Suki was looking at her 3 older brothers that were staring at her. She didn't know how to interpret their heavy gazes on her.

Suki: Is it too weird? I knew it... I will change of...

Gabriel: (He stood up before she could leave the living room.) No! Not at all! Suki, you're very cute in that dress. Even if I would have love to see you in color, black really suits you. You're perfect like this.

Suki: It's not weird? Really?

Gabriel: No, it's the perfect dress for that event. Father will love it, right brothers?

Gianni: Dad is completely fond of you, so you don't have to worry about the clothes you are wearing... but it looks nice on you...

Gabriel: You see. Gianni is not the type to lie to you, so you can trust his judgement. (She nodded, shyly.)

Dante: It's time to go kiddo, take everything that you need.

Suki: Enzo is not coming?

Gabriel: They had difficulties to wake up, but they should be ready. They are taking Davide's car. (He called them.) Boys! Time to leave!

Heavy steps were heard in the stairs. Vito and the twins arrived, and they were wearing suits. The twins, the ones they bought with Suki, Vito a dark blue one but with a simple white t-shirt.

Gabriel: I see that you all made efforts to be well dressed and on time. Congratulations.

Vito: Your message was clear enough to not let us doubts about what to do.

Enzo: Whoa Suki, you look even cuter than in that shop.

Suki: Thank you, Onii-Chan. You are very elegant in that suit.

Davide: Weren't we supposed to leave?

Gabriel: You are right. Suki... (He offered his hand like gentleman.) Would you give me the honor to accompany you.

Suki smiled with pinky cheeks to her older brother. Davide rolled his eyes at the scene while Dante and Gianni shook their heads. Suki held tightly Gabriel's hand and the group headed to the garage. They separated in two cars and took the road for school.

During the ride to school, Suki listened one last time her partition on her phone. Gabriel looked at her through the mirror and smiled. Gianni was sitting by her side, and he took a quick look at her phone and said:

Gianni: You practiced enough. Try to enjoy the events of the day, before your solo.

Suki: I would have preferred to play first.

Gianni: Concert in the morning, never saw that.

Gabriel: We arrived. (He parked the car in the parking lot usually reserved for the students.) Ready?

Suki: Not really... (She had a little smile to hide her stress.)

Dante: Isn't your friend other there?

Suki: Haru? (She looked in direction of the entry gate.) Yes, he only comes with his mother today, his father is abroad on a mission.

Gabriel: Let's go and greet his mother.

They get out of the car and went to greet Haru and his mother. The three younger brothers were following. They were walking like the kings of the place and when they joined the other members of the family, everyone looked at them.

When Haru saw Suki, he smiled and waved, to say hello. His mother politely bowed at Gabriel and his siblings. It was not something the Smith were used to. The three men were a bit embarrassed.

Gabriel: Nice to see you again, Madam.

Haru's Mom: Nice to see you too. You all came to support your little sister's performance?

Gabriel: Our father is joining us later. He will be happy to see you. Haru is such a great child and an important friend for Suki.

Haru's Mom: Thank you, you're too kind. Our Haru would have never had the courage to participate to an event like this without Suki's support. I'm glad that they are friends.

Suki and Haru were listening quietly, clearly embarrassed to hear Gabriel and Haru's mother exchanging good words about them.

The group headed inside under everyone stares. The two children were pretty uncomfortable, hearing whispers from the other students.

A little welcome ceremony was planned in the amphitheater, so they followed the other families over there. Suki was hoping to seat in a quiet corner of the giant room but no, the director of the school came at their encounter and guided her family to the first row.

Dante: Eh, what's wrong?

Suki: Everyone is staring and talking about us...

Dante: Yeah, and? (She looked at him with her innocent eyes.) Nothing new. We are the Smith family. I told you, live to your name!

Suki: I... I prefer to be unnoticed.

Dante: Too bad for you, not the good day for that. Sit here.

Suki sat between her two eldest brothers. When the room was full, the school director came on stage to make his speech. Then Miss Paris replaced him to explain how the school festival will go on.

When Miss Paris started to talk, Suki couldn't help but to look at Gabriel. She was surprised to see him watching his phone and not paying attention at all at the woman on stage, just in front of him. She didn't want to stare at him for too long, so she put back her attention on Miss Paris.

And Suki was not the only one that took a look at Gabriel's or Miss Paris' behaviors. Her 5 brothers were also scrutinizing any reaction from one of them. The little girl heard the twins murmuring and two seconds later, Gabriel just lifted his hand to silence them, without even looking at them.

Miss Paris conclude her talk and invited the families to discover the Arts' exposition in the different corridors of the school. Under each piece of arts, a notebook was available to make offers to buy it, the money going to a charity association.

