On Saturday morning, Dominico came back from his business trip. The family had a dinner all together on the evening then the three youngest went to Gianni's club. There was a special night with only women' fights planned.

Dominico, and the two oldest brothers opted for a drink at a quiet bar on the second part of the evening. It was a good way to relax while talking about businesses.

De facto, Salvatore was able to enjoy a quiet moment with his daughter. They watched a tv show program about Italia. It was showing the landscapes and the famous places to visit.

They were able to talk more about the Smith's origins, Suki's father promising to take her there soon to discover everything with her own eyes. When it was time, the little girl went to sleep, and the head of the family went to rest too.

The end of the weekend passed quietly and on Monday morning, Salvatore was surprised to see Vito ready to go to school so early.

Salvatore: Is there a special reason for you to wake up so early today?

Vito: Those stupid students that are doing the exchange program are arriving this morning... and Miss Paris assigned me as a contact. (He looked at his father with serious.) Dad, that woman is bullying me because Gab and her broke up!

Salvatore: Vito, first of all, those students are far from being stupid if they were able to be chosen to do that trip. Second, the fact that you were chosen to be a referent to those students is a good thing for you. Take that as a positive experience... and for once, it won't kill you to do something more at school!

Vito: Pff... you never take my side!

Salvatore: Son, if you were in troubles, I would take your side, but that's not the case here. As for Miss Paris, I'm sure that she is not stupid to hope that it would change Gabriel's heart. Your brother is not the type to do something that he doesn't want to, even more when it concerns women. (He patted his shoulder.) You will do well!

Vito: Hum... it will be 3 long weeks...

After a light breakfast, Vito drove to school, and he parked his car at the parking lot at 7.25am. He was just in time to join everyone near the cafeteria.

Miss Paris was there with the school director and the other referent students. To welcome the guests, they had planned a breakfast. The head of the administration office was also helping by waiting for the bus in front of the school.

Miss Paris: Children, I'm glad to see that you are all in time this morning to welcome our guests.

Vito: Children... do we look like children for her...

Camelia: Not everyone here looks like you, Vito... and it doesn't change the fact that we are still high schoolers, which means for her, still children!

Miss Paris: Vito, Camelia, do you have something to share with us?

Vito: I'm tired...

Miss Paris: (She smiled.) Go to bed early tonight! Anyway, everyone, be ready, the students will be there in few minutes.

And effectively, few minutes later, around 30 students from all around the world made their entry in the cafeteria. They were all fluent in English and there was as many girls as boys. Miss Paris asked them to take place at the different tables, then the school director made a small welcome talk to everyone.

After that, Miss Paris took few minutes to explain the planning of the day and she stopped table by table to introduce the students to each others, seeing that none of them were comfortable. There was 6 students per classes, with a mix in gender and nationality.

Miss Paris: Please enjoy that breakfast and when you are done, the referent students in your group will show you our school before joining the class you were assigned for your stay here.

Vito sighed at first, but then, he saw that as a good way to skip the first hour of class. Camelia, his classmate, was more the serious student type, so she took that assignment as a way to gain a good mention on her school record.

The first group of students left the cafeteria for a tour while the regular students were arriving. They attracted the attention of most of them and not only the last year' ones.

Suki was one of them. She was walking toward her classroom when she crossed the first group. Her gaze was attracted by one of the girls, probably coming from middle east, at the view of her traditional outfit. She found her really outstanding in a good way and beautiful with her intense look. She had to enter her classroom and was wondering from which country all those students were coming from.

She heard some of her classmates talking about a beautiful boy that looked like a model, with blond hair and blue eyes, really tall and fit, probably coming from north of Europe.

Suki thought that it was a great opportunity to be able to study abroad for few weeks, to learn a new culture and meet new people. She was maybe shy, but she was also pretty curious. One of her unsaid wish, was to discover Japan, but she was too scared because of her mother's family.

On Vito's side, they had also left the cafeteria, but they started the tour of the school by the sports area. In his group, there was 3 boys and 3 girls. 2 of them were from India, the last girl was from France. As for the boys, one was from China, one from Japan and the last one from Chile. The young man let Camelia to lead the conversation, he only exchanged few words with the French girl, remembering the basic greetings that his mother had thought him when he was a kid.

