The Ones Who Saved Us

Chapter 10

Alessandro's POV

Alcohol was a touchy subject among us Russos. It had affected our family for generations, creating trauma that never seemed to fade. Dad had finally broken this vicious cycle by sobering up eighteen years ago and instilling in each of his children's minds that alcohol was not something to take lightly as a Russo.

As his children, we were more susceptible to forming this toxic relationship with alcohol. Before we even started middle school, Dad had sat down with each one of us and explained how harmful drinking was, especially at a young age. These talks grew more detailed as we matured, especially when I woke up to Dad having a nightmare soon after he sent Mom and Ava away. Alcoholism had ruined Dad's childhood, and he was determined to not make the same mistakes with us as his father had with him.

When Ava and Teddy had come home, it was my job to explain the history of alcoholism in the Russo family, but too much was going on. First it was the secrets they kept from us, and then it was protecting them from Demetri. I should have had Dad do it sometime over the past year, but I didn't want to ruin how Ava saw him. Their relationship was still growing, and I didn't know if their bond was strong enough to overcome this. It wasn't worth the risk

And that was why Dad's eyes were fixed on the twins, pure anger directed at them. "I won't ask you again. Why the hell did you give Ava alcohol?"

"We didn't," Matteo said, maintaining eye contact.

Dad hit the side of his head and gripped Matteo's ear firmly. "Don't lie to me," Dad sneered. "I could smell it the minute she opened her mouth." Dad gave one final twist to Matteo's ear before releasing it, Matteo's hand immediately flying to his ear, rubbing it to ease the pain.

"Now, how many drinks did you give your sister?" Dad asked.

"One." "Two."

The twins looked at each other, their eyes widened as they tried to correct their mistake.

"Two." "One."

Elijah shook his head, laughing dryly as his hand ran over his face. "You gave your sister three drinks? You've got to be fucking kidding me."

Emilio pursed his lips, his hands behind his back. "We never said that."

"But you're not denying it either," Dad sighed. "Boys, alcohol isn't something to take lightly, especially not in this family. You know better."

"I know, but please don't punish her," Matteo said, looking at me. "Everything that happened tonight was our fault. We forced her to sneak out with us and we convinced her to have a drink."

"She's responsible for her own actions," I said. "I can definitely blame you two for sneaking out, but not for the drinking. Ava accepted it, even if you did coerce her.

"Please, Sandro! Just listen to us," Emilio pled. "I haven't seen her look this happy and carefree in such a long time. I'm sorry we worried you, but I won't apologize for taking our sister out for some much needed fun. Seeing her smile and laugh and act like a normal sixteen-year-old girl was worth it, and we would do it again no matter the consequences."

Dad pulled the twins in for a hug, kissing the sides of their heads. Turning back to me, he said, "They're right. You're not going to accomplish anything by punishing her. I think it's time I had that talk with Ava. We've already put it off too long."

I nodded my head and sighed. Dad had that look in his eyes that said he wouldn't budge, not when it came to Ava's happiness.

"You're right. I won't punish Ava, but you two aren't off the hook," I said, looking at the twins. "Go to your rooms, and get some sleep. We'll talk about this more in the morning."