Aria

Chapter 31

-Aria-

"These taste like shi-" Zeno was cut off by Leo's elbow to his stomach. Causing him to drop his burn-, wait in Leo's words, 'crisp' cookie.

This was our third try and let's say, we do not have the skill to bake. My cheeks flush red as I move to grab the tray of our very crispy cookies. Setting them aside I take a deep breath in and look at the mess in the kitchen. Flour and chocolate were laid around the counter. The milk that spilled earlier was still dripping onto the ground and parts of the tiles shined from the random scoops of butter lying on them.

I tie my hair back and go to move the dishes to the sink.

"Hey, wipe down the counters and mop the floor," Leo orders Zeno as he takes out a broom from the storage closet.

"But I-"

"Vuoi che la tua sorella piccola pulisce tutto questo disordine?"

I hear Zeno grumble at what Leo says and see him angrily take a bite of the other cookie in his hand. Giving me a glare he moves around me to grab a towel. I lowered my head, wondering what Leo had said to get him so upset. He soon starts to wipe down the stove and countertop.

After about 5 minutes, I finish washing and walk towards the stove to grab the towel from Zeno.

"T-thank you for y-your help, but I-I'll do it, you d-didn't make the m-mes-s," my voice lowers as I catch Zeno's hard stare. I lower my head and step back.

"I'll go and h-help L-Leo," I say as I take a few more steps away, towards Leo's direction. My back bumps into a hard chest. Two hands reach from behind and settle on top of my shoulders. I raise my head to see who it is and make eye contact with Matteo. I jolt from my spot and move away, feeling his hands drop to his side.

Matteo clears his throat and glances at the tray with the crispy cookies. He raises a brow before glancing at me and walks towards them.

"They're a b-bit burnt," I try to warn him before he takes a bite. I squint my eyes a bit and look away as he continues to chew the hard crunchy dessert.

"Hmm," he nods as he wipes the outside of his mouth with his free hand, "not bad."

I watch as he walks out of the kitchen and into the living area, only turning my head once I see him disappear. I go to the shelves and place all the remaining items in the pantry. Once Leo finishes sweeping he helps me place the bag of flour in the corner as Zeno moves to mop the floor.

We all step outside the kitchen to look at our work and color me impressed. Everything was neatly and cleanly placed in their proper area. The counters and floors were squeaky clean, Gabe and Alessandro will be happy. I smile big and turn to Zeno, "Thank y-you for helping u-us." Before he could reply Leo grabs our baked goods and takes my hand, moving me to the living area.

"Now why don't we watch some TV and enjoy the warm ooey gooey goodness in my hands,"

"That's a bit misleading," Zeno inserts and crashes on the couch across from us.

As we search through the movie list Matteo's phone rings. He picks up, listening intently to what the voice on the other side of the line was saying.

"Non puoi chiedere alle guardie esterne?" His face furrows, rubbing his temples and releasing a sigh.

"You've got to be fuc-" Matteo cuts off, "Okay, okay we are coming." He cuts the call and gets up from the couch, walking to the front door he starts to put on his shoes.

"Gabe's car broke down outside the entrance and there are some... things that need to be brought in, come on," Matteo states as he walks out the front door. Leo and Zeno stand up quickly and follow Matteo out. I hurriedly put on my shoes and go after them, just a few steps behind.