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!

Dante was glaring at Miss Paris and the tension was palpable in the area. Suki was holding firmly her brother's wrist but contrary to what the counselor said, she was not afraid of Dante for herself, but she was worried that he loses his temper because of that young boy, and, had troubles after that.

Miss Paris: Jamy, are you hurt somewhere? Do you want me to contact your parents?

Jamy: No... I'm fine...

Dante: In fact, you should call them... (He smirked.) I'm sure that my father would like to have a discussion with them.

Jamy: Why do you want to involve my parents?! (He looked at Suki from head to toe.) Just because of her? I thought that you all hate her... because she is a bastard child... so why you care!

Dante clinched his fists. He wanted to punch that brat's face and at the same time, a huge feeling of guilt was growing inside of him. Because those same words were used by him and his brothers to describe the little girl few months ago and he felt ashamed of himself. Now that he was used to her presence, and even had affection for her, he wondered how he could have been so stupid, to react like that as a grown men toward a 11 years old innocent girl. A little girl that had lost her entire world in one night and had to face hostile strangers who, in fact, were sharing the same blood. Dante felt Suki's grip loosen, so he looked at her. She was looking down, ashamed and hurt.

Miss Paris: Jamy!! It's not a way to talk about a fellow student! Apologize to Suki, right now!

Dante: Disappear of my view before I lose it. (He didn't look at the boy, his gaze was stuck on his little sister.)

Jamy: I didn't do anything wrong, even Vito called her like that!

Dante had two options now; the first one, loosing his mind and beat up that kid; the second one, ignore him for the sake of everyone. He chose the second one. In a quick movement, he bent down, passed his arm under Suki's knees and lifted her without difficulties. He was carrying her like a young child, and she was so surprised that she couldn't do anything else than to cling to him by passing her arms around his neck.

Suki: Ahh... Dante!

Dante: (He walked away.) If I don't leave now, I'm going to kill him!

Miss Paris: Mr Smith! Mr Smith! (He didn't stop and left.) Jamy, your behavior is really disappointing! How could you say such means words about Suki?! I have to contact your parents; your words are unacceptable in that school!

Jamy: That's stupid and not fair! Vito's brother was the one to attack me! Does he think that his sister is a divinity?! Fu**! She is lucky to have been brought into that family, that stupid orphan!

Lila Paris was stunned by the young boy. She was about to take him to her office to contact his parents, but unfortunately, a cold and well-known voice resonated in her back, Gabriel's one.

Gabriel: Lila Paris, what is that kid talking about?!

Miss Paris: (She turned herself to face him and saw his dark expression. The rest of his family was there too.) Gabriel... I mean, Mr Smith, since when are you here?

Enzo: (He made a step ahead toward Jamy.) Who the fu** are you talking about? Do you want to die?! (Salvatore stopped him.)

Miss Paris: Enzo! (She looked at Salvatore.) Mr Smith, please, let me take care of that issue with that student. I'm going to contact his parents and make sure to have an apology letter written from him to your daughter.

Salvatore: Davide, call Dante, ask him where they are, then, Enzo, go find them and make sure that Suki is fine. (He nodded to Gabriel who had a killing gaze on the young boy.) Miss Paris, I want to meet that boy's parents, right now.

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

After Dante left the corridor with Suki in his arms, the young man went straight to their car. He needed some fresh air to not lose his mind and go back inside to beat up that brat of Jamy.

Suki: Dante... Dante... (He looked at her.) Can you put me down, please. (He put her down and took a cigarette but didn't light it because she was there.) Thank you.

Dante: What that guy... said, did others tell you that too?

Suki: I don't know... (She was not looking at him.) I don't pay attention to what people say...

Dante: You should have paid attention and report them to us!

Suki: ... I don't really care... (She was still fixing the ground and playing nervously with her fingers.)

Dante: What? You don't care?! Are you stupid?! Stop letting strangers treat you like shit!

