He finally released me, gently, but not all the way. He held me at arm's length, analyzing my face. I didn't miss the way his observant eyes narrowed as they scanned over the bandages on my hands and knees.

Wait—why is he here? Did you make him skip work to come home and care for you? Just because you were being a baby? The Voice gasped, forming a pit in my stomach.

I shifted nervously, now feeling guilty. He shouldn't have come home early just for me. I gently tugged on his sleeve, drawing his attention to my face.

"What's goin' on, monkey?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow. I pointed to him, the floor, then tapped my wrist, as though I was checking the time, and finally me. You. Home. Early. For me? I prayed he understood.

My hopes were crushed when his patient look turned to one of confusion. His brow furrowed and he narrowed his eyes, as though he was thinking. He sighed, raising his hands in defeat.

"I'm sorry, Luc. I've got nothing," he sighed, waiting patiently for my response. I sighed, shuffling back and forth.

"You... home early... for me?" I whispered, looking up at him hesitantly. I watched realization dawn on his face, and he shook his head rapidly.

"Nope. That's not going on up there, hmm?" he gently tapped my temple, "Yes, Alessio called me, because he didn't know what to do, and so here I am. But you are so much more important than work, sì? (yes) Silly paperwork doesn't matter when I have you," he smiled gently, and some of my guilt lifted. Some.

I nodded, somewhat understanding. I wouldn't do that again, though. That's for sure.

"Alright," he sighed, standing back up to his full (huge) height, wincing as his knees cracked comically, "Dio, I'm so old," (God) he groaned playfully, causing my lips to tilt into a half-smile, "How about we go back downstairs and see what's going on, hmm?" he gently offered me his hand, and though I was nervous, I wasn't one to disobey.

I took the olive branch, eyes widening when his massive palm wrapped around my tiny, bandaged one. I could tell he was being extra gentle as he led us down the hallway at a reasonable pace. That's new.

As we walked, he turned to me, "What do you want for lunch, monkey?" I dropped my gaze immediately. I forgot I'd have to eat again, and I had a feeling it wouldn't be as easy to avoid it this time.

Problem number two, what do I want for lunch? I don't even know what people normally eat for lunch...

I just settled for a shrug. It was a favorite of mine, to be honest.

I heard Giovanni let out a soft breath, then, "No favorites? Nothing?" I just shrugged again, shaking my head. "Okay, how about I name a few, and you tell me which sounds best," that sounds doable...

"Sandwiches, salads, grilled cheese, leftover spaghetti, macaroni and cheese," I perked up a tiny bit at the last one. I had only tried it once when Ms. Wilkins had stopped me on the way home from the market and offered me lunch. It was so good. Getting home late to Frank wasn't, but that didn't matter.

"Macaroni and cheese, hmm? A man of exquisite taste, I see," he joked, and I smiled shyly, concealing my expression in Hobbes' fur as we entered the kitchen. It was empty. Phew.

Over the next 20 minutes, Giovanni tried to make small talk with me, but I wasn't a great conversational partner.

Of course you aren't, stupid. I bet they'll get tired of you and send you off since you're so boring all the time. I tugged my hair frustratedly, before Giovanni was beside me quickly, gently untangling my hands from my hair and shaking his head.

"What's got you doing that, bambino? It's not too healthy, you know..." He mumbled, gently playing with my hands. I just shrugged. My conversational responses are enthralling, I know.

He just hummed knowingly, "Okay, well we have to try not to do that anymore," And let The Voice run rampant? I don't think so... "Can you try for me, monkey?"

I nodded. Lie.

"Bravo ragazzo," (good boy) he murmured, ruffling my hair gently, before handing me a plate of steaming pasta.

꩜꩜꩜

Lunch didn't go great. I only ate about a quarter before my stomach protested, but Gio made me eat another whole quarter before I could be done. I had to stop the bile rising in my throat more times than I'd care to admit.

