Suki quickly got changed and she left with Salvatore without anyone noticed it. They passed by the second entry to the garage at the end of the corridor near the gym room. The head of the family decided to drive his car by himself but for safety measures, a car with 3 of his men followed.

They stopped 20 minutes later in front of a pizzeria. Salvatore guessed that it was more appropriate for a last-minute dinner for hi daughter than a fancy 3 stars restaurant in the center of the city.

Salvatore: I know that the boys ordered pizzas from that place and it's pretty good.

Suki: I remember that brand... Davide often orders pizzas from here.

Salvatore: So, it's okay to eat here? (She nodded with a smile.) Great.

Salvatore ordered the food and drinks then they started to talk mainly about the family. Salvatore asked her what she thought about meeting her cousins from Italy and she answered that she barely had time to talk with them. She thought that Danilo seemed jovial, but Dominico was more impressive, a bit like a mix of Gabriel and Dante.

Salvatore understood exactly what she thought. Dominico had a cold side just like Gabriel but also a teasing one, that was Dante's specialty. And that type of character was not the easiest one to deal with, even more for a little girl like Suki.

Salvatore: I am sure that you will get along well with them. They have another brother around the same age than Gianni, but unfortunately no girls around your age. Your only girl cousin in the family is studying in Swiss if I'm not wrong, but she is already 22.

Suki: So... I am the youngest for the entire family?

Salvatore: Until one of the boys creates his own family, yes. My third cousin, who is a bit younger, has two teenage boys of 16 and 13 if I'm not wrong. You will be able to meet them when we are going to travel this summer.

Suki: You really want to travel to Italy this summer?

Salvatore: Yes, and also in other countries in Europe like France or Spain. It's time for you to discover the world!

Suki: But I don't have a passport...

Salvatore: (He smiled.) It's not an issue. I will take care of this tomorrow with my lawyer... you will only have to take identity photos, that's all.

Suki: Everything seems easy with you.

Salvatore: Ifyou think like that, it means that I'm doing my job well!

While Salvatore was having a nice moment with his daughter, Gabriel had also left the tumult of the house to pay a visit to Valentina. It was a good way to release his anger and frustration.

One of his men drove him to Brooklyn and when he entered the warehouse and saw the state of his father's ex-girlfriend, a satisfied smirk appeared on his face.

Gabriel: How are things going on here?

Guard: She stopped yelling to ask for help 2 days ago and is obediently eating her food when given.

Gabriel: Good, it's still too soon for her to die.

Guard: Do you want me to bring something to the cell?

Gabriel: Surprise me... I'm open to suggestion and creativity...

Gabriel took off his jacket, tie and pulled up the sleeves of his shirt. When he opened the door of the cell, Valentina looked at him with pleading eyes. She understood directly at his devilish gaze that he was not there to release her but to make her suffer.

The young man didn't spend too many times with her, just enough to feel less angry and for her to regret all the bad things she did to the Smith family.

When he came back home, there was no one in the living room, probably the result of the heated discussion during dinner time. He served himself a double whisky and went to the garden to smoke a cigarette. He was surprised to see his Father joining him.

Salvatore: So? How is Valentina doing? (He lighted a cigarette too.)

Gabriel: Still alive in her VIP room. It's pretty rare for you to smoke... even more since Suki is living here.

Salvatore: Sometimes, it's necessary.

Gabriel: Did you check on Suki?

Salvatore: I took her out to have dinner, she just went to sleep.

Gabriel: So, she was not asleep when Enzo went to her room?

Salvatore: She was, but I had to wake up her... I needed to talk to her about what happened, and I found out that something else occurred with Suki... she burnt the back of her hand with her tea when she tried to avoid a talk with Dante, but she swore that it was an accident... I need to have a talk with your brother about that.

Gabriel: You must know better than me where he is... as you knew where I went tonight...

Salvatore: I know... (He crushed his cigarette in the ashtray.)

Gabriel: You also know that Dante would never hurt her deliberately.

Salvatore: I know but it doesn't change the fact that she was injured. I'm tired to let things pass, just to not have my idiot sons feeling rejected! Things are going to change, and it goes for all of your brothers. Mamma was right, I screw up and let the boys do as they wanted because I felt guilty. But in the process the only one that suffered was Suki!

Gabriel: Iwill not be the one trying to change your mind...

Salvatore went inside first and headed to his bedroom to shower and changed for his night outfit. When Gabriel finished his drink, he also went inside but he opted for a one-hour night session at the gym room. He needed to hit something before going to sleep.

