Enzo: Lila Paris is Gabriel's ex-girlfriend...

Suki: (She couldn't hide her astonishment.) What?! Really? (She put her hands on her mouth after her loud reaction, embarrassed.)

Gabriel: Enzo!

Enzo: What? She has the right to know... well... I think... Sorry... stop glaring at me like that... it looks like you want to hit me.

Gianni: I'm pretty sure that he would love to... but the kid is here... so you're lucky, your life is saved, for now!

Salvatore: Suki, how was your rendezvous with that counselor?

Suki: (She looked at Gabriel.) She asked me how I feel at school... and at home... and I said that I was fine, then Gabriel arrived.

Salvatore: Your arm was not painful? (She shook her head.) Great.

Enzo: Suki, you're done eating? Let's go to the living room together... I saw an anime that you should like!

Suki didn't have the time to say anything. Enzo helped her to stand up and gently dragged her away. He wanted to avoid to face his oldest brother and staying with Suki was a good way.

Gianni: Enzo is using your little protegee...

Gabriel: I know.

Salvatore: Gabriel, is that woman a threat for Suki?

Gabriel: No. She is not.

Vito: She wants to date you again?

Gabriel: I made things clear with her about that point and I don't think that she is stupid enough to use Suki for that.

Davide: She is an illuminated one. Did you forget how you met her and why you ended by dating her? Because she wanted to change us to model students... she thinks to be in mission to save kids from the wrong path!

Vito: Fortunately, when you dumped her, she left me alone! But that kid is a nerd. She is more a model student than a gang leader, I don't get why she asked to see her. I don't buy that long absence motive. I never heard of such things before.

Gabriel: As Lila met Suki already, for the purpose she mentioned, she has no more reason to talk to her.

Salvatore: Be sure that she is not becoming a burden for her.

They finished their dinner and dispersed themselves. Gabriel stopped by the living room but there was no one. He was looking for Enzo to have a little talk, knowing that he used the excuse of showing something to Suki to escape the scolding. Whenthey left the dining room, the two siblings went to the library and there, Sukidared to ask more about Lila Paris to Enzo.

Suki: Onii-chan... Miss Paris was really Gabriel's girlfriend? I would have never guessed it... she didn't mention anything.

Enzo: She is a bit weird, right? I don't know why he dated her... except for her body... (Suki blushed a lot.)... forget about that last phrase and don't repeat it or I'm dead!

Suki: She doesn't seem weird... she was nice, even if she asked a lot of question, but it's her work after all.

Enzo: I don't know, but if she bothers you at school, tell us. She can be pretty insistent. (He touched one of the piano key.) Did you try to play lately?

Suki: No, but I have learned a new partition... should I try to play it?

Enzo: Of course, you should! (He made her sit at the piano.) You can think of that as a kind of reeducation.

Suki: I didn't play since a while... And it's a bit intimidating to play in front of someone.

Enzo: Firstly, it's just me, your brother, not a stranger. Then, I'm not a specialist, it's not like I can have a judgement to make... So, go ahead, show me... I'm sure that it will be awesome.

Suki: Okay...

Suki closed her eyes few seconds before letting her fingers slip on the piano's keys. She was focused, not wanting to make mistakes and she didn't notice that Enzo was filming her with his phone a bright smile on his face.

The piece was short and when Suki was done, she looked at her brother to have his thought. When she saw him holding his phone, she blushed and mumbled.

Suki: You... you didn't film me...

Enzo: (He laughed.) Why are you blushing like that? Your performance was awesome, you could easily open a YouTube channel, I saw a lot of people doing that lately... playing instrument in public places.

Suki: What? No... it's impossible... And it was not a performance...

Enzo: You're too humble! The complete opposite of all of us!

Gabriel: Enzo... (He entered few seconds earlier.)... Are you done showing what you had in mind to your little sister?

Enzo: Gab... ah yeah... change of plan...

Gabriel: So, you're free for a little talk?

Enzo: I was recording Suki's piano performance... (He came closer.) Look, she is great... (He murmured.) Bro', I didn't say anything about Lila, so please, stop bad glaring at me... I will keep my mouth shut.

Gabriel: I will let you play with your little sister for now but keep your words in mind... and send me that video. (He smiled and left.)

Suki: Gabriel is angry because you told me that Miss Paris was his girlfriend? (He nodded.) Why?

