Aria

Chapter 13

-Aria-

It's been a few days since I moved here, three to be exact. Although time seems to be flying by, the boys don't let me do anything. I had to force Leo to let me help him with cleaning the garden. The staff was on vacation so a lot of chores fell on the family.

I woke up at 5:00 am and freshened up. Bad news of the day is that the cut on the shoulder didn't heal and is getting very painful. A light touch causes my eyes to tear up from the painful sting. I still however applied some ointment and bandaged it up, hoping it would recover quickly.

I was almost caught yesterday when Leo hugged me tightly, thanking me for helping him. It caused me to let out a yelp and led him to believe my arm and knee were still bruised from the falling incident. I was forced inside afterward and showered with snacks and cookies. With strict rules that I'm only allowed to rest.

After getting ready, wearing the clothes Leo left on my bed the second day. I headed downstairs.

I was met with Gabe, whose back was turned towards me, cooking something on the stove. I walked closer and saw some thin circular-shaped food.

It seems as if Gabe heard my steps because he turns his head around and smiles wide, walking over to give me a big embrace.

Although it stung, I hugged him back lightly. After a few seconds, he let go and motions me to sit.

"I'm making some delicious crepes for you! Let me know what you think." He says turning to pour some batter into the pan again.

I'm sure they will taste amazing!

He takes out a plate and layers the crepes with some cream and fruits, placing it in front of me.

I use the utensils on the countertop and take a bite.

I think I'm in love.

I hear a chuckle and look up.

Gabe is watching me with a soft expression, a smile covering his features. He turns back to the stove and hurriedly starts making the remainder.

After finishing he comes beside me and takes a seat. We both eat in silence.

I wonder where Alessandro is?

He's normally always sitting in the dining room while me and Gabe eat breakfast. I've offered him some food before but he says that coffee works better for him in the mornings.

I clear my throat and look up at Gabe, "is Alessandro asleep?"

Gabe finishes up the bite and replies, "He has been stuck with some business so couldn't join us this morning, I'll make sure he joins everyday from now on."

Although Alessandro didn't talk with us during breakfast, it was the only time we properly saw him. 

"o-oh no- no worries, I was just curious. I'm sure he's busy."

After finishing I stand and pick up mine and Gabe's plates. After washing and drying them, I set them in their respective cabinets. Gabe tried to get me to stop but I can't help but do something for them.

I don't want my brothers to think that I don't appreciate all they do for me.

Gabe and I head to the living room and have a seat. I picked up the second book of the To All the Boys I've Loved Before series.

Taking a seat on the couch I begin to read. As I flip to the second page I feel a big soft blanket get placed on top of me.

Where did Gabe even get this from?!

I laugh as I take it off and Gabe leans in, placing a kiss on my forehead.

He sits beside me and settles the blanket so it's on both of us. He has his laptop out while I start reading again.

An hour passes and there's a loud thud. I look at Gabe confused and worried, what if someone's hurt?

I get up and he grabs my arm lightly. After seeing my expression he shakes his head and stands. Placing his hand into mine, we start walking.

"Matteo normally works out at this time, but since you haven't seen how the gym looks I might as well give you a mini tour."

We start walking down the hallway opposite of the cinema room.

I don't think I will ever know all the ins and outs of this house.

We stop right in front of the gym room and Gabe opens the door. There are weights and machines everywhere. I see a whole shelf of dumbbells on the back wall when I enter. To my right is Matteo lifting weights with loud music blasting throughout the room.

Gabe was about to walk over when he suddenly gets a call and stepped outside to answer it.

Matteo was still lifting and I was about to leave when he suddenly pplaces the weights down and meets my gaze in the mirror on the wall.

He gives a nod of acknowledgment and gets back to working out. I turn to step outside but knock into Gabe.

"Careful there munchkin," he chuckles and steps back.

He places his hand on my back and leads me to Matteo, who finishes his set and looks at us.

Pausing the music, he stares at Gabe.

"I have to go to work with Sandro and I'm taking Leo and Zeno with me. Take care of our sorellina, we will be back around 10 tonight."

Matteo was about to say something but closes his mouth when he glances at me.

He goes back to the workout.

"I was just on the phone with Sandro and he told me they were having some trouble at work. Perhaps too much paperwork, but luckily I could bring the boys along to do it for me." He laughs as he tells me.

"Be careful and stay next to Mat the whole time, got it?"

I nod, "got it!"

He smiles and ruffles my hair.

"I'm going to wake the boys, see you later munchkin."

He hugs me and places a kiss on my forehead, hurrying out the room.

"Aria," A deep voice rang throughout the room.

"Get ready, we are going to the training center. I have some work to do there and I'm not leaving you here alone."

"O-oh it's alright, you don't h-have to worry I coul-"

 Matteo raises an eyebrow.

"I- I will go and get ready."

I hurry out of the room and rush upstairs.

Leo and Zeno run past me to go to the garage. They pause when they see me and let out a good morning before leaving. Leo runs back to give a quick side hug.

I smile and head to my room.

Seeing that the clothes the boys gave me are too big, I should probably try something else. Matteo might not like me looking messy at his workplace.

I see my old leggings with a long pink sleeve shirt in the closet and change into them. Putting on some socks, I rush downstairs and pick up the book I was reading.

I have no idea how long it'll take so might as well get some reading in.