~ongoing~ ~unedited~
After eleven year old Parker is faced with her stepfather's death, she has to move in with her five older brothers. Her newly discovered family has secrets they are hiding from Parker, but Parker is keeping secrets of her own...
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Terror coursing through my veins, I shakily take a step back. I feel tears collect in my eyes as my panic increases. What do I say?
I do the only thing reasonable I can think of, I scream. As if my dam has broken, my tears fall. I continue to shuffle backwards until hitting an object. Whether it be a wall or counter, I don't care. Staring wide-eye at the mysterious man, I sink to the floor.
I curl up in a ball and hide my head in my knees. My crying continues as I rock myself back and forth trying to calm myself. Maybe this is just another nightmare?
Risking a glance at the man, I sob louder - this is real. This is a real life nightmare.
Through my peripheral vision, I see the kitchen lights turn on. Five more men have entered, all also carrying some sort of weapon. This is it, I'm going to die.
"Parker?" One of the men speak in what sounds like astonishment.
My crying carries on. How does he know my name?
"Parker.... bambina, what happened?" The man speaks creeping closer.
I attempt to make myself even smaller as sobs rack my body. However, the man keeps creeping closer.
"Oh piccola, c'mere." The man whispers pulling my curled form into his arms.
I immediately begin fighting him. My arms flail, smacking his chest repeatedly.
"No! Stop.. p-please." I desperately cry out.
"Parker, look at me. It's Matteo." The man demands.
As if my brain doesn't register his words, I continue my pathetic fight.
"It's Matteo, your brother." He says a little firmer now.
I feel him softly grab my chin, forcing me to look at him.
I am met with worried green eyes. A face with light stubble and fluffy chestnut hair. Oh my gosh, it's Matteo. He must have seen the reaction in my eyes before he offers me a small smile.
Instantly, I hide my face in his chest. I sob again, this time in relief. Matteo may still be a stranger to me, but my instincts tell me I can trust him. I wouldn't normally trust so easily however, given the current circumstances. I much prefer Matteo over scary man with a knife.
"Ma-Matte-eo! M'sorry, there's a m-man with a k-knife." I hiccup into his shirt. "He wa- he was gonna k-kill me." I sob tightening my grip on his shirt.
I feel Matteo adjust me in his lap. He directs my face to his shoulder. I catch on to what he's doing and wrap my legs around his waist. My arms remain fisting his shirt.
"Parks baby, there is nothing to be sorry for." He reassures standing to his feet, with me still in his arms.
"You're okay now, I've got you. You are safe now." Matteo whispers into my ear. I feel him start to rock me back and forth.