Enzo: I guess he doesn't want you to see him differently... you pretty look at him as if he was a divine creature.

Suki: I don't do that...

Enzo: Really?! It's understandable. He was the one finding you. He immediately recognized you as our sister... and only the two of you inherited Dad's eyes color. (She blushed.) It's okay to have a favorite sibling... me, for example, it's Davide.

Suki: It's different, he is your twin brother.

Enzo: Not wrong... anyway, you have the right to have a special bond with Gab... and I can still be your second favorite brother!

He patted her head and she smiled with all her innocence. Enzo showed her the video he took, and the little girl was even more embarrassed to see herself playing. She asked him to not send it to Gabriel, but Enzo said that he couldn't disobey his older brother's orders. He also sent the video to his father, sure that Salvatore would appreciate, knowing that he was so proud of his daughter's talent.

Encouraged by Enzo, Suki accepted to play another song but at the condition that he put away his phone this time.

After that second song, she wished good night to her brother, and she headed to her bedroom. She did her night routine and laid down between her cushions and plushies. She massaged her left hand, feeling tensed because she hadn't played piano since a long time because of her injury. She felt asleep quickly later.

The next day passed quietly and without noticeable events. The third day of her return at school, Suki was feeling better. She was at the cafeteria with Haru when Amanda, Vito's ex girlfriend, stopped with her two friends, at the young man table. They attracted everyone's attention, sure that a new drama was about to occur.

Vito: Amanda... what do you want?

Amanda: (She threw printed photos on the table.) I thought that Mary would like to know how you spend your nights with your brothers... I guess you were doing the same when we were together!

Vito didn't lose his assurance and he grabbed the photos to look at it. He smirked, somehow proud of himself, while everyone was retaining their breathe. Mary seemed annoyed, but not by the photos she barely glanced at, but at Amanda, who didn't know how to move on.

Vito: And? Do you expect something from me? (He put back the photos on the table.) I fu** with other girls, yes, so? I am young, not married, in a pretty good shape, with everything functioning. Why should I refuse to have fun with girls when they ask for it?!

Amanda: You're disgusting!

Mary: Are you done? You're pathetic!

Amanda: He is cheating on you, and you accept it?!

Mary: I don't care, it's not like we are going to be engaged! We are last year high school students who's having good time together, nothing more, nothing less... So, move on, find a guy to date and give us some space!

Vito: Yousee, we are not exclusive, she can do whatever she wants on her side too... I'mnot the jealous type...

Amanda was astonished. She hadn't expected that type of reaction. She thought that Mary would make a crisis and dump the young man. But now, everyone was staring at her and murmuring.

Among those people, Suki and Haru. Their table was not so close but with the lack of wanted discretion from Amanda and the heavy silent from all the other students, the two children had heard everything.

As if he was feeling his sister gaze on him, Vito looked at her direction. He saw her pinky cheeks and his eyes became darker. He was not fond of her, doing his best to not be in good term with her and he didn't really care of what she thought about him, but without knowing why, her blushing face annoyed him.

Vito's friend: Vito... you're too popular with girls... dude, such a heart breaker... that poor Amanda can not forget you... (He laughed.)

Amanda: Shut up! You don't know anything!

Mary: (She looked at Vito.) How could you stay for so long with her?

Vito: I wonder... my brothers asked me the same question...

Vito's tone was less amused, just like his gaze. Suki looked away, having the feeling that his dark and menacing eyes were staring at her. The little girl didn't want to face his anger.

Vito's friend: (He laughed even more.) You just make fall from her cloud the school queen... (Mary laughed too.)

Amanda: You will all regret it!

Vito: Sure... I'm so scared that I pee in my pants right now! Stop your bullshit. And don't think about doing something stupid enough that will cost you a lot of... inconveniences... understood?

Amanda: I'm not afraid of you!

Vito: (He stood up and came closer.) Really? Your last attempt to revenge didn't finish well for you if I remember well...

Amanda:Fu** you Vito Smith! You and your fu** weird family!!!

Amanda was red of anger. She yelled at Vito, trying to show assurance before leaving the cafeteria with her friends under everyone's stares. Vito looked one last time in direction of Suki's table before sitting back.

The rest of the lunch break passed quickly. As soon as they finished their meals, Suki and Haru left the cafeteria. They were heading to the Arts' room when they crossed Miss Paris' path.

