Save Me [EDITING]

Chapter 29

Athena's dress for the reunion ^^

Chapter 29: "Event crashes"

◾ Athena ◾

After the maids helped me to put on my dress, Troian held my hand and lead me to the dining hall. I had to wear heels so walking down to the third floor was painful. I only wished I had the option to wear a pair of converse or Jordans.

When we made it to the third floor the noise and chatter from everyone was loud and clear. My family was only a few feet away but I stood frozen in place.

"You don't have to be afraid Athena," Troian reassured me. I knew I had to go in there but I still had second thoughts. I could run out the mansion if I wanted to right then but instead I just did nothing.

"They're your family and they're going to love you, just like the rest of us do," she stated with determination to get me in there.

I closed my eyes and took a few breaths. It was now or never and I decided to go and get it over with.

When I entered, the chattering started to quiet down. The whispers began and the staring. Troian didn't seem to care and lead me to a seat that was right next to Nonno's. Everyone began seating themselves and my grandfather quietened them down with the usual fork and glass trick.

He stood up and everyone faced him.

"Welcome to the family reunion," he welcomed and everyone applauded.

"We are here for a very special reason," he started and he held his hand out towards me. I grabbed it hesitantly and stood up to face my family.

In the back of my head I could hear Axel.

"Stand proud sweetheart,"

I did exactly that. Axel could lead me through anything.

"This is Athena, my first granddaughter, also the daughter of Thomas Rodriguez, my first son," he introduced and a few gasps were sounded. They really had no idea I even existed.

"I brought her home!" Nonno said enthusiastically and everyone started cheering. Literally cheering like we were at some prep rally.

I looked over Troian and she gave me the "I told you so" look. I couldn't help but smile. Everything was a mixture of emotions. Overwhelming, overjoyed and a little scary. I looked at everyone now and they really seemed genuinely happy.

The woman rushed out of their seats to introduce themselves. Many were great aunts or other close family friends. I even got to meet my younger female cousins.

After my grandfather ordered every one to sit back in their seats everything became more comfortable. They knew I existed and were happy for me. They were happy that I was there.

"Also not only that but I am retiring," Nonno announced and everyone quieted in seconds.

He chuckled and then asked me to stand up again.

"I'm getting old la mia famiglia. I'm sick too and you all know it. I was going to hand my chair over to Diego, the next in line but unfortunately he didn't want it and when I found Athena there was hope. She is the real heir," he announced and everyone stayed quiet.