The two first students to played on stage were way older than Suki. It was clear also that they were not novice in that exercise. Gabriel looked at his father on his right and he saw him tapping his hand on his leg, sign of stress and impatience.

Gabriel: Relax, she will do well.

Salvatore: I don't know why I am like that... I am excited but stressed too. That stage is huge, no? What if she panics?

Gabriel: She is well prepared, and I am sure that she is going to play her song perfectly.

Dante: Here... your little princess is coming...

Salvatore: Enzo, you're recording everything?!

Enzo: Yep!

Gianni, who was on his phone during the first two performances, put it back in the inner pocket of his jacket and focused his attention to the stage. He knew how stressful it could be to show up in a dark room with a lot of stares on yourself, ready to judge you.

Davide had his eyes closed since he sat but his twin made him look at the stage. He sighed but did it. No need to argue with anyone over this. He just had to endure it for few more minutes. Vito, who was him too not paying attention since the beginning, texting with Mary, had to focus on the stage when Dante confiscated his phone.

Vito: Bro'...

Dante: I spare you a future dispute with Dad; focus, it's a matter of 5 minutes. You can do that, right?

Vito: Hum... I guess my choice is made for me... (He gave his brother a fake smile to show his annoyance.) You really like her...

Dante: Shut up...

Gabriel glared at his brothers to make them silent. It was his little sister's moment. She slowly entered the stage, clearly not comfortable to be here, but still, doing her best to show strength. He couldn't keep an impassible face and let a smile drawing on his face. He was proud of her, and he was not the only one.

Suki was really stressed when she entered the big stage. She instinctively looked for her family's support and the shinning eyes of her father seemed to call her in the dark. She smiled and sat behind the piano. She closed her eyes few seconds and started to play.

She quickly captivated the audience's attention by her way to perform. It was different from the two first students; the feelings that the little girl put in her interpretation was felt by everyone. And more particularly by her family, her entire family.

Salvatore was overwhelmed by the fairy aura coming from his daughter and the emotions tightening his heart. For the head of the family, the little girl was like an angel. He wanted that moment to last for a long time, but unfortunately, the magic came to an end with the last musical notes.

Suki was relieved, she succeeded to finish her performance just like she had imagined it. She stood up, a bit anxious to see everyone's reaction and she was shocked to hear loud claps from the audience.

The little girl respectfully bowed to thank everyone. She looked in direction to where her family was and she saw Salvatore standing up, clapping with proudness. Gabriel and Enzo were also standing up, with a big smile for the youngest twin. She approached them and she was surprised by Davide and Vito's gazes on her. They were different than usual, a bit less tough.

She heard people congratulating her in the way and she shyly smiled. It was a lot for her, and she was not used at all to that level of attention. She didn't have the time to ask her family what did they think about her performance that Salvatore engulfed her in a tight hug. It was his spontaneous way of expressing his admiration to her.

Suki: Otô-san...

Salvatore: Oh, Suki, you were amazing. I am so proud of you!

Enzo: Dad is right! You are so talented! You won over everyone!

Suki: Thank you...

Salvatore: (He kissed the top of her head.) My princess... you were great!

Suki was blushing a lot at her father and brother's praises. She didn't know what to say other than thank you. Salvatore broke the hug and Gabriel patted her head.

Gabriel: As expected,... my little sister is a talented little girl.

Gianni: Well done, little kitten... you seemed less afraid that I would have thought you will...

Dante: Not bad... (He looked away, but he had a little smile.)

Suki: Thank you... all of you for your support and encouragement.

Vito: Now that the family prodigy did her thing, we can leave?

Salvatore: You are really childish... Go, go...

Vito: Great, Davide, let's go!

Davide: Have a good nap while listening to those boring kids!

Salvatore: Those brats...Suki, please, have a seat.

Suki: Thank you... the other students are very good musicians; I think you will like their performances.

Salvatore: No one can surpass yours from my point of view!

Salvatore was still smiling at the little girl who was staring at him with her beautiful eyes. She was happy to hear him, but she thought that he was not impartial because he was her father. The family continued to watch the concert until the end. Then, Miss Paris came back on stage and asked the students to come back on stage too for a final greeting.

Suki quickly joined the rest of the group, and it was more impressive for her now because the lights of the auditorium were on, and she could see the entire audience and their gazes on her.

Gianni: Ah... the scared little kitten is back...

Enzo: It's because everyone is staring at her...

Miss Paris: (From the stage.) Thank you again for attending that concert. Our students had put their heart in each performance. I invite you to the hall to share a drink and congratulate once again our young but extremely talented musicians. Thank you.

Dante: I guess it's not yet the time to go home...

Salvatore: You can leave too if you want.