Lila Paris: Suki, how are you doing? Everything went well at home after our meeting? Your brother interrupted it, and I didn't have the occasion to see you yesterday.

Suki: Yes, everything is alright at home. Gabriel was just worried for me because I usually go home directly.

Lila Paris: Great. Where are you two going? You still have time before your next class. You didn't skip lunch, right?

Haru: We ate... and we are going to the Arts' room.

Lila Paris: Really? Interesting. The school festival is coming. I hope that you will participate if you have artistic talents!

Haru: I... I'm not sure...

Suki didn't know about that festival that was recurrent every year. Haru didn't seem very enthusiast about it.

Lila Paris: Why not? You know that the participants gain mentions to their academic record, it's a good thing when you will pursue your studies. Please think about it. (The two children exchanged a gaze.) Well, enjoy your break and remember that my door is always open if you need advices or just to talk. (She left.)

Suki: (They walked toward the Arts' room.) I don't know how to look at Miss Paris, now that I know she is Gabriel's ex-girlfriend.

Haru: Yes... it's a bit weird...

Suki: By the way, Haru, what is that festival Miss Paris mentioned?

Haru: Every year, they organized a day where families visit the school. For the occasion, they ask students to do Arts exposition that they put in auction for an association and, they organize a little concert at the end of the day too... are you interested?

Suki: Me? No... I can not play in front of people... but you, Haru, you should expose your drawings. You're so talented!

Haru: Just like you, I'm not confident enough to expose myself to others' eyes... even more in that school...

Suki understood very well her friend's point of view. But, at the same time, she thought it was a shame that he was not participating because he was very talented to draw and paint. They continued their discussion in the Arts' room then, they headed to their respective classes for the afternoon. Later that day, during dinner with the entire family, Salvatore questioned his children about that same festival.

Salvatore: Vito, Suki, I received an email today about the school festival. I guess that Vito, you don't plan on participating.

Vito: You guessed well... I'm more the physical type of guy than the artistic type of guy.

Salvatore: And you Suki? You will participate to the concert, I hope. Your father will be proud to see you play.

Suki: (She looked at him with big eyes.) Not really...

Enzo: Why not? You're super talented!

Gianni: That scared little kitten is unable to play in front of an entire audience, right? (He looked at Suki with a teasing smile.)

Suki: (She blushed, not at ease when all the men of the house were staring at her at the same time.) Yes... I don't think I can do it...

Salvatore: It's alright, you don't have to force yourself... Maybe next year, when you will be more used to your school.

Vito: (He murmured.) Or never...

Gabriel: When is planned that festival?

Salvatore: In two weeks, I already freed my day.

Suki: You are going to come to school?

Salvatore: Of course, it's an event for families, I have to come for my children.

Davide: And as usual, don't forget your wallet... that's only what matters for them... how much you will spend on that day.

Salvatore: And as notify by Davide, it is also the opportunity to help those in needs with the funds collect.

Dante: It's just a way for rich people to show that they're doing good actions for the community, even if they don't really care about others. 2 kids still in school, 100k for each kid should be enough.

Suki was shocked by the amount announced by her second brother.

Suki: What? You will give so much money?! (The three youngest brothers and Gianni laughed.)

Dante: (He smirked.) It's barely few bucks for us.

Vito: Hey, idiot,... you still don't understand that our family has money?!

Gabriel: Vito, mind your language. Suki, money is really not a problem for us. (He smiled.)

Suki: It's still a lot of money...

Salvatore: Youwill be shocked by the amount ofdollars that yourbrothers spend every month...

They continued their dinner and Salvatore asked his daughter, like everyday, how was school today. She avoided to look at Vito because the events of the lunch break were still vivid in her mind. She thought to have succeed to not reveal anything, but her pinky cheeks betrayed her. Salvatore didn't try to know more for now, understanding that Suki didn't want to talk about it in front of everyone.

The dinner ended and Salvatore proposed to the little girl to share a cup of tea in the library. Suki was glad because she also wanted to have a discussion with her father about the school festival. Meanwhile, in the living room, Gabriel questioned Vito about the school too.

Gabriel: Vito, what happened at school today?

Vito: Just that idiot of Amanda who made a scene at the cafeteria... and your little protegee maybe heard 18+' words...

Dante: That bi** continues to create troubles? I didn't slap her hard enough?

Vito: It was really nothing.

