74. Full House

To Sofia, flying a private jet was an amazing experience. She was filming everything, almost bouncing on in seat from excitement.

However, it was not luxury that was the most exciting part but the window and to be exact - what's behind it. The proximity to the clouds was just something surreal, she loved to see the sky and the landscape below was breathtaking.

Sofia was so happy.

Even though Valentino and Alessio were arguing about something. Currently, she was not listening.

Meanwhile, Francesco was working on his laptop and Sofia could only admire his ability to focus in these conditions.

When they arrived to New York, black car was waiting for them at the airport's parking space. Their chauffeur drove them all the way to Manhattan to the Four Seasons Hotel.

"Two singles and one double" Maureen, the receptionist said and then three keys landed on the reception desk.

"Excuse me did you say one double?" Sofia asked.

"What do you mean? We need four singles" Valentino said, confused as well.

"I'm sorry this is how it was booked, we're full so I can't change the reservation," she said in an apologetic tone.

Sofia doubted that this huge hotel was full. If anything someone paid her for refusing to change their room arrangements.

"You've got to be kidding me" Valentino muttered "Someone did that on purpose"

"I even know who," Alessio said in a monotone voice "Rosario" he was used to his attics, his desire to disrupt and create chaos has made Alessio develop the patience of a saint.

"Well, boys it doesn't really matter who did what. Have fun in your room" Francesco said after taking two keys for the singles "Here" he dropped one into Sofia's hand and then turned towards the elevator.

Sofia wanted to follow her but she was stopped by two heavy hands.

"Give me that key" Alessio whispered ominously.

"No. Give me that, we know each other longer you will do me a favor not him right" Valentino stressed.

"You ignored me for several weeks don't you feel bad? Don't you want to say how sorry you are by giving me that single?" Alessio asked.

Oh, dear. Oh boy. Oh no.

"I'm not giving it to any of you," she said, turned around on her heels, and ran towards the elevator.

Both brothers watched Sofia with distaste. They knew there was no point in chasing her down, they couldn't force her to do anything because the moment Francesco would learn they did they would be in trouble.

"It was your brother's idea so you can sleep in the corridor," Valentino said, his voice full of conviction.

Alessio just slightly raised his eyebrows and mentally rolled up his sleeves. If that asshole wanted a fight he's going to give him one.

***

Sofia's room just like her brothers was situated on the 51st floor.

It was of course an awesome room. With a fluffy bed covered in white sheets, with huge windows that were giving her a panoramic view of the city, and oh there was a mini-bar and she could actually get something to drink from there because that was her life now. She was rich. What a weird feeling. And just to be safe she actually won't touch $10 worth of bottle of water anytime soon.

"How do you like your room?" Francesco asked in a kind voice.

"It's awesome"

"It's good that you didn't let them take your key away, I'm proud of you kid," he said while petting her hair. Sofia pushed his hand away.

"You left me there with them!" She yelled her accusation "They're awful together" Sofia was definitely not sulking. Ok,  maybe a little bit.

Francesco chuckled. "I can't be there always for you when they fight. You gotta have to learn to fight your own battles"

"Why can't they just stop fighting?" She muttered with resignation.

"Fighting is actually rather normal among siblings" he pointed out "You should join them instead of get angry at something so natural"

"I- 'm gonna pretend you didn't just say that" Sofia replied, perplexed by her older brother's logic.

"Haha. Okay, I will allow it but you better listen when I tell you what the rules for our stay here are" he said and raised his finger in a warning.

Oh. She's going to have rules on holidays? Lame.

"First, you have online classes arranged with tutors, it's going to be like a normal school day for you, at least from Monday to Friday"

"Yeah, okay" she sighed and looked down. It didn't sound like fun.

"Now, after classes, you're allowed to go sightseeing, enjoy the city. Do whatever you like. Alessandro heard about your issues with a security detail. Now you still have the security of course but he will not be visible to you"

"Oh, okay. Thank you" she said sincerely. That was, actually, really awesome.

