Suki followed Mrs Smith in the living room and sat not too far from her. She was intimidated by the woman in front of her; she was around 70 and her hair were of a beautiful grey, not an old one but more a coloration made in a prestigious hair saloon. She was wearing pretty and sophisticate clothes with some expensive jewelries. She didn't look like the typical grandmother. Vito sat on the opposite couch with a can of soda.

Mrs Smith: Vito, I didn't invite you to join us.

Vito: (He was surprised.) You're pushing me out... for her? I am your grandson, do you remember? You were always eager to see me before!

Mrs Smith: Young man, your attitude shows jealousy. Are you not too old for this? Can't you let your grandmother talk with your little sister to have a chance to get to know her? Or are you afraid that she reveals to me things that you want to keep secret?

Vito: I have nothing to hide! (He showed assurance.) I don't like her, that's all!

Mrs Smith: Alright! Suki, please, follow me.

Suki looked at Vito then at Mrs Smith who nodded with a natural smile. She followed her near the entry door, quickly put her shoes and they left the house together. Vito was shocked that his grandmother ignored him and decided to leave with the little girl. When Mrs Smith came out, a guard that Suki never noticed came to her encounter.

Michael: Madam, are you leaving already? (He was surprised.)

Mrs Smith: We are just going out to have a coffee. Can you drive us to a nice place, not too far? Oh, by the way, Suki, this is Michael, my... assistant, driver, bodyguard... he is in charge of everything. Suki is Salvatore's daughter, my granddaughter.

Michael: Nice to meet you Miss.

Suki: Nice to meet you too, Mr Michael.

Michael: (He opened the back door of the car.) Please, Madam, be careful. (He put his hand on the car to offer protection.) Should we inform Mr Smith?

Mrs Smith: He will find out soon enough, let's go.

The ride in the car was silent, Mrs Smith was on her phone, sending messages. Suki didn't dare to disturb her and patiently waited. 10 minutes later, the car parked in a big avenue with luxurious shops and fancy cafés. Michael opened the door for the old lady and two giant men, coming from a car that was following them, secured the surroundings.

Mrs Smith: Those men are only there to assure our protection, but you must be used to that type of thing with your Father.

Suki: Father's bodyguards are more... discreet...

Mrs Smith: Don't mind them, they will not listen to our conversation.

They entered the café and were welcome by one of the waitresses. She gave them the best spot near the window and Mrs Smith ordered a long café latte for her and a hot chocolate for the little girl. With that, she asked for an assortment of desserts. The order was served quickly and after tasting her beverage, Mrs Smith stared at Suki with an intense gaze.

Mrs Smith: You know I order that for you, why don't you drink it?

Suki: Ah, yes, sorry... and thank you.

Mrs Smith: You seem stressed to be here with me. Are you afraid that I am not here with good intentions? Because as you followed me without thinking twice, it's too late to be worried, no? (Suki blushed, embarrassed.) So, tell me, who is that little girl in front of me? What do you like? What do you dislike? How is it to be part of that family?

Suki didn't except all those questions from the old woman. Mrs Smith seemed sincere in her interest about her, so she shyly explained the first years of her life with her mother. She was emotional but had a smile the entire time and Mrs Smith's eyes reflected compassion and admiration.

The little girl did her best to keep her tears when she mentioned her mother's death and she didn't explain that it was caused by her maternal uncle. She also hid the fact that most of the boys rejected her at first. When she was done, she waited for a reaction with anxiety.

Mrs Smith: It's really unfortunate that you discovered your father's existence like that, and I am sorry for the lost of your Mother.

Suki: Thank you, Mrs Smith...

Mrs Smith: (She frowned, and Suki looked down.) Mrs Smith? What the hell is this?! I'm not a stranger but your grandmother. Call me Grandma! Understood? (Suki looked at her and nodded.) Good. We are a family; you don't have to be cautious around me and can relax. A grandmother is like a parent but cooler.

Suki: I... never had a grandparent before... and... and...

Mrs Smith: And? Tell me, speak freely.

Suki stared at her grandmother with her sparkling eyes and in front of her insistent but kind gaze, she told her everything about her mother's family. Mrs Smith listened with attention and her facial expression stayed neutral, even if inside, she wanted to take the first flight to Japan to kill that entire family. Suki wiped her tears with her sleeve. Mrs Smith stood up and sat near the little girl. She embraced her.

Mrs Smith: It's okay, you have the right to be sad and angry. You have me now; I will pamper you as a grandparent should. Let's warm our hearts with those delicacies, okay? (She nodded, still shy.)

