Aria

Chapter 1

-Aria-

I can't believe it happened. 

I never thought it could. 

I'm not stuck with him anymore, I don't have to be afraid.

finally

Actually, let me take that back. 

I'm terrified.

Being the only girl sitting in this dimly lit police room with squeaky chairs is pretty terrifying. Especially knowing I have nowhere to go. 

I was locked out of the house last night since I couldn't bring back the drink he wanted. I tried to explain how no sane person would sell alcohol to a 12-year-old. 

James wouldn't listen. 

He never does.

After countless requests and pleas to the cashier at the gas station, I had to accept the fact that there was no escaping my stepdad's wrath. 

Stepdad, a word that forms a familial bond between two individuals holds such a harsh reality for me. 

I can't consider him family. He doesn't deserve to be a part of that. 

Unfortunately for the longest time, I thought the relationship I had with him was normal. I mean if I was being a bad child I deserve to be punished. It wasn't until I got to school and saw the relationships my classmates had with their parents that I learned the truth. 

When I was in second grade I had a bruise on my temple. I received it when I embarrassed my stepdad with my drawing in art class. My teacher called him as well to ask how it occurred but unbeknownst to her, she was talking to the source. 

After that phone call, he got better at being discrete and acting kind in public. He also became much sterner when alone with me. Punishing me whenever I posed any sort of inconvenience. 

I don't really recall my mother. From the start, it's truly ever been me and James. 

Well back to how I got in my current situation. 

After facing his punishment I was left outside in the rain. In hopes of not falling ill or catching an infection, I headed to the neighborhood park. Although it was a bit broken down, any sort of shelter felt safer than being out in the open. 

When the sun started to rise I walked back to the house, only to find police cars surrounding the area. 

That's when it was announced that James was hiding illegal drugs and died from an overdose. 

I wasn't sure how to react to this news. I never thought there would ever be a time when it would just be me. Finally being able to live a life without fear.

As quickly as the relief came, guilt caught up quicker. If I had tried harder and met all his requests, could there have been a good relationship between us? 

I couldn't truly flush out my emotions and thoughts, because as soon as the news was released I was told to pack my bags and go to the police station. 

In my lap now I have all my belongings stuffed in a small backpack; a few clothes, some cash I earned from school, and my cutest teddy/forever friend, Nono. 

Nono was a light blue colored bear as big as my hand. I've always had him by my side for as long as I can remember. 

*Bang*

I am startled from the loud noise and turn in my chair. Facing the direction of where the door opened. Officer Steven leaned against the wall and gave me a long look before looking down at his clipboard. 

"We got your results, Miss. Davis. From our knowledge, your stepfather doesn't have any living relatives besides a 4th cousin. For that reason we felt it was best to take a DNA test and see if your mother does, may she rest in peace."

I hold my breath as I listen closely to the rest of the words.

"It was a success. You in fact have 5 older brothers who live in Italy."

The breath I held was now stuck as I stared at him in shock.

I have brothers. Oh my god, I have brothers. Five. I have FIVE brothers.

All of my thoughts are scrambled in my head yet Officer Steven continues the conversation. 

"I wish I could give you time to take a breather and process everything but you have to get to the airport. Your flight departs in an hour."

My brows rise in question as I watch him sigh and shake his head. 

"You are going to Italy Miss. Davis."