Matteo's Untouched Property (#2 UP Series)

Chapter One

Matteo POV

I carry the only pieces of luggage I was able to get that night, and the groceries I picked up. We made our way up the stairs to our new apartment. I had a lot of money lying around but I didn't plan on spending immense amounts of it. I needed to ration it out for as long as I could.

I had already applied to as many places I could, I had to change my name. I had chosen the name Matthew to make it easier for Vincent to remember. I hated the name.

"Oi! dai, ho bisogno di te aiuto." (Come on, I need your help.) I yell downstairs to Vincent, who hasn't said a word since we boarded the plane. I pull out the key from my back pocket and stick into the lock.

I open the door to reveal a small, comfortable two-bedroom apartment. The walls need some paint, the kitchen had seen better days, but other than that, it was okay. It was smaller than the one we had stayed in Italy but not by much.

"I'll let you have the bigger room." I drop the bags and give Vincent a teasing smile. He glares at me, but I can see the joy in his eyes as he runs past me and into the bedroom.

I know this must be hard on him, but we couldn't stay in Italy, it would be too dangerous and Leonardo would have found me out eventually. I couldn't risk my brother's life like that.

I trail after and find Vincent giggling and jumping like a madman on the soft mattress. Relief spreads through my chest at the sight of his smile, I thought that he would resent me for this sudden move, but he's taking this better than I had anticipated.

All I had left to do was send Vincent to school, I had been asking around and apparently the Burnside Kindergarten and Elementary was one of the best and most trusted. I had called the principal and set up a time tomorrow to go check it out.

It was close and Vincent could take the bus, it was perfect.

"Matteo! Prendimi!" (Matteo! Catch me!) I twist around to find Vincent flying at me, I catch him but just barely. I grunt when he lands roughly against my chest and wraps his arms my neck.

He giggles uncontrollably and squirms in my arms, indicating that he wants to go down. I chuckle and pat his head as I put him back down.

"Be careful, and remember the rules." I say sternly, he smiles sheepishly.

"Oh yeah! Sorry, Matthew." He throws out and I cringe at his heavy accent. Although his English is perfect, his pronunciation will give us away immediately. Mine isn't the best but I can cover it better than most.

I leave Vincent to his jumping and make my way to the groceries I had left by the front door. I unload them into the fridge and yawned as I fix Vincent a sandwich, and two for myself. I grab a beer and a juice box for Vincent.

"Vince, come eat!"

I crack open the beer and the refreshing cool liquid wakes me up a bit as it slides down my throat. I wait a few more seconds and call out again.

"OI! Come eat!" I take another sip and place it back down on the table and stalk to the bedroom.

"I mad-" I find Vincent on top of the covers, asleep. From those little snores of his I can tell that he had probably passed out the second I had left the room. I pick him up gently and tuck him under the covers and press a small kiss to his forehead. As I'm about to get up he reaches out and  wraps his arms my neck.

"Matteo, I want Ma." He whispers. My heart aches and I don't know how to tell him that they're never coming back. I climb into the bed and pull him on top of me and he cuddles into me, burying his face in my chest. I rub my hand through his hair and sigh.

"Ma and Pa went to help the angels, they might be busy." I whisper in a soft voice. He sniffles and I know he's crying but all I can do is hold him and sing the song Ma used to. My voice will never be as calm and gentle as hers, but I will try my damndest.

Dormi, dormi bel Bambin,

Re Divin, Re Divin

Fa la nanna bel Bambino,

Re Divin, Re Divin

Fa la nanna bel Bambino.

(Sleep, sleep beautiful Child,

King Divine, King Divine

Go to sleep, pretty Child,

King Divine, King Divine

Go to sleep, pretty Child, )

A few more sniffles and tears than Vincent's breathing becomes even out and deep. My stomach grumbles with hunger but I can't leave him alone right now. I missed my parents dearly but I had grown up and it became easier.

I press another kiss to his hair and close my eyes. Wishing for a better tomorrow.

* * * *

A.N Hey guys! So this the first chapter to Matteo's book, we know it's not exciting or anything but the next chapter will give you more about Annabelle and her life. This story is one we make as we go, so please bear with us. <3

Yours Truly,

R&N