"Well, don't thank me yet. It's a double-edged sword. Now that you have more discreet security you need to be more responsible for yourself. No one will be there to remind you how to behave. That being said you need to be in the hotel room at 7 pm unless you get permission to stay for longer. Got it?"

"Seriously? 7 pm? How about 9?"

Francesco raised his eyebrows. "Do you think we are negotiating?"

"No, sorry" her shoulders quickly dropped. Of course, these weren't negotiations what was she thinking?

"It's okay, Fia" he started gently "I know you would like to have more freedom but I'm just trying to look out for you. Okay?"

Sofia nodded. Of course, she knew that.

"Unpack your stuff, it will feel more home-like," Francesco said while getting up.

"Sure, I will" Sofia nodded looking at her unpacked baggage. She could hear the door closing behind her brother.

***

While Valentino and Alessio were doing their own thing Sofia was having her version of fun by buying books, souvenirs, and going on long walks. She also visited museums and art galleries, and the local library. What were her brothers doing? Who knows? Hopefully, they were having fun.

In the first two days, she saw the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Broadway district, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, Fifth Avenue.

She was doing the sightseeing exactly in a way that she enjoyed the most - she was walking whenever she could by feet and ignored blisters forming on her feet. She was eating the cheapest street food she could find and locally baked goods. That way she could feel the city she was in and enjoy it.

***

On day six after the online classes, she was at the hotel's restaurant checking the menu. Normally she would look for something cheaper but Francesco wanted them to eat dinner together. He was really busy with work even here so Sofia was glad she had an occasion to spend some time with him.

Sofia realized that Francesco was cool on holidays because he wasn't overbearing and he was giving them space to do as they wanted as long as they were taking care of their own safety. She wondered if Emilio is going to be like this as well.

Valentino showed up out of nowhere coincidently when Francesco decided to go to the bathroom.

"Aren't you bored of spending days all on your own?" He asked, using the most uncaring voice he could muster. Was he still angry that she didn't give up her key to him?

"Why? You want me to beg you to spend time with me?" Sofia challenged. It didn't escape her attention that he was avoiding her.

"That's what little sister should do" he replied, conveniently.

"I'm my own version of little sister and I'm cooler than my older brothers"

"Little shit" he muttered.

"What did you call her?" Where did Francesco come from?! Suddenly he was looming over Valentino who unwisely decided to take his spot.

"But she just! I- Fuck" Valentino cursed under his breath, this time accidentally.

"Dig your grave deeper" there was an ominous threat in Francesco's voice.

Valentino decided it was a good time to evacuate so he quickly stood up from the chair and with a pout on his face, he walked away muttering something, probably curses.

"He's impossible," Sofia said.

"Tell me about it," Francesco said shaking his head in disappointment.

***

"You're following me"

"Nonsense, I'm just walking in the same direction" Alessio pointed out in a phlegmatic voice.

"Why are you following her?" Valentino snarled at Alessio.

Both siblings turned back and they saw Valentino.

Sofia rolled her eyes. Another drama was upcoming.

"Why are you following us?" Alessio replied with a question. We probably meant Sofia and him which only pissed Valentino further.

Valentino ignored him and quickened his pace to reach Sofia who could feel the heavy hand of her brother on her arm.

"So Fia, where are we going?" Valentino asked.

"Well I don't know where are you going I'm going to the library"

"What? Why? We just finished classes" he criticized her choice.

"Well unlike some people I know I have to study after classes as well," Sofia said with irritation.

"Cmon take a break for a day" he pleaded.

Sofia sighed and stopped. "Okay, what do you want to do?" She asked.

"There's an ice rink in a central park" he sent her a devilish grin.

"Let's go then" Sofia shrugged her shoulders. It's not like she was a fan of skating but at least that way Valentino would relax a little. He was like a toddler - too little physical activity made him unbearable.

"Not you" Valentino pointed at Alessio who didn't seem to care much.

