ALINA'S POV

I prepared myself to meet my family. I didn't want to be too nasty to them about leaving me to fend for myself but it was hard. I was angry.

But I was also really nervous. My prayers had been answered. I had managed to escape the hell hole I was in.

But what if, my biological family was worse? What if it was a blessing that they left me?

I had scared myself so much that my hands were shaking. I hid them behind my back as I stood and walked outside.

I decided I wouldn't be haste. They might hate me if I talk badly about them so I won't talk about anything serious like them ditching me for a couple of days at least.

I followed the two officers out of the room and tried to hide behind them as much as I could. I was really scared to face them.

I lifted my head as I heard a harsh voice saying

"WHERE IS SHE!?"

That made me want to hide more. I hate it when people shout, especially at me. It's scary.

I feel a nudge and the first officer is discreetly telling me to move forward. Even he looked scared.

I nod and move to the side of him so I'm visible.

As I look up I see a man and a women that look just like me. Obviously, they are my parents.

I knew they would look like me but it was still a bit of a shock to the system.

"Alina" the man whispered and stepped forward.

Unknowingly I stepped back in fear although I kept my features cooled.

"Hello Sir" I replied. He looked upset at me moving away from him; I didn't even know his name yet! I think he looked upset at me not knowing him.

"Um, I'm Salvatore Giovanni your father and this is your mother Athena Giovanni. We have no words to describe how happy we are to have you back." He said with tears in his eyes.

Have me back? They wanted me back?

"It's honestly a dream to have you back with us. Is there um any way i could maybe get a hug? It's just that i haven't seen you in 14 years and I've missed you terribly. It's ok if you don't." Athena asked me with a red, puffy face and lines on her face from tears.

I wasn't really comfortable with it, but something inside my heart tugged. She looked broken, and she looked at me as if i could be the one to complete her.

I gave in.

I took a measly, slow step forward. And again, another until i was a step in front of her.

Her face lit up, as she shortened the distance between us and encased me between her arms and body.

I can't remember the last time i had a hug off of someone.

She smelt great. I wasn't being creepy or anything but everyone I've been around smelt like cigarettes or alcohol.

She smelt sweet like roses. It had a calming effect on me and I could feel myself relax in her embrace and became less stiff.

It was clear neither of us wanted to let go of each other but we did when we heard a subtle cough.

I saw Salvatore looking happy but a little left out.

I felt bad. I stepped closer to him, slowly. I was still uncomfortable.

I wrapped my arms around him and his face lighted up in joy. It made feel happy.

At least someone was happy to have my presence.

For some reason I didn't feel uncomfortable in their embrace. I still don't really trust them and I was still really mad at them but it felt really nice to have a hug.

This might be trusting too easily but I only did it this once. And I had police officers around me just in case anything happened.

Not that I'd ever tell them if my past, ever.

I still don't trust them either.

"Are you ready to go home sweetie?" Athena asked with her hand out.

I nodded and got my bag with my belongings and my skateboard.

I was able to get my stuff before we left for the police station. They let me go into the house to get my stuff. Luckily they didn't come in themselves and see the state it was in

I didn't hold her hand and I tried not to look in her eye and see her hurt.

I just couldn't deal with any more contact for today, or maybe ever.

I felt bad but in my defence I had only been with them for 10 minutes. I don't fully trust them.

Athena nodded to herself with a sad smile and held Salvatore's hand instead.

I thanked the police officers and walked out with my parents.

We walked to the car park and I saw 4 SUV's waiting outside for us.

I was confused. Why are there so many cars? There was only 3 of us.

"It's for protection baby, we are influential people in the business world so we need protection sometimes." Athena told me.

I nodded my head. It makes sense. Celebrities have security all the time. I'm guessing these people are celebrities in the business world.

I didn't question it and followed them to the 2nd car.

"Let me take your bags sweetie" Salvatore asks.

I nod thankfully as I hand him my school bag with all my belongings and board. It's a little heavy.

"What about the rest of it?"

"Um, that's all I've got" I reply whilst rubbing my arms feeling uncomfortable

The two give each other a look but decide to move on with life and help me get into the car.

As I enter the car I presumed that no one would be in it, but I slam my head first straight into someone's side.

I was in pain whereas this other person made it seem as if a fly had hit him. Their body didn't even move.

As i looked up to see the face that was connected to this monster's body, i recoiled in recognition.

The weird guy from the cafe?

"It's you?"

The boy was just looking at me confused, as if I wasn't meant to be here.

"You're name, it's...it's Alina isn't it?" He asked looking worse for wear. He was pale.

I just nodded. He wasn't able to get my name at the cafe, so how does he know it now?

Within a second i was crushed into him. It took me a second to realise i was in a hug once again. I almost had a mini freak out and had to control my breathing. I don't like being touched suddenly without people telling me what is going on.

I fought my way out of his embrace. Although it was comforting and he smelt like peppermint, i had had enough contact for today. I just needed to be in my own skin for a while.

Not to mention i was holding in tears from the pain of all of the contact today. As soon as i got to wherever i was staying i needed to take my painkillers. I would need to refill them soon as well.

The boy looked hurt. I felt bad, but right now I needed to put my wellbeing above his happiness.

"I'm sorry, but I'm not comfortable with physical contact right now." He just nods.

Surprisingly his smile was still as bright as ever.

Turns out the other guy form the cafe was here as well. He looked at me, and then away. That was mean.

He was nicer in the cafe. Does he suddenly not like me? Have i done something to offend him?

Wait, why do I care? They left me to fend for myself, of course he hates me.

It now makes sense why they look like me. As we are closer together i can now see the specs of brown mixed in with our stark black hair. The similarities are so much clearer up close.

