed so they would be kept in my eye line as I put my clothes away.

I mean I won't pass up the opportunity to have a new phone, the newest model at that and headphones.

I'd need to get my family's numbers first.

I heard a commotion happening from downstairs.

I heard voices I hadn't heard before.

Being the nosy person I am I decided to sit on the stairs, out of eye sight of the people downstairs.

"YOU WILL LET ME SEE ALINA OR SO HELP ME GOD I WILL KILL YOU!" A voice screamed.

Kill who?

My family!

No way! I can't let my family be killed!

I've just been reunited with them.

I will take my time going down the stairs to check on them though.

Just to give me time to prepare myself for what I'm about to face.

I reached the bottom of the stairs, and saw 2 old people and around 15 other people.

Is there a party going on tonight or something!?

"LET ME SEE HER!" The oldest man said getting ready to slap the back of my fathers head.

"HEY! DON'T YOU DARE HIT MY FATHER!" I screamed at the guy.

I had no fear defending my father as I approaching this tall scary man.

I knew my family would protect me. Well most of them.

They could still hurt me but I didn't believe that.

They've shown me nothing but kindness.

I don't trust them fully yet though.

I stared up at the old man, and his eyes softened as he took me in.

He stepped up to me and I stepped back.

"Who are you and why were you going to hit my father!?" I questioned him with my best death stare.

Apparently it wasn't very good as he burst out laughing whilst everyone else had an amused face.

I did not come down here to be a laughing stock!

I crossed my arms trying to give them all a deadly look.

"Alina, this is your grandfather. He wouldn't actually hurt me or anyone for that matter, okay?" He reassured me as he knelt down in front of me.

"But thank you for your protection"

I awkwardly shuffled my feet as I contained a smile.

As I looked towards my Dad I realised he was still smiling at me.

I tilted my head questionably.

"You called me Father for the first time." He said looking giddy but also as if he was going to cry.

It kinda slipped out. I guess I was comfortable.

But what if I'm getting too comfortable!?

"Is that not ok? Do you want me to call you something else?" I questioned having a bit of a panic.

"No, Alina it's perfect. Thank you, truly for accepting me as your father."

Why wouldn't I accept him? He's my real dad and he's treated me the best anyone ever has.

I turned to the old man once again angry at him.

If he just said who he was this whole thing wouldn't of happened.

"You mister could have just told me who you were and we would've been fine!" I exasperated.

He chuckled.

"Alina, this is your grandad Alphonso and your Grandmother Ginny." Mom said.

The pair both had graying hair that was turning white.

They both looked great, their physiques were immaculate for their age.

"Is it ok if we hug you?" Ginny asked.

I mean I feel as though I can't decline. I'd want to hug my grandchild I haven't seen in 10 years.

They seemed like such kind souls and I didn't want to break their hearts.

I wasn't in too much pain.

I had gotten used to the pain over the years. But I wasn't immune to it.

I still had to do my everyday life.

Plus in a weird way, swinging around on bars hurts less than someone squeezing the life out of you.

I wasn't feeling too bad currently as I took my tablets.

So I agreed.

They hugged me together. The embrace felt warm and comforting.

The hugs I've had whilst being here are everything I made them out to be.

They're the best feeling ever.

"We're so glad you're back Alina. We want you to know that we never gave up looking for you. We're sorry for not being there in your childhood." Ginny said whilst crying.

I hugged back tighter and whispered. "We're together now and that's what counts"

At least I'm back and not still with Emma and Jason.

I'm out of that hellhole.

"We'll never leave you again bambina, we promise. We'll keep you safe" Alphonso said.

I'd like to hope so.

I want to be safe and have stability and my family for the rest of my life.

That not asking too much is it?

They both let me go and I faced the rest of the people in the room.

"These are the rest of the men in the family, your uncles and cousins"

I was introduced to all of my uncles who gave me a hug and a fist bump each.

I was then introduced to my cousins.