"This is a public space you don't get to decide where I can or cannot go" Alessio pointed out with hands in his pockets.

"If you keep fighting I'm not going anywhere," Sofia said firmly.

"You're no fun" Valentino complained.

"I just don't share your idea of fun, that's a different thing" Sofia replied dryly.

***

Both Alessio and Valentino skated like devils and to Sofia's disappointment even without communicating much they had a competition who's faster and it was clear.

In the meantime, Sofia was in the middle of an ice rink, more interested in trying to figure out how to skate backward than in anything else.

There was a guy who looked like an experienced skater whose technique was perfect and Sofia couldn't help but look at him from time to time and try to copy his movements.

"Try to keep your weight over your feet more"

Sofia jumped when she realized he was speaking to her. That guy she tried to mimic. Before she could feel his arm draped around her waist.

"Thank you" she managed to say as she steadied herself. She felt pretty uncomfortable. He was touching her waist, and he seems to didn't notice that she wasn't okay with that.

"Ethan Michaels" he introduced himself shortly.

"S-Sofia," she replied, trying to pull away gently.

"... can I get your number?" He managed to blurt out without letting go of her waist.

"If you won't leave her alone the only number you will have to call is 911," Alessio said, suddenly standing behind him. In the meantime, Valentino pulled Sofia away from the guy.

Ethan apologized quickly he wanted to drive away but of course for Valentino it wasn't enough. He had to outstretch his leg to trip him.

Sofia covered her mouth when she saw the harmless guy falling on the ground.

Okay. Ethan didn't like that.

"You son of the bitch" he growled, and was about to get up to attack when Alessio used his skates to pin him to the ground.

Before he could even get up, he was lying flat on ice again.

"Really dude maybe you should gain your balance before you start cussing people out?" Alessio asked, clearly bored and unimpressed.

Sofia understood that they're in their element, but Sofia wasn't. Sofia was angry and terrified by watching what's happening in front of her eyes. Actually, everyone was watching and the ice rink's employee was already kicking them out.

"Are you guys serious? I can't believe it!" She didn't want to make a scene but she did want to beat them up at the moment. Of course, that was not a realistic dream so she decided to leave the ice rink. She was so angry and embarrassed.

"Sof, wait," Alessio said, clearly worried about her reaction. But she didn't even look back at him.

"Did you guys have to attack him physically?!" She yelled after they had been far away from the place. She spoke to them only after they completely left the park because before she was too embarrassed and furious to speak.

"Oh jeez, wait Sof, it's not our fault. That asshole really provoked us" Valentino pointed out, he sounded tired and annoyed.

"You didn't have to do all that. He was leaving! Violence is not the only way to solve problems you know?" Sofia said, completely annoyed with them.

"How is running away and crying a solution?" He asked, clearly annoyed. "Just stop forgiving people I don't get why is it so easy for you. Be angry at them even if they apologize" Valentino said angrily.

For a moment, no one said anything. They just stared at each other.

Sofia knew he was speaking about Cynthia as well. About her come back because he didn't understood Sofia's decisions to keep her end of the deal.

Sofia after carefully considering her words started speaking first "Just like your way of reacting to violence is returning it, my way of reacting is avoiding it" Sofia replied slowly "I don't want to change who I am because I hate violence and I don't enjoy attacking people. You don't respect of my way of doing things that's fine, I don't respect yours" she said feeling angry at the way he treats her.

"Where are you going?" Alessio finally asked. He didn't seem like a person who's about to apologize.

"Back to the hotel!"

**

It was late evening Francesco decided it would be a good idea to take the kids for a family dinner.

He didn't spend much with Sofia this week so he at least wanted to do something before he comes back to Catania.

It was very easy to find Alessio and Valentino. If they were in the hotel they were at the gym. He was thankful for that, at least they tire themselves enough to not kill each other in that common room of theirs.

He saw Rosario's point. The fighting needed to stop for everyone's sake. Alessandro would take Valentino's side and Rosario would take Alessio's side. That would be an unnecessary burden to already strained family relations. They needed to sort out their differences and they needed to sort it out during their stay in NYC.