I didn't like it when my tummy hurt, but he was so insistent, and I was too scared to say no. After Gio had cleared my plate (against my protests) and gone to do some work, I just rested in the kitchen.

I stayed seated at the island, my head resting on the counter, buffered by Hobbes' soft body as I waited for my stomach to settle. Someone plopped down next to me, startling me out of my tired haze.

"Luca! I was thinking you need some clothes so would you maybe want to do some shopping online with me?" Alessio asked, smiling widely. I hesitated, remembering Marco's words from this morning about money, before nodding.

"Great!" he plopped a shiny device onto the counter and opened it, whoa, it was like a mini TV? A... laptop? That sounds familiar...

Clicking around fast enough to make my head spin, he pulled up a page full of boy's clothes, "Okay, you need short and long sleeves, pants, shorts, coats, sweatshirts, crewnecks, collared shirts, khakis, jeans, sweats, pajamas, swimsuits..." My eyes grew wider and wider as he continued to list clothing items before he began to scroll.

"What looks good? Anything tickle your fancy?" Tickle my fancy? I don't want to be tickled...

I shrugged. How original. He sighed, turning to me. "No themes? Space? Trains? Cars? Dinosaurs?" the last two caught my attention, and I nodded, hesitantly.

"Cars? And dinosaurs?" waiting for my nod, he nodded as well. "Okay. I can work with that."

The next 10 minutes was a blur of clicking and purchasing, and a lot of money. A sick feeling grew in my stomach, and I avoided looking at the total cost after about two items, and especially when he went to checkout.

So all of this just gets delivered here? That's kinda cool...

He shut the laptop abruptly, startling me, "Alright! All set. Are you excited for your new stuff, Luc?" I took in Alessio's anticipation-filled expression and realized I should nod. I did, and his smile grew. Good choice.

꩜꩜꩜

Alessio left me to be, saying I could play games on the laptop (way too daunting) or watch TV (definitely not after this morning). So there I sat, staring into space. A ray of sun glinted off of a picture hanging on the wall, and an idea grew in my mind.

With only a moment's hesitation, I slowly moved off of the couch, heading to the massive sliding doors, leading to the back porch. I wasn't told I couldn't go outside, as long as I was close, right?

I slowly dragged the massive door open, breathing in the crisp, afternoon air. Hobbes tucked in the crook of my arm (obviously), I stepped out onto the back patio.

Though it was filled with cool areas and furniture any kid would normally die for, what drew me was the lush, grassy field, just past the pool. I found myself wandering further from the patio doors, and when I felt the soft grass between my toes, I collapsed into it, giggling softly.

It feels good to laugh. So, so good. It felt unfamiliar, too. I couldn't remember the last time I laughed, not that I would do it in front of anyone again. I still remember the day Frank told me my laugh was ugly...

꩜꩜꩜

I was five years old, and Mom and I were playing "Kitchen" in the living room. She was still dating Frank, and we had been living here for just over three years. She was acting as an angry customer, demanding different foods and gently tossing old ones at my head.

I was shrieking laughing, throwing them back at her, before I heard Frank's work boots stomping in the front door.

"What is that goddam noise? It's making my ears bleed," his gruff voice shouted from the doorway, and the smile slipped from my lips. I turned to Mommy, already noticing her sad expression. It flipped to a sad smile when she saw my expression.

"Don't be sad, baby. I'm sure Frankie just had a bad day, that's all. Your laugh is beautiful," she murmured, smoothing out my hair and returning the smile to my face.

I never really forgot those words, either way...

꩜꩜꩜

"LUCA MATTEO!"

I shot up at the loud voice, panic coursing through me as I stood up, clutching Hobbes close to my chest. It was dark—wait, what? Dark?

My heart sank when I realized I must've fallen asleep... outside. Where no one knew I was.

Someone's frantic figure appeared in the patio doorway, and I froze.

꩜꩜꩜

...tehe...

Rosie :)