The visit continued for 30 minutes then they joined the rest of their classmates. Vito looked at the program gave by Miss Paris and found out that there was an event planned at the end of each week, but without detailed information. He asked Camelia if she had more information, not sure to have listen with enough attention to Miss Paris' speech.

Camelia: No, she didn't mention anything more other than there should be outside visits or internal events, but nothing confirmed yet.

Vito: I hope she doesn't expect us to do a show or a thing like that.

Camelia: Maybe. Miss Paris likes that type of events.

The morning passed quickly with the effervescence around the newcomers. When it was time for lunch, the students of the other classes that were interested by the visitors didn't hesitate to go talk to them.

Vito was glad to have a break with his friends for lunch instead of having to do the conversation with the foreign students. Everything was almost normal, except that the administration employees, Miss Paris and the school director were also present at the cafeteria during lunch time.

After making sure that all the foreign students were well, Miss Paris went to talk with some students, those who had participate to the concert during the school festival. Vito kept an eye on the counselor when she stopped at Suki and Haru's table.

Miss Paris: Haru, Suki, how are you doing lately?

Haru: Everything is well, Miss Paris.

Miss Paris: And you, Suki?

Suki: Pretty the same, Miss...

Miss Paris: Great... Otherwise, as you know, we welcome some students coming from all around the world for 3 weeks and we are organizing different events for them. And one of them will be a classical concert in two weeks, on Friday afternoon.

Suki: So...

Miss Paris: (She smiled.) I want you to participate, with the other students that performed during the festival, to that event. You don't need to prepare something special for the occasion, you can just play the same piece.

Suki: I'm not sure...

Miss Paris: Why? You played fabulously and we will be honored to have you to represent our school in that domain. The other ones already accepted, so? You're in?

Suki: Can I give you the answer tomorrow?

Miss Paris: Sure. If you want me to call your father to talk about it with him, I can.

Suki: I prefer to talk with him first.

Miss Paris: Okay. Don't pressure yourself, you did well last time and I'm sure that you will be perfect this time too. I count on you to give me your positive answer tomorrow! Have a nice day, children. (She left to talk with the other students.)

Haru: You don't want to do it? You were amazing last time.

Suki: Thank you. She surprised me... I want to take the time to think about it and talk with my father.

Haru: I understand, but I'm sure that your father will encourage you to do it.

Suki: (She smiled.) I think so too... (They were interrupted by Vito who sat in front of the two friends.)... Vito... (She looked around.)

Vito: What did she want? Miss Paris.

Suki: Ah... it was about an event for the group of students.

Vito: Which one? Why is she talking with you about that?

Suki: It's in two weeks... she wants to hold a concert, again.

Vito: Hum... okay... (He left as he came.)

Haru: The enigmatic Vito... I don't know why but when he shows up like that, breathing becomes difficult for me...

Suki: I know... I feel the same... (She smiled.)... I wonder how he is with the students of his group, because he was not really happy to have to do the referent. I heard him complain the entire weekend.

Haru: I imagine. (He chuckled.)

The rest of the day passed, and it was almost dinner time. Salvatore was having a drink in the living room while reading some documents on his tablet. He saw Suki coming and smiled to her. She sat next to him, so he put his tablet on the couch.

Suki: Otô-san, are you busy?

Salvatore: Never for you, Sweetie. What's going on?

Suki: Well, as you know, the school welcomes a group of students for few weeks. Miss Paris organizes different events, one of them is a concert and she asked me to participate...

Salvatore: Of course, you're the best musician ofthat school!

Suki: (She blushed.) She asked to everyone, not only me.

Salvatore: And you don't want to participate?

Suki: I am less afraid than last time, but it is still intimidating to play in front of a lot of people...

Salvatore: You know what I think. I will always encourage you to play because I love to hear you but if you don't feel comfortable enough, don't force yourself. No one can force you to do something.

