For three blissful months, the Falcone family enjoyed a period of complete peace. During this time, Remo proposed to Serafina, and Nino and Hope grew closer. Everything seemed perfect, but the tranquility was short-lived. Emerging threats began to s...
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Nino asked me to get Savio and Adamo for lunch while he went to fetch Remo. I headed up to Savio's room first. He was only in his trousers and frowned as soon as he saw me. I couldn't blame him; I'd given him every reason to be upset.
"Lunch is ready. Come down to eat," I said, trying not to be fazed by his glare.
"Why are you even here?" Savio asked harshly.
"Because Nino asked me to get you," I shrugged.
"No, I mean why are you even living here? All you've caused is misery. You kidnapped Nino. What do you have on him to make him pretend he likes you? Because if there's one thing I know about Nino, it's that he could never fall for someone like you." His glare remained intense. I tried not to show that his words hurt me, and I succeeded in keeping a neutral face, but it felt like a stab to the heart. I've been trying to earn his family's respect and trust, but I don't think they'll ever accept me.
"I don't know what you're talking about. Come down before the food gets cold." I turned and walked out of the room. Over the past week, I've observed the Falcones' attitudes towards me. Savio openly shows his hatred; Adamo won't look me in the eye. Fabiano tries to keep Leona as far away from me as possible, acting like I'll kidnap her next. Remo doesn't show that he wants me gone, but deep down, I know he sees me as an intruder.
I knocked on Adamo's door. When he opened it, I told him that lunch was served. He said he'd be down in a minute and closed the door. When I returned to the gaming room, Remo and Serafina were there with the twins. Nino sat next to Remo and saved a spot for me next to him. Savio was seated on a single sofa.
"Adamo says he'll be down in a minute," I said, moving to sit next to Nino. While eating, the rest of the family talked about races and fights, but my mind was processing what Savio had said. He only voiced what everyone else was thinking.
Maybe it's time to head back to Bleakstorm Island. I'll need to talk to Nino about it. Even if it's just for a week, I need to clear my head and finish some work there as well.
That night, I asked Nino to come to our room. He looked a bit puzzled but followed me without question. Once we were inside, I closed the door behind us and took a deep breath.
"Nino, we need to talk," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
"What's on your mind?" he asked, concern evident in his eyes.
"I've been thinking a lot about my place here," I began. "I know your family doesn't trust me. Savio made it clear today that they don't want me around."
Nino frowned. "What did Savio say? His price is still wounded from the prank. Just ignore him."
"It doesn't matter exactly what he said. The point is, I can see it in all of them. Savio's hostility, Adamo avoiding eye contact, Fabiano keeping Leona away from me. Even Remo, who doesn't show it openly, probably sees me as an intruder."
Nino sighed and rubbed his temples. "I know it's been difficult, but they just need time."
"I understand that, but maybe some space would help too. I've been thinking about going back to Bleakstorm Island for a while. I need to clear my head and finish some work there. Maybe if I'm gone for a bit, it will give everyone here time to adjust."
Nino looked at me, a mix of worry and contemplation on his face. "Are you sure that's what you want? I could ask them to act friendlier"
"I'm not sure about anything right now," I admitted. "But I think it's the best step for everyone. Even if it's just for a week, it might make a difference. Besides you telling them to be nice will only make them hate me more. It's more about what's in their heart rather than what they're showing. I'll be back Nino. Also this time I have your number, I'll text you everyday."
He reached out and took my hand, squeezing it gently. "I don't want you to go, but if you think it will help, I'll support you."
I nodded, feeling a weight lift slightly from my shoulders. "Thank you, Nino. I think it will help."
Nino held my hand tightly, his eyes searching mine for any sign of hesitation. "When do you want to leave?" he asked softly.
"I was thinking of leaving tomorrow morning," I said. "The sooner I go, the sooner I can come back."
He nodded, though his expression remained troubled. "I'll help you pack."
"Thank you," I said, squeezing his hand back. "I really appreciate it."
The rest of the evening was quiet, filled with the unspoken understanding that this was a necessary step. We moved around the room, gathering my things and packing them neatly into a suitcase. Nino's presence was a comforting reminder that, despite the challenges, I wasn't alone in this.
The next morning, the house was eerily silent as I prepared to leave. Nino helped me carry my bags downstairs, and we stood at the door for a moment, neither of us wanting to say goodbye.
"Are you sure you don't want me to drive you?" Nino asked.
"No, it's okay. I need to do this on my own," I replied, forcing a small smile. "I'll call you as soon as I get there."
He nodded, his jaw tight. "Just be careful, okay? And come back soon."
"I will," I promised, leaning in to kiss him softly. "I love you."
"I love you too," he whispered, holding me close for a moment longer before letting go.
As I walked out to the car, I could feel the eyes of the Falcone family on me. Savio stood by the window, arms crossed, watching me leave. Adamo was nowhere to be seen, and Fabiano was probably with Leona in his house, which was next to the Falcone's, purposefully keeping his distance. Remo stood by the door, giving me a curt nod as I passed. I hugged Fina as she told me to take care. I kissed the twins on their forehead, saying my goodbye.
I got into the car and started the engine, glancing back at the house one last time. It was time to go, to give everyone space and to find my own clarity. As I drove away, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of a longer journey, one that would require more than just time and distance to resolve.
The road to Bleakstorm Island stretched out before me, and with it, the hope that maybe, just maybe, things could get better.
