Found and Forgotten

Chapter 37

Matteo POV

For the first time since Z left us, I cried all night. The guilt is overwhelming. And I'm the worst. I was here and still forgot. I was so focused on school that I forgot my priorities. I know I deserve what I'm feeling. I just hope she knows that I do love her despite my mistakes. I will continue to prove it to her too.

Zeta has made it pretty clear she wants nothing to do with us. She's right though, why should she plan her own day? She should be pampered. I heard her leave with Enzo a little bit ago. I must admit that I'm jealous of him, but I'm glad she's choosing to be with someone rather than isolating herself.

I've spent all morning about how we can start making it up to her. Finally an idea pops into my head. No matter what, she should celebrate her birthday. So, we will plan a party. And maybe, just maybe we can convince her to have a good time for the night, for her own sake. It won't make up for what is done but it's a start.

I text all of my brothers to meet me in the living room and tell them my idea. They all think it's a good idea and offer ideas of what we should do. First, we all went shopping for presents. We tried to be quick, but I think we were all trying to get her the best one. We also got tons of decorations.

Dante suggested we have an array of her favorite desserts. He had the chef make her a cake so we can sing as well as creme brulee, cannolis, tiramisu, and, of course, crepes.

Xander set up the pool with cool lights and floats and set up a fire pit in the back yard so that we can have a bonfire and s'mores.

Gianni got drinks and snacks since I'm sure her and Enzo will eat before coming home. I texted him with are plans. He seemed skeptical considering Zeta doesn't want to be around us, but agreed to keep her out until we were ready. He also sent a few guards to pick up his present.

I was hanging decorations both inside in our. Streamers, banners, balloons, etc. I wanted all of our efforts to show.

Massimo enlisted the help of Beckett, and the two of them have been helping wherever needed. I think Massimo is currently helping Gianni and Dante with setting up all the food while Beckett has been helping me and Xander with decorations.

It's kind of weird that they aren't leading and controlling how this party will go, but I'm glad they're helping anyway. Especially Beckett. He has no guilt or obligation. He is just here to help and celebrate Z, which is appreciated. I'm sure she'll like seeing a face she doesn't want to punch right now.

As we are stop running around with final touches, Enzo texts us to let us know they'll be here shortly. We all run to the entry way once we hear that they're here.

It's an awkward tension as no one speaks.

"What's all this?" Zeta asks, effectively breaking the silence.

I decide to answer: "We know it's late, but you deserve to celebrate your birthday, so we threw you a party."

I can tell she's about to refuse, so I speak before she can.

"Before you say no, just know that you deserve to be celebrated and we know that this does not make up for us forgetting you. We will all be working night and day to gain your forgiveness and trust. And tomorrow you can wake up and decide none of us are even worth talking to. But for tonight, let us celebrate you the way you deserve."

I can tell she's thinking.

"Ok" she whispers after a long pause. It was so quiet that I almost missed it.

"For the record, I am still mad. But I haven't gotten to celebrate my birthday with you guys since I was little. And I'm not depriving myself of it because you guys are idiots" she assures. Fair enough.