Their sunshine

Chapter 9

Elijah's POV

I was sitting in the living room. My brothers talked to each other and were anxiously waiting for Anna's arrival. Dad's voice caught our attention. "Welcome home, Anna. Your brothers are waiting in the living room. Do you want to meet them?" I didn't hear her reply, but the doors opened after a few seconds. Behind dad was hiding a cute little girl. I think she wanted to look around the room, but her gaze stopped at Vince.

"Enzo!" she shouted and ran to him to hug his legs. After a moment she looked up and said: "Your plan didn't worked, you know?"

Vince looked puzzled. "How come?"

"I missed you this morning," she replied. Vince chuckled, shaking his head, and patted her.

The rest of us exchanged confused glances but shook it off happy seeing Vince smile. I wish it would become common.

Once she broke the hug, she turned around to face us. She smiled at us and waved, but lowered her head and put her eyes on the floor ahead of her when she started to talk. "Hello. I am Anna. I am seven years old. Thank you so much for taking me in."

I was the first one to reply. I crouched down a little bit to her and put my fingers under her chin. Once she met my gaze I introduced myself. "Hi, princess. I am Elijah. I am 17." She gave me a big smile and my heart jumped. She likes me!

The boys introduced themselves one by one. "I am Xander," the last one said coldly. I don't know who pissed at his cereal today. I hope he didn't scare her.

To my surprise, Anna walked up to him. She climbed onto the couch. It was funny watching how much energy she needs to do that, while we just plop ourselves down onto the sofa. Anna stumbled to him. Xavier positioned himself to face her curiosity about what she was doing. They watched themselves for a good minute then Anna touched his face and turned it to see his scar.

Oh shit! - I thought to myself. This is not good. Xander has it from when he was kidnapped as a kid. And he is sensible about it. I saw how Xander clenched his fist and took a deep breath. I debated if I should take her away from him or if he could control himself.

"Does it hurt?" she asked. A little wrinkle appeared on her forehead.

"No," Xander breathed out, still tensed.

She brushed the scar with her fingers. "It's beautiful."

"Really?" asked confused Xander.

"Yeah."

"Most people say it made me ugly. It makes them afraid of me."

"They are lying. It makes you u - uni. Argh. I don't know the word but it's when you are not like anyone else. Unicle?"

"You mean unique?"

"Yeah. Behind the scar is a story. I think they are not terrifie of you. They are afraid to know the story. "

"Maybe you are right."

"I am always right. For me, you are the most beautiful brother out of all."

"Hey, and what am I then?" asked Will, interrupting them. But Anna just shrugged and looked back at Xander.

"You mean handsome?" Xander said and she looked at him confused.

"Men are not beautiful but handsome, baby."

"For me, you are both." She replied and my heart melted. She is so cute.

Xander pulled her to his arm and hugged the life out of her. She wiggled away when dad said she should see her room and unpack.