Welcome to the Family (Diazzi Family #1)

Chapter One

Tayla

The land cruiser drives through the big black gates framed by two gigantic rain trees. The writing on top of the gate states that we're entering the Diazzi estate. The drive to the mansion is about 5 miles from the gate and the brick wall that surrounds it. The mansion sits in the middle, surrounded by forests. As we  drive through the forest I had a thought that maybe at the end of the drive I will be killed and not find a house there.

Suddenly the trees broke up into a clearing with a huge  white house or more like a mansion sitting in the middle of the forest. It has huge driveway with a fountain sitting in the center of it an embracing couple.
As we pull up to the driveway, I could make out October, my cousin making her way out. She's wearing a high-waisted jean skirt tucked into a simple off-shoulder white shirt. She's standing barefoot on the two double doors at the top of the five stairs leading up. Waving for me to go to her. I can tell that shes pregnant with the way her right hand srays protectively over her stomach. The driver got out to open the passenger door for me. I made my way up the five stairs to October. As soon as I reach her, she engulfs me in a tight bear hug. I feel tears welling in my eyes as we break apart.

She then grabbed my arm to lead my inside as I asked, "What about my stuff?"

"Oh, don't worry about it. The servants will take care of it. Come along now, I'll show you around the house. Then we can go to your room, ok."

"Sure..."

"Let's go."

_____

So there's a total of twelve bedrooms, a huge kitchen that can easily fit my grandma's entire one story home, a outdoor and indoor pool; the later a kilometre from the house at the back and the former in the basement which is also where Geofort October's husband conducts most of his business as a private entertainment room. Which she advised me to stay away from unless she's there. A ten person dining table in the dining area is left from the entrance.

On the right consists of the living room, a private office, gym, and a mini library. On the back of the house are two guest rooms and a guest bathroom.

Upstairs is where the rest of the bedrooms are. Five on the left and right on both wings. There's also a big library on the left wing. O tells me I could study in there if I want. On the left, there is room for playing pool and darts, which is where Geo mostly spends his time when not busy with work or her. The latter got me blushing.

The attic is an entrainment room for Giavanna and Giovanni. Fort's two youngest siblings. They are twins and are almost inseparable. We're the same age. She also states that Anna will love it since there's another girl in the house same age as her. Gaius, Geofort's younger brother who's older than Giovanni and Giavanna, also stays with them; although he spends a lot of time doing family business around the country and overseas, therefore his not around that often O states.

The servants house is connected to the kitchen. In total, there are about thirteen people who live here, which today includes me. Wow, it gonna take some time to get used to not doing anything.

October firmly states that I don't have to get a dorm at Unitech when I can easily stay here and go. Giavanna and Giovanni will also be starting their freshman year there, too. With that, she finally left me at my room. I sat on my bed, unpacking clothes from the suitcase on the bed. Everything in the bedroom looks new and shiny. There is also a private bathroom. Every bedroom in the house has one. Everything in my room is made to fit my personality. There's a bookshelf where I could put my books I brought with me since I love reading. The bookshelf is located next to a floor to ceiling glass window, which overlooks the backyard. There's a grey couch next to it, complete with a pillow and blanket. The queen size bed that I'm sitting on has a frame surrounding it like one of those old moves complete with curtains and all.

I feel like I'm in a fairy tale.

_____

I must've fallen asleep while I was reading because when I came to someone was knocking at my door and the sunset was streaming through the window. I've always had the tendency to read a book as I reshelve or, in this case, unpack my books.

I stretched my leg out from the couch to see who's knocking. I opened the door slowly to find a beautiful blonde girl standing on the other side, her back was to me she types out a text on her phone.

She turned around while sliding her phone into her back pocket, smiling at me as she said, "Hi, I'm Anna. Fort's sister. I've come to get you for dinner."

All I can do is stare at her with an "oh" unintentionally coming out of my mouth.

Still smiling, Anna said, "Do you need a moment to freshen up or..." she motions behind her with her thumb.

Realizing I'm just standing there looking a little lost, I gathered my thoughts and said, "Uh... I'm just gonna go wash my face... then uhm...we can go...if it's alright with you?"

"Sure, mind if I come in and wait."

"Uh... sure," I said, leaving the door open for her as I made my way to the bathroom to wash the sleep off my face.

As I'm coming back into the room drying my face, I see Anna studying my bookshelf.

She turns around as I drop the hanky I was cleaning my face with on the bed saying, "I love your collection. We have a library on the left wing. Opposite of your room, actually."

I smiled, " Oh yeah, O, actually showed me around when I arrived."

"Oh, that's great, but I guess I'll show you my bedroom later then," she said, smiling and walking back to me so we could go to dinner.

After dinner that night, I hung out with Anna in her bedroom. I guess you could say I found a new friend apart from O who's my cousin and Lizzy, my best friend. I was happy.