Ariana's POV:
Today was the day that my grandparents, zio, zia and cousins will go back to Italy. They have already delayed their departure. Now it's time that they go back. I will surely miss them very much but I know that I can go and visit them whenever I want.
I was still thinking about yesterday. What will they decide? Will they hate me now? I had so many questions but no answers. How I wish that I knew what they would decide but at the same time I was also afraid, what if they decided to cut off our relationship. I can't even begin to imagine what I would do if that happened.
As I was thinking about all of this my phone began to ring. I turned and saw that it was my dad. I was stunned. I had no idea why he was calling. I slowly answered my phone and put it to my ear.
On call:
"Hello, good morning dad."
I said cautiously, wondering what they wanted to talk about.
"Good morning Ari. Your mom is also on speaker."
"Hello Ari. How are you?"
She asked hesitantly. I didn't know what to say and how to reply. I didn't even know why they were calling but I am very happy that they are willing to call me.
"Hey mom. I am great. How are you both?"
"Good. Ari, we wanted to talk with you about what happened yesterday."
I held my breath and waited for them to talk. I was very afraid.
"Ari, we can't begin to understand the life that you are leading and we know that it will take us some time to understand it. We just wanted you to know that we will try to understand it for your sake. We will not abandon you. Our love for you will not diminish even a bit. To us you will always be our little baby daughter. Nothing will change that. I know that you would have feared what our reaction would be but don't you ever doubt our love for you. We will always be there for you."
As I listened to dad, I didn't even know when I started crying but my face was wet with tears. I know that I was very afraid but they also knew that and they called me and comforted me.
I can't even begin to think what they would have gone through after knowing this shocking truth but they still thought about me first.
"Dad, mom, you can't even imagine how relieved I am to hear you say that. I am sorry that you have to go through this much because of me. Nothing I say will ever express my love for you guys."
"We know that baby girl. We also love you. Now if I remember correctly then your family has a flight to catch today. So go and be there with them. Don't worry about us. We will make it through slowly but surely."
"Ok mom, dad, take care. I will visit you when I have free time. We have exams in a few days so I will not be very free for days to come."
"We know. Good luck for your exam. Love you Ari."
"Love you guys. Bye-bye."
I hung up the phone and there was a smile on my face. Now I was finally relieved. I know that we still have a long way to go and there are many things that we will have to tackle but now that I have them with me and my family I will be able to make it through.
"They called you." I was frightened by the sudden voice and quickly turned to see that Raf fratello was leaning against the door with a smile on his face. He was not asking but saying with conviction.
"How did you know?" I asked, feeling perplexed.
"By your smile. You lost your smile yesterday when they went from here in a tense atmosphere. Now you are smiling again."
"Yup. They called and we talked. They said that they will try to understand us and their love for me will not change ever." I was smiling by this point. They knew me so well to know that I got insecure. I saw that Raf fratello also smiled at me tenderly.
"That's great then. Did you think that they would not?"
"Yeah I was scared but now I know that I don't have to fear anything. Now I have to focus on my exams and get into the best college." I said with determination.
"Good. Now let's go. Everyone is waiting downstairs. We will have to go to the airport also." I nodded and went with him.
Everyone was sitting at the table for breakfast. Raf fratello went to call me for breakfast.
"Good morning everyone." I greeted them.
"Good morning."
"So they called, huh?" Zio said. I was surprised how well everyone knew me. My heart warmed at the thought. I was truly blessed to have them. I must have saved the entire world in my previous life to have them as my family.
"Yes." I nodded happily.
"Great then. I will not have to worry then." Zia said.
"What's there to worry about? I knew that they would call her first thing in the morning." Nonno said.
"How do you know that nonno?" Orlando asked.
"Of course I know that. Don't you forget that I have seen many things in my life and I knew that they love her so much that they will not be able to resist calling her. As they know her best they know how she will feel after all of this. So of course they will call her and try to do their best as much as they can."
I nodded. Nonno was right.
"Anyway it's great that princess is not sad anymore." Papa said. I smiled at him. That's how parents are. They can't see you being sad. They will do everything in their power to make you happy.
"Nonno, when will you come again?" I asked as I was feeling sad already that they are going back.
"Soon princess. Don't worry, we will call each other daily and when you finish your exams you can come to Italy. I know that you want to go to Italy as this is your dream. So come there then. I promise that I will make your experience wonderful."
