Found and Forgotten

Chapter 31

Zeta POV

The car ride with Gianni was surprisingly good. We actually share some common interests. It will be nice to not be alone on football Sundays. It'll be hard not having my dad with me. Hopefully, Gianni and I can get past it beginning. I know it's not really his fault for what happened while skating, but I still blame him a little. I feel so safe with our other brothers. I don't necessarily feel unsafe with Gianni, just not that extra layer of security the rest of them provide.

We are currently walking down a dock filled with gigantic yachts. I see one towards the end with a giant C on the end, letting me know that it's ours.

"I hope you like it" Gianni s.ays nervously. "The twins told me how much you like the water and I thought it'd be better than going somewhere crowded" he babbled on.

"I do like it, thanks" I say and I'm not lying. I do really enjoy boating. My parents had a friend who took us out a few times back when they first adopted me. I always enjoyed just looking at the water and sky. It is so calming.

We boarded the luxurious boat, and I'm immediately in awe. This is the most pristine boat I've ever seen, including what I've seen on TV. It has a fully equipped game room, a hot tub, a full kitchen, dining tables outside and in, a movie room, and more. I see the chef cooking in the kitchen. One of our maids hands me the most delicious cup of coffee while another hand me a small bag filled with clothes and other things I may need for the day.

"You planned all of this?" I ask Gianni. He nods. "I'm impressed" I say. He smiles. "Good. I was worried. I hope the rest of the day continues to be even better."

We went outside and quietly watched the waves. Occasionally, we'd point out some different birds or a fish jumping out of the water. It was peaceful. We stopped for a bit and did some fishing, though we only caught a few. The maids brought us the most delicious snacks as neither of us really wanted to sit down and eat for lunch.

When we needed a break from the pool, we went into the game room and played some pool. We made silly bets for each round. I lost twice, making me have to take a shot of hot sauce (which I secretly liked) and taking a funny selfie together and sending it to the brothers group chat saying Gianni was my new favorite. Obviously, it's not true, but it was funny seeing their jealous responses. I managed to win once on our luck, causing Gianni to have to pay an Instagram story posting like Rose from Titanic. Overall, the day was filled with a lot of laughter.

Dinner was approaching so we sat at the outdoor table. The chef brought out a huge variety of sushi in closing all of my favorite rolls. I thanked him and began to look over the food. "I hope this is okay. I know you told the twins that you enjoy sushi." He said.

"This is great, G. Thank you. For everything today. You are really earning the forgiveness." I say. I've basically forgiven him, although trust will take some time. I don't miss the slight smile when I called him by a nickname.

"I'm glad, Z, but you shouldn't forgive me yet. I owe you an apology. A real one. I'm truly sorry. Not just for not protecting you at the skating rink, though I will die regretting that, but I am sorry for how I've been treating you since you've come back. I'm sorry for every mean thing I said. I'm sorry for not being there for you. I've always cared. When I found out about your past, I was heartbroken. Yet, I made everything worse. I see how much I've hurt you. I will always regret it and I will continue trying to make it up to you. This day has been amazing and I see how cool my sister really is. I'm such an idiot for not seeing it sooner. I promise to treat you the way you deserve and to keep trying to reverse the damage I have cause the best I can. I love you, Z. Thank you so much for giving me a second chance!" Gianni pours out to me. It's heartfelt and I really appreciate that. I let all of his words sink in as I'm overcome with emotion. No one has ever given me such a genuine apology. I know I forgive him now.

"I truly appreciate that. Let's start over?" I ask while extending my hand to a handshake

"Deal." Gianni shakes my hand back and then pulls me into a hug. I hug him back and feel a weight lift off my shoulders. I finally have a family. A home full of love. I just hope it stays. We spent the rest of the night watching the waves as we return to the dock. The noise of the water and wind began to lull me to sleep.

Gianni POV

Today went better than I ever expected. Zeta is so amazing and we actually have a lot in common. I'm so glad she gave me a second chance and also suggested we start over. I hope I don't screw it up.

I am currently driving back to the mansion while Zeta is sleeping in the passenger eat. I saw her fighting to stay awake when I assured her she is safe. She seemed a little unsure. I deserve that since she really has not much reason to trust me. Eventually, though, she gave in. I hope she can start feeling safe with me.

She looks so peaceful sleeping and I just wish it would last. Only an idiot wouldn't realize how much her past has affected her. I was conditioned to see her as a burden, which I now realize was wrong. It hurt so much to hear what she has been through. That was my first idea that maybe my initial feelings toward her were wrong. I should've listened to myself then. Maybe then the  ice skating incident wouldn't have happened.

I continue driving along, lost in my thoughts when a Rick hits the windshield, sending a crack across the front glass. Before I can react in any way, Zeta shoots up in a panic from the loud noise. She's shaking and breathing crazy fast. I don't know what to do. I'm not equipped to handle this.

"Hey, Z. It's okay. A rock just hit the windshield, that's all. You're okay. You're safe" I say in hopes to calm her down. I pull over so that I can give her my full attention. At this point she is fully awake and her breathing has slowed down, but she's still shaking. "Zeta, look at me" I say and she does. "You're safe. I know you have no reason to trust me, but I'll protect you. It was just a loud noise." I continued to reassure her and I see her starting to calm down.

"Can I have a hug?" She asks timidly

I hesitate due to shock before wrapping my arms around her. That sounds triggered something, but I'm not exactly in the right place to ask, nor is it the right time. I continue to whisper reassuring words until she pulls back to sleep.

Once I'm sure shes fast asleep, I carefully move her back over and refasten her seatbelt. I drive the rest of the way home in silence. If it wasn't already apparent to me, I'm not positive that I need to protect her like a brother more than treat her like a burden that I was taught she was.

I do love my father and miss him dearly, but I have the nagging thought in my head wondering why he made me believe that she was a burden and shouldn't be around all this time. I was actually glad she was gone. It makes me feel sick thinking what she was going through while I was happy to have my dad's attention. I don't think my guilt will ever pass.