Not only were they tall and muscly but they all acted like a mix of Matheo and Marco.

They had glints in their eyes that's showed they were jokers but they had Theo's edge of seriousness to them.

The attitude went well with their suits.

Not that I think about it I think I've only ever seen the boys wear suits apart from their pj's.

Very classy.

A few of them pinched my cheeks and I had to fight them off.

Luckily none of them called me squirt.

I was introduced to my aunts as well who all though I was very cute and beautiful.

They dawned over my hair and freckles.

They all said that I should call them if I ever had an emergency a girl situation or a date and they'd be there straight away.

The adults in this family do get busy.

"So where's your daughters?" I asked my aunts.

I couldn't see them, so maybe they were busy.

Everyone kind of awkwardly chuckled.

"You're the only one" Dad said.

"I'm sorry can you say that again!? I don't think I heard you right" I repeated in disbelief.

"You're the only girl in the family part from the adults." He repeated.

Why!? Just why!? All boys!

"Don't tell me my cousins are also going to my school?"

But from the smirks in the boys faces I knew my answer.

"How on earth am I going to get a boyfriend or even friends who are boys!? Mom, tell them they have to back off and stay away if I'm talking to a boy!" I said annoyed.

"Of course sweetheart" She replied as her and the aunts death stared all of the boys.

The boys all looked nervous but I had a gut feeling they were not going to back down.

Chances are they are going to be very protective which is good in some ways but not others.

"So anyone up for a skating session? Alina here skates as well!" Marco said getting rid of the silence in the room.

Rocco put his hand straight up.

Giannis, Dante, Jackson and Luca also said they wanted to come.

I agreed as I also really wanted to skate.

Sue me, it's fun. Plus I've had worse injuries..........I think.

I also want to spend time with my family.

I'm running out of my tablets anyway. I'd rather have some fun whilst I've got them because until I can get more after they've run out I'll be able to do nothing.

"Do the rest of you guys want to watch?" Marco asked the rest of the boys.

They obviously agreed, so I went up to get my skateboard from my room.

Rocco waited for me at the bottom of the stairs for me as the others had already headed down.

Rocco held out his hand for me to take and I did, with my skateboard in my other hand.

I'm thankful for him as I wouldn't of known where to go otherwise.

He opened the door which I presumed was the basement and I stopped in my tracks.

Words can't explain how good this place was.

Giannis, Dante, Jackson, Luca and Marco were all skating and they were damn good as well.

This was EPIC!

The skateparks back home were good but nothing compared to this.

I loved skating. It took my mind off of things and it was so fun. Plus it took me out of the house for hours on end, only when I had free time.

I didn't work everyday so I had time usually.

No matter how tired I was I could always skate.

I made my way up to the ramps next to Marco.

"Come on then Alina, show us your skills!"

I nodded and set myself up on the tallest half pipe.

I set my board up over the coping ready to start.

I took a breath and dropped in.

I warmed up with some 50-50's and some feeble's. I added some rock to roll fakie.

I continued my run with a 360 air and a kickflip onto the coping before coming back down.

I made my way back up to the ramp as I caught my board and faced my cousins.

"This is the sickest place ever!" I exclaimed to them all.

"Dude, you are so sick!" Dante said.

"You're amazing Alina!" Luca said.

The rest of the boys looked gobsmacked.

"Why thank you. Want to play a big game of SKATE?" I asked.

They all agreed and I was super excited.

We stayed down here for around 2 hours playing, whilst the rest of the boys watched.

They seemed to enjoy watching as well.

It was currently only me and Jackson left.

We were both on SKAT.

I was adamant I was going to beat him.

I decided to do a hardflip for my trick.

I set myself up and completed it first try.

Gleefully I made Jackson aware he only had 2 tries to do it.

He went and bailed on his first time.

His second time he got the first half of the trick down, but he was unable to twist the board.

He was super close, but I was ultimately the winner!

"I win sucker!!!" I shouted at him.

He smirked at me.

Why is he smirking, I won?