"Of course, nonno. You are the best." I said cheeringly. I saw that nonno looking at nonna smugly. Sigh. What should I do with them? All of them are like children.
"Guys hurry up. We have to go to the airport soon." Zio reminded them.
"We won't be able to go to the airport as we have to go to school." Twinnie said. They nodded as they also knew that.
"Twinnie, let's go or we will be late." He reminded me. I nodded and gave them a hug.
"Bye bye guys. Travel safely. Call me when you guys land there. I will miss you."
"Of course princess. We will miss you too." Elio fratello said. All of them hugged me and twinnie then we went to school.
"We have exams starting next week. These weeks are going to be hard." I sighed.
"Are you confident, twinnie?"
"Of course I am."
"Good then."
We reached our school and went to our classes. The day passes as expected, hectic. I was again feeling very tired today. I think this is because of what happened yesterday as it took a toll on me so I went straight to sleep after coming home.
As I was sleeping I felt that someone was shaking me and calling my name. I groggily opened my eyes and saw that my brothers and papa were all there and looking at me worriedly. I was confused as to what was going on. I tried to sit up and found that my body was very tired and I felt like I had no energy. When Raf fratello saw me trying to sit up he immediately supported me and sat me up.
"What.." As I tried to talk I found my voice very hoarse and my throat parched. Twinnie immediately gave me water and I gulped it down.
"Twinnie, don't try to talk for now. You had a high fever and it just has gone down now."
I was confused because I didn't even know that I had a fever. I guess that explains why I was so tired these few days.
"Ari, I have given you an injection and your fever has just gone down. You scared us. Why didn't you tell us that you weren't feeling well?" Raf fratello said.
"I... I was just a little tired. I didn't know that I had a fever." I said, my voice still a little hoarse.
"It's ok. We were worried for you. We got scared when you didn't come down for dinner and came to find that you were running a high fever. It took a whole night for the fever to break. I am glad that it has gone down now." Papa said worriedly.
"Sorry."
"It's not your fault. You rest at home today. I have asked your school for a leave today." Tony fratello said. I nodded. I didn't have a lot of strength to go to school today so it was good that I can rest at home.
"Ok everyone. Go now and let her rest. I will stay here with her. Matteo, tell the kitchen to send some soup for Ari." Raf fratello said. Matteo nodded and went from there.
"It's ok fratello. I am feeling fine now. You should also go. I will be fine."
"Am I a doctor or are you?" He asked seriously. I shrunk my head a little as he meant business.
"You are." I said in a tiny voice.
"Then do as I say. Rest now. I will wake you up when the soup is here." I nodded and did as he said. You don't mess with him when he is in the doctor mode or you will be very miserable.
After lying down I immediately slept as I was feeling weak. I don't know how much time I slept for but I was awakened by Raf fratello.
"Ari, get up." He shook me a little. I woke up and saw that he was sitting by my side and rubbing my head.
"Get up and have your soup. It's still warm." He said gently. I nodded and sat up slowly.
"Here." He fed me with the spoon. I didn't argue with him this time because I knew that it was futile. I ate the soup and I have to admit that I was very hungry. Afterwards he gave me my medicine and I was now awake. I wasn't feeling sleepy anymore.
"Not sleepy?"
"Nuh huh."
"Do you want me to read you a story?"
"Fratello, I am not a five year old girl. You know that right?" I asked humorously.
"Of course I know that but can't adults read the books and stories?" He asked with raised eyebrows.
"Yes they can. Then read me a story. I have a book there that I am currently reading."
"Who was that, that was telling me that only children read stories?" He asked tauntingly.
"Okay okay. I was just pulling your legs. Sorry." I said cheekily.
"Hmm better. Okay, lie down." I lied down and he started reading the story from where I had left. I started feeling sleepy after some time and slipped into the dreamland.
*****
After the whole day of taking rest and Raf fratello's meticulous care I was feeling much better. Elio fratello called and told us that they had reached Italy. We talked for some time.
I went downstairs to even eat dinner. However they didn't let me stay much there and sent me to my room and insisted that I sleep after taking my medicine. I did and truthfully I was really sleepy. I guess it was the medicine's effects. I was blessed to have my family that is so caring and loving.
*****
Sorry for the delay everyone.
Happy reading.
Love, Stella.♥️