Suki: (She looked at him with teary eyes.) ... You... and the others... think the same way... it is... the truth... so why... why... should I...

Dante was taken aback by the little girl's reaction. He didn't expect from her that answer, that truth. He felt his phone vibrating in his pocket but ignored it. His face was reflecting his anger, anger against that student but also, against himself. But the young man was not used to feel those mixed feelings of self hated, guilt and will to comfort his... little sister. So, he had difficulties to keep a calm tone and reacted abruptly.

Dante: Shut up! (She startled and stepped back. He put his hand on his eyes and sighed for long seconds.) You're such a pain in the ass!

Suki: I want... to leave...

Dante: Get in the car! (She quickly got inside.) Fu**... (He took his phone and called back Davide.) What?

Davide: Dad wants to know where you are with his daughter.

Dante: Outside, in the car. (He lighted his cigarette.)

Davide: Okay, we're coming with Enzo, Dad and Gab went to deal with that boy in Lila Paris' office.

Dante: Hum... (He cut the call and finished his cigarette.)

In the car, Suki didn't have the courage to look outside. Her brother was smoking, two meters away from the car. She could only wait and fortunately, Enzo quickly arrived and opened the back door to sit next to her.

Enzo: Eh, Suki, are you alright? (He was worried but tried to smile to her.) It was a long day; you must be tired.

Suki: Hum... Father is not coming back home with us?

Enzo: He is coming soon; he was stuck with Gab in a boring conversation. (He looked at his phone.) We should maybe leave first, and they are going to join us directly at home? (She nodded.) Okay, stay here a minute. (He got outside.) Guys...

Dante: Take the kid home.

Enzo: You're not coming with us?

Dante: I need a break, go home, and keep an eye on her until Dad and Gabriel arrive.

Davide: Okay... let's go, I'm driving, I'm also tired to be here!

The twins got back in the car, but not Dante. Suki looked outside and she crossed his dark gaze. She thought that he was angry against her, not understanding that he was, but against himself.

The young man had asked one of their men to bring a car for him and while waiting for it, he exchanged some message with one of the girl he was seeing sometimes and smoked two more cigarettes.

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

In the school, Miss Paris had to fix the issue with Jamy in presence of her ex-boyfriend and his father, both passably angry. Lila Paris called for Jamy's older brother because she knew that he was in school and not his parents. He came quickly. When he entered the office and noticed Vito's father and brother, he understood that something went wrong with his brother.

Jamy's brother/Andy: Miss Paris, you called me? Jamy, what's going on?

Lila Paris: Andy, I called you here because Jamy was disrespectful with Suki Smith. He deserves a punishment and has to apologize to her.

Andy: Disrespectful? I thought that you wanted to go out with her?!

At Andy's words, Gabriel, who was standing in the back of the room made a step ahead with a menacing aura. Lila Paris looked at him with insistence, as to ask him to stay calm.

Jamy: Her brother attacked me, he is crazy!

Lila Paris: Jamy, even if Suki's brother shouldn't have reacted like that, the words you used to talk about Suki are not acceptable.

Andy: Jamy, you screwed up brother! (He looked at Salvatore.) Sorry if my little brother misbehaved, you know that I am friend with Vito and as he didn't seem to be against it, Jamy went to ask Suki for a date.

Salvatore: Andy, right? I don't think that Vito has anything to say about that topic. My daughter is only 11 years old. What should you expect from her older brother when a boy like Jamy shows up with that ridiculous idea in mind? Hum, tell me.

Lila Paris: Mr Smith, I propose that Jamy writes an apologies letter, and he will be in detention for a week.

Jamy: What? It's not fair! I was the one attacked!

Gabriel: Not fair? (He made a step ahead and Salvatore lifted his hand to stop him.)

Salvatore: As that young man doesn't seem to understand his wrong doings, I want to contact his parents.

Andy: Mr Smith, my brother is still young, but I will talk to him. It's not useful to call our parents.