He started making his way towards me.

Whoa, whoa.

I started running out of the basement and up the stairs.

He was still chasing me.

I started screaming.

"MOM, JACKSON IS CHASING ME BECAUSE I BEAT HIM IN SKATEBOARDING!"

I saw the whole family in the living room and I hid behind my grandad.

"You have to stop him he's going to kill me!" I whispered to him.

"Boy, you leave Alina alone! She probably beat you fair and square!" He reprimanded Jackson.

"That not fair, she called me a sucker! I don't think that's acceptable, and I wasn't going to kill ber I was just going to tickle her" he complained like a little kid as if that made everything right!

"Did you lose?" Grandad asked him.

"Yes bu-"

"So you're a sucker. Alina was in the right for calling you that, now leave her alone, as we are going to go bake" Granny backed me up as Jackson shook his head laughing as he walked off.

"I'll win next time, Alina"

Yeah right.

"Alina, do you want to bake with me? I used it as an excuse to rid of the child but would you?" Granny asked.

Hell yeah I would. I've never baked before.

"Yes please! I'll just put my stuff away!" I replied and made my way upstairs with a hop in my step.

Being in a good mood also helps my pain as I temporarily forget about it.

I went to go out my skateboard back in my room so I could go back with Granny.

As I walked in I saw all of the bags the boys was carrying today and more on my bed along with a bag from the uniform store.

There was a note next to the bags.

To Alina,

You deserve to be spoiled! We saw you today and how you looked at prices of items and therefore put them back.

We have missed 10 years of your life. That's way too much time away and we want to make up that time.

You deserve the world at the very least some clothes

Please don't hesitate when asking us for things. We have money Alina and we are willing and can give you the world.

Athena/Salvatore xxx

I saw the fluffy hoodie I liked in Louis Vuitton that Romeo was carrying.

It was for me?

I took it out of the bag as I looked at it in awe.

They didn't have to do this!

I'm very thankful for it though!

I made my way back downstairs and found my Dad with his back to me.

I slowly reached my arms around him in a hug.

I didn't squeeze or anything as it does hurt but I cuddled into him.

He turned around and crouched down in front of me.

"Are you ok?" He asked as he brushed my hair away from my face.

"Thank you for my clothes, you didn't need to!"

"Of course we did. You deserve it Alina."

I blushed and turned to the kitchen ready to bake.

I walked I got the kitchen to see Granny in an apron with a smaller one in her hands.

"Ahh you're here Alina! Let's get ready to bake!"

She handed me the apron to put on.

I tried tying it up in the back but I physically couldn't.

I poked Granny and she turned around straight away.

"Could you tie my back please?" I asked embarrassed.

"Of course sweetie"

She tied my back up and also pulled my hair into a ponytail.

"Thank you!" I said.

"No worries dear, now I think we'll make a chocolate cake as everyone loves that." She said.

That sounds delicious.

I don't know if I've ever had cake. I've seen many in stores.

"Right I've got all the ingredients. So if you can put the following ingredients into the bowl we can get started"

I followed her every instruction as I wanted all of my family to be able to eat my cake.

I mixed the cake batter as well as I could with the whisk but Granny took over as there was still some lumps I couldn't get rid of.

She put it on the oven whilst I chopped up chocolate to use for the buttercream and to put on top of the cake.

We sat down together as we waited for the cake to bake.

"So are you excited for tomorrow?" She asked.

"A little. The boys said they'll protect me but I don't want so much protection that no one can come up to me and make friends with me." I responded.

I wanted friends.

"We'll I can't make any promises for school but if they ever get too much, you can always stay with us!" Granny said.

Apparently they don't live too far away neither do my cousins.

"Do I get to bake a cake every time I'm there?" I asked because this has been fun so far.

I can't wait to taste it.

"Absolutely. I also have a special cupboard of snacks for my grandchildren, although I have a separate one for you because those boys are animals. The family hasn't been very close ever since you were taken. We were all mourning and searching in our own ways. You are a blessing Alina"

I stayed silent.

