Aria

Chapter 5

-Aria-

I feel so refreshed!

It's been a while since I got to shower with some warm water and it felt amazing!

There was a whole set of supplies and products in the bathroom. Each drawer and shelf contained at least one item. There were lavender-scented soaps and shampoos placed beside the bathtub. Toothbrushes and pastes were placed in the top drawer. A small first aid kit was placed in the second one.

I pull it out to open it and see its contents. It consists of a few bandages and ointments.

Thank goodness.

I take one of the ointments and apply it to my back, hopefully, it'll reduce the redness and soreness. 

The scars were starting to get infected. I received them four days before the incident. I couldn't make it home early that day from school. There was a group project and I had to stay or else I was going to receive an F. When I got home, my step-dad was drunk and-

knock*

I quickly pull down the hoodie Leonardo gave me and put the first aid kit in its drawer.

I walk out of my bathroom and open the bedroom door. There was no one there. When I step out I hear a "BOO!"

I let out a small yelp and stumble onto the ground.

Ouch, my back.

I bite down on my lip to not cry out further. My eyes sting and I hear running coming up the stairs.

"Are you okay Aria? I'm so sorry I didn't mean to hurt you I promise. I was just messing around." Leonardo spoke frantically.

I nod and hesitantly take the hand he is offering.

By the time I got to my feet, I heard an angry gruff voice speak out, "What happened?"

I turn and see 3 people. One of them is Gabriel but I don't recognize the other two. The one who spoke out had a very built body. He and the second man were wearing gym clothes. The first man has dark brown hair and hazel eyes. Tattoos lined up his arms and there was a dark expression lining his facing. The second one, who appeared a few years younger, had features similar to Gabriel.

I blink to take a clearer look and a tear accidentally drips down my cheek. I raise my hand quickly to wipe it but it appears the first man noticed. He marches toward Leonardo and grabs him by the collar of his shirt.

"What did you do to her?" he yells.

Leonardo pushes back at the man, "I didn't mean to hurt her Matteo. You know I wouldn't hurt her on purpose."

The man, Matteo, has a scowl as he turns to look at me.

Gabriel walks up to me and asks lightly, "You okay darling?"

I nod.

"Say it." the second man states. He has a glare on his face and leans against the wall with his arms crossed.

"Calm down Zeno," Gabriel responds.

Gabriel moves back and takes my hand, "Let's go downstairs for dinner."

"Leo, you're lucky Alessandro wasn't here." I hear Zeno speak.

They soon follow us downstairs and take a seat. My spot is next to Gabriel and Leonardo. As the brothers conversed amongst one another, Leonardo sat quietly, eyes swimming in guilt. He leans close to my ear and whispers sorry in a gentle tone. My breath gets stuck in my throat as I realize all the worry was aimed towards me.

I reply softly, "It's okay Leo." Meaning it with my whole heart. 

He smiles wide at the nickname and begins to plate some food. As I glance around the table my eyes meet Matteo's, who held an annoyed expression. 

As Leo finished plating the food, he placed it in front of me.

"Oh it's okay, you all eat first and I can have a little later," I say.

I'm used to eating late. Anytime James was home for the evening I would prepare his dinner. I wasn't allowed to eat anything in front of him or even sit in the same room. The only food I received at the house was the leftovers.

"Di cosa diavolo sta parlando?" Mattero gruffed.

Everyone stopped eating by this point and looked at me.

"Aria, as I said before, everything here is yours. How... was it like where you came from?" Leo asks.

I couldn't think of a quick response that wouldn't worry them.

Fortunately just as Zeno was about to say something, Alessandro walked in.

He pulls out his chair and takes a seat. Looking up when he realized no one was talking. Gabriel meets his eyes and after a couple of seconds nods. What did he just nod to? My eyes wander to Matteo who sits in front of me. He looks at me angrily and pushes the plate in front of me. I stare down at it and he motions for me to eat.

I pick up the spaghetti with my fork and bring it to my mouth. My eyes look around to see if anyone wants me to stop. Thankfully, everyone is focused on their own food. I take a bite and my taste buds light up. This is delicious!

I hear a couple of chuckles and raise my brows confusingly at them. Gabriel shakes his head and touches my hand, indicating I eat.

I couldn't finish my food, in fact, I could only eat half of it.

"Finish it Aria," Zeno says harshly.

"Zeno," Alessandro's voice radiates with authority before turning to me. He clears his throat before speaking in a neutral tone, "You have to start eating everything on your plate. However, since you had a long journey I can excuse it for a day."

I nod quickly and pick up my plate, seeing Zeno and Leo have finished their meals as well I stack theirs on top of mine.

I walk to the kitchen with their gazes following me.

"What are you doing?" Zeno voices.

"I was j- just going to wash these, t-thank you for the m-meal," 

I turn on the tap and place the dishes in the sink. Reaching for the sponge I am quickly pulled back.

"You missy, are not supposed to be doing this," Gabriel lets go of my shirt and takes my spot. Taking the sponge from my hand and grabbing his plate.

"You a-all are doing so much f-for me, please l-let me help as well."

"My dear Ari, you go to the living room and relax. Don't worry about helping." He quickly kisses me on my forehead and goes back to washing.

I'm stunned. That was the first time anyone had spoken to me with such gentleness. It was also the first time I received a forehead kiss. I loved it!

"Thank y-you, Gabe."

He looks back and smiles widely, nodding towards the living room. I turn around and see Matteo there holding his plate. I smile as I pass him and go to the living room.