Becoming Queen

Chapter 15: Fresh start

Sofia

"Wow! This place is like a castle above the clouds" Nora gasped as she looked out the floor to ceiling window of the penthouse.

Gently laying Finn on the sofa, I placed a blanket over him and smiled as he snuggled into it subconsciously. 

As my eyes roamed round the huge penthouse, I felt no excitement. It was all planned out. I'd explore my new home with my whole family. They'd help me move in and then we'd order takeout whilst watching some stupid cheesy movie all together. But I was seeing my new home without them. 

As I stood up from Finn, I looked to the door to see Amelia struggling in with all her belongings. She cursed and groaned as she attempted to carry everything in one go.

"Amelia, let me help"-

"I don't need your help" she yelled as she quickly dodged out the way of my arm that only wished to help her.

I watched on helplessly as she walked away from me and into one of the spare rooms before slamming it shut.

I wanted to go after her and beg her not to shut herself away, but I didn't blame her. The last thing she said to dad was that she hated him. And right now, she hated herself.

As I watched Nora make herself comfortable, I walked around the place that I would now call home taking my time to explore around.

Mum had definitely taken charge in the decoration of the penthouse. We were so alike in tastes. As for dad, he was the lazy type. He once had good taste, but he blamed it on old age even though he was only in his 40's.

Running my fingers over the beautiful marble of the kitchen counter, I looked at the huge fridge which had been covered in magnets, but more so photos of us. Photos I wouldn't trade for anything.

In fact, the whole penthouse was literally a photo album. For some bizarre reason, it's like they put their heart into making this feel like home. It's as if they knew they were going to die and not be with me to move in.

"Hey, that's everything" Giovanni called out as he placed the last box down. 

I would have turned to him, but my eyes were glued on a photo hiding behind one of the many family photos.

It was of Elias and I on the beach together. That was one of the best days of my life. The isolated beach, the warm sun, his strong arms and-

"Treasure? You alright?".

Quickly hiding the photo, I turned to Giovanni and gave him a smile.

"Yeah, sorry. I was just looking at these photos my parents left for me".

Shoving the photo of Elias and I into my pocket, I looked back at the photos as Giovanni walked over to me.

"I must admit, I have never seen so many photos". I could hear the humour in his voice as he started looking at the photos with me.

"But I have to ask, why so few childhood photos. There's tons of everyone else, except for you".

Walking away from the fridge, I started to rummage through the cupboards ready to make a list of things I would need to purchase.

"That's because I don't remember my childhood. Whenever someone asks me, all I see is black. I don't know why. I guess I've just had such a busy teenage life that I've forgotten my childhood. And the reason there's so many of everyone else is because I loved taking pictures of them".

Realising my parents had fully equipped my home, I stopped and looked at Giovanni who was leaning against the side staring at me as if he was lost in his thoughts.