I don't know how to reply to that without being awkward.

Thank god the the timer went off to the cake.

That's a super fast oven but I can't complain.

(I know it doesn't take this quick to bake a cake and for it to cool down but just go with it)

"Right, you go and get the chocolate and some sprinkles in the cupboard to the left of you so we can decorate the cake.

I got the stuff as Granny got the buttercream.

She passed me the bowl and I started spreading it on top of the first cake so I could stack the second one.

I topped it with butter cream and made a smile out of chocolate chips and sprinkled the whole top with more chocolate and sprinkles.

As I looked at my final product Granny rubbed the top of my head affectionally.

The cake looked much bigger than I anticipated it to be.

It would definitely feed everyone here even with the boys' appetites.

Me and Granny called the adults into the kitchen for their slice.

"It looks amazing!" Uncle Carlos said.

"You guys get the first taste because we don't want the boys taking more than their fair share." I said smiling happy they like it so far.

"Awesome!"

"It looks amazing!"

"Thank you"

My aunts and uncles are really kind.

I cut a slice for everyone and myself.

Granny gave them all forks.

Please like it!

I took a bite and I think I died.

It was crazy good!

I've never tasted anything like this!

It was moist and the chocolate was amazing.

I've had chocolate before but in limited amounts when in school meals and such.

The boys were all called into the kitchen for a slice by Granny.

She screamed it but I didn't actually believe that they could hear her.

They must have crazy hearing because the next minute there was a stampede coming up the stairs.

The boys burst into the kitchen.

"Thank god I'm starving!" Giannis said.

I looked at the clock at it was 9:45 pm.

It made sense, it's been a busy day! We shopped, skated and baked.

The boys ate their cake like animals. Within minutes it was there and the rest of it was gone.

They were all moaning saying how full they were.

I guess that solves the dinner issue.

I was still eating mine but I was getting quite full.

I had eaten around 3/4 of it and I was proud of myself.

I silently moved my plate away indicating I was finished and heard Matheo scoff judgementally.

I thought we were kind of on good terms.

He probably thinks I'm still wasting food.

As I looked towards him he stared at me in the nastiest way.

"Right, well I think it's time we take our leave, it's getting late and Alina has a big day tomorrow!" Uncle Stephano said.

Aunt Sarah was also ready to go home.

Shit, I've got school tomorrow!

It's way too early for that.

My cousins all greeted me goodbye saying that they'll be there if I needed tomorrow and that they won't be that overbearing but I don't believe them.

They just had that glint in their eyes.

My aunts said if I need any date advice or find any cute guys I need to tell them immediately.

I heard my cousins whisper about how that would never happen as no boys deserved to even look at me.

Granny and Grandad said they were going to stay the night so my brothers went to set up their room.

I said goodnight to my parents who kissed my head and didn't want to let me go.

I found my brothers waiting to head upstairs.

Marco, Romeo all gave me a fist bump and wished me good night.

Adrian and Rocco hugged me.

Luckily there was no sleepover tonight as I needed sleep.

Luca smiled at me.

Matheo came forward and slammed into my shoulder and walked upstairs.

Luckily it wasn't my bad shoulder.

I winced and caught the eye of grandad who looked fuming at Matheo.

I went over to him and wished him a good night.

Him and Granny kissed me on the head.

My parents gave me a mini hug and a kiss on the head.

I walked upstairs happily ready for bed but not for tomorrow.

All of my bags were on my bed.

I was too tired to sort everything so I sorted my uniform and got the fluffy jumper that Marco got me with some comfy bottoms.

I looked at myself in it.

It was cozy. I loved it.

I got into bed after putting all of the bags in my closet, ready for sorting tomorrow and putting the headphones on my bedside table.

I got Adrian's bear in my arms ready to face the challenge of school tomorrow.

I drifted off in a bit of pain reminding myself of how good today was.

For the first time in my life I went to sleep with a smile on my face.