Survivor

28 (part 1) > "Thank you."~Giovanna

Dante's pov:

Red.

Blood.

When I got into the car earlier my sole focus was on us getting away. That was until Leo shifted Giovanna over and she swore.

My eyes quickly scanned the surroundings thinking it was something she spotted, another one the gunmen perhaps until Ales roughly shoved Leo aside and climbed over him. That was when I saw it.

A gunshot wound.

My body froze, my eyes unmoving as I couldn't seem to comprehend the thought of what happened to my sister. My baby sister was shot.

The shock lasted through every grunt of pain.

Through the tears in her eyes.

Through every yell and curse word.

Until her hand fell limp, until she fell unconscious.

And then I felt it.

Rage, pure rage.

And the only thing I wanted right then, was our enemy's head.
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Giovanna' pov:

I was left alone with my thoughts, the adults having sent the everyone else home to freshen up when they arrived. It took a lot of persuasion and some scolding for them to finally leave but I was relieved. I finally had some peace and quiet.

I sighed when I heard a quiet knock on the door. I just wanted a little time to myself. It seems as if I hadn't fully processed the fact that I had been shot.

"Come in." I called out, not really meaning it. I couldn't exactly tell the person to stay out, now could I?

A familiar face peeked his head through the door, his worried eyes landing on me before he entered the room fully. His eyes landed on my blanket covered leg and although he couldn't see the wound, it seemed to cause him more pain.

"Hey." He greeted me softly as he sat down in the uncomfortable looking chair by my bedside.

I gave him a small smile in response, to tired mentally to form a sentence. Today's events seemed to bring back a lot of pain, mental pain and I could feel it take it's toll on my body.

"How are you feeling?" He asked tenderly, and I could see that he didn't know how to approach the situation.

"Like I've been shot." I replied jokingly, resulting in a small smile from the 46 year old man.

Success!

We fell into a comfortable silence after that, neither of us quite looking at each other.

"Can I ask you a question?" He asked as he nibbled on his lip staring into space.

It's funny how I've only noticed now that we share the same habit.

"You just did." I replied, giving him a grin.

"Well then can I ask you two?"

"I'd say yes if you didn't already ask me the second one."

"Can I then ask you 4?" He questioned looking at me victoriously. If only it were that easy to win against me.

"You just did." I told him seriously and he looked confused.

"When?"

"Now." I told him cheekily.

He scowled when he realised what he had done. "You young lady, are too smart for my liking."

"That's too bad. I know you old and all dad but you've got to keep up."

I looked up at him with a teasing smile, only to be met with silence in return. My smile faded as I took in the his wide eyes, his lips slightly parted as he stared at me in shock.

"Uh- did I do something wrong?" I questioned not understanding the reason for his current state.

I paused as I thought back about everything I said. I wasn't rude was I? Well unless he didn't like me teasing him, I could always stop. I didn't know that-

"You called me dad." He let out, bringing a halt to my racing thoughts.

My eyes widened on its accord as I recalled my earlier words.

"Damn, I'm so sorry. I didn't even reali-"

"Hey, hey. Giovanna look at me." His warm hand encased my chin in his grasp as he directed my gaze on him. "It's fine. I was taken by suprise honestly."

"So you don't mind?" I asked him, slightly confused by his reaction. I had expected a slap atleast.

"Why would I? I am your dad afterall, aren't I?"

I smiled at his words and the the gentleness it was spoken with.
"Thank you." I told him.

I have no idea why I was thanking him, but I felt the need to.

And I knew I wasn't thanking him for the roof that I had over my head, or the food I was provided with. Neither was it for the education he paid for, but I just felt the need to thank him.

It could be for giving me a home, a bigger family, or showing me love but whatever it was for, I was damn grateful for it.

"You don't have to thank me for anything Stellina (little star)." He whispered as he wrapped his strong arms around me in a tight hug.

And I've never felt more at home than in that moment.
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Over to the next one...
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