Reverie

04 - new beginnings

G I U L I A

I stared out the window of the slightly beat up taxi and observed the swarming streets of New York, I didn't have to see anything more of this place to know that I was a long way from home. I already missed the sunny weather, the palm trees, constant sunshine. Unlike here, where it was grimy, cloudy, and extremely hectic. The sunset was long gone and instead the sky had turned dark blue with light stars. 

Who knew this was what I would be doing this weekend? 

My heart felt like a heavy stone placed in my chest and I felt like I was drowning in quicksand. Though I did hide the pain well. I've mastered plastering a fake smile on my face to get particular people to leave me alone. 

As of right now, I don't think I could pretend being okay even if I tried. I was scared, anxious, and overwhelmed with everything. To add on, the plane ride over here definitely didn't help with my stress. But it did go thankfully faster with the help of Hailey's company. Even though we obviously weren't that close, we had some nice conversations. Other than talking to Hailey, I occupied my time with music — more specifically PND and Frank Ocean. 

But now, we were back on the ground and my nerves skyrocketed knowing that we were only a couple miles away from my new home. 

I wonder if I'll still ice skate here. The thought of me ice skating in front of my brothers flashes through my mind. Them watching me perform and cheering me on and supporting me feels like a distant dream. Do they even want me there? What if I'm getting in the way of their lives? I hate feeling like this. My insecurities always take over me and I hate having these doubts.

I turned my attention to Hailey sat beside me, scrolling through her phone, occasionally talking to me about the 'good' things about living in New York trying to make me feel better. Back on the plane, she had told me a little information about my brothers that weren't on the folders. Apparently, they were rich. Like really rich. 

Rafael Vittorio, the founder and CEO of.... something? I don't really remember the name of the company, but I also don't think it matters. He was also my oldest brother, my main guardian. Why did he even agree to take me in? Why now, do they all decide to show out of the blue? 

I had so many questions that clouded my mind.

I barely registered Hailey tapping me on my shoulder until she started speaking. "Gia, before we get there, I want you to have this with you," she reached into her purse and pulled out a small business card. She handed it to me, holding it with her index and pointer finger.

"I need you to call the number on this card if you ever see something or feel unsafe while you're there." Hailey's eyes now filled with concern and worry.