Found and Forgotten

Chapter 10

Zeta POV

Anxiety takes over as I begin walking to the dining room for dinner. I don't want to cause any more problems. Xander and Gianni have made it very clear that I am a burden. I've been told I was a burden most of my life. No matter how much the twins and Massimo reassure me, I will always feel like a burden in this house with them.

My thoughts of being an outsider are fueled when I walk into a room and quiet chatter turns to complete silence. I take my seat between Enzo and Xander. They resume making their small talk. I keep quiet and listen. Matteo seems to be glaring at Gianni and sometimes Xander. I wonder what that's about. Dante also seems to notice, but seems as puzzled as I am. If Enzo and Massimo notice, their face doesn't show.

The maids bring in dinner. I see it's lamb. Oh no. I'm deathly allergic to lamb. It started out as a small allergy where I'd get itchy. My old foster father made me eat it as punishment since he knew I was allergic. The last time I ate it I almost died. He didn't want to deal with my death and gave me his EpiPen. I don't want to be a bother. I'll just pretend to eat and avoid the conflict.

At first they don't notice. Until Massimo looks over. "Zeta? Is something wrong with your food" he asks. Before I could tell him I'm allergic, Giannit cuts in.

"You're so dramatic and ungrateful. We took you in and now you can't even eat the food we give you. Pathetic" he practically shouts.

Something came over me in that moment. I snapped. Everything bottle came out.

"Well I was about to say I'm deathly allergic, and I actually don't want to die. Not that you would care if I did. You've made that very clear. Actually I think the only two who would even notice if I did for would be the twins. Do you think I didn't know what I'm a burden? I know I've been a burden in on everyone most of my life. And the minute I find people that care, they die in a car crash. I didn't choose to come burden you. My family died. Less than 2 years and I'll be gone. Then you'll never have to see this burden again." I left the room without bothering to see their reactions . I ran straight to my room, got under my covers, and released the never ending tears that keep filling my eyes.

Matteo POV

I am fuming right now. They made her cry two times today. Our sister has gone through so much already and they just don't stop. It's like they're trying to make her break. And why didn't anyone else stop it. I'm disappointed in all of them.

"How dare you! Why do you insist on making her life miserable? Mom would be so disappointed in you. You know how she always said we need to be her protectors? Well you've only served as her attacker!" I yell at Gianni. I knew that would strike a nerve. He looks down in shame, his hand balled into fists. He mutters a "whatever," but I'm already moved on. I look towards Xander. "And you aren't much better. Avoiding and agreeing with Gianni that she's a burden. Get over your issues. She isn't leaving again. Its easy to see how much she just wants her brothers from before she left. Get your head out of your ass, apologize, and stop treating her like the plague. You used to be so close, I don't know what's gotten into you." I finish. Instead of shame, Xander shows anger. He stands up harshly, and goes to walk out, but Massimo stops him with a "sit down," which he reluctantly does.

Now it is time to confront the oldest two. "You two aren't much better. Maybe you aren't mean to her, but would it kill you to try and bond with her a little. She needs us, and you've done nothing but throw yourself in work. I know work is a lot, but we were raised that family comes first. Father may have told us to forget her an move on, but she's back. No more forgetting her."

Before they can respond, I leave them to think. "I'm going to check on our sister. I suggest you reevaluate.

Massimo POV

I wanted to tell at Matteo for being disrespectful, but he was right. I had failed as both an older brother and a guardian.

"What the hell has been going on in this house?" I ask

Dante answers first. "You would know do you showed your face more. In the weeks she's been here, Zeta barely left her room. Half the time, she only ate because we asked the maids to drop off some food here and there. We finally got her out of the house the other day and you should've seen her smile. All she needed was some comfort from her brothers. But for some reason only me and Matteo have even tried to show her we care. These two have just been avoiding her since she's been her, reenforcing her feelings of being a burden. And judging by the way Matteo was glaring at you during dinner and saying you made her cry twice, there's more we don't know."

We all turn towards Gianni and Xander, who both have guilty looks on their faces.

"We went to the pool earlier and kind of chased her away. She overheard her conversation saying she doesn't belong her and that she's not safe here" Xander said sounding guilty. Good. He should feel guilty.

"She was being dramatic. We weren't that mean" Gianni adds and at this point even Xander is done with him.

"I've heard enough out of you" I say. "I am disappointed in both of you. She is our sister and she belongs here as much as any of us. You will both be doing intensive training for three hours every morning until I tell you otherwise. Am I clear?" They both agree, sounding defeated.

"I will be making it a point to get to know Zeta. Enzo, I suggest you do the same. We need to make her feel welcome. Even if we didn't have a choice, we abandoned her all those years ago. We need to gain her trust back. She is our princessa." I say with finality.

I see Enzo gets a look of realization on his face. "Massimo, how old was Zeta when she got adopted?"

"Hmm I never asked. I kind of just assumed shortly after she was taken there, why?"

"She said the minute she finally got people who cared. We never asked about her past since we didn't want to bring up their death, but what if there's more before she was adopted?"

He has a point. "I will have to ask her. Speculation will get us no where."

I let that sink in for a moment. "Before I dismiss all of you, I have something to tell you. The reason I gathered us all for dinner is because we have a business trip to attend, and we are all expected to be there. It will be in England and we will be there for a week. This is non-negotiable. Zeta will stay here with some of our best men protecting her. Now, I am going to check on your sister, and let her and Matteo know of these plans. We leave tomorrow. You are all dismissed."

I leave them and go to our sister, hoping I can change for her and let her know I'm here for her. Once we get back from this trip, there will be big changes around here.