Salvatore: If you were mature enough, all of this would have not happened. You would have talked with your younger brother to stop him before he talks to my daughter. Now, I want to have your parents' contact and fix... that issue with them directly.

Lila Paris: I am going to the administration office to ask them to call your parents. Please wait here.

Lila Paris exchanged another gaze with Gabriel and left her office. She was hoping that nothing will happen during her 2 minutes of absence but as soon as she closed the door, Gabriel stopped in front of Jamy with a menacing aura.

Jamy: Ehh... what do you want?! (He stepped back, afraid.)

Gabriel: Little piece of shit, you thought that you could insult a member of my family and get away with a mere week of detention?

Andy: Mr Smith... (Salvatore looked at him without interfering.)

Gabriel: Don't you know who we are? I could easily beat you to death and I only retain myself because you are a kid. (He pointed his finger against Jamy's forehead, making him step back once again.) Being stupid enough to think about my baby sister with inappropriate thoughts was not enough, you dared to insult her! I will break your entire family... your dear brother will have to work like a slave for the rest of his life... (He smirked.)... oh, and you have an older sister too if I'm not wrong... I'm sure that she will be perfect to make money of her body for old and disgusting men! You will beg on your knees to have a piece of bread to fill your stomach and lose your mind to see your parents becoming nothing... all of this just because of you! (Jamy fell down, almost crying.)

Andy: Mr Smith... I'm begging you... I can punish him, I can hit him myself, but please, don't involve my parents...

Salvatore: Young man, why shouldn't I involve your parents in this. They are certainly concerned by your doings and at fault for not educating your younger brother in a good way. You see, I'm not very the compassionate one when it regards my family's well being, especially my youngest one. (His tone was detached and cold.)

Lila Paris: (She entered.) Jamy... (She approached and helped him to stand up.) Mr Smith, what did you do to him?!

Gabriel: Nothing. When are his parents coming?

Lila Paris: Unfortunately, they are on a plane to Canada for the weekend. Mr Smith, I propose to postpone the meeting with Jamy's parents to next week.

Salvatore: (He stood up.) I count on you to not forget to contact me before the end of next week. Gabriel, let's go. (They left.)

Andy: Jamy, fu**! How could you be so stupid!

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

The drive back home for Suki and the twins was silent. It was dark outside, and the little girl focused her attention on the lights of the city. Enzo had texted his father to update him on the situation and just when they parked in the garage, he received an answer saying that they were leaving school and coming home.

Enzo: Dad and Gabriel are on their way back.

Suki: Hum... thank you for taking me back home. I'm going to shower. (She quickly disappeared.)

Enzo: The day was going so well; how did it end like this?!

Davide: Her karma maybe... she is a magnet to troubles... (He was not smirking as he did usually while saying those kinds of words.)

Enzo: Bro', you know that's not true... it's that jerk, he ruined everything! I don't know what Dad plans with him, but I will personally pay him a visit and explain to him that he should not mess up with the wrong people!

Davide: It's rare for you to use your fists instead of your keyboard.

Enzo and Davide also went upstairs to refresh themselves and put comfortable clothes. Davide had orders pizzas before his shower and when he came downstairs, his father and elder brother arrived.

Salvatore: Davide, where is Suki?

Davide: Probably still in her room... she was a bit off...

Salvatore: I'm going to see her. Order something to eat please.

Davide: Pizzas are already on their way... (Salvatore went upstairs.) So, what did you do to him? Because our kind Enzo is volunteer to beat his ass!

Gabriel: I won't prevent him to do it. And Dante?

Davide: He was a bit off too... but I'm sure that he had find a nice girl to change his mood...

Gabriel: Hum, I will call him later. I need a shower.

Gabriel left to his bedroom. Upstairs, Salvatore had knocked at his daughter's door bedroom a little earlier. He had heard Suki's little voice saying to enter. She was freshly changed, her hair still wet.