Later in the middle of the night, Dante came back. He had drunk few beers in a bar, but he was not as drunk as last time.

The new fact was that he had an altercation with three men in that bar and it was exactly the purpose of his little getaway. He let one of those men to hit him because he needed that as a kind of punishment for what happened with Suki in the kitchen. And that's when he was grabbing a bottle of water in the fridge that a little voice surprised him. It was 2.00am.

Suki: Dante... (He turned himself and saw her rubbing her eyes.)

Dante: What are you doing here in the middle of the night?!

Suki: I wanted water... (She saw his injured lips.)... What happened to you?! (She stepped ahead, but he looked away.) Did you fall?

Dante: (He looked back at her.) Fall? Seriously? You think that I'm 5!

Suki: (She came closer.) No, but... You look like you've have been drinking... so...

Dante: I didn't fall and it's not few can of beers that will knock me out! Are you saying that I stink alcohol?! (He sighed at her silence.) It's nothing you should worried yourself about, go back to your sleep!

Suki: You have to clean your injury or it's going go leave a mark.

Dante: It's nothing... go back to your room, it's late.

Suki: You hurt your hand too!

Dante stared at his little sister few seconds. She had her eyes fixed on his hand and he could see worriedness in her gaze. He didn't like to see her in that state, even more because of him. He didn't know what to do or what to say.

Dante: Just like you earlier, it's nothing. (He smirked.) Or do you plan to wake up the entire house just for a little scratch?!

Suki: No... and I put ointment on my hand... twice.

Dante: So, I should do the same, that's it?

Suki: Yes... I can help you... if you want.

Dante: You want to play Dr House at 2.00am... (She looked at him without understanding the reference.) Neverminded...

Dante looked back inside the fridge to find something to eat. He heard the little girl steps leaving the kitchen. He grabbed cheese, ham and the pot of mustard and bread in the counter to prepare a sandwich. He put it on a plate, and he was about to sat when he stopped at the view of Suki standing near the door.

Dante: What the hell are you doing here again?!

Suki: I brought the pomade for you.

Dante: You're really stubborn! (He sighed and sat.) I'm eating and I need to shower before, so thank you but go back to sleep!

Suki: You should clean the wounds on your lips before eating... if it was me, you would not let me do anything before treating it.

Dante: Yes, but I'm not an 11 years old little girl as you see!

Suki: But you are a human too..., no?

Dante: (He put down his sandwich and stared at her with his powerful gaze.) What happened in the last couple of hours for you to confront me like this, in the middle of the night? You barely dared to talk with me earlier and now you are acting like you were my older sister!

Suki: I... I don't have the right to be worried for you?

Dante: No! (He didn't want to appear that cold, but he was, and she showed him a sad expression.)

Suki:Okay... sorry to... bother you.

Suki put the pomade on the kitchen counter next to Dante's plate. She didn't look at him, sad of his rejection. She was leaving when Dante caught her arm in a reflex, to make her face him.

Dante: Wait... I will treat my wounds before going to bed, so please, go back to sleep.... And... you don't bother me... I mean somehow you are but... ah fu**... it's not you that bother me but it's annoying that a kid is anxious because of me! Just like it's annoying when you're hiding your feelings behind a fake smile. If you're angry, say it, damn it!

Suki: But when I say that I am worried... you refuse to accept it... so what the use of saying anything...

Dante: Why are we having such conversation at that time of the night?! Do I have to carry you myself to your bedroom, so you can go back to your bed?! (He stood up.) Do I?

Suki: I don't understand you! (She left in a hurry.)

Dante: Don't try to and just do as I say!!!

Dante yelled, even if Suki was already leaving, and not caring at all that it was the middle of the night. Fortunately, the house was big enough, so maybe, no one had heard him. He sat back and took a big bite of his sandwich, mumbling at the same time.

But once again, he stopped when the tiny silhouette of Suki showed up once again. But this time, she didn't say anything, not even looked at him. She opened the fridge, took a bottle of water and quickly ran out of the kitchen.

After all, the purpose of her coming downstairs at this hour was to drink water, nothing else. She went back upstairs, a bit annoyed.

The next morning, Suki woke up with small eyes. She had difficulties to fall back asleep after her night talk with Dante. And Dante was one of the person that she hoped to not see this morning, but unfortunately, the entire family gathered together for breakfast today.

Salvatore noticed the tiredness in his daughter's eyes, but she told him that she was fine, and that it was the last school day of the week anyway.

