Running ✔️ [UNEDITED]

Chapter 11: I'm fine

AN: I changed the cover of this story! What are your thoughts on it?

Lila's POV:

I awoke, for the first time in a while, to no nightmares. I checked the alarm clock, and my eyes widened, it was 4 pm! Never have I woken up this late! Hastily, I got changed, did my business and ran downstairs.

"Good- afternoon," I panted upon reaching the kitchen.

"Well, well, well, look who finally decided to grace us with her presence," I'll give you three guesses as to who said that.

I ignored him and went to the table, taking a small pile of steaming pancakes and sitting on the floor. Suddenly, my phone rang; looking at the caller ID, I knew I was in for a long lecture.

"Hey, Sol! What's up?" I said.

"What's up? What's up? You haven't called or texted me in ages, and you're asking what's up??!" Solomon's voice yelled. I moved the phone away from my ear and listened to his tiny voice screeched about how I hadn't contacted him in more than three days, and he thought a crazy clown kidnapped me. I ignored the confused and amused looks from the Vincentis.

"SOL!" I yelled, "I was going to call you, but I was sidetracked! A lot had happened."

"Well, you can tell the boys and me all about it when we come to see you in two days," Sol continued matter of factly, before ending the call.

"Wait. What?!" My eyes widened. I groaned and resisted the urge to slam my phone on the ground.

"Who was that?" Olly asked.

"None of your business," I snapped back coldly. Was I being mean? Yes. Did I care right now? Not really. I had to shut people out. If I didn't, I would get hurt or hurt them.
Don't think about it.

"-Lila? Lila!" Olly was in front, shaking me. His blue eyes scanned me worriedly. Oh no. I must've spaced out.

"I'm fine," I said quietly, "could you repeat what you were saying?"

Olly didn't look convinced but continued anyway, "some of our family members are coming over for our monthly 'get together.'"

"Don't worry," I said, "I'll stay in my room and won't come downstairs."
Olly frowned, "no, you're going to meet them."

I looked down; 'get-togethers' meant parties and parties meant people, "Are you sure I can't-"

"That wasn't a question, Lila," Alessandro said.

I mentally huffed and rolled my eyes, "okay. When are they coming?"

"About two hours," Olly said, "so I'd get ready if I were you. Our housekeeper, Christy- who you'll meet soon- picked out a dress."

I made a face. I detested dresses. They were usually uncomfortable, and you couldn't fight people without being worried. The boys laughed, even Xander managed a smile, at my expression.

"If you had to wear a dress, you'd understand my pain," I shot back, but I was smiling a bit too.

"Come on, Drama Queen," Olly grinned, "go and get ready."

I looked up, flabbergasted, "what? I need two hours to get ready?"
They nodded, and I sat on my usual place on the floor and Xander put a plate of a sandwich in front. I finished it quickly, that subconscious fear that they would take it away lingered at the back of my mind. I offered a quick smile and got a few in return before going upstairs to get changed.

Lila! You can't get attached! I scolded myself; you're leaving in a few hours!
Oh right, the DNA results are due today.

Sighing, I took a shower and got changed. The dress was quite beautiful- I'd have to thank Christy when I meet her. It was navy with a brown belt and reached to just above my knees. There were some gold heels to wear, but I chose my brown boots- sorry, I was not going to be tottering about in 4-inch pieces of plastic. I applaud those of you who can do so successfully.

I curled my hair slightly and did it in a half-up half-down style. I put on makeup- not just to look good, but also to hide the bruises. Looking in the mirror, I saw a stranger staring back at me. This girl was powerful, strong and brave- not like me. Finally, I put on the watch and necklace I got all those years ago, in happier times.

Seeing I had an hour and a half left, I decided to play Candy Crush. Just as I was about to complete the level, Drake walked in with the biggest smile on his face, "Come on, the guests are here."

"What's got you so cheery?" I asked, relaxing my guard around him. Drake had this friendly aura where he could light up a room just by walking in it.

"Oh, I got some news..." he said vaguely, "Word of warning: our family is slightly crazy. Don't worry, though; they will love you."

I mentally snorted but nodded. We walked to the living room. Drake opened the door, and I got one glimpse of a massive family before I was engulfed in a bone-crushing hug.

"LILA!"

End of chapter 11.

Shorter than usual but there's going to be a lot of drama type stuff coming up! Cya soon for the next chapter.
Here are some pictures:

The mansion- sorry it's small!

Annoyingly, I couldn't find any pictures of Lila's bedroom! It's quite irritating since I had a nice idea on how it would look like. Hopefully, my description is enough!

Stay safe guys x