Maia

24

Word Count: 1950

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MAIA'S POV

A Few Days Later

It was finally Saturday morning, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment after making it through an entire week of school. The relief of the weekend washed over me as I jumped out of bed, the sunlight streaming through my window, illuminating the room. As I made my way downstairs for breakfast, I noticed the familiar hum of activity in the house.

Breakfast was always a scattered affair in the home; each person tended to do their own thing, grabbing a quick bite or preparing something special for themselves. The only time we truly gathered together was at dinner, Alessandro made sure of it.

Despite the chaotic mornings, I had grown accustomed to someone always checking on me to ensure I had eaten. It was a bit annoying at times, but I appreciated the concern. Most of my brothers didn't bother me too much, and their presence was often comforting. However, Rawiri was a different story. He had a knack for making snide comments when he thought no one was listening, and his glaring eyes always seemed to follow me. Fortunately for my peace of mind, I hadn't encountered him much this week, which made the mornings feel a little lighter. I quietly hoped that continued through the weekend.

As I approached the kitchen, I spotted my brothers scattered around the island, each engrossed in their own morning routines. As I stepped into the room, a wave of surprise washed over me at the sight of them all gathered together. The moment I crossed the threshold, every pair of eyes shifted in my direction, and an array of emotions unfolded across their faces. I could see anger flickering in Rawiri's eyes, while Giovanni, Wiremu and Alessandro wore expressions of joy. Lorenzo appeared disinterested. It was a moment charged with unspoken feelings, making me feel both welcomed and uneasy at the same time.

As I made my way toward them, a sense of unease washed over me, as if I were stepping into a situation I wasn't meant to be a part of. Gio's and Wiremu's smiles now appeared unsettlingly exaggerated, stretching wider the closer I drew.

"What's going on?" I ventured, my voice laced with curiosity and a hint of trepidation. I searched their faces for answers, hoping to decipher the mystery behind those grins.

"We've decided to take a day off work and have a riunione di famiglia," Wiremu announces with a bright smile. I look at him, feeling a bit lost and confused. Although I know I'm half Italian, Mama was Māori and I never had the chance to learn Italian. "Umm... what does that mean?" I ask, my voice tinged with nervousness.

The boys share glances, their expressions revealing a hint of disappointment that I don't quite grasp the language. "It means family gathering," Alessandro explains patiently. "I thought it would be nice for us to spend the day together at the beach."

I had never set foot on a beach before. While I had seen countless pictures of the sandy shores and the sparkling blue waves, and read about it in various books, nothing could compare to the thrill of experiencing it all firsthand. As I stood there, taking in the vastness of the ocean, excitement bubbled up inside me.

I turned to Al and eagerly nodded, a grin spreading across my face. "That sounds like so much fun," I exclaimed. I made my way over to him and wrapped my arms around him in a small hug—something I had gradually started doing to express my affection whenever I entered a room where he was waiting. He looked down at me with a warm smile, his eyes twinkling. "Let's get you breakfast first," he suggested. I nodded softly as I stepped out of his warm embrace, feeling a mix of comfort and reluctance. As I turned to my brothers, I noticed their expressions - most of them wore looks of jealousy, their eyes narrowed and brows furrowed.