Family First | *Rewrites in Progress*

Back To School

Anastasia's POV

The sun crept into my room as my phone's alarm went off and I groaned banging my head against my pillows. 

My school was one of the few down here that didn't require uniform, and I thanked baby Jesus as I picked a simple sweater and leggings to wear.

I slugged out of my bed, ignoring my phone as I took a quick shower, not bothering to wash my hair. My skin was still quite tanned from the Italian sun and I knew it would catch eyes in the hallways. 

I hadn't been to school since the start of winter, so I was bound to turn some heads. I braided my hair off of my face, leaving the bottom half loose and I slowly changed into my clothes, popping on some mascara and gloss. I walked out of my room and noticed Jacob slumping down the stairs, clearly pissed at the fact he had to go back.

Because we were in our final year of school, the exam period was starting in two weeks and Jacob was shitting himself. Evelyn was also graduating early with us as we had both accelerated together, but even that wasn't motivating my brother. 

My teachers had been happy with the countless essays I had typed in Italy, so they were letting me go ahead with the exams, the only bummer being that Quinn wasn't doing them with me because he came so late in the year. He claimed he was going to take online courses from now on, so I wouldn't be seeing him at school.

Grayson and Charlie were at the warehouse with dad this morning, so breakfast was relatively quiet as my mother dished out some bacon and eggs. She waved us all off and we laughed heading out to Tabitha, when I noticed Quinn's gorgeous red sports-car waiting for me. I waved to my brothers and sister as they climbed into Tabitha and sped off, leaving me and Astrid, who was quite nervous, with my boyfriend. 

He opened the door from the inside and I climbed in, greeting him with a passionate kiss. He drove out of the gates and on the way to school, we picked up Evelyn, who played games on her phone as we drove into the school. I had a free for my first period, so I was going to get Astrid set up during the time. 

Quinn parked next to Tabitha and he pulled me close to him, making sure everyone knew we were dating. 

Whispers from curious students and jealous girls arose as Quinn, Astrid and I walked to the main office, quickly silenced by a glare from Jacob as he greeted Evelyn. The office ladies smiled at me as I walked in with Astrid, barely giving a glance to Quinn.

"Hey Mary, did you get the email from my father about Astrid Hartford?" I asked the head lady and she nodded bringing up the email on her computer. 

"She's in Mr Simmons' class, on floor three, do you know the way still?" she asked, and I smile.

"Of course she got Simmons, all of us had him at least once."

Mr Simmons, or Riccardo as he was more commonly known amongst the Heart kids was my father's underboss, posing as a teacher during the day, and being one of the most feared men in the world by night. Each of us had been in his class during the years, and I knew my father had something to do with it. 

I waved to Mary and walked with Quinn and Astrid up the flights of stairs until we landed right outside of Riccardo's classroom. "You okay there, Mini A?" I asked, and she looked up at me a bit frightened.

"I just don't want to disappoint anyone, especially Charlie-bear," she whispered, and I squatted down to her height, giving her a hug.

"You might not be my blood sister sweetheart but you should know by now we all think of you as an honorary Heart, and no matter what you do, we will always be proud of you for trying your best. However, if anyone hurts you, just tell them your siblings are Hearts, okay?" She nodded and gave me one last hug before taking a deep breathe. 

I knocked on the door and Riccardo's familiar face turned up, smiling as he saw me. He stepped out and gave me a big hug, kissing my forehead. "Anastasia! My my, you've grown since I saw you last. I'll be visiting tonight but I'm glad you're all safe," he exclaimed. Quinn cleared his throat and I smiled sheepishly as Riccardo glared.

"And who might you be young man?" he said roughly.

"Ric, he's my boyfriend," I muttered and Riccardo's face turned from angry to happy. 

"You mean the little mafia princess finally found someone her family accepts!" he said smiling and I nodded, taking Quinn's hand in mine. 

Riccardo smiled at Quinn before looking down at Astrid. "Ahhh, you must be my new student! I'm Mr Simmons, it's a pleasure to meet you Astrid," he said gently, and he held out his hand. She shook it timidly and he chuckled.

"Finally, a quiet Heart kid. Even Hazel gave me a run for my money sometimes," he laughed. He ushered Astrid inside, and smiled at Quinn and I one last time. "See you soon you two, and boy, if you break that girls heart, I'll hunt you down," he threatened, causing Quinn's face to pale.

"Ciao, Zio Riccardo," I said, kissing his cheek. He waved to us as he walked back inside, and I smiled, leaning my head against Quinn's shoulder.

"He was joking, right?" Quinn asked.

"Who knows, Ric has his ways," I replied.

----

Astrid's POV

Mr Simmons said some more words to Ana and Quinn before ushering me to stand in front of the class. The room had a view of trees and a playground, and there were colourful pictures hanging up all around the room.

The students were chatting as I walked in, and Mr Simmons cleared his throat, causing them to fall silent. "Class, we have a new student. Can you say some things about yourself sweetheart," Mr Simmons asked gently and I nodded.

"My name's Astrid Hartford, I'm 7 and a half, my favourite colour is purple, I'm adopted, and I have four brothers and two sisters," I said grinning, and my classmates faces were that of shock and awe.

Some people stuck their hands up and Mr Simmons chuckled. "Only a few questions class, I don't want to scare off Miss Hartford on her first day."

A girl with pretty red hair and freckles put her hand up. "What's you siblings' names? By the way, I'm Madison and you can sit next to me," she asked and squealed at the same time, causing me to giggle. 

"There's Charlie, Grayson, Jacob, Anastasia, Nathan and Hazel, and my cousins are called Julian and Carlotta," I answered.

Mr Simmons then pointed to another girl, who had black hair with cherry looking hair ties and grey eyes. "Hi my name is Cherry, what's your favourite tv show?"

"I like watching anything really, but my sisters and I like watching Friends," I answered, smiling at her. 

Mr Simmons motioned for everyone to put their hands down and Madison waved me over to the seat next to her, which just so happened to be behind Cherry. "We should be friends. Cherry and I are already friends, but we should all hang together at lunch," Madison stated and I nodded.

"That would be awesome."