Suki: (She smiled.) Miss Paris said that I can play the same piece but if I play, I want to do a new one so... I will practice a lot, and I would like to play it for you first... and you can tell me if it's good.

Salvatore: I would love to do it... even if I already know that it will be perfect!

Suki: Otô-san... I want an honest opinion, okay?

Salvatore: I promise you, I'm always honest, you can trust me.

Gianni: (He entered the living room and sat.) Trusting you for what?

Salvatore: Your little sister is going to perform at school once again, and she wants to do a rehearsal with me, I will give her my opinion.

Gianni: You? (She chuckled.) You're a complete fool for her, there is no way for you to give an opinion that is not biased!

Salvatore: I totally disagree with you!

Gianni: Really? (He looked at Suki.) Kid, trust me, that old man will always say that everything you do is perfect, so find someone else to give you an honest opinion... (Salvatore frowned.)... even if in that house, I'm not sure anyone has the ability to judge how you play piano... but you have your music teacher, she is the best to help you, no?

Suki: Yes, but I want to play for Father first anyway.

Gianni: Lucky him...

Salvatore: Suki, if you need more lessons with your teacher, ask her to come more often, but don't over work yourself.

Suki: Yes, I will be careful. (Vito entered with Enzo.)

Gianni: Eh Vito... So, how was your day with the students? Gorgeous teenagers from all around the world?

Vito: Ididn't really pay attention; the French girl was not too bad.

Salvatore: Boys, keep that type of conversation for later.

Enzo: He is so annoyed to have additional work for the coming weeks that he is not really onto that...

Vito: Exactly! I'm starving, are we not having dinner?

Salvatore: (He stood up.) Sure, let's go... I don't want you to feel weak because you're starving!

The next day after school, Suki had her piano lesson at home. The little girl talked about the coming event with Mrs Lawrens, and the music teacher was delighted by the news. She also thought that it was a good opportunity for Suki to challenger herself by choosing a new piece to play. She assured her of her support but as she already had prior engagements with her music academy, she asked Suki if she could do the additional lessons over there.

The little girl needed to discuss this with her father, because they will have to put in place a new organization to drive her to the academy. Mrs Lawrens waited for Salvatore's return to talk with him directly.

Salvatore: I understand that it's a last-minute request and I'm glad that you can find time for my daughter. If Suki agrees to go to your academy, it's not going to be an issue for us. I will organize everything.

Mrs Lawrens: That's wonderful and it is only a matter of 2 weeks.

Salvatore: I will ask you one favor, to make sure that Suki is not overworking herself on her practice. (Suki blushed.) I know that she tends to look for perfection, but her health comes first.

Mrs Lawrens: I totally agree with you, Mr Smith, don't worry.

Salvatore accompanied back the music teacher to her car that was parked near the guards' spot. They exchanged few words then the head of the family came back to the living room. He will be busy for the coming days and would not be able to be there, to drive Suki for his lessons, so he needed one of her brothers to accompany her. He didn't want to let her go with the bodyguards only, that option was only acceptable for him for the short drive to school. So, before dinner, Salvatore called his sons in the living room.

Gabriel: Father, is there an issue? (He looked around.) Where is Suki?

Salvatore: No, nothing to worry about and Suki is in her bedroom. I called you all because your little sister will follow additional piano lessons for the two coming weeks.

Enzo: Ah... cool... but are you expecting something from us?

Salvatore: Exactly. Her lessons will be at her teacher's academy and I will not be available to take her there.

Vito: Ask her bodyguard.

Salvatore: I would prefer if one of us could be with her.

Gabriel: I agree with Father. I guess you need someone for the next two days?

Salvatore: Yes, but I know that you and Dante will be busy until late at night. Gianni, do you have time?

Gianni: Not this week, if it was just to driveher back home, yeah, but not to stay with her for one or two hours.

Enzo: I can go with her next week, but I have an assignment to finish with my IT group for Friday morning. Vito, you can make an exception and take her there after school?

Vito: No way! I'm already stuck at school more than enough because of those foreign students and Miss Paris is charging our schedule more and more every day!