Suki: Thank you, and sorry to cry on the first day meeting you.

Mrs Smith: If not with me, with who can you complain or cry your heart out when you need it. Those savage brothers of yours?

Suki: Gabriel and Enzo are not like that...

Mrs Smith: Really? I am curious to know how your brothers are with you because, what I saw earlier with Vito, is unacceptable. Do they treat you well? Now, you are the family's princess.

Suki: Gr... Grandmother is a really kind person...

Mrs Smith: Grandma! I prefer Grandma!

Suki: ... Or can I call you Nonna?

Mrs Smith: (She smiled.) Of course, you can. You speak Italian??

Suki: (She blushed.) No... I'm just learning with Father...

Mrs Smith: Cute and smart! (She served a piece of cake to Suki.) So, tell Nonna how your brothers and your Father are with you!

Suki: Father is really kind with me. He bought me a piano just because I mentioned playing a little in the past. And he also has my name tattooed on his back. He often spends time with me just around a cup of tea and teaches me Italian while I'm teaching him some words in Japanese. I am glad and lucky to have him as my Father.

Mrs Smith: You play an instrument? That's wonderful. You will have to play for me when we go back home. And your brothers?

Suki: Gabriel is the best brother in the world. He accepted me before anyone. He is very very kind and always do everything to be sure that I am fine. Enzo, too, welcomed me from day one. He is always supportive and pushes me to try new things. When he has free time, he spends it with me.

Mrs Smith: That's interesting. Enzo is usually pretty introvert. And what about your other brothers?

Suki: (She hesitated few seconds.) It's... different...

Mrs Smith: That's all? You won't tell me more? (Suki shyly smiled.) Alright, I won't force you to say more. And at school?

Suki talked about her friendship with Haru and also about her performance at the school festival. She didn't mention the different incidents she had to face since she entered the school, preferring to focus on the good moments.

Then the little girl asked some questions to her grandmother too. She was curious to know more about her, where she lived and so on.

Mrs Smith: (She put her cup of coffee.) What can I say... I'm a 72 years old grandmother but frankly speaking, I feel 20 years younger! (She chuckled.) I married your grandfather at only 16 and gave birth to your father the same year... unfortunately, maybe because of my young age and because it was a long time ago, there was complication, and I couldn't have more children. (She showed sadness in her gaze few seconds.) But fortunately, my Salvatore gave me a lot of grandchildren and now a beautiful granddaughter. Most of my family, the Accardo, live in Italy or Europe, so I often spend time travelling over there to see them. After your grandfather left us, I moved to Palm Beach, in Florida, it's quieter than New York!

Mrs Smith continued to talk about her family and also about Salvatore's childhood. Suki was listening with attention while eating the desserts ordered by her grandmother. The night was falling outside, and the nice discussion was interrupted by Salvatore's arrival.

Salvatore: Mamma... (He stood near their table.)

Mrs Smith: Salvatore, son, you arrive later than I thought.

Salvatore: (He bent to kiss her forehead, then sat.) When did you come back? Why didn't you call us to inform of your arrival? (He looked at Suki and smiled.) You didn't even let me the chance to introduce you to Suki.

Mrs Smith: As you can see, the two of us were having a nice moment where we could learn more about each others. For sure, if you had told me since the beginning that you found your daughter, I wouldn't have leave and lost those past few months and would have enjoy my granddaughter's company sooner!

Salvatore understood the reproach of his mother. He looked at Suki and she smiled to him. She didn't seem uncomfortable or afraid.

Salvatore: I wanted to give to Suki the necessary time to adapt to her new family before meeting anyone else.

Mrs Smith: Am I not her family? Her grandmother? In a house full of men, I could have been helpful!

Salvatore: You're right, it was my mistake. Can we head home now? Aldo prepared a fest for you and Suki must be tired after her school day.

Mrs Smith: The boys are at home? (He nodded.) Great, I need to have a little talk with them! Let's go, Princess.

They stood up and Mrs Smith took Suki's hand with a bright smile. The little girl looked at her and smiled too with pinky cheeks. Salvatore followed them and sent a text message to Gabriel to inform him that they were coming back home. 10 minutes later, they entered the propriety and Gabriel was waiting outside, on top of the stairs.

Gabriel: (He passed his arm around Mrs Smith's shoulders and kissed her forehead too.) Nonna, how are doing? It's been a while.

Mrs Smith: Yes, few months already... and I found a nice surprise at my return.

Gabriel: Do you mean our youngest one?

