Found and Forgotten

Chapter 39

Massimo POV

Things have been tense with Zeta since she left my office a week ago. Enzo gave me a disappointed stare for a while before a very sorry and to the point lecture that I deserved. He has also been colder to me this past week, only communicating for work. I know I deserve it all though. I'm the only parental figure she has so I messed up the most and did the least to earn her forgiveness. But I've been trying this week.

After Enzo walked out, I cried for the first time in years. I have never felt like such a disappointment in my life. Zeta deserves better and I'm going to give her that. But first, I have to get her to talk to me.

I've tried to go to her room multiple times to apologize, but she just shuts the door in my face every time. I did send her a very long apology text that I hope she read. I know it's not enough, but I'm hoping it's a start to get her at least talking to me.

I left a gift at her door yesterday too. I wanted small and meaningful to show her that I do care even when I'm bad at showing it. I made a photo album of us before our father took her away and then some of recent with a cheesy note about how she'll always be my little sister. I also got cheesy bracelets that have big brother and little sister in braille. I haven't taken mine off hoping she'll see it and know how much she means to me.

I've decided to try and join her workout with Enzo. From what I understand, it worked for Xander and I'm desperate. Plus, I haven't seen her fight yet, and I've wanted to since I heard she lasts sparring with Enzo. I've also planned a day away from the house hoping maybe it would be easier to talk in public where things aren't as tense. But I have to get her to agree to go first.

Enzo didn't seem surprised to see me, not that he often shows his emotions anyway. I asked him for help getting her to agree to a day out with me. He agreed, but only after he made it clear that it was for her and he would not be helping again if I mess this up. He knows how much I've been trying to get her to talk. We both start warming up when Zeta walks in.

She gives me a side eye, but doesn't immediately leave. That's a good sign, right?
I decided not to push it and silently work out with Enzo and Z. When I see her wrapping up her hands to spar, I decide to take a chance.

"Wanna spar, Z?" I ask.

She looks at me in disbelief and says, "I'm good. It's kind of me and Enzo's thing." I don't miss the sass in her voice. I don't comment on the fact that she sparred with Xander before too. It's clear she doesn't want to be near me, and I have to respect that. Enzo observes our conversation but doesn't interject. I decided to at least stay and watch, slightly hopeful she'll change her mind.

I have to say I'm thoroughly impressed. I heard she was good, but I wasn't expecting her to be as good as some of the mafia's best fighters. I feel a sense of pride while watching her. She's so strong. Not just physically but mentally too. It makes me feel even worse for bringing her down.

As they're finishing, I sneak out knowing she doesn't want me around. I really hope she agrees to coming out later.

Zeta POV

I was annoyed to see Massimo during my workout this morning, but I wasn't going to let that stop me from working out. The nightmares have been particularly bad this week and the workout helps me clear my mind. He actually has been trying this week, but I can't bring myself to talk to him more than necessary. He also lost my trust.

I was surprised to see him stay while we fight. Especially after I rejected him. I caught a glimpse of him during our spar, and I swear I saw some pride in his eyes. I must be imagining things.

As we were cleaning up, I glanced at the door realizing that he left. Enzo sighs. "I know he messed up but he does care" he says.

"He broke my trust. I'm not just letting him back in" I snap.

"I get that. I'm not saying you have to trust him, but I think it would benefit you to hear him out a little. At least have a conversation."

I sigh. I know he's right even if I don't want to. "I guess" I reply.

"Good. He wants to take you out at 10. Figured it'd be easier to talk somewhere out of here."

Ugh. I would say no, but talking to him needs to happen somewhere and I would also rather it not be here where it's so tense so I just nod.

I go to my room and get ready for the day. I'm nervous to talk to Mass. I don't really want to be tense and fighting still, but I also don't want to just forgive and trust him again without proof he's going to change.

I nervously make my way down 5 minutes before we are supposed to leave. Massimo is waiting by the garage door. He's pacing and fidgeting. He's nervous? I don't think I've ever seen him so out of sorts. He's usually emotionless like Enzo.

I silently make my way to him without saying anything. He kind of nods in acknowledgement and silently leads me to the car.

The ride begins silent and tense. It's suffocating. I turn on music because I can't handle it, but I'm too stubborn to start the conversation.

After driving for some time, Massimo speaks: "Thank you for coming out with me today. I really appreciate you giving us a chance to talk" he says. And I'm shocked. He's not exactly the one to show his appreciation like that. I mean he says thank you in a way that's good manners, but not in a way of showing appreciation.

"Thank Enzo, not me. I wouldn't be here if he didn't convince me that it's a good idea" I say honestly.

"I will. I owe him one." Another surprise. The Massimo I know would never admit to owing anyone.

I just nod and go back to listening to music. He seems to relax a little, but not totally.

We drive for a while longer before I look out the front window. We are at the zoo again.

"The zoo?" I ask. I don't miss the shock on his face that I spoke first. It's only then I realize I even did. There goes me not talking more than necessary. I mentally facepalm myself.

"Yeah. Thought it might be a good place to talk that's also relaxing. I figured in a worst case, if this goes bad, then you still get a nice day out. Maybe this could kind of be our place?" He says rhetorically.

I just nod as we get out of the car, still not sure I'm ready for what I'm sure will be an emotional talk.