Aria

Chapter 6

-Aria-

I walk into the living room and sit on the couch closest to the stairs. When I lean back, I feel my eyebrows scrunch from the pain my sore back caused. I take in a deep breath and hold it as I adjust the pillows behind me, releasing it when I fully sit back in a comfortable position. My eyes follow the window and I try to see the view through the sliver behind the curtains. I wonder how the moon looks today?

I get startled as Alessandro takes a seat in the chair in front of me.

"I would like to go over some simple rules with you," he says in an authoritative voice.

I sit up straight and nod.

"First of all, I want you to know that if there is ever a problem, you ask your brothers for help. It can be the smallest thing, and we will be here to solve it. Your health and safety are the most important so do prioritize this rule."

"Secondly I want to hear you respond with your voice. It gives a clearer way of knowing your emotions and how confident you are with your responses. Also, maintain eye contact with whoever you speak to. "

"O-Okay," I respond, feeling my cheeks flush with heat.

"I expect you to not swear, do drugs, or drink alcohol, I'm sure you are aware that you are far too young for those activities. I also expect you to focus on your studies and hold off on dating."

"You are to respect your brothers and those around you. This house contains a staff who come to clean and cook for us on certain days. I expect you to treat them with the utmost respect. However, if anyone is rude or insulting towards you, you will inform me immediately and it will be dealt with."

"Lastly, you have an assigned bedtime. Since it's summer break I expect you to sleep by 11:00. However, once school begins you must sleep by 9:45."

Okay, these rules I can manage with. Most of them are procured for my health and I can't help but smile at them.

"Don't worry Alessandro, I will respect the rules."

He gets up to move the chair to its appropriate spot and approaches me.

"I have some work to tend to, you enjoy your time with your other fratelli. Good night."

He gives a nod and starts going up the stairs.

"Good night," I respond softly.

Once he walked up and disappeared, I leaned against the pillows and closed my eyes. This whole day has been so tiring, but hopefully, it'll be a good change.

I feel the couch dip beside me and I open my eyes, it's Leo!

I smile widely as he ruffles my hair.

"Miss me?" he asks teasingly.

"As if anyone would," Zeno states as he walks into the living room. Sitting across from our couch he takes his phone out.

Leo tsks and rolls his eyes as he grabs the TV remote. He goes to an icon labeled Netflix, containing a variety of shows and movies. 

"Want to watch something spooky?" Leo asks with a sneaky tone.

"Want to get your ass kicked?" Matteo asserts, sitting down next to Zeno on the couch.

"Language!" Gabe shouts as he walks carrying a bowl of ice cream.

"For you sweetheart," he places it on the table in front of me and sits on my other side.

"Hey, where's mine?!" Leo yells.

"That's what you get for stealing my idea."

Gabe snatches the remote from Leo's hand and starts to look through the movie options.