Enzo: Dude, I'm sure it's not as terrible as you claim!

Vito: Yes, it is. Miss Paris is making me pay because Gab dumped her! You know how crazy women can become when their pride is hurt! Trust me, she is targeting me.

Salvatore: I won't add another responsibility to you, Vito, so please focus on your tasks with serious. (He looked at the second twin.) Davide? Can you do me this favor?

Davide: Hum... I can do that... for you.

Salvatore: Thank you... ah, Suki, you're back just in time. (The little girl entered timidly.) Davide will drive you to the music academy tomorrow. He will pick you up after school directly. Okay?

Suki's gaze betrayed her thoughts. She was not convinced at all by her father's idea to ask Davide to go with her somewhere. The entire Smith family understood that she was not comfortable with the situation, but Gabriel was sure that she would not complain with that arrangement, to not bother their father.

Dante: That kid doesn't seem to enjoy your proposition.

Suki: It's just... that...

Salvatore: Suki, everything is going to be well with your brother, right Davide?

Davide: Hum... (He smirked but received a deadly glare from Gabriel.)... Dad is going to give me extra money for that favor, so don't worry, I'm not going to sell you to humans' traffickers... I'm barely doing an Uber's job.

Salvatore: Yes, he is taking you to the academy and will wait until you finish your lesson to take you home... and, apparently, not for free... because my son is always in need of his Father's money!

Davide: (He smiled.) Every job deserves a salary, Dad!

Salvatore: I guess you really learn something from that pretty expensive university that I am paying. (He smiled.) Anyway, everything is settled for this week, as for next week, it will be easier for us to be available. Let's have dinner now.

Gabriel: (He patted Suki's head.) Don't worry, Davide will not bother you. It's just that he likes to play the bad boy.

Suki: Hum...

Davide: Gab... I can hear you.

Gabriel: I know.

The next day, in the afternoon, Vito and Camelia had to accompany their group of students to a visit of the MOMA, and it was really not something that he liked to do. Fortunately for him, Camelia was more interested in Arts, and she took the lead of the visit, that last way too long for the young man. He even thought that driving Suki at her piano lessons would have been less annoying and tiring. The classes' hours were finished, and he was still stuck at the museum.

On Suki's side, the school day was calm. She had lunch with Haru, and they talked about the concert. The young boy was glad that his friend accepted to perform once again, and he was eager to hear her.

Suki proposed to Haru to accompany her to her piano lessons at the academy and he quickly sent a message to his mother to ask for permission. She was glad that he could go with her, even more because of Davide. It would be less weird for her if her friend was there. She never spent time with her brother alone before.

Of course, she informed her father, and he replied that it was not a problem to have her friend accompanying her. So, at the end of the day, the two teenagers waited in front of the school for Davide, and he parked his car just one minute later.

Davide: What is he doing here?

Suki: Haru is coming with me... Father said that it was okay.

Davide: I guess I will have to bring him back home after?

Suki: (She nodded.) Yes, please.

Davide: (He smirked.) It willcostadditionalfees!Get in.

Salvatore had sent to his son the address of the music academy; it was in the center of Manhattan. The two teenagers were looking everywhere in the way to the academy.

Davide parked in front of the 4 floors' building and they got out. The music academy was on the 2nd floor and a dance academy occupied the 3rd and 4th floors. The 1st floor welcomed an Arts gallery.

Haru: That place is pretty big...

Suki: Yes... it's my first time coming here, it's beautiful.

Davide: How long is your lesson?

Suki: 1 hour, sometimes a bit more. (Mrs Lawrens opened the door.)

Mrs Lawrens: Suki, you're here. Welcome, I just finished. Antony, I will see you tomorrow. (The student left.) Please, come inside. You must be Suki's brother, nice to meet you. And that young boy, your friend?

Suki: Yes, Haru is my friend. (Haru smiled.)

Davide: (Davide greeted her too.) Nice to meet you. Where can I wait?

Mrs Lawrens: You can both sit here. (She pointed to the parlor.) If you need to drink, there is bottles in the fridge. Suki, ready?