The little girl felt the heavy stared of her brothers on her, except Gianni's one. The young man was not aware of the previous evening's argument caused by Vito. Suki wanted to have her breakfast quickly and leave for school. She was surprised to not see her grandmother there, so she asked to her Father.

Suki: Father, Nonna is not joining us for breakfast?

Salvatore: She had another commitment, but I am sure that you can see her tonight.

Davide: Grandma is living her best life... not coming home at night...

Salvatore: Davide... (He glared at him, and he understood the message.)

Suki looked at Salvatore and the head of the family changed his annoyed expression for a smile. They had breakfast with the boys, who were talking mostly in Italian and Suki talked with her Father, even if from time to time, she saw his gaze switching to her older brothers' and Dominico's conversation.

When Suki finished her breakfast, she stood up, ready to leave for school. She wondered if Vito will take his own car this morning or if he will go ride with her. She wished that it would be the first option. And her wish was somehow granted by her older brother.

Suki: Have a good day...

Gabriel: Hold on... (He stood up too.) I'm driving you to school today.

Suki: (She smiled.) Really?

Gabriel: Yes, it's been a while; let's go. (Vito finished his drink of juice and stood up.) You're not coming with us. The driver is waiting for you. (He put his hand on Suki's back.) Suki, let's go.

Vito: Okay... (Gabriel and Suki left.)... Gab is still angry, I guess.

Salvatore: Vito, since today and until your grandmother agrees to give you back your stuffs, including your car, you will have an assigned driver. (He looked at Dominico and Danilo.) In addition, avoid any unnecessary interaction with Suki. It goes for you too Davide or anyone of you, that doesn't consider her as a cherished little sister. I gave you more than enough time to accommodate to our new family composition, but it's useless now. (Dante looked at him.)

Dante: Why are you saying that?

Salvatore: Because that's how Suki feels. She tried really hard to not bother anyone, to treat you all with respect because you are her older brothers... but things don't change. We had a talk last night... and she doesn't want to force anyone to accept or love her and don't want to wait for it anymore.

Gianni: Little kitten really said that? Why? What happened?

Enzo: I have to go... (He left, still disappointed by his brothers.)

Salvatore: Yes, she was hurt, once again, mentally but also physically. Dante, we need to talk about that in private later.

Gianni: That's why you all look so weird this morning? (He looked at his cousins.) You said or did something to her too?

Dante: They didn't... Danilo only repeated to us the way our dear younger brother thinks about the kid, but she heard him and for her injured hand... (He looked at his Father.)... it was an accident, but I am responsible, I know it.

Dominico: I confirm, it was an accident.

Salvatore: Accidents happened too many times already! I hope that you all understood!

Vito: Crystal clear! (He left the room without looking at anyone.)

Davide: If it's what you want...

Salvatore: You clearly expressed yourself about what you think of Suki too, so it must not be too difficult for you!

Davide: I guess... yes.

Enzo: If you don't want to walk to go to classes, I'm leaving now! (The twins left together.)

Salvatore: Dante, follow me. (He left to his office, followed by Dante.)

Dante followed his Father and when he closed the door of his office, Salvatore questioned him to have the full details of the incident with his daughter. Dante didn't hide anything and recognized his mistake. He didn't have bad intentions and felt really guilty.

Salvatore asked him what happened to his face, but when he saw his hand, he understood that the young man fought with someone. Dante told him that it was nothing and by the same occasion, he told him about his night encounter with his little sister.

Salvatore: That's why she looked so tired this morning? You should have told me, and I would have not sent her to school. Why do you decide to hide everything from me?!

Dante: She was already ready to go to school... and for what happened with Vito or even in the kitchen, she asked me to not tell you anything. (He sighed.) That kid... she said the exact same thing to me last night... that it was useless to say what she thinks because we... I... don't listen to her.

Salvatore: And you think that she was wrong?

Dante: It's not that I don't listen to her... and frankly speaking, she barely has the courage to speak for herself... but there is also things that I don't want to hear from her...

Salvatore: But you are not the one to decide what she can say or not! It's the same as controlling her!

Dante: I don't want to control her, but just like you, I don't want that she worries or stresses because of me.

Salvatore: I can understand you on that point but be careful in your interactions with her. Suki is sensitive and I'm afraid that she distances herself from you if she misunderstands you.

Dante: I think it's already the case.

After his discussion with his son, Salvatore knew that Dante was now really attached to his little sister, but that he also needed more time to learn how to be a good brother for a little girl.