Suki: Otô-san, you're back. (She was trying to smile but it was not natural at all in Salvatore's eyes.)

Salvatore: Yes, sorry that we couldn't come back home together. Suki, please, sit a minute. (She sat and he sat next to her.) I heard what happened with that boy Jamy. I am sorry that you were hurt by his words but not matter what he said, it is wrong.

Suki: Hum... I'm fine.

Salvatore: You shouldn't be fine. You should ask your Dad to break his legs... (She looked at him with big eyes and he smiled.)... or at least, for him to clean the entire school with a toothbrush.

Suki: (She chuckled.) The school is huge...

Salvatore: Suki, you have the right to be angry in front of such behavior. I don't want you to accept to be insulted, just because you are a good child that doesn't want to create troubles, okay?

Suki: You asked for him to be punished?

Salvatore: Miss Paris punished him. (He stood up.) I'm going to refresh myself and after that, we can see what kind of pizzas Davide ordered.

Suki: I'm not really hungry, I thought about resting early.

Salvatore: Young lady, skipping dinner is not an option. And your Father will not let you go to sleep with that sad expression on your face. We will try to change your mood, what about a movie or we can watch again your performance today, it was so good, I could watch it 10 times in a row without being bored!

Suki: Otô-san is not reasonable once again... .

Salvatore: So, movie night? (She nodded with a shy but natural smile.) Great, go downstairs first and make sure that Davide doesn't eat all the pizzas by himself!

After that talk with her father, Suki felt a bit better. She went downstairs, hopping that Enzo would already be there but only Davide was there, sitting on one of the couch of the living room, scrolling on his phone. She silently sat at the opposite seat. She was surprised when he talked to her, still watching at his screen.

Davide: You're done pouting... everyone will be worried otherwise...

Suki: I was not... pouting.

Davide: (He stared at her.) Were you crying maybe? (He smiled.)

Suki: (She blushed.) No... I only took a shower.

Davide: (He received a message.) The pizzas are here. Go bring things to drink in the kitchen! (He stood up.)

Suki: (She stood up too.) Ah... yes...

While Davide went to retrieve his order from the guard, Suki went to the kitchen to take drinks to the living room. She was taking some bottles of the fridge when a big hand grabbed one of them. Gabriel was standing behind her with a smile.

Gabriel: Isn't it too much to carry for you alone? Let me help you.

Suki: Thank you... it's for the pizzas.

Gabriel: I hope that Davide didn't order only the kind that he likes, because his tastes are questionable.

Suki: I can cook something else for you if you want.

Gabriel: I should be the one to propose that to you, not the contrary.

Enzo: (He just entered.) Suki, do you need help? Gab, you're here.

Gabriel: (He handed him the bottles.) Take that... (He grabbed the two bottles in Suki's hands.) Let's see what our dear brother chose.

The trio joined Davide who was already checking the pizzas' boxes. They waited until Salvatore came downstairs then Enzo found a movie adapted to his little sister's age, and they started their improvised dinner.

No one talked about what happened with that young boy during the evening. The goal was to change the little girl state of mind, and it seemed to work when they heard her laughing at a comical scene between the two main characters.

When the movie was over, Suki wished a good night to everyone and went to her bedroom. The twins, Gabriel and Salvatore stayed in the leaving room. Davide changed of program for a sports channel.

Enzo: She seemed in a better mood... I'm glad that the day ended well.

Salvatore: Yes, thank you, the two of you, for staying here tonight.

Davide: Hum... Nothing better to do... (He smiled.)... but if you want to repay my efforts, I'm happy to receive it!

Salvatore: You never miss the occasion... Davide, are you lacking from something? Why are you after money so badly lately?

Davide: Now that you have a new favorite child who isn't me, I need to save as much money as possible, because I'm not sure anymore, to still be on your will!

Gabriel: Such an idiot...

Salvatore: I am too tired to answer to your stupidities... Gabriel, did you call Dante?

Gabriel: He said to be busy.

