THE LOST TWINS

10 - Forgiveness

Alesa Romano
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(Edited)

Lorenzo opened the office door, revealing my brothers and Alexa waiting outside. Their faces reflected a mix of emotions.

"We heard everything," Dylan said, his voice filled with empathy.

"We promise to love you forever, princess," Colton vowed.

"We care for you, little sister," Noah added.

"You'll have a happy life," Alex said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lorenzo smiled. "See, we all promise you this."

Overwhelmed, I replied, "And I promise to love you guys too!"

My brothers enveloped me in a group hug, their warmth and love enveloping me.

Alexa, however, stood apart, guilt etched on her face. She turned and fled.

I tried to follow, but Dylan gently restrained me.

"Give her time, Alesa," he whispered. "She needs to process her emotions."

I nodded, understanding.

As we broke apart from the hug, Lorenzo said, "We're a family, and we'll face everything together."

I smiled, feeling grateful for my brothers and their unwavering support.

Lorenzo drove us to the mall, leaving me curious.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"It's a surprise," he replied, his eyes sparkling.

We arrived at the mall, and I wondered why we were back.

"Why are we here? I bought everything yesterday," I said.

Lorenzo smiled mischievously. "Come, let's go."

He led me to the game section, and I squealed with delight.

"Yay! Are we playing games?"

Lorenzo nodded, and we spent the next hour competing in various games.

Currently, we were racing on the dashing car simulator, seated in separate cars.

"I'll show you who's the best driver," I teased, knocking his car.

"Don't come crying when you lose," Lorenzo retorted, crashing my car.

"I won't leave you, Enzo," I said, smirking and hitting his car again.

Lorenzo didn't retaliate, instead gazing at me with affection.

The bell signaling our time's up broke the spell.

"Why didn't you hit me back?" I asked.

"What did you call me back there?" Lorenzo asked, his voice soft.

"Enzo. You didn't like it?" I replied.

Lorenzo's face lit up. "I loved it. You used to call me Enzo when you were small."

He wrapped me in a warm side hug.

For a moment, I felt like I was home.

Lorenzo and I continued our fun-filled day, playing games and winning a stuffed panda, which he gifted to me.

After lunch, we strolled through the park, enjoying ice cream and each other's company.

"Thank you, Enzo," I said.

"You're welcome, bambina. I hope you enjoyed it today," Lorenzo replied.

We sat together, chatting and laughing, until he reminded me that Monday and school were looming.

As we returned home, Lorenzo's demeanor shifted, his warm smile replaced by his signature cold, poker face.

"The oldest and youngest of the Romano family are back," Alex said.

"Why didn't you take me with you guys to have fun?" Noah asked.

"Because I wanted to spend time with my sister," Lorenzo replied.

At dinner, Alexa's absence was noticeable. Lorenzo offered to bring her down, his expression softening.

Lorenzo Romano

Lorenzo climbed the stairs, his footsteps gentle on the creaky steps. He paused outside Alexa's door, hearing muffled sobs. His heart ached for his troubled sister.

Inside, Alexa lay on her bed, surrounded by torn tissues and reddened eyes. Her petite frame shook with uncontrollable crying.

Lorenzo approached her, sitting beside her on the bed. "Alexa, what's wrong?" he asked softly.

Alexa's gaze met his, tears streaming down her face. "I'm jealous of Alesa," she confessed, her voice barely audible.

Lorenzo's expression remained calm, inviting her to continue.

"Everyone loves her more," Alexa sobbed. "Mom and Dad compared me to her, and my friends praised her. I wanted attention, so I asked to be sent away."

Lorenzo listened attentively, his empathy growing.

"But I didn't know she was suffering," Alexa continued, anguish etched on her face. "I didn't know what Mom and John did to her. I'm so sorry, Lorenzo."

Lorenzo wrapped his arms around Alexa, holding her close. "We love you, Alexa, and Alesa does too. You're not alone."

Alexa's tears intensified, but Lorenzo's words brought comfort.

"Apologize to Alesa and join us for dinner," Lorenzo encouraged. "Your family awaits."

Downstairs, the dinner table was set, awaiting Alexa's return. Alesa's eyes sparkled with hope.

Alexa descended the stairs, her eyes red but determined. She approached Alesa, who stood up, open-armed.

"I'm so sorry, Alesa," Alexa said, her voice trembling. "I was blind to your pain."

Alesa's face softened, forgiveness shining in her eyes. "I forgive you, Alexa. I understand."

The sisters shared a heartfelt hug, tears of joy and relief mingling.

Alexa turned to the others, apologizing sincerely. "I'm sorry for lying, for hurting Alesa. I promise to be honest and supportive from now on."

Noah, Colton, and Dylan hugged her, welcoming her back.

The dinner table filled with laughter, teasing, and warmth. Stories and jokes flowed freely.

Alesa smiled at Alexa, their bond renewed.

As they finished dessert, Lorenzo spoke up. "We're a family, and we face everything together."

The Romanos nodded in agreement, united.

In that moment, healing and forgiveness filled the air.

The Romano family was healing, together.