My parents finally enter the car in the back facing us.

I was confused, if they were here who was driving?

"Who's driving if you guys are back here?" I asked confused.

Salvatore looks smug.

"We have drivers for that honey."

I just nodded and thought about how rich they actually were.

The car set off. I was situated on the left of the car. The guy with lots of energy was in the middle, and the dude who hates me was on the right.

There was an awkward silence but it was filled by the crazy guy.

"Mom, Dad, you didn't say you found Alina. Why didn't you tell us before? Do the rest know? How long have you known?" He fired questions so fast it was hard to keep up.

I was grinning as he reminded me of a puppy. Super hyper and excited. He was definitely a fun person.

My parents looked ecstatic

"We found out last night and we came as soon as we could. We realised you two were already here so we wanted to surprise you! This is Alina, your baby sister! The rest don't know, so they'll be shocked when we get home." Salvatore said.

"Although it seems like you already know her" Athena said looking confused.

"Yeah me and Matheo were at this diner and we wanted some coffee so we went inside. We got served by Alina. She was the best. Now I had my suspicions but I wasn't really sure. So I went up to her as we went to leave to ask for her name, but big guy over here screamed at me. I'm so happy it is her!" The youngest one said, referring to his older brother.

Our older brother.

Salvatore and Athena looked annoyed and angry.

I shrinked back.

"You work? At 14?" Athena asked sadly.

"Yeah, i needed money to get all of my skating gear, as it was racking up. Working was purely for my benefit" i said. I lied, as they seemed uncomfortable about me working anyway. I feel as thought the would be angrier if they found out it was to pay for drugs and the bills.

"You don't need to worry about that anymore sweetie, we are very comfortable. Anything you want, you get. Anything that is ours is also yours. We don't want you stressing about working at 14, we want you to enjoy your childhood" Salvatore said.

I nodded in reply.

It was too good to be true. 2 older brothers and parents who seemed decent. Money not being a problem.

"I can't believe you skate! Rocco and me love it! We have a foam pit and a half pipe in the basement, so we can skate all year round! I cant wait to have another skating partner!" The crazy guy almost screamed.

I had to say, indoor skating inside a house really did excite me.

But those weren't the words that i caught up on.

"Whose Rocco? And what are your names?"

There was silence in the car.

"You don't remember us?" A broken voice said quietly.

It was the oldest brother, the angry one.

I felt bad, even though I hadn't done anything.

"No, sorry. I don't know any of you or anything about you" is said facing him.

He had tears falling down his face and i had to look away, or i was going to start crying as well. He looked as if i had stabbed him.

"Well he's Matheo. He's the oldest. He can be grumpy at times" he pointed at the crying boy who was desperately trying to stop his tears.

"I'm Marco aka the best brother! I love pranks and i plan on taking you under my wing so i can train you up in the art. I'm the second eldest. Luca is the third eldest, then Rocco, Romeo and lastly Adrian.

6 brothers! I have 6 brothers!

"Yes you do baby. I promise they will love you" Salvatore said trying to hold in a laugh.

I'm never going to get a boyfriend with that much testosterone in the house.

"Don't worry sweetie, I'll make sure you get your first kiss soon enough" Athena said smiling.

I need to stop speaking out loud.

All 3 boys in the car looked angry at that statement. Definitely the over protective type. It would be fun to annoy them though.

I smiled thankfully at Athena as i worried about living with 6 brothers.

The thinking was stressing me out, and before i knew it I had dosed off.

I usually am not able to sleep in unknown places, but i was able to here.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

I was awoken as i felt wind flowing through my hair. I started wriggling as i didn't know where i was.

I felt myself come into contacts with a hard surface. Under closer inspection i realised it was the floor.

I felt tears spill onto my face as my ribs and shoulders took most of the impact. Typical. Of course the places I'm hurt in get hit.

"Princess, are you ok? I didn't mean to drop you. I had a good hold and then you started wriggling so suddenly and i tried to ho-"

"It's ok. I promise" i cut Salvatore off.

I lifted myself up whilst keeping my whimpers in.

I don't blame the guy for dropping me, i mean i was acting like a cat.

The whole family looked at me in sympathy but i gave them a little smile. All that i could muster and waited for them to continue walking.

In front of us stood a mansion...no a palace. Not only did it look amazing but it had an olden look as well as a modern look to it. Parts looked like a castle.

There is only 9 of us in this family, so why so I the house so big?

It even had one of those fountains at the front of the house.

Super rich stuff.

I had to hold in my gasps.

It looked like something from a Disney movie.

I walked inside and I couldn't believe my eyes. The staircases wound around a massive chandelier.

There was too much to even explain. It was something out of this world.

"Come on baby, let's get some food. I bet you're hungry. I mean you slept through our 6 hour flight and 2 hour drive. You must be hungry. The rest of the boys will be back in half an hour. We'll have dinner together ok?" Athena said as the rest of the boys except Matheo who stormed off upstairs settlers around the kitchen.

She gave me an apologetic looks bout Matheo's behaviour and i just smiled sadly. I knew I wouldn't be welcome with open arms.

"Where exactly are we if i slept for that long?"

"Italy baby" Athena replied.

I looked past Athen and saw their garden. It was a field! They had soccer goals, a pool with a 3 slides and diving board. It was heaven. There was even an in-ground trampoline bigger than my old house.

My eyes caught on something else in the garden.

A grave. Surrounded by plush toys and flowers.

I couldn't help myself. I may have come across as rude but i cant stop myself sometimes.

"Who died?"

They all looked at each other uncomfortably until Salvatore spoke up.

"You"

"Or thats what we believed"