Mrs Smith: Of course! Who else?! Your brothers are in the living room? I need to talk to all of you. (They entered the house.)

Gabriel: Yes, everyone is waiting for you, is there something wrong?

Mrs Smith: Take a seat, Salvatore, you too. Suki, stay near Nonna.

Salvatore and Gabriel didn't try to go against the matriarch's orders, and they sat on one of the couch. Suki was standing near her grandmother, not knowing what was going on and under the heavy stare of Vito. The young man was wondering if Suki had told his grandmother everything about the way they were treating her.

Enzo: Grandma, you should take a seat too, after a long trip, you must be tired. It's not good to stay stand at your age.

Mrs Smith: Don't worry Enzo, what I have to say is not long enough to exhaust me. Boys, earlier, I heard Vito talking in a very bad way to his little sister. I don't know what happened until there and I don't know how you are all behaving with Suki, because she didn't tell me anything about that, but a warning for all of you; my granddaughter is under my protection! If I hear one of you be disrespectful with her, you will have to deal with me! Understood?!

Vito: Snitches get stiches!

Salvatore: Vito, shut up!

Davide: Grandma, you barely know her and you already sided with her!

Mrs Smith: First of all, of course I will side with her, Suki is the only girl of this house and second and most importantly, she is my family! Suki is my granddaughter! Do I need to know anything else?

Salvatore: Mamma, I can assure you that everyone knows very well that Suki is part of our family.

Mrs Smith: So, as a Father and the lead of that family, you accept that she is not treated well by her brothers?! I'm very disappointed, Salvatore.

Even at his age, Salvatore hated to receive reproaches from his mother. And her words were partially right. When his daughter integrated his family, he was lenient with the boys because of his own guilty feelings and let slide too many things.

Dante: Nonna, I won't lie, I was an asshole with the kid at first, but I learned... and even if I regret my behavior, I can't change the past and only count on her forgiveness... that I think she granted me. (Suki stared at him with pinky cheeks and he winked.)

Gianni: (He lifted his hand.) Kind the same for me... I didn't really care as long as she didn't bother me... but I have to admit that it's not that bad to have a little sister..., right... little kitten... (He chuckled.)

Mrs Smith: Grown men like the two of you behaving like that... even if you think that everything is good now, you didn't think to the harm that you caused to a young child like her?! (She shook her head.) I'm going to refresh myself before dinner. You should do the same, Suki.

Mrs Smith gave a look at Vito and Davide, and they looked down. Then, she left the living room with the little girl.

Salvatore didn't stay in the living room and went to check that everything was in place in the dining room. It was more to focus on something else than his mother's words.

Vito: Grandma is mad at us because of that idiot! I'm sure she complained to have Grandma's attention.

Enzo: Vito, don't be stupid, Suki is not like that, but if you talked like that when Grandma was there, don't be surprised by her reaction.

Gabriel: I agree. Assume your behavior! If you want to change Grandmas' mind, change yours first!

Vito didn't say anything more. The three oldest brothers talked between themselves and after 10 minutes, Davide stood up and left the room. Few seconds later, Vito followed him.

They didn't head to the dining room but were about to go upstairs when Suki showed up at the top of the stairs. She came downstairs and was stopped by her brothers. She was standing on the 2nd stair. The corridor was long enough to not be seen or heard from the living room.

Suki: (She looked at them.) Do you...

Vito: What did you say to Grandma?! Did you complain that we didn't want you in our house?! That we don't like you?!

Suki: I... I didn't say anything... (She was sad to hear that they still disliked her.)

Vito: Stop lying! (She shook her head.)

Davide: Grandma is important for us... and you're not, so be careful when you talk with her, or... ahh!!

Davide touched the back of his head and turned himself. He looked down and saw a woman slipper. It was not a good sign and Vito elbowing him confirmed what he thought.

Davide: Grandma, why did you...

Mrs Smith: (She took off her second slipper and approached him.) Why? You dare ask me why?!! (She hit him.) I need to correct that damn mouth of yours!

Suki: N... Nonna... you will hurt yourself... please stop...

Vito: Grandma, calm down...

Suki: Vito... (She touched his arm, and he looked at her.)... please...

Davide: (He was trying to protect himself with his hands.) Grandma... stop... I didn't do anything!

Mrs Smith effectively stopped, but it was only to change of target. Vito was the next one to receive the divine punishment. The young man stepped back with his brother. Suki tried to stop her grandmother and put herself between the boys and the old woman.

Suki: Nonna...

Mrs Smith: (She put down the slipper.) Why are you trying to save their ass after the way they talked to you?!

