Found and Forgotten

Chapter 18

Zeta POV

Enzo took me to this cute little diner a little bit out of the way. It had a nice outdoorsy vibe. it wasn't empty, but it wasn't too busy either. Perfect to have a conversation. Except he's quiet and I'm awkward. But I hate awkward silence, so I guess it is up to me to break it. 

"Tell me something no one knows" I decide to start with. It's a fun question but also a deep one.

He stays quiet for a minute, thinking. "I have your name tattooed on me" He replies.

"What?!? Where?" I immediately ask. 

He rolls up the sleeve of his t-shirt so that his whole bicep is showing. He has a tribal tattoo style sleeve. Very tiny between two lines you could see a 'Zeta'. I saw another name a few lines over, but was too far away to make it out. "Who is the other name?" I ask.

"Our mom." Hmm. It is so sweet of him. I didn't know I meant that much to him.

Before I can think about how much that really means to me, he says, "Your turn."

It takes me a while to think of something I'm okay with sharing. I thought of one thing that I probably shouldn't share, but it would feel like a relief to finally tell someone. 

"I still get nightmares whenever whoever sits with me leaves" I decide to say. It it is a huge relief to finally tell someone.

His face doesn't give away any emotion, but I can tell he is surprised by the way he pauses.

"Why didn't you tell anyone? I know I haven't been the most approachable, but any of us would've listened. We can help you." He said. 

"I just don't want to be a burden. You guys have enough going on."

"You are never a burden. I can tell the others. We can always sleep in the same room or you one of ours." He offers.

"No. It's fine. I'm still getting more sleep then I was when I first came here. You don't need to worry." I said. He may be okay with helping, but that doesn't mean they all are. Don't want them to feel obligated.

"If you don't want them to know, I could come replace our brothers once they go to bed" he offered. Still that was more of a burden than I'd like to be.

I shook my head. "that's too much."

"It's not. But I can compromise. I get up pretty early to workout every morning. I can check on you then. If you're still asleep, I'll go workout. If you're awake, I'll hang out till you go back to sleep so you can get a little more." I feel my heart warm at how much he's trying to help in a way that I'm comfortable with.

After some thought, I nodded. I was surprised to see his lips turn up ever so slightly. He was actually happy to help me? "It would be nice to get some more sleep. Plus, we can actually talk given how quiet you normally are."

He shrugged in response. A moment of silence passed. "Are you glad you came back?" He asks hesitantly.

Was I? My life with Akira and my adoptive parents was a lot happier, but I'm starting to fill the void that was left in me when I was abandoned in the first place.

"I'm not unhappy about it. I don't know. I didn't want to say I'm head over heels happy because my life with my parents and best friend was amazing and I miss them terribly. But, I am glad to get to know you guys again. Otherwise, I didn't realize how much feeling abandoned by you guys was holding me down. It's been getting better since everyone's been making an effort. Well, except Gianni." Something about Enzo made him easy to talk to. I felt like I could be completely honest and he would completely understand. It was nice to have someone like that again.

He nodded. "We are all glad you came back, though we wish it was much sooner. No one wanted to leave you there. Gianni just thinks you don't belong with us due to our work. Our father ingrained that in him. He just needs to get his head out of his ass."

I laughed a little at that. It's nice to have reassurance that they actually did and do want me. It seems like it's all our father's fault. I kinda hope he stays gone. A little selfish since it seems like our brothers miss him. But I will never forget how unwanted he made me feel that day. He's the reason for all my hardships in life.

We were finished up, so we made eout way home. The car ride was filled with music rather than talking. Today was a lot more fun than I expected it to be. I got to fight again which was something I missed. And I got closer to Enzo. Only one brother left to form a relationship with. But that could wait. I still have my days with twins and Xander first. I was looking forward to them.

When we arrived home, the twins were in the living room. I received a hug from both. I ended up sitting in between them while they watched some show I couldn't bother to watch. I started to fall asleep so I decided to head to to bed.

I said goodnight and started to leave when Dante said "oh, by the way, Xander needs some more time planning his day so we will be hanging out tomorrow."

"Sounds good." What could he possibly be planning that he needs more time. Who knows. I went upstairs and got ready for bed.

As I got into bed, Xander himself came to hang out with me until I slept. I asked him what he was planning that was taking so long.

"That, little sister, is a surprise. Why? Can't wait to hang out with me?" He teased.

"No. Just curious" I deadpanned.

He dramatically out his hand on his heart. "You wound me sorellina."

I giggled. We talked for a bit until I drifted of to sleep. As the darkness consumed me, I wondered if Enzo would actually come check on me if I had a bad dream. I guess we will find out soon.