Dante: I listened to that concert; I deserve a drink!

Gianni: I have things to do too but I'm in for that drink too!

Salvatore: Just be honest with yourselves and say that you don't want to leave because you want to be there for your little sister!

Dante: Shouldn't we join the kid? (He smiled, no naturally at all.)

Gabriel: Let's go before Suki feels alone.

Salvatore and his sons walked toward the stage's stairs. Gabriel had in sight his little sister who was near Miss Paris, patiently waiting for the other students to go down. There was a lot of people, so Suki preferred to wait that the other families leave the auditorium first. And frankly speaking, she was not a big fan of the cocktail idea.

There was less people when the little girl heard the deep voice of her brother. She looked at him, he was waiting at the bottom of the few stairs, his hand offering help to come down.

Suki: Onii-san... (She took his hand.) Are we going home?

Gabriel: I think Father wants you to enjoy the celebration following.

Miss Paris: (She was behind Suki.) Suki, you don't plan on leaving already, do you? You worked hard for this concert, you should take the time to celebrate your success and enjoy that moment. I am sure that your brother agrees with me, right Mr Smith?

Gabriel: Suki, If you prefer to go home, it's alright. Father will understand. (He smiled.)

Suki: We can stay a little... and I can see Haru and ask him what he thought of my song.

Gabriel: Sure, let's do that.

Miss Paris: Wonderful!

Gianni: Gab... what's taking you so long to bring the kitten? (Suki blushed at her brother's nickname for her.)

Gabriel: Nothing... Suki, let's go. Miss Paris...

Gianni: Did I interrupt something?

Gabriel: No. (They joined the others few meters away.) Father, let's try to not stay for too long, Suki is tired. (Salvatore nodded.)

Gianni: (He murmured to Suki.) Miss Paris and Gab... they...

Gabriel: (He put his firm hand on Gianni's shoulder.) Gianni Smith... do you have troubles to understand the word "Nothing"?

Gianni: Ahahah... Sorry...

Suki couldn't help but chuckle at Gianni's reaction facing Gabriel. The eldest son of the family was respected but also feared by the Smith brothers. She was taken aback from her thoughts by Enzo taking her hand and dragging her toward the buffet.

Enzo: What do you want to drink? Fruits juice is good? (She nodded.) I'm going for something soft too...

Suki: Onii-chan, did you see Haru by chance?

Enzo: He should not be far... let me check... (He scrutinized the room and spotted Haru's mother). Over there, you want to see him?

Suki: Yes, please... (They walked toward Haru's direction.) Haru... so, what did you think about my song?

Haru: I loved it, you were so cool! My Mom became your fan!

Enzo: We all agree with that! She was the best!

Haru's mother: You are very talented Suki. I hope to see you play a full concert one day.

Suki: Thank you... I'm glad that you appreciated. (She was blushing.)

The two children talked about the other musicians few more minutes. There was in the room two brothers that didn't enjoy the concert until the end but were enjoying the food, Davide and Vito. They were with the youngest boy's friends in a corner of the room.

Boy: Eh Vito, your little sister was really good with her piano. My little brother has a crush on her... you think that he can invite her to go out on the weekend?

Vito: Your 13 years old little brother? He doesn't want to celebrate his 14 years old, right? No because, personally, I don't really care about her, but I'm pretty sure that my eldest brother will not think like me!

Davide was listening silently, drinking a cup of champagne. Just like his younger brother, that boy's words annoyed him, not knowing why.

Boy: If you talk to him, he will let her go out, no?

Vito: (His gaze was darker.) I told you; I don't care... keep me out of that story!

Boy: Okay... I will tell him to ask her out by himself... after all, if he can't ask out a girl alone, he should stay single!

Boy 2: Your little brother is not a novice with girls, I saw him with one of his grade already... that little brat...

Girl: A player... just like his brother... ahahah...

Davide: (He loudly put his glass on the table.) I'm leaving first! (He left with a close face.)

Boy: What's wrong with him?

Vito: Maybe listening to your bullshit tired him...

Boy 2: Are you sure that you don't care about... your sister...

Vito: You want to test me? (He chuckled.) You would be surprised...

Mary: Vito... I was looking for you. (She smiled at him.) Ready to go?

Vito: Hum... (He stood up.) Eh about your little brother... wish him good luck from me... and don't tell me that I didn't warn you!

The group of friends looked at Vito leaving with an expression that they rarely saw coming from him. They couldn't tell if he was angry, annoyed or amused. Davidehad joined his brothers and Dante asked him why he was back after asking somuch to be able to leave.

Davide: Those kids are boring... where is Enzo?

Dante: With the kid, she was looking for her friend.

Davide: Hum...

