Forever & Always

Chapter 32: Anthesis✔️

(n) - the event of a flower unfolding and releasing its petals to blossom

Pronounced: an-the-sis

•Winter's pov•

Coming home from a mission and not being able to go to sleep immediately is a curse. When we landed, we drove straight to the warehouse where all of the mafia dons, except Viktor, were waiting for a report. When we walk in, we give my eldest brother the flash drives, paper documents, and modified weapons we found. "Good work, the three of you. Now, go get some rest. I have something to discuss with your parents. They'll be out shortly." After Lorenzo commends us we waste no time in walking out of the room.

"I'm so beat." Dani says tiredly.

"At least summer is in three weeks. Then, we'll be able to do whatever we want. Via says, trying to look at the bright side. I'll be honest, I forgot summer break is soon. With everything going on I haven't really been paying attention to the dates.

When the three of us get outside, we start our bikes and ride them home. I drag myself inside the house and force myself to walk upstairs to my room. As much as I don't want to, I have to have a shower first. I'd rather not get in my clean bed and go to sleep covered in blood and sweat. My shower is quick but I make sure to scrub my body thoroughly and at least three times. I put on a pair of sweatpants and a white tank top for bed and put my now clean hair into two braids. The last thing I do before falling asleep is brush my teeth. Being able to sink into plush bed sheets is a blessing that I will never again take advantage of.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Those three weeks pass by pretty quickly. School is really calm during this time and we didn't have a lot to do in our classes. During the last week, we played games, watched movies, and had free time to do whatever we wanted.

But now, school is over and summer is here. I have to say, I'm very happy. The end of the school year means sleeping in very late, staying up early, and more free time.

Things have been calm with the mafias. I think Osiris and Julius are stuck considering we took their plans and weapons. They haven't tried to get them back yet which is good, but it also worries me. The two dons aren't very smart, but they aren't dumb either. They were able to keep my parents, grandmother, and Sophia hidden and locked away for so long. They could be planning to do that again. Thoughts like these have been running through my head since we came back from the mission.

But I try not to let it get to me or bother me. I've tried my best to enjoy these past three weeks and I'm going to enjoy my summer. Speaking of, Lorenzo said he has something for me and the girls. We have no idea what it is because it's a surprise, but he says we'll enjoy it. He's actually about to tell us what the surprise is right now which is why the girls and I are currently sitting in his office.

"As the five of you know, I've set up a surprise for the start of your summer break. You are also aware that this surprise will require you to pack. The only thing you are unaware of is where and when this trip will take place." My eldest brother pauses for suspense. "The five of you, if you all agree, will be spending a week in... Crete."

To say the girls are excited would be an understatement. They haven't stopped talking about the trip for an hour. Although I must admit, I'm excited too. Even though Greece is my island and Crete is really close, I've never been there. I mean, I did spend the last 10 years in Brazil.

We're leaving in two days which gives us just enough time to pack. The girls and I are researching things to do in Crete so we can pack appropriately. We all agreed on a couple of things to do. There are nightclubs for teens, diving, surfing, snorkeling, restaurants, arcades, and other activities for us to do.