Maia

34

Italian
Sorella = Sister

Word Count: 1216

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MAIA'S POV
Two Weeks Later

I lay in the hospital bed with a book on my lap. I had undergone two surgeries, and they weren't as painful as I had thought they would be; I was actually feeling better than I had in years. The doctors said I was healing well. I looked over at Al, who was sleeping on a pull-out couch. During these past two weeks, I've clung to him for dear life. I feel bad about it, considering he has a life outside of me, yet I can't bear to be apart from him. He's my rock.

I've seen Giovanni and Wiremu a few times, but I was too scared to face Lorenzo after witnessing his anger. I think he might be hurt by that, or at least that's what the others say. As for Rāwiri, well, he disappeared. He was here one minute and gone the next. Al told me not to worry too much, saying he's been busy with work, but I wonder if I've upset him. For a few days, I had only wanted Al, but after a bit of convincing from him and pleas from the boys, I agreed to see them, and I'm thankful I did. Gio and Wiremu have been so sweet to me.

A soft knock roused Alessandro from his deep sleep. He groggily pushed himself up, adjusting his tailored suit to eliminate the wrinkles from his slumber. With a quick motion, he tucked a few errant strands of hair behind his ear, then called out, "Come in."

The door opened to reveal a nurse with a bright smile, her uniform neatly pressed. "I've got Maia's discharge papers here," she said, handing him the documents. "She is free to leave whenever you're ready." As she spoke, I noticed a fleeting look of desire flicker in her eyes, which made me feel grossed out.

Taking the papers from her hands, he offered her a polite nod of thanks. The nurse, however, lingered in the doorway, her gaze fixed on him expectantly, as if she was waiting for some kind of response. Growing annoyed by the unspoken tension in the air, he raised an eyebrow. After a moment of silence, the nurse sighed softly and finally turned to leave, closing the door quietly behind her.

Fortunately, the bag of items my brothers brought for me was already packed and ready to go, so Al and I only needed the paperwork. I stood up from my spot on the bed, grabbed my favourite book and my phone, and walked over to Al, who had effortlessly slung my bag over his shoulder as if it were filled with nothing.

"Are you ready?" he asked with a reassuring smile, extending his hand toward me. I grinned and nodded enthusiastically, feeling a surge of excitement.

"Great! Emma is waiting for us in the car," he continued, and my smile grew even wider at the mention of her name. It had been two long weeks since I'd last seen her, and even though she was quiet and reserved, I had genuinely missed her company.

I remembered how she would often watch over me when the boys weren't around. During those days, her quiet presence somehow made me feel safe. Whenever a Taylor Swift song came on, especially "All Too Well," I'd catch a glimpse of her small smile - it was as if the music sparked a connection between us. I hoped that maybe she would be my friend. It would be nice to have someone other than my brothers to talk to.

She was casually leaning against the sleek, silver car, her posture relaxed but observant. As soon as Emma spotted us approaching, she stood up straighter, looking more alert. She nodded in acknowledgment to Alessandro and gracefully opened the back door, inviting us inside. With a swift motion, she took the bag from Al and carefully placed it in the boot, ensuring it was secure.

Once we were settled in the back seat, Al reached over and handed me a cord, which I recognized would connect to my phone for music. I decided to put on "London Boy,". As the familiar notes began to play, I closed my eyes and leaned into Alessandro, feeling the gentle vibrations of the car rumbling to life beneath us. The hospital buildings began to blur as we pulled away, setting off to home.

"I've scheduled an appointment with Dr. Tom for tomorrow and don't worry you won't be alone, I'll be by your side the whole time," Al reassured me, his voice steady and comforting. I nodded in response, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. Just two weeks ago, the thought of attending therapy again would have sent me into a state of panic. However, after spending time with my brothers and sharing my feelings more openly with Al, I've started to feel a sense of lightness that I hadn't experienced in a long time. Knowing that Alessandro will be right by my side during the session makes this daunting step seem much more manageable. I know by doing this I will be helping myself.

Before long, we arrived back home, and the familiar scent of the flowers greeted my nose as Emma swung the car door open.

As we stepped towards the front door, I spotted Rawiri standing by the entrance, his arms crossed and a smug grin plastered across his face. Something about his expression sent a shiver down my spine, a sense of unease settling in. He turned his attention to Alessandro, his tone abruptly serious as he said, "We need to talk."

Then, he shifted his gaze to me, and for a moment, the line between formality and warmth blurred. A gentler expression softened his features, and he said with genuine warmth, "Welcome home, Sorella." The contrast between his stern demeanour with Alessandro and his kindness toward me left me curious and anxious about what was to come.

Alessandro sighed and turned to me. "Would you be okay if I left you for 15 minutes to talk to him?" he asked. I could tell this was important, and although I desperately wanted him to stay, I knew he needed to go. So, I nodded and made my way upstairs to my room. I shut the door and headed to the shower, curious to know what was happening.

ALESSANDRO'S POV

I trailed closely behind Rawiri into the dimly lit basement, a sense of unease stirring in my stomach as I left Maia behind. Yet, the intensity in Rawiri's gaze compelled me forward; I knew this was serious. As we neared the door, I spotted two guards stationed outside. They stiffened the moment I stepped into view, and a smirk curled at the corners of my lips. It amused me to see fear radiate from them - an enjoyable power I wielded effortlessly.

The guards swung the door open, and Rawiri and I entered the shadowy corridor that beckoned us farther into the depths of this clandestine place. My heartbeat quickened with anticipation as we approached the final room. I could feel a thrill coursing through me; I relished the knowledge that someone awaited us within - someone who would undoubtedly regret crossing paths with me. I couldn't help but wonder who it might be.