Dante: Is there something we should be aware about?

Salvatore: Davide, something is wrong? Dis something happen? Where is your little brother?

Vito: I am here, why? What's wrong? I'm going to Mary's place.

Dante: Davide seems annoyed.

Davide: It's nothing, I'm going to see Enzo...

Vito: I am leaving too... not sure to be back tonight, bye bye oldies...

Gabriel: I'm sure that something happened. Davide is too quiet.

Gianni: Probably nothing serious or he would have talk to us. Sorry, but I have to go too... but I maybe still have 5 minutes... (His facial expression changed for a big smile; Miss Paris was approaching.) Miss Paris... or should I call you Lila... nice to meet you in person, I am Gianni, Gabriel's brother...

Miss Paris: Nice to meet you too Mr Smith. I think, Miss Paris is more appropriated. So, you are one of Suki's brothers, I hope you enjoyed her performance and the concert in general.

Gianni: Yes, of course. The little one was great.

Miss Paris: Yes, she was perfect, and her performance received a lot of good feedback. (She looked at Salvatore.) Mr Smith, I think it would be good for Suki to seriously think about a musical cursus in the future. There is very good schools in our city.

Salvatore: Thank you for your advices, Miss Paris. I will talk with Suki about that option, but she will be the one to decide at the end.

Miss Paris: Of course. There is even greatest schools abroad.

They all stared at Miss Paris with a cold expression before Salvatore answered with a business smile.

Salvatore: My daughter is still a bit too young to go study abroad.

Miss Paris: Who knows... (She smiled.) She could be interested by that idea if a good opportunity arrives.

Dante: You've got some guts... (He smirked.)

Gabriel: (He grabbed Lila's arm.) Come with me! (He dragged her outside, trying to not attract everyone's attention.)

Gianni: Damn... Gab seems furious and that woman... she's hot!

Salvatore: Gianni, please...

Dante: Gianni, she is your brother's ex... and it's normal that he is angry, she is telling us to send the kid away, how do you expect him to react?

Gianni: That scared little kitten will never accept that type of propositions... I mean... she has us... well, Dad, and Gab... so she would not want to leave the house, right?

Dante: Even is she wants... she will not be able to leave...

Salvatore smiled at Dante's words because for sure, he will not let his only daughter leaving the house after just finding her.

Salvatore: Dante, make sure that your brother doesn't lose his temper with that woman.

Dante: Okay... (He walked toward the corridor.)

Gianni: Shit... I'm late... I have to go, see you later! (He quickly left.)

Salvatore was about to join his younger children, but he was stopped by some parents that wanted to take the opportunity of that school festival to do business with a powerful man like Salvatore Smith.

After talking with Suki, Haru and his mother had to leave. They were going to have dinner at his grandparents' house. Suki noticed her family at the opposite way of the room and Davide coming in their direction. He seemed annoyed, not like earlier.

He looked at her from head to toe and simply ignored her to talk with his twin brother. She didn't try to understand his behavior. Her goal was to not be the target of his anger and to not attract his attention.

While the twins were talking, Suki continued to observe the others while drinking her fruits juice. She was patiently waiting to go home. She felt the gazes of some students on her but did her best to ignore it. She was sure that it was because she was with Enzo and Davide.

The little girl saw Miss Paris joining her family and she could only see their expression. She was wondering what they were talking about until she saw Gabriel dragging away the advisor.

Suki: Onii-chan... I'm going to see Gabriel! (She left in a hurry.)

Enzo: Okay... don't run! (She was already far.) Where is Gab? I don't see him anywhere...

Davide: He was with the others... (He looked around.) Dad is talking with people over there... they must not be far.

Suki sneaked across the room to join Gabriel and Miss Paris. She didn't know what was going on, but she saw the dark look of her brother and she was worried. She needed to check by herself the situation.

Suki pushed the door accessing the corridor and she was surprised to not see anyone. She walked a little and crossed two students, they were gossiping about a couple arguing in one of the classroom. She walked toward the direction they were coming, suspecting that the couple was in fact her brother and Miss Paris.

She arrived near the classroom where the door was half opened when someone grabbed her from behind by her waist. She didn't have the time to yell because a hand was preventing her to make any sound. She was scared, trying to freed herself when a voice murmured.

Dante: It's me, Dante, calm down!

Suki had her two hands on the young man's forearm, but it was of no help regarding the strength difference. Dante felt her heartbeat resonating strongly in her tiny body against his torso. He knew that he had scared her and felt a bit sorry. He walked away in a calm corner and put down his little sister. He made her face him and saw her teary eyes and red cheeks.

Dante: What the hell are you doing here?!

Suki: I... you... you scared me! (She was at the verge to cry.)

