Aria

Chapter 24

-Aria-

An hour passes when suddenly the doorbell chimes.

Looking up from my spot on the couch, I try to spot Zeno. He had left the room to grab a snack but hadn't come back yet. The bell chimes again and no footsteps could be heard from above. Perhaps my brothers didn't hear the bell.

Should I get the door?

I sit up from my previous position and gently stand up, placing my hand on the couch for support. After the black dots from my vision disappear I straighten myself and walk towards the door. Once in front of it, I lean my ear against the wood, hoping to hear the person on the other side.

Quiet.

I take a deep breath and place my hand on the handle. After several minutes I finally pull it back, feeling a breeze of fresh air.

My eyes widened at the sight in front of me, there were bags upon bags everywhere. Clothing and shoes could be seen poking out, all stacked upon each other. When my gaze reaches the area by the steps I notice several men standing in black uniform. Their heads lower once they make eye contact.

What is going on?

I stumble back a bit and turn around, only to be bumped into someone's chest. Their arms reach out to go around me and tighten their hold.

"Sapete che mia sorella è a casa, eppure vi presentate tutti senza preavviso."

It was Matteo.

I lean back to look at his face and there's an agitated expression. His eyebrows are furrowed and his mouth is in a stern line. When he looks down he pulls me for a hug, putting his hand on the back of my head. I freeze but quickly comply when I hear his heart beating at a fast rate.

After several seconds we pull back. To my shock when I turned around no one was present. My head whips to Matteo and he stands there nonchalantly.

He walks up to the bags and starts picking them up. I shake my head and clear my thoughts before walking over.

Just as I was about to reach for one he says strictly, "Don't," and I jump back.

Zeno walks outside with a bag of chips in his hands, munching as he watches Matteo grab the bags. He walks up to me and places the chip bag in my hand, going to pick up the rest of the items that were there.

They go inside and up the steps, I stay close to Matteo in case he trips because of his leg, as if I could catch him if anything were to happen (but just in case). Once upstairs they walk into.... my room?

Opening the door wide they place all the bags on the floor. Gabe walks from behind and hugs me before walking inside and grabbing a chair from the desk. He pulls it by the bags and leads me to it. Once I take a seat he sits on the floor. The rest of the boys follow suit and sit comfortably. Zeno takes the chips from my hands and starts rummaging through the bags. Leo walks in with a tray of lemonade and goes around handing it to everyone.

My heart warms at their kindness and I feel my eyes sting.

No Aria, no crying.

Leo sits on the ground as well and starts to open up a bag. From it, he pulls out a beautiful white sundress with a strawberry print. It had long fluffy sleeves and was absolutely gorgeous.

I stare in awe as he lays it out and takes out another print. The second was in a light blue shade and the third had a sunflower print.

Leo holds the first one out to me and nods to the bathroom.

He wants me to try it on.

I get up from my spot and take hold of the dress, the smooth fabric caressing my hands as I walk my way to the bathroom. I quickly take off the sweatshirt and put on the dress. Keeping my eyes closed I walk to the long mirror. Once in front, I take a deep breath and slowly open my eyes. I gasp as I see how gorgeous it looked. It fit me perfectly and felt so comfortable. I never thought I'd have an opportunity to wear something so.... pretty.

I felt beautiful.

I walk to the door timidly, starting to feel nervous for my brother's reactions. What if they don't like it? I place my hand on the cold knob before turning it gently, finally stepping out after the long wait.

They abruptly stop talking and once I look up I noticed they were watching me with their eyes wide. They held an indescribable expression and I couldn't understand if they liked the dress or not. Getting no response from them but silence, I felt a bit dejected.

"I...I'll change," I whisper and step back, to head into the bathroom.

Gabe grabs hold of my hand and pulls me to him.

He hugs me and places a soft kiss on my cheek whispering, " You look absolutely gorgeous munchkin."

My heart flutters with happiness and I smile widely.

"Thank you for saying that." I blush and hug him back tightly.

Once we pull apart Leo rushes to hug me as well and Zeno gives a small nod of approval. Matteo watched intensely and went back to look through the bags. I go back to the bathroom to pick up my old clothes and when I walked out, Matteo and Leo were fighting over something. In their hands was a fabric, the exact print as the dress I was wearing. Before I could figure out what it was, Gabe took my hand and led me outside the room.