In some classes, special project had been done too by the students about fashion or travels. At lunch time, a special meal will occur in the cafeteria, prepared by a renowned Chef of Manhattan.

Vito: Gab, we're going to make a tour by ourselves!

Gabriel: Be sure to join us for lunch at 1.00pm. (Vito nodded and left with Davide.) Enzo, you're not going with them?

Enzo: I came here to be with Suki and frankly speaking there is a little too much people for my convenience. (Suki smiled.) Suki, let's see what those kids prepared...

Suki: Do you want to see Haru's drawings?

Enzo: I guess we will start by that.

Suki: Onii-san, we are going to see Haru's drawings, do you want to come with us?

Gabriel: Sure, let's... (He was interrupted by Lila Paris.)

MissParis: Suki... your father couldn't make himself available today?

Miss Paris was holding a tablet and she seemed to check something on it. When she interrupted Gabriel, the siblings stared at her. Gabriel's expression changed for a darker one.

Suki: Father had an emergency at work, but he is coming soon.

Miss Paris: Good. You worked hard to prepare for this concert, it would be a shame if your father couldn't attend.

Gabriel: Miss Paris, as you can see, Suki's family is present. You don't have to be so worried about her. As I already told you, I'm sure that you can be of a better help to other students.

Enzo: (Gabriel nodded to Enzo and he took Suki's hand.) Suki, let's go... they will join us later. (He dragged her away.)

Miss Paris: Mr Smith, a brother, or several brothers in your case, don't replace a father.

Dante: Brother, we are going with the kids, have a nice talk. (He smiled and left with Gianni.)

Gabriel: Your attitude is toxic. Stop implying that my father is not present for Suki or that our family is not good for her.

Miss Paris: I never said that!

The amphitheater was almost empty now and they were glaring at each other with animosity. The school director broke the silence.

School Director: Miss Paris, Mr Smith, everything is alright?

Gabriel: Yes.

Miss Paris: I was only checking with Mr Smith when his father would arrive. I wish to meet the parents of all the participants.

School Director: That's a great idea and I am sure that Mr Smith will be glad to talk to you about Miss Smith's participation to our festival. Mr Smith is very implicated in his daughter's studies.

Gabriel: Excuse me, my siblings are waiting for me.

Gabriel left first with a cold face. He was doing his best to keep his calm. He passed the double door but was stopped by a couple. It was the director of one of their subsidiaries. Gabriel took few minutes to exchange with them.

Dante and Gianni had already joined Suki and Enzo. The two young men had gossiped about the tension between their brother and Miss Paris.

Suki: Onii-san is not with you?

Gianni: We left him talk with Miss Paris...

Enzo: It was so weird... They clearly have unfinish business to talk about...

Gianni: He should f... (He looked at Suki.)... you know... one last time.

Dante: Not sure that it will help in his case. Our dear elder brother is not the type to go back on his steps, even more for that.

Suki was not understanding their conversation and she guessed that it was the goal. They were in the corridor of the last year classes when 2 girls popped up.

Girl: Guys... don't you want to play models for us? You are so handsome and...

Dante: Girls from that school are really fearless...

Girl 2: Come on, it's a school festival, you came here to have fun, right? Don't react like an old men!

Girl: You are the Smith brothers, right? I thought that you were fun... well, Enzo was not the funniest one of the twins before but...

Enzo: It doesn't bother you to talk about me as if I was not there?!

Gianni: Girls, you're too young, go play with boys of your age. And as apparently, Enzo is not fun enough for you, you don't need him either! Bye... (He put his arm around Enzo's shoulders, and they left.)

Dante: Savage, Bro'...

Suki didn't like how the girls talked about Enzo. She had a dark glare toward them and only Dante noticed it, making him smirk. She was not scary at all, and he found her cute. He bent behind her and murmured:

Dante: I saw you... you're a bold little girl today...

Suki: (She turned herself, startled.) What?

Dante: How you wanted to punch those girls... that's exactly how a Smith should deal with bi... with mean girls...

Suki blushed a lot. She felt embarrassed to have been caught by Dante. He gently flicked her forehead and told her to continue to walk. When they arrived in the corridor of Suki's grade, Haru was there with his mother. He was showing his drawings to her, and everyone could see pride in her eyes.

Suki: Haru! (She was joyful.) Enzo wants to see your drawings.

Haru: Really? It's nothing special...

Enzo: Suki thinks that it deserves to be seen, so show us.

Haru's Mom: Haru, take your time with your friend, I'm going to meet Miss Paris as she requested.

Haru: Okay Mom, be careful.

