Coming Back Home

Special Surprise

"You will never see him again, I promise."

Giada POV

Xan walks into the living room with his arm around Xavi. I stand up and run over to him, wrapping my arms around his legs. "Xan!" I shout to get his attention. He takes his arm from around Xavi, who walks away, and picks me up, putting me on his hip. "Hello, tesoro. What are you up to?" he asks.

"Jus' pwayin' (just playing)," I tell him. "But, guess what, Xan?" He gives me a small smile. "What, tesoro?" he asks playfully. I lean into his ear and whisper, "I did my speciaw job (special). I hewped Xavi not be sad!" I pull away and look at his face so I can fully accept his praise.

"Great job, tesoro! I knew I could count on you." He boops me on the nose. Even though I was expecting the praise, I still blush. "Tank you, Xan. I twied my vewy best! (I tried my very best)" I assure him. He kisses me on the forehead. "I'm sure you did," he replies.

Xan carries me over to one of the couches. He sits down and plops me in his lap. I turn sideways and lay my head on Xan's shoulder. "Aww," Riccy says from next to us. I smile tiredly at him. My eyes feel heavy as I try to stay awake. "Looks like someone is ready for bed," I hear.

I nod sleepily. "Mmhmm, I fink so too." I wave goodnight to everyone as Papa carries me upstairs to my room. He helps me brush my teeth and put on pajamas. "Alright, dolcezza, let's get you into bed," Papa says.

I crawl under the covers and hold Ellie to my chest. "Goodnight, dolcezza. I love you," Dad says as he kisses me on the head. "Wub you too, Papa," I reply as I fall into dreamland.

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I wake up when I feel someone's hand gently stroking my cheek. I lean into it, liking the warmth I feel from it. "Good morning, dolcezza," I hear a lady's voice say. My eyes flicker open. It's kind of bright, so it takes me a moment for my eyes to adjust. When I can see again, I notice Nonna sitting next to me.

"Hewwo, Nonna," I greet her. She continues to rub my cheek, making me happy. "Come on, dolcezza. Let's get you some clothes." I sit up and rub my eyes. Nonna walks over to my closet and comes out with something gray. "I found this adorable little jumpsuit in your closet and I think you'll look so cute in it!"

Nonna helps me put on the outfit and grabs my hand. "Would you like to help Nonna cook?" she asks me. My eyes light up with excitement. "Yes, yes, yes! I wanna hewp! (help)" I shout. She smiles down at me. "Alright, dolcezza, let's go get some breakfast first."

We walk down to the dining room and eat our breakfast. I enjoy my usual granola in yogurt. When I finish eating, Nonna helps me clean my hands and face. Then, we go into the kitchen. I see Mari and the other helper ladies. "Hewwo, Mawi!" I call out to her.

She turns around and smiles at me. "Oh, hello, darling. What are you doing in here this morning?" she asks. "Me an' Nonna gonna cook food togedew (together)," I inform her. She looks surprised. "Oh, alright. Ma'am, do we still need to make lunch or dinner?" Nonna smiles politely. "Maybe a light lunch, but my nipotina and I will be making dinner."

"Sounds great. If you could please just give me a few minutes, and I will clear the kitchen for you." Mari turns around hurriedly and starts shouting orders at the other ladies. I pull on Nonna's hand, which I am still holding. She looks down at me. "What awe we makin', Nonna?" I ask.

"We will be making something called ravioli. It's pasta with stuff inside it. I'm sure you'll like it. Your papa always loved it when I made it back in Italy." My mouth forms an o-shape. "Wow! I so essited (excited)!" I jump up and down wanting to start right away.