Survivor

40> "Ain't never seen a beat up boy look that pretty." ~ Gerardo

Giovanna's pov:

Crash!

I jolted at the loud sound, my hand unintentionally squeezing the juice box in my hand causing the liquid to fall onto my lap. I cringed at the feeling of the cold apple juice as it seeped through my pants and met my skin.

Beside me, Armella had frozen up.

"Shit." I heard Riccardo curse from outside.

I eased myself of the bed, being careful not to spill anymore juice and set the box down on her nightstand before making my way over to the door. Yanking it open I peered into the hallway before stepping out of her room.

"Oh shit." A small voice reiterated his earlier phrase causing 4 heads to swivel in his direction.

"Hey!" Mia scolded from where she was standing. "That's a bad word."

"Yeah she's right bud." Riccardo chimed in. "I apologize for using that word." He directed his words at Toni.

"Oh fuck." A voice exclaimed, Gerardo coming up behind them which caused all of us to glare at him.

"Bad word!" Toni chastised.

"Sorry kid." He apologized following his twin's example. "But you can't look at that," he pointed at the shards of glass on the floor, "and not swear. That's Nicole's favourite vase."

"Was." I piped up unwisely earning a glare from Riccardo.

"What?" I asked throwing my hands up in defense. "It's broken now. Hence the use of the past tense."

"I'll call one of the maids to clean it up." Mia offered and I nodded my approval. Turning around she reached for Toni's hand, taking him with her.

"Wait, why do you look like you peed your pants?" Riccardo questioned and I scowled.

"I didn't. But you're about to when mum comes home and whoops your ass for breaking her favourite vase."

He dismissed my words with a wave before looking right over my shoulder. It was then that I noticed that Armella was standing behind me, peering at the scene over my shoulder.

"I'm gonna go change." I announced and passed Armella a small smile before moving away from her doorway.

"Wait!" Gerardo called making me stop in my tracks. He stepped around the glass and picked me up. Noticing the confused expression on my face he explained, "you don't have shoes on."

He carried me to my room and set me on my feet by the door. I pushed down on the handle and entered my room feeling his gaze on my back.

"Everything alright?" He questioned and I turned to see him leaning against the table in my room with his arms crossed as he watched my every move.

"You're asking the wrong person." I informed him.

"You didn't answer my question." He replied calmly.

"Yeah." I replied. "Everything's fine."

Suddenly I felt sick as I thought about the events that occurred earlier today.

Some human beings are vile.

"I'm just gonna shower real quick and get out of these clothes." I told him gesturing to my messed pants and he nodded.

"I'll be in my room if you need anything."

"Gerardo, wait!" I called out causing him to stop in his tracks.

"Do you know a Toby?" I asked and immediately realised that I couldn't be anymore vague.

"Maguire?" He replied jokingly.