Dante: Such a good son... (Haru couldn't look at him, intimidated.)

Enzo: Wow... it's not a joke, you're really good! I'm surprised.

Haru: Thank you.

Suki: I told you that Haru was talented.

Enzo: It's interesting... I will maybe use your talents on day...

Suki was glad that Enzo appreciated his best friend's drawings. She took a look at Gianni and Dante. They seemed to like them too.

The group was looking at the other children's drawings. Everyone was pretty talented; some did more abstract art and imagination was necessary to see or understand what was represented. Some used paints, others only pencils while some used materials. After 15 minutes, Gabriel finally joined them.

Suki: Onii-san (She waved to him with a smile when she noticed him.)

Gianni: You took your time... so,... you and Miss Paris?

Gabriel: Nothing to say. I was talking with one of our managers and his wife. I couldn't simply ignore them.

Dante: If people saw you taking time to talk with them, they will all want an audience with you.

Gabriel: I will manage this. Suki, everything is alright?

Suki: Yes, Haru showed his drawings to us... I can show you after... if you want of course.

Gabriel: With pleasure. (He looked at Haru.) You can show me later when my father will be there.

Haru: Yes, of course! (Gabriel smiled at the young boy nervosity.)

After a moment, Haru excused himself. He preferred to check where his mother was. He was not comfortable to let her alone in that school.

The Smith siblings visited the other areas of the building. Enzo and Suki walking in front, the three oldest brothers walking behind. There was a strong feeling of power, coming from them.

They were half surprised to see a coffee truck installed in the internal courtyard and they naturally made a stop. Enzo was not a big fan of that beverage, so while his brothers enjoyed their coffees, he took some photos with his little sister.

Dante: We can see where goes the money Dad pays every year...

Gianni: At least, they offer good coffee.

Gabriel: That school festival is clearly done to make happy the parents who pay a fortune to send their children here. But at least, that school is way better than her previous one. (He had his gaze stuck on Suki, happy to see her smiling.) She seems more fulfilled.

Dante: No fu** brats to bully her... nor a crazy bastard after her...

Gabriel's phone biped. Salvatore had just arrived. The businessman finished quickly his meeting to join his children as soon as possible. Gabriel informed his two brothers, but he didn't want to say anything to Suki. She had been disappointed to not see her father in the morning, so if he showed up earlier than she thought, it will make her happy for sure.

Gianni: Dad makes a lot of efforts for his little princess.

Dante: As you say, his little princess... He clearly has a favorite child now, and it's not you Gab... (He smirked.)

Gabriel: She deserves to be the favorite, she is just a little girl, way different of all of us, in the good way. (He looked at his brother with a smile.) Sorry, but she also became my favorite sibling.

Dante: Ahhh... I'm so sad, I'm not your favorite brother anymore... what a surprise...

Gabriel: You can still be my favorite brother, but not my favorite sibling...

Gianni: Dante, sometimes, I can't believe that you are older than me.

At the opposite side of the school, near the main entry, Davide and Vito were chatting with Vito's friends. They didn't come here by pleasure but more by obligation and they were frankly not really interested by Arts or any other stuffs proposed today. Salvatore arrived and spotted his sons.

Salvatore: Davide, Vito, where are your siblings?

Davide: Dad, you arrived sooner than expected.

Salvatore: Yes, I was able to finish everything quickly. Is there a lot of families? Everything went well until now?

Davide: Yeap, it's time for people to show how wealthy they are.

Vito: What's this? (He nodded toward the little bag that Salvatore was holding.)

Salvatore: It's a gift for your little sister.

Vito: You took time to buy her a gift? You're spoiling her too much.

Salvatore: In what way do I spoil her too much? She never asks for anything, even if she deserves to receive everything. Are you jealous?

Vito: Pff... jealous of that thing... (Salvatore badly glared at him.)

Davide: Don't attack his little baby or you will be in troubles.

Salvatore: Exactly! (He checked his expensive watch.) Gabriel told me that we will have lunch at 1.00pm all together, it's almost the time, so why don't you accompany your father to join your siblings.

Davide: It's going to be a long day...

Vito: Clearly...

Salvatore smiled at his sons' annoyed expression. They were young adults, but they acted most of the time like kids that just hit puberty.

Salvatore texted his eldest son to know where exactly they were and after few minutes, they found them. Suki was sitting on one of the chairs installed in the courtyard with Enzo by her side. They were watching something on the young man's phone.

The head of the family approached silently and stopped just in front of his two children. His imposing stature standing in front of the little girl made her lift her head and she had a shinning gaze.

Salvatore smiled and Suki immediately stood up. He was very happy of his daughter's spontaneous reaction at his arrival.