Dante: Don't cry and answer my question.

Suki: I saw Gabriel leaving with Miss Paris and he seemed angry.

Dante: It's not something you should concern yourself about. Go back inside and stay with Enzo or Dad.

Suki: But...

Dante: No but! Adults' conversation are not to be heard by kids.

Suki frowned and Dante was looking down on her with his hands on his hips and an unbothered expression. They were having some kinds of stares contest that was interrupted by the deep voice of Gabriel.

Gabriel: What's going on? And what are you both doing here?

Dante: She had in mind to spy on you.

Suki: It's not true! (Dante smirked.)... I... I was worried because you left with Miss Paris, and you seemed... angry.

Gabriel: There is nothing to be worried about. And you?

Dante: (In Italian.) Dad asked me to keep an eye on you. He was worried that you lose your calm with her... or maybe that you fu** her in an empty classroom... (He smirked and Gabriel glared at him.)

Gabriel: (In Italian.) I am not a kid who needs to be monitored and what you mentioned is not going to happen. Did she hear something?

Dante: (In Italian.) No. Your image of the perfect brother is still intact, happy?

Suki: (She interrupted them.) Onii-san... Did something happen with Miss Paris?

Gabriel: We only had a small talk. Do you want to stay and enjoy a bit more that party or do you prefer to go home?

Suki: Haru left, so we can go if it's alright for Father and you.

Gabriel: In that case, let's go home, it has been a long day for you.

Dante: The little princess found back her big brother... happy?

Suki looked at Dante without saying anything and he laughed. Gabriel put his hand on Suki's shoulders to go back to the big room. The trio passed in front of the classroom where Gabriel and Miss Paris were few seconds ago, but Suki couldn't see inside because of her brother's imposing stature. Dante, him, took a look inside and he saw the young woman doing a make up retouch. She had red eyes, clear sign that she had cried.

Dante knew that his elder brother could be harsh with people if angry. And when it concerned a member of their family, his anger's gauge was full really quickly. They entered back in the main room and Gabriel let his siblings, to tell their father that they were ready to go home. A young boy approached them, he was a bit older than Suki but younger than Vito. He was smiling.

Boy: Suki... (She looked at him, surprised that he talked to her, not knowing him.)... I am one of your brother's friend little brother, Jamy.

Suki: Hello...

Jamy: I saw you playing piano earlier, you were super cool.

Suki: Ah..., Thank you.

Dante was staring at that young boy with a big brother's look. He was standing behind the little girl with his arms crossed against his chest. The height difference between the two was impressive but that Jamy didn't seem to pay attention to him.

Jamy: I was wondering if you would like to go out with me this weekend. We can go to see a movie or grabbing something to eat?

Suki: What? (She was surprised by that unexpected invitation.)

Jamy: Well... You're pretty cute... so... why not?

Dante: Why not? (His deep voice made startled Suki who almost forgot that Dante was behind her.) You know who that kid is, right?

Jamy: Yes, Vito's little sister... but what does it have to do with me asking her out?

Dante: (He chuckled.) You don't value your life... (He made a step ahead after putting Suki behind him.) You dare to hit on our baby sister... who, as I mentioned is still a baby... are you not afraid of us and what we can do to you for just having thought about going on a date with her?!

Jamy showed assurance and kept his smile even in front of that tall and menacing man. He was maybe 13 but he was confident about himself and had already dated few girls from his school without never encountering issues with older brothers.

Jamy: Not really... there is nothing wrong by inviting a girl that you have a crush to, for a date... are you too old to understand that?!

Dante: The fu** I am too old... (He made one more step and grabbed the boy by his collar.)

Suki: Dante! (She didn't expect him to react so badly.)

Dante: I am old enough to know what you have in your dirty head so shut the fu** off and find another girl to date before I have to explain to your parents why you will spend the next couple of weeks in a hospital bed! (He pushed the boy who almost lost his balance.)

Jamy: You're crazy dude!

Dante: You think so? Do you want to see how much? (He felt his little sister's grip on his wrist and looked at her.) Scared...Princess? Don't be!

Miss Paris: Suki... everything is alright? Mr Smith? Jamy, what's going on?

Jamy: That crazy guy attacked me because I asked Suki to go on a date with me!

Dante: You like to play...

Miss Paris: Mr Smith, please, that behavior is not what an adult should have with a teenager. Don't you see that they are both afraid because of you!

Dante didn't like that woman's intervention and the way she talked to him. He was wondering how his brother could have dated someone like her, ready to judge everyone at the first occasion. Suki was still holding him, afraid that his short temper took the upper hand.

Dante: Isn't my behavior exactly what you expect from someone like me? You know that well, right? How bad we are! Men of the Smith family!