Varia Quality •• Katekyo Hitman Reborn

Chapter 41

Stone walls were crafted up towards the second floor of an old building in Caccamo, Italy. Its bell tower rang as its tower clock strikes at three in the afternoon, signaling an afternoon meeting prayer. While the Nuns are in the church praying, the children ran around the playground to head towards the dining room for their afternoon snacks. Children from across Caccamo without any biological parents claiming them stayed in the Orphanage from the very start of their lives or the moment they were sent in the building. A breeze made the leaves of the trees surrounding the building dance. Some of it fell on grounds since it was the end of spring and the beginning of summer. While the children head inside, their attendant just sighed and looked up the sky. Clouds were forming not for the rain but for shelter from the rays of sunlight. A sound of footsteps made the attendant to look towards where the sound came from and smiled at visitors she was hoping to see so soon. The visitors smiled at her and waved as they approached her.

"How are you?" One of the visitors asked in Italian as she stopped in front of her. The seventeen year old attendant gave her a hug; comfortable silence came after the small gesture. The companion of the visitor also smiled at her with a toothy grin.

"I miss you two!" Selena was the name of the children attendant and she was there ever since the two visitors lived. Let's just say that she was also their family member in this orphanage.

"I miss you too. I don't know if Niccolo do, but I did." Elizabeth Alicein Benirotti muttered at Selena Gonzales; her friend ever since she lived in Caccamo's Orphanage. The two girls turned at Niccolo Sylva and smiled. Niccolo turned away; pink hue was present on his face. Elizabeth just gave him a smirk.

"Come on, let's go inside. Mother will definitely be happy to see you two." Selena chuckled and walked towards the building; the two just followed after.

There are so many things had changed ever since the two of them left the Orphanage. The walls inside are now painted in Peach color while the ceilings are painted in red. The structures of the building are still the same from before but now with a little change from small renovations to strengthen the facility. Liza smiled as she was walking down the hallway, reminiscing her innocent childhood running these hallways with Niccolo and Selena and the other children from before and hopes that they are living happily with their lives as teenagers and have a proper education.

"Mother, Elizabeth and Niccolo are here!" Selena called after the Mother. Mother Meredith turned at her voice. She was older than the other Nuns living in the Orphanage. She became their parents ever since they were a child. Mother Meredith smiled at the three and spread her arms. Her companion also smiled at the scene before her eyes. Elizabeth and Niccolo gave her a hug; a hug that describes a million feelings. Feelings of home, innocence and peace are the most felt in this embrace.

"Elizabeth, Niccolo, it's been so long since I met you." Mother Meredith muttered behind them still hugging them both. Her voice is still calm and soothing as ever like no eight years had passed. The two just gave her a smile hiding their shame because they didn't get to visit after they left the orphanage because they were 'adopted' by the Fastidiosas.

"I learned what happened in the Fastidiosa Mansion the other day. Were you two alright?" Mother Meredith asked the two, whispering towards their ears so that it can be heard by the others. The two just looked at each other.

"Can we talk to you privately?" Niccolo suggested. Mother Meredith just looked at the two for a moment then turned to Selena afterwards.

"Can you please bring us some tea in my quarters?" Mother Meredith requested in which Selena obliged, nodding. Mother Meredith's companion left with Selena to the kitchen while the three walked towards the other direction. Even if they left the Orphanage eight years ago, the scenery and nostalgic feelings remained.

"Tell me what happened." Mother Meredith started as soon as they seated in front of her desk. The two once again looked at each other and nodded, coming to an understanding. Niccolo started from the story of him being abducted and Elizabeth continuing what she did the moment she learned what happened to Niccolo. At the time they were conversing Elizabeth was clutching her hands into fists suppressing her anger. She still can't get over to what happened to Niccolo but she still tried to accept the knowledge of death especially on her choice of occupation.

"I don't know what to say. You two are still teenagers but you have to experience that kind of pain." Mother Meredith just prayed after them. 

These kids suffered so much and it truly hurts her because she became their mother for so many years but then she felt like she was betrayed. She trusts the people who are adopting the children but it looks like that not everyone has pure intensions to the children. Like the case of these two, after they were adopted, she didn't get to know anything about them. But then, after their silence, she learned the news about what happened about them and their adopted parents and Mother Meredith felt betrayed. These kids don't deserve what happened to them.

"It is fine, Mother. We became strong after all." Elizabeth just smiled at her. Mother Meredith just patted their heads and gave them a hug. The door opened and Selena entered with their afternoon snacks and tea. She was teary eyed and looks like she's been listening to their conversation.

"Selena..." Niccolo whispered, worrying over Selena's expression. Selena put down their snacks while shadows cover her eyes. Elizabeth and Mother Meredith was just watching her, unable to say anything. Yes, Elizabeth and Niccolo suffered so much in the hands of Mafioso but it doesn't guarantee that her worries will diminished just because Elizabeth said that they became strong. Just what kind of strength? Physical? Mental? Emotional? Or Spiritual? They were just teenagers but they suffered while Selena was stuck in the orphanage worrying about her siblings. And then, her dam broke loose as her tears flow down her face. She just cried there while Mother Meredith approached her and gave her a hug, whispering her words of comfort and assurance. Silence filled the room while Selena weep on Mother Meredith's arms.

"What happened already happened. You just have to move forward." Elizabeth just muttered as Selena's weep comes to end. She sniffled and wiped her tears.

"But...But-!"

"We already moved on, Selena. You should to." Niccolo muttered as he wiped Selena's tears as soon as he approached her. She looked at him while Niccolo just gave her a smile.

"By the way Mother, I'll leave Niccolo here so that he'll be safe." Elizabeth suddenly announced making the three of them turned their heads.

"Huh? I didn't know about this, Liza!" Niccolo disagreed while Elizabeth just looked at him.

"I didn't tell you this because I know you'll react this way. I want you to be here not because I don't want you to be near me. I want you to be here because I want you to protect everyone in here. You know what Family I belong to now and I want someone I trust to protect them, alright?" Elizabeth explained whispering the last sentence to him. Niccolo didn't retort anymore as he knew what kind of situation Elizabeth entered. He was still can't believe that the most notorious Mafia Family is what her new family is.

"Fine." Niccolo just sighed at her decision. That was just how big his trust in her and he's willing to do anything for her because she is his friend and sister. Elizabeth just gave him a smile.

"Protect Selena all the time." She gave him a wink making his face flustered.

"Mother, here. Please accept this." Elizabeth turned to Mother Meredith and gave her something in an envelope.

"Again?" Elizabeth just smiled at her. Ever since she was 'adopted' by the Fastidiosas, she never forget to send the orphanage money for its well-being, not just for the other children like her but for single one of the people living in her first home. Her 'salary' from her 'jobs' are always being sent to the orphanage by her name, telling Mother Meredith and everyone that she's still alive and well. That's just how she loves her first home. In just small amount of money in exchange for their care and love they gave and raised her, it is just fulfilling to return what blessing they have given her. And now in her new family, she knows that she will not just make another adventure but also protection to her first home.