Suki: Otô-san!

Salvatore: Were you waiting so impatiently your old father?

Suki: (She blushed.) Yes, and you're not old! I was afraid that you will be too busy at your company because of that last minute work.

Salvatore: And missing your big day for work... no chance. (He patted her head then offer his hand that she took.) You are beautiful today, even more than usually. That dress suits you wonderfully.

Suki: (She blushed even more at the compliments.) Thank you...

Gabriel: Should we head to the cafeteria to have lunch?

Salvatore: Sure, let's do that. Suki, after that, will you show me around. You have to show me the famous drawings of your friend. (She nodded.) Before heading inside, I have a little something that will go well with your outfit. (He handed her the little bag.) Open it.

Suki: For me? (She opened it carefully and found a red box.) What...

Salvatore helped to open the red box who was containing a beautiful white golden necklace. The pendent was a pink gem.

Salvatore: Do you like it?

Suki: (Her eyes were shining.) It's too much...

Salvatore: I don't think so. The question is do you like it?

Suki: I love it... thank you, Otô-san, it is really precious for me, and I will be very careful with it.

Salvatore: I'm glad you appreciate it. I chose it for you myself and believe me, your father is not good to do gifts. Can I put it on you?

Suki: Yes, thank you.

Suki turned herself and her father put the necklace around her neck. She had a big smile and couldn't help but to touch the gem with her fingers. It was the most expensive gift she ever received but also a very significant one from her father. If only her mother was still alive to see them together. She closed her eyes few seconds at the thought of her mother. She was missing her a lot.

Salvatore: Suki, are you alright?

Suki: (She smiled to reassure him.) Yes, I was only thinking about Mom... but I'm fine.

Vito: (He put his hand on his father's shoulder.) I'm starving, are we not going? Or do you have other gifts hidden somewhere for your other kids?

Salvatore: I see that you really want to receive a gift from your father. I will make sure to buy one for you next time.

Vito: You can just give me your black card... (He smiled.)

Salvatore: (He looked at Davide.) So that you can empty a store just like Davide did last time?

Davide: I didn't empty a store!

Salvatore: Butyou didn't use your own credit card either!

Salvatore was teasing his son, but he was not mad at him. The money Davide had spent at the mall was nothing for him but showing him that he was aware of what he did was funny for him.

The family arrived at the school cafeteria rearranged in a fancy restaurant for the day. The star Chef was dressing the plates in a corner of the room, in front of everyone, as it was now the use in some chic restaurant.

One of the school staffs welcomed them and took them to two tables near the windows. Then the school director arrived, smiling.

School Director: Mr Smith, you're finally here. Do you enjoy our modest school festival? I'm sure you are waiting with high expectation your daughter's performance during the concert. It's a great honor to have you as our guest today. I don't remember the last time you came to that event. (The boys laughed at the school director's monologue.)

Salvatore: Are you feeling alright, Mr John. You told so many words in one time that I am afraid that you are missing oxygen. (The boys laughed even more while Suki looked at her father, a bit shocked.)

School Director: Ahahah... I didn't know that you were a man to do jokes Mr Smith. I will let you and your family have lunch, hoping that you will enjoy your meal prepared by the Chef.

Salvatore: Thank you. I'm sure that we will see each others later. (The school director left.)

Dante: If you ask him to dance on the table without his pant, he would do it with a big smile... such an idiot!

Salvatore: I won't deny it.

Haru and his mother entered the cafeteria too and Gabriel stood up. He went at their encounter and invited them to his table. Suki was happy that her brother told his friend to join them. Salvatore stood up to greet Haru's mother and they exchanged few words.

Gianni and Dante went to seat with the youngest brothers. The two families were quickly served, and they had to admit that the food was of high quality. They spent more than one hour at the lunch table before Salvatore asked to see Haru's drawings.

This time, only Gabriel went with Suki and their father. Haru was shy to show and explain if needed his drawings to his best friend's father. Mr Smith seemed to be a nice man, but he was still intimidating, even more than the Smith brothers.

Haru's mother found a quiet place to make a call to her husband. She was proud of her son and all the praise she received made her even more proud. She needed to share that with Haru's father.

**************************************************

Salvatore stayed silent few seconds and observed the young boy's drawings. A little smile appeared on his face.

Salvatore: Haru Campbell, you are definitely a talented young boy.

Haru: Thank you, Sir. I really like to draw.

Salvatore: So... if I understood well the principle of that exposition, it is to bid the drawings that we like by making an offer on that booklet, right? (The children nodded.) Gabriel, what do you think of displaying those drawings in the corridor of our company?

Gabriel: I think that it is an excellent idea. (Haru was astonished.)