Tranquillity

[11] Unfolding Secrets

Arabella Rose D'Angelo

"Arabella, what the fuck?" I winced, pulling the phone away from my ear. He was being too loud for someone who apparently broke his arm. I wasn't shocked because this isn't the first time he is getting hurt by getting into trouble. But I was definitely worried.

"Zane, listen-" He cut me off again, as I let out a sigh. He wasn't even trying to listen to me. I can't exactly blame him, it was my fault I didn't inform him about my interesting situation.

Knowing you have five elder brothers after living as an only child for sixteen years isn't something minor. This unexpected change in my life has really taken an emotional toll on me. I often catch myself drifting out of reality, thinking about all the what if's and possible reasons why I never had any knowledge about my siblings. Heck, even the man I always knew was my real father, wasn't even my biological father. I was kept in the dark for my whole life.

Amongst all these surprising revelations and familial reunions, the fact that I had my best friend worrying about me back in Los Angeles had completely slipped out of my mind. Sure, I had Zane on my mind, thinking about all our moments. But I still had completely forgotten to inform him about my departure. It also didn't help with the fact that my SIM card wouldn't work, given I have literally travelled from all the way to Italy from America.

"Even a single text would have sufficed with me, angel. Do you even have any idea how worried I was?" He asked, releasing out a breath deeply. I could almost imagine the way he was running his fingers through his messy, brown hair.

"I know, I am sorry." I quietly muttered, playing with the strings of my white sweatpant. I was feeling terrible for making him worried like that. "I just don't know how to feel about all these changes, it is so scary."

"Don't apologise, it was partially my fault for getting mad at you. You are going through a lot right and I want nothing but to just hug you right now." His tone softened, only making me miss him more. I miss his hugs so much.

"Me too, I miss you a lot." He chuckled, as if he could see me pout through the phone. In reality, I was gripping the phone so hard that it was two seconds away from breaking. The painful throbs from my ribs made the breath get knocked out from me.

I knew for a fact that a bone or two was broken. Or else why would they hurt so much? I was almost getting nauseous from the pain and tried to keep the acidic liquid down my throat by taking deep breaths. This pain was really tiring me out. I was up the whole night yesterday because of it. I just hoped they would get healed soon, although the logical part of me knew that the injury was far from healing.

"Zaydan has literally grounded me for a month this time, Ara. Can you believe that? That little shi- hey, why are you breathing so heavily?" I sucked in a sharp breath, realising I was literally panting at this point. The pain was getting too much to handle. I have to do something.

"Do y-you mind if I call you back later?" I didn't stick around for his reply, before cutting the call and practically throwing the phone aside, careful not to break it. It was the latest Iphone which Damon gifted me last night. I can't afford to break it.

Swinging my legs over the other side of the bed, I stand up on my feet, swaying slightly as I did so. I grip the wall for support and shut my eyes close in pain. A ping came out from the device laying on my bed, indicating a text from someone. It was probably Zane, but I could care less about it now. All I could focus on was the agonising pain spreading across my torso.