Briars POV:
I didn't sleep the rest of the night. I sat on the too big, too comfy bed and drank my hot chocolate in the golden hue of my bedside lamp. I'd only had hot chocolate a few times before but the one Mia made was just too amazing to compare it. It was sweet and warm and milky, the warmth flowed through me as I drank it, each sip slowly healing my soul and calming my racing heart.
I savoured every last drop before placing the mug carefully on my bedside table and wrapping my arms around my legs. I sat in a ball of comfort and safety for hours, waiting for the sun to rise.
When the sun finally did rise it was 6:30am and I got out of the big, comfy bed and into the big, warm shower. Everything was just so perfect, so beautiful it was sort of scary. I was so used to old, broken, gross things I didn't know how to act around such riches, I was terrified of breaking something, of ruining things. Of doing what I always do. Fucking everything up.
Gabby's POV:
I had made sure to wake up especially early so I could make Briar breakfast. I didn't know what she liked so I made pretty much everything: Eggs (all kinds), French toast, pancakes, waffles, full English, some pastry's. Maybe I went a little overboard but she's my daughter and I want her to be happy. Plus not to brag or anything but I'm an amazing cook, and I actually learned to enjoy it when I found out you can cook without it being an order from misogynistic dickheads.
Mia was still asleep, I think last night really took a toll on her, she seemed genuinely scared for Briar and it took a while before she felt comfortable enough to sleep. I don't want to disturb her, she needs her rest.
By 7:30 everything was placed neatly on the large oak wood table, it looked as if I was feeding 10 people not 3 but we could save the leftovers and give some to the homeless shelter.
I heard her before I saw her, her light footsteps shuffling on the wooden staircase before padding across the marble kitchen floor, her sharp intake of breath when she saw me leaning on the kitchen counter told me she didn't know I was awake yet.
"Oh, you're already up" she mumbled, I could've quite decipher what she was feeling but I hoped she wasn't disappointed or sad at all.
"Yeah, though I'd have an early morning. Why are awake so early tesoro (sweetheart)?" I questioned in a soft tone I used only on Mia, I guess Briar too now.
"I'm used to waking up early, force of habit you know?" She shrugged, averting her eyes away from me as she told a half lie. I didn't question it though, she'll open up to us when she's ready.
"Well I made you breakfast, Mia's still asleep but she won't mind if we start without her" I told her, excited to see her reaction to the dinning room table piled high with breakfast foods.
"No" she said and recoiled my head in shock, before I could speak she interrupted "I don't want to start without her, that's not fair." She stated firmly, as if preparing to put up a fight. I nodded without hesitation.
"Do you want another hot chocolate in the mean time then? I don't make them as good as Mia but it's still chocolate" I asked in the same soft tone, trying to balance sweetness without being condescending. By the look on Briars face I think it worked"
"I'd love one thank you" she replied, sitting down on the spinning chairs on the opposite side of the counter. As I turned around I saw her spinning on them and tired to smother a smile. That the closest she's ever acted like a kid.
Briars POV:
Gabby was right, her hot chocolate wasn't as good as Mia's, still pretty damn good though. I savoured the taste again, hoping I'd still be able to remember it when I was gone, when I was back at the group, where there was no hot chocolate.
"Want to get to know each other a bit?" Gabby asked. I nodded my head but didn't say anything, I didn't know what to say, no one's really asked me that before.
"Okay. What's your favourite colour" Gabby asked first, I looked up at her with a slight smile and shook my head "you'll laugh" I said. "I promise to at least make an effort to hold it in" Gabby replied, I laughed a little at that and saw her smile brightly.
"Black" I said simply.
She didn't laugh, which surprised me. Most people called me emo, or say that it's proof I'm not a girl because girls can't like black. Bunch if bulshit.
"Why would I find black funny?" Gabby's asked, half joking, half serious. "I don't know, everyone does. Saying it's emo and weird and dull, I know they're talking crap but still" I mumble, kinda hoping she doesn't hear me.
She hums in response before saying "my favourite colour is blood red, people think it's unsettling" she said "I think it's cool" I replied "I think blacks cool too"
"Mia's favourite colour is yellow" Gabby suddenly says, smiling widely. I laugh "of course it is, she's the human version of the colour yellow" I chuckle, eliciting a nod and a laugh from Gabby. "Don't tell Mia I laughed, she'll defend that colour with her life" Gabby said, eliciting even more laughter from both of us.
"What's so funny" Mia's voice asks form the doorway. We both abruptly stop laughing before turning to Mia and seeing her in a bright yellow top. Laughter bursts from both of us and we soon find ourselves doubled over unable to breathe. Mia stands there looking fake angry as she holds back her own laugh.
I think this is what belonging feels like.
A/n
I know it's been ages, I'm half way through mock GCSE exams and am struggling to find time. Hope u guys enjoyed the chapter tho :)
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Finding Family
General Fiction**sequel to "Mafia Princess" can be read as a stand-alone but to better understand read the first book** Briar has been through a lot, the kind of stuff that would give you nightmares and destroy your belief in happiness. She's scared and alone, stu...