And on that little girl side, the talk with Gabriel was less serious. The eldest son didn't want to talk again about the incident with Vito. He preferred to ask her how she was doing with her piano lessons.

Gabriel: Miss Lawrens is coming tonight, right?

Suki: Yes, I want to work on a song that Nonna could like, do you have a suggestion?

Gabriel: I am sure that she would love to hear any song that you could play for her. You can ask your teacher for an Italian composer; she will be a better advisor than me.

Suki: Onii-san, do you know when Nonna is going to leave the house?

Gabriel: She is a pretty free spirit, so I don't really know until when she is going to stay with us. Are you enjoying her presence?

Suki: Yes, a lot! She is so strong and cool...

Gabriel: You seem very attached to her, but you know that she will return to Florida one day. I don't want to see you sad at her departure.

Suki: I know... (She smiled to him.)... but she said that I can go visit her and also that she will come more often to New York... and I can also call her on video if I want to talk with her.

Gabriel: I'm glad to see you smile. (He stopped the car.) We arrived.

Suki: Thank you for driving me to school.

Gabriel: I was my pleasure. (The little girl was about to get out.) Suki, if things are too difficult at home, at school or with anyone, you know that you can talk to me, right?

Suki: Yes, Onii-san, I know... thank you... have a nice day!

Gabriel: You too, see you tonight.

Gabriel waited until his little sister passed the entry gate. He couldn't hide his smile when she stopped to make a bye-bye sign with her little hand. He spotted the car with one of his man that parked few meters away, then Vito getting out. He seemed not happy to go to school.

Since the previous night, they didn't talk to each others. Gabriel was still really angry. As if Vito felt his brother's gaze on him, he looked in his direction, but he received a cold and dark glare. He quickly looked away and entered the school.

The young man's day was not the must joyful one. He was consumed by a guilty feeling to have disappointed his eldest brother, once again. Things were better between them lately but there; he had screwed up.

When lunch time arrived, Vito joined his friends, but he was not very talkative. Even if his Father told him to completely ignore Suki, the young man looked for her in the cafeteria. It became a natural thing to do since few weeks, and he never noticed it until today.

The reason was that Suki was not present. He looked around one more time to see if Haru was there, but he was not too. Vito hesitated one minute, thinking that she was maybe late, but the lunch break had started 10 minutes ago already and all of her classmates were there.

Mary: Eh, Vito, something is wrong?

Vito: Did you see Suki while coming here?

Mary: No... but she usually choses a table in a calm corner with her friend... (She looked around.)... I don't see them, just call her.

Vito: I don't have my phone... where is that stupid kid?!

Mary: Don't worry, she must be chilling somewhere in the school.

Vito: I'm not worried! (He left to look for her.)

Vito walked straight to his sister's section to check if she was still in her classroom but there was no one. He checked the classroom next door, Haru's one, but there was no one either.

He was annoyed and mumbled, but continued to look for her at the only place he thought he could find her, the Arts room... and she was there, with Haru, joyfully eating. He entered the room loudly.

Vito: What the fu** are you doing here?! (He came closer and grabbed the lunch box to check it.) What's this? Why are you not at the cafeteria?!

Suki: We are having lunch. (Her answer was short and cold.)

Haru: Suki wanted to eat Korean food, so I asked my mother, and she prepared this for us.

Vito: Why didn't you tell me? I looked for you everywhere like an idiot!

Suki: I sent a message to Gabriel to inform him that I will not go to the cafeteria. (She didn't look at him while talking.) He knows and he didn't ask me to tell you... and I know that you don't care anyway...

Vito didn't expect that answer for the little girl. She avoided to look at him, and it was not unusual, but her tone was more detached than usual. She showed anger against him and despite how bad he treated her, how bad he was with her, he never thought that she would be like that with him. He always thought of her as a weak little girl, but she seemed different today.

Vito: That I care or not, you should have told me! (She stayed silent.)

Haru: Sorry, it's my fault, I was late this morning, and I couldn't tell Suki before lunch break that I brought lunch boxes.

Vito: She could have come to tell me anyway!

Suki: I have no reason to tell you! (She surprised them.)

Vito: Okay... have fun, losers! (He left.)

Haru: Your brother is really complicated... are you okay?

Suki: Yes... I don't want to try anymore. (She shyly smiled.) Sorry, Vito is always rude when he talks. Anyway, let's continue our lunch. Your mother prepared a lot of food and it's delicious. Thank her for me!

Haru: I'm happy that you like... next time, you bring Japanese food!