Gabriel: Nonna... what's going on? (The two boys looked at him.)

Mrs Smith: Those two brats... (She sighed, and took the little girl hand.) Let's have dinner and put new rules in this house! (They left.)

Gabriel: What did you do?! (He glared at his younger brothers.)

Davide: Grandma is losing her mind... really!

Gabriel: You never miss an occasion to create troubles! Go!

Vito: Damn... because of that... (He didn't finish his sentence in front of his brother's serious gaze.)

Davide: Let's go before he kills us...

In the dining room, Salvatore noticed the frowning expression of his mother. He exchanged a gaze with his daughter, and she didn't smile to him as she would have usually done. He pulled the chair for his mother, near his spot and Mrs Smith asked Suki to sit next to her. The boys entered and took place around the dining table too.

Mrs Smith: Salvatore, is it normal that Davide and Vito were threatening Suki in the corridor as soon as no one was looking?

Dante: Guys... seriously?!

Salvatore: No, it is not, and I am sorry to hear that.

Mrs Smith: Being sorry is not enough! Davide, Vito, I told you that I would not tolerate that type of behavior. Leave the room.

Vito: What? Why?! (He seriously asked, as if he didn't understand.)

Mrs Smith: You're really asking me why? Do you think that I want to have dinner with boys who act like assholes with a child?! (She looked at Suki.) Excuse my language, Sweetheart. (She glared back at the two boys.) Reflect on yourself in your room. When you are ready to change your behavior and to apologize humbly, I will think about getting back in good terms with you.

Davide: Grandma, you're serious? We didn't do anything that deserve to be treated like pariah!

Salvatore: Davide, no more discussion and come with me, now!

The ambiance in the dining room was heavy and uncomfortable for everyone, except Mrs Smith. She saw too many things in her long life to care. She needed to put back some sense in her grandchildren's heads.

Mrs Smith: And all of you, you let them do that to your baby sister?!

Enzo: Grandma... the beginning was difficult, but their relationship is better now... right, Suki?

Suki: Yes...

Mrs Smith: I don't care about that! And if you really think that what I heard is the definition of a good relationship, you need to reflect on yourself too, Enzo!

Suki: Nonna, please... don't be angry. I'm fine... I don't want to create troubles... I don't want you to be sad, or angry with them... please...

The pleading voice of the little girl gave a feeling of culpability to the brothers. They eventually understood that every time that one of them was odious with her, Suki always took on herself to not bother anyone.

Mrs Smith: Alright, I'm sorry, I lost my temper. (She smiled.) I don't want to worry you. I'm not going to be angry... let's see what Aldo prepared for us... go, go, start eating.

Suki: But Vito and Davide, can you let them eat too?

Mrs Smith: They don't deserve to eat for an entire week... but for you, I can show mercy. Gianni, call your father and brothers and let's have that dinner, all together... I have plenty of time to punish them later.

Gianni stood up and left the room. His father was probably talking with his brothers in a quiet room and the closest one was the one where they played pool... and he was right.

After leaving the dining room with the boys, Salvatore had to stay quiet one minute to not explode. Gianni heard his deep voice and waited in the corridor that his Father finished to scold his brothers.

Salvatore: I thought that we were finally a united family. After everything that we had to go throw... after every hardships your little sister had to face, I thought that you changed... but I was wrong and stupid.

Vito: Dad...

Salvatore: No! I don't want to hear your complains!

Davide: It was really nothing! Ask your daughter, she will...

Salvatore: She will what? Say that it was nothing because she is too kind to put you in troubles?! Are you that stupid and blind?! I tried... I really tried to not resent you for the way you treated her, but...

Gianni entered in the room after a quick knocked on the door that was not closed. The discussion in the room was becoming too tense.

Gianni: Nonna is asking you to come back to have dinner, all of you.

Salvatore: Why did she change her mind?

Gianni: At the little kitten's request... (Salvatore sighed.) It's the first dinner with Nonna since a long time and her first one with Suki. We should be able to do it without fighting each others... and you can kick their ass later when the kid is asleep! (He smiled.)

Salvatore: Yes, let's do that. As for you two, we're not done.

They returned to the dining room and Suki was glad that they were all back, but she didn't have the courage to cross her brothers' gaze. She didn't want to see them mad at her because of their grandmother's intervention. The two boys ate in silence while Enzo and Gianni tried to ease everyone's mood. Salvatore asked his mother how was her trip and Mrs Smith dropped a, unexpected news when she said to have met a man that she was now dating. A cold atmosphere engulfed the room.