Enzo: Suki is just a kid... and you are her brother, no wonder she was embarrassed to hear about your sexual life!

Gabriel: Make sure to avoid that type of situation in the future.

Vito: It was not my fault... I'm irresistible!

Davide: He's got that from me! (He smiled proudly, and Gabriel shook his head of annoyance.)

In the library, Suki had brought tea that she had prepared with little biscuits that her father liked.

Suki: Be careful, it is still very hot.

Salvatore: Thank you. So, will you say what happened in school today?

Suki: Nothing... well... Amanda tried to embarrass Vito in front of everyone but Vito... it seemed that he didn't care and at the end, Amanda left almost crying and yelling at everyone.

Salvatore: That young girl seems to be not well educated. And to embarrass your brother, it's pretty difficult, that brat is savage. (She chuckled.) Anything else that you would like to talk about?

Suki: At the school festival, Haru explained to me that there will be an Arts' exposition, but he doesn't want to participate although he is super talented!

Salvatore: Your friend seems to be as shy as you, that's maybe why.

Suki: I would love to see him exposing his drawings.

Salvatore: It's just a suggestion but maybe, if you participate yourself to the festival, your friend will want to participate too.

Suki looked silently at her father for long seconds as if she was analyzing what he had said. The head of the family kept a straight face but inside, he was smiling. Firstly, because his daughter trusted him enough to talk about what happened in school honestly and secondly because she was sharing with him her concerns about something that matters for her.

Suki: I am too afraid to play piano in front of strangers... and I don't think to have the level required anyway.

Salvatore: I totally disagree with your statement. I get that you don't feel comfortable to play in front of strangers but frankly speaking, when you are focused on your piano, you tend to forget what surrounds you. As for your level, you too, are very talented. Don't doubt about that.

Suki: Otô-san is biased because I am your daughter.

Salvatore: I am honest, that's all. You can always register yourself, practice a little everyday and if the day of the festival, you don't feel confident enough to play, you don't, that easy.

Suki: (She sighed.) I really don't know what to do...

Salvatore: Don't pressure yourself. Talk with your friend, it can be a good experience for the two of you. In any case, I will support your choice and encourage you. You know, Enzo sent me the video, you were amazing, and you didn't play since several days.

Suki: (She blushed.) Thank you...

They finished their tea with Salvatore teaching new words in Italian to his daughter. It was also one of the thing the Mafia man liked to do with Suki. He was simply a father during that moment, not a dangerous businessman.

The next day, during lunch break, Suki brought back the festival topic in the discussion. Haru confessed that his mother was coming to the festival alone because his father was requested abroad and that he had thought a lot last night about participating to the exhibition. His mother was his first fan and he wanted to take the opportunity to make her proud if his drawings were appreciated.

So, at the end of the day, the two children took their courage to register for the festival. They stopped by the secretary office that informed them that Miss Paris was the referent for the event. They went to her office, and she welcomed their registrations with enthusiasm. When she was in the car on her way home, the little girl sent a message to her father to tell him the news.

Salvatore reiterated his words, on how proud he was of her. He came back home after dinner but not with empty hands. He made the necessary with his secretary to buy a cute cake.

Suki was deeply touched by that simple gesture. Vito and Davide couldn't resist to comment on how their father had now a favorite child. That apart, it didn't prevent them to take a big part of the cake. Gabriel and Dante were absent, just like Gianni, busy at his center to prepare the fights of the weekend.

Before going to sleep, Suki stopped by the "Boys" room where the twins and Vito were playing pool. She entered shyly.

Suki: Excuse me...

The three brothers turned themselves to face the unexpected visitor. There was music in the background and cans of beer on the bar.

Davide: What are you doing here?! You're not allowed to enter in that room! Get out!

Enzo: Bro... chill... Suki, do you need something?

Suki: Sorry to interrupt you... but... about the festival... euh...

Vito: Spit it out! (Enzo glared at him.)

Suki: Miss Paris is in charge of the festival organization... and I was wondering... if it was a problem... because of Gabriel... I don't want him to be angry.

Enzo: It will not be a problem for him, don't worry.

Suki: For real? It's not too weird?

Vito: It's weird for you?

Suki: A little...

Davide: Don't participate and the problem is solved!

Enzo: Don't mind that and focus on preparing your performance.

Davide: Yes, or do that and get out now! (He kicked her out.)