Live A Little

Ch 11 : Unexpected Encounter

Alora p.o.v

A few days have passed, and I can finally move around on my own without feeling like I'm under constant surveillance. Everyone seems different, as if they're holding back something. Even Marco has ceased his harsh comments, though his piercing gaze never leaves me. I've also met Zena, who has quickly become my best friend. We just clicked.

~Flashback (A few days before) ~

Boredom consumed me as I sat on my bed. Everyone was busy, and they wouldn't let me do anything. Occasionally, they would all gather in my room to watch movies or engage in casual conversations. Suddenly, the door swung open. I knew it was Bruno; Alexander, Nicolo, and Vincenzo always knocked, Marco never visited, and Luca and Lorenzo always knocked with a tune. Bruno, however, never knocked.

I was expecting Bruno, but I was taken aback when I saw a girl trailing behind him. She was tall and exuded such confidence that it could intimidate anyone. As they entered, Bruno flashed me a heartwarming smile, which was mirrored by the woman behind him. I reciprocated with a soft smile.

"Hey, sweetheart! This is Zena, she's a family friend and she's around our age. Plus, she was very eager to meet you," Bruno introduced her with a grin. Zena stepped forward and greeted me, "Hi! I'm Zena, you're Alora, right?"

"Yes, I'm Alora! It's nice to meet you," I responded with a smile.

"Okay, you guys chat. Do you want anything to eat?" Bruno asked, heading towards the door. "Just bring some snacks," Zena replied, glancing back at him.

"Okay, sweetie," Bruno responded with a mischievous grin. Zena grabbed a pillow and threw it at him, causing him to flee from my room. I chuckled, realizing that Zena and I were going to get along well.

~Flashback End~

Today marked my first day at my new school. My heart pounded like a runaway train, amplifying my nervousness. After getting ready, I descended the stairs to find my father and my eldest brother, Alexander, sitting and eating. I took my usual seat and asked, "Why isn't anyone here?"

"Oh, they are still sleeping," Dad replied. The word 'Dad' felt foreign to me, a simple term that was gradually evolving into a feeling. Unwillingly, I was beginning to trust them, even though I didn't want to, and it was terrifying me. "Why are they still sleeping when it's almost time for school?" I asked, pushing my thoughts aside.

"They are like that. Would you like to go with them, or should I drop you off?" Xan asked. Bruno had suggested that I call him 'Xan,' assuring me that Alexander wouldn't mind, though I never mentioned this in front of him. After breakfast, I followed Xander to his car, and we drove off.

During the ride, we engaged in light-hearted conversations about our favorite places, foods, etc. "What's your favorite color?" He asked. "Honestly, I like every color. What about you?" I responded. "I don't have any," he answered. I stared at him in shock. How could someone not have a favorite color? Our conversation flowed smoothly until he asked a particular question. "How was your childhood?" He asked, maintaining a straight face and staring straight ahead. "Fine," I answered, looking out the window. 'Fine,' such a deceptive word. It has a different meaning but is often used in situations where it shouldn't be, yet no one questions it.

When we arrived at the school, I got out of the car. The building looked more like a castle than a school. I saw Zena running towards me. She ran up and hugged me tightly. "Hey! You're here. Come, I'll show you around," she said excitedly. "Take care of her. I will come to pick you up, Alora," Xander said, prompting me to nod. With that, I left with Zena, who showed me around the school. We walked around a bit as she gave me a tour.