Enzo: Did Suki say something about when they were together? He seemed really pissed off.

Davide: I'm sure it's because of that jerk...

Salvatore: Suki didn't mention anything. She is not the type to complain, even if she is deeply hurt by others' actions or words.

Enzo: Hum... she's too kind sometimes...

After a last drink, Gabriel and Salvatore were the first one to go upstairs. The twins stayed watching the TV until Gianni came back from his club. The young man grabbed two pieces of pizza before going to shower and sleep. He was exhausted.

Around 5.00am, Dante came back home with the help of one of the bodyguard. The young man spent half of the night with a girl, and he had drunk a lot and fortunately, he didn't try to drive back home but called for someone.

He dragged himself upstairs after drinking a glass of cold water in the kitchen, not caring that the lights were still switched on.

He entered the corridor leading to his bedroom but stopped in front of Suki's one. He stayed long seconds in front of it, a hand resting on the wall to keep his balance, the other one on the door handle.

Then, he entered, unceremoniously, switching on the light, making Suki to sit in her bed, startled by the intrusion. If she had not recognized her brother quickly, she would have yelled of fear.

Suki: Dante... (She pulled up the blanket toward her.) What...

Dante had the typical intoxicated gaze. He entered in the little girl's room and pointed a finger at her. He seemed disconnected from reality. Fortunately, Gabriel, in the room next door, had a light sleep and he quickly showed up in the frame of the door, gun ready to be used. He was reassured at first that the intruder was only Dante, and hid his gun, but when he saw the state of his brother, he was not happy.

Gabriel: Dante! Get out of here!

Dante: You... (He was not paying attention to Gabriel.) Why... why did you let me... be a pathetic... son of a bi***... (He was standing in the middle of the room.)... you... why...

Gabriel: (He grabbed Dante's arm, but Dante freed himself.) What do you think you're doing in the middle of the night?! Go to your room! You're scaring her!

Dante: Scared... she is always scared... she is weak... and let people... let us... let me... treat her like shit... she is... an idiot! Yes, an idiot... she should hate us... instead of smiling... and be kind...

Suki was not understanding her brother's babbling. Gabriel, him, quickly got the point. Dante was speaking so loudly than Salvatore and Gianni were also there now.

Gianni: Damn, what's wrong with him?!

Salvatore: Get him out of here, now! (Gianni entered.)

Gabriel: (He put himself in front of Dante.) Dante, enough. I get what you're saying, but it's not the time for this.

Dante: I... I have to... it makes me sick... I'm sick of... myself... (With Gianni's help, Gabriel dragged him outside.)

Suki: Otô-san...

Salvatore: (He sat on her bed and touched her head.) Suki, are you alright? I am sorry, your brother seemed to have drink too much.

Suki: Dante is angry because of me?

Salvatore: No, of course, no. I think that he is angry against himself. I know that it could be difficult but try to go back to sleep and later today, we will ask an explanation to your brother. Do you want me to stay with you until you fall asleep. (She shyly nodded.) Okay.

Suki moved to let a spot to her father at her side. Salvatore was glad that she let him stay with her after Dante's mess.

On the brothers' side, Dante was taken into his bedroom thanks to Gianni and Gabriel. He seemed to have a clearer mind already.

Gianni: Dante... how much did you drink to finish in that state...

Gabriel: Dante, what's wrong? What happened with Suki?

Dante: She... that kid... (He sat on his bed and took his head with his hands.)... why did she accept to be treated like that... by us...

Gianni: What do you mean?

Dante: When that fu** jerk insulted her... to be a bastard... she didn't say anything... because... for her... it was the truth...

Gianni: What? It's stupid!

Dante: Really? (He lifted his head.) We... I... was the first one to call her like that! To treat her like a parasite... (He shook his head and let his body falling on his bed.)... I'm such a jerk... (He closed his eyes, he had fallen asleep.)

Gabriel: (He came closer.) That idiot... Guilt hits you hard...brother...