𝐆𝐈𝐔𝐋𝐈𝐀 𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐎, a young girl who's never known stability. Raised by a reckless, unstable mother, she spent her childhood caught between drug runs and police raids, ruining her right for a normal childhood. One night when her mother go...
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I wake up to something soft brushing against my cheek.
At first, I think it's a dream but then it happens again. The softest little tap hits my cheek. Then another. I groan and try to swat it away. Is it too much to ask for to sleep in on a damn Saturday?
My eyes blink open and I'm met with a—
Oh my god. No way.
The tiniest, most adorable little orange kitten stares right at me, paw midair. It lets out a little squeaky meow. Big blue eyes, a little pink nose, and a baby pink ribbon collar tied around the neck.
I let out a squeal before I can stop myself, half shock, half excitement. I sit up fast, covers tangled around me.
Across the room, Luca's leaning against the doorway, grinning. Full on cheesy smile with a digital camera in his hands. Marco's beside him, arms crossed and smiling.
"Happy birthday, Lia!" Luca says, stepping closer, voice full of excitement.
The kitten climbs onto my blanket like it owns the place, its tail flicking with attitude.
"Oh my god," I squeal out, scooping it up. It fits perfectly in my hands.
"She likes you," Luca says, practically bouncing on his feet.
I can't stop smiling, holding the kitten against my chest as she starts purring like a tiny engine. "You guys actually got me a cat?"
I glance up and see Luca nudging Marco. "I told you she'd like the fur ball."
Hell yeah I do.
I look between them, grinning so hard my cheeks hurt. "You guys are the best."
Luca grins. "We know."
Marco just shakes his head, but when he reaches out to scratch the kitten's head, I swear I catch him almost smiling.
I absolutely adore cats. I always have. And I've always been a cat person more than a dog person. They're so soft and innocent.
I grin down at her. "What's her name?" ask.
"That's on you, sweetheart" Marco says, taking a seat on the edge of my bed.
I look between them, then down at the little ball of orange fur. "What am I supposed to name you, huh?"
"She deserves something cool like.... pumpkin!" Luca yells out, like he just thought of the greatest name ever.
I shoot Luca a flat look. "Pumpkin? Seriously?"
He shrugs, totally unbothered. "She's orange. It fits."
Marco drags a hand down his face, looking incredibly disappointed. "How incredible basic."
"Okay, fine. Tangerine." Luca grins like he's proud of himself.
"You're just listing things that are orange," I say, giggling.
