Destined To Be (Luca x Alberto)

Chapter 13 - Suspicions

Giulia's POV:

After what I think was the most awkward breakfast ever, we all decided it to hang out at the beach. Mateo suggested it, and the rest of us tried to dissuade him (you know, water and all). But he was so persistent, saying that he would be leaving soon and wouldn't be near a beach for months.

Obviously, we gave in after that.

Luca said he had to go back home to check in with his parents, specifically is over protective mom. She would always call us at random times during our time away at school. Luca of course didn't have the heart to stand up to her, so he would always pick up her calls...even during classes.

Mateo wanted to walk with Luca and meet his parents, but thankfully Luca convinced him that he lived in the edge of the town on top of a hill. Mateo hated gym class, and would always find ways to get out of doing any running or long walk exercises.

The moment Mateo heard "hill," he backed off immediately. Luca called out that he would be back as fast as he can, and meet us at the beach soon.

Mateo went back to his uncle's place a few blocks away to get stuff for the beach. Once he left, Alberto and I had some talking to do.

I stood in his doorway, leaning on the frame watching Alberto quietly pack. "Bro, do you also feel a bit...scared that we'll be at the beach, near water, with someone who doesn't know what you two are?" 

Alberto, who was sitting on the floor packing, stopped and turned around. He didn't have to speak, I knew the answer.

"Sis, hear me out," he says with concern, "I think that lee- I mean Mateo, knows what we are. Or at least, has some idea."

I drop my jaw, almost ready to debunk his irrational theory, until I remember what Mateo said earlier at breakfast.
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"Yeah...I would have to agree with you there Giulia. I believe he is a very magical being indeed."
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Mateo didn't question my choice of words. He acted normally, while the rest of us were on edge.

But the fact he didn't question it raised more suspicion.

"I can see what you mean," I began, "he didn't even question what I said."

Alberto nodded in understanding. "I noticed that too, and the fact that he also said 'a very magical being' is suspicious. I mean, why wouldn't he correct it to 'human being'?"

I smirked. "You should be a detective bro, with the way you're describing Mateo's actions." He laughed at the comment, but still had a serious expression.

"But like, it's possible? Do you think he knows, or believe that sea creatures exist?"

My eyes widened in realization. "Wait. Alberto, you're actually right..." I trail off, walking over to sit next to him. "During one of our movie nights, we were watching the Little Mermaid. Me and Luca were sort of anxious since ya know, water and sea beings. But, he did mention something about it..." I tried to remember what he said, closing my eyes to recall our movie nights weeks ago.
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"Speaking of mermaids, I saw two of our classmates at the store. They were talking about a mermaid or sea creature in the waters! Can you guys believe it?!"
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I gasped. "Alberto, he said that he overheard our classmates talking about mermaids and sea creatures in the waters near our school. One of their dad's was a fisherman!"

"Just like Massimo- I mean dad." Alberto nervously looked at his unfinished bag. "While you were gone, we would go to work fishing. We would pass by other boats further in the waters, saying that they saw big fish swimming around."

I furrow my eyebrows. "But, no way fish that big would swim close to the surface..."

"Exactly." Alberto cuts in. "I knew they were sea monsters, probably looking for food or kids playing around." He starts to throw in the remaining things he needed in his bag before zipping it closed and standing up.

"The ocean is our home. We should be able to roam freely, but it's becoming more dangerous to do so." He looks down at me, offering a hand so I can stand back up. At this point, I'm growing more anxious about our day at the beach.

I get up and start pacing. "Okay, I think you're right." I say, now heading to the doorway to get my already packed bag. Alberto follows me, carrying his bag too.

"We have to be careful, Giulia. I don't want this to hurt Luca in any way. If he finds out what we are, he might not want to be friends with Luca, even though I would very much like that." I lightly flick his forehead, no matter what the situation is he'll always be jealous.

He continues on, disregarding the flick. "Or, if he does have some sort of idea, what if he wants to expose us?"

I began thinking of the possibilities that revealing their 'secret identities' could bring.

One: he gets scared or mad, and stops being friends with us. Luca will be so sad to lose the first friend he made, and none of us want that for him.

Two: he was playing us all along, and wanted to get evidence that sea creatures existed. I mean, he even does photography. That would make us hate him, and we would lose a friend either way.

But there was another, more positive outcome.

I quickly get my bag from my room, and head out the door, locking it behind it behind us before we head to the beach to set up.

"Alberto, you forgot another possibility." I say with a small smile.

Alberto looked at me with a confused looked. "What do you mean? I think those two options are literally the only ways it could go."

We start walking towards the beach, trying to relax from our conversation.

As I put on my shades, I looked over at him with a hopeful smile.

"Mateo could accept you guys and continue to be our friend. That's what true friendship is."

With that, Alberto hums in response, seemingly agreeing to this third outcome.

I have a feeling something life changing is going to happen at the beach today...