The moment he saw their grim faces he knew something is up.

"What's going on?" He asked in a serious voice.

"Sofia is pissed off at us" Valentino admitted while avoiding his gaze.

"Apologize," he said simply.

"You don't even know why!" Valentino yelled and looked at him with betrayal painted on his face. Francesco raised his eyebrows in an unspoken challenge.

"I know you have to apologize. Be ready in half an hour at the lobby. We're going out" he said curtly and left them with this information.

***

Sofia was sitting in the drawing-room, a common hotel space with sofas and armchairs where the hotel guests were working or relaxing. Personally, she found it to be a great reading space.

Francesco, of course, found her quickly.

"Fia, in half an hour were going out on dinner"

"But-"

"I know Valentino and Alessio but I don't know how much time I will have in the following days"

Sofia sighed and closed her laptop.

"Actually, what are you doing?"

"Family business. We have some friends in here to assure that nothing will change after our family merges together" Francesco explained.

Sofia sighed "Okay, I will get ready"

***

15 minutes later everyone gathered in the lobby. Sofia was wearing a red dress and a navy top. Her hair was tied in a ponytail.

"Where are we going," Valentino asked. He was wearing a simple white shirt and black pants and just by looking at his outfit Sofia remained that they were going to some fancy place.

"To Le Bernardin," Francesco said. He was wearing a black suit, a tie, and a light blue shirt. Alessio on the other hand opted for dark brown, almost black outfit.

"And that is?" Sofia asked as she entered the black Bentley that her family rented.

"French restaurant, I hope you will like it," Francesco said.

As they were driving Sofia checked this place on Google reviews her eyes widened. It was the best-rated French seafood restaurant in the city. Of course.

Valentino was driving and of course, managed to snap several times at Alessio calmly pointing out any mistakes or any potential mistakes.

They were fighting like an old married couple.

At some point, Sofia's head started hurting and she welcomed with relief the opportunity to leave the car.

The restaurant - was really beautiful.

"Good evening, unfortunately, we're booked for today. Do you have a reservation?" The waitress asked the moment they entered.

"Yes, check the reservation for Ianniello," Valentino said to the waitress who checked the list and said.

They were led to the table and were handed menus by the waiter.

"I've never had a lobster" Sofia admitted. "Should I try it? What does it taste like?"

"A bit like shrimp, it's great, you can go ahead and order a bunch of food you haven't tried to taste" Francesco replied.

A few minutes later waiter appeared again to take their order. They've got a bunch of stuff some of which Sofia couldn't even pronounce.

"So, how is the name change going?" Valentino asked changing the topic smoothly.

"Patience, it's a long process" Francesco replied calmly and took a sip of his wine. He was very aware of what Valentino is doing.

"What surname change?" Alessio asked.

Valentino and Alessio were arguing often but usually, Alessio gave the impression that he didn't care about anything. This time his response was more cold than usual.

"We're changing her surname to Ianniello since we're - you know - her family" he made a smug face. As if he won something.

Sofia just knew it was not going to end well.

"She's not an Ianniello, she's a Denaro"'

Oh boy. Technically, Sofia was a Sanzaro after her mother and at this moment she preferred for it to stay that way.

"You're mad as hell because she wants to be with us and she's just dealing with you because you forced her to" Valentino said.

"You know, you're saying all that shit but it must be annoying to you that she was not your father's kid therefore she cannot have your surname"' Alessio replied, his tone sounded indifferent. "Who cares if she was living with you longer? It only happened because she happened to find you first"'

That was it for Valentino who looked positively murderous. Thankfully Francesco decided to step up.

"Stop it. Both of you" Francesco said firmly. "We're in public for God's sake, but regardless we need to stop fighting and start finding common ground"

"A common ground?" Valentino scoffed "We're not a family. We're just two separate entities who play house for her"

Sofia knew that he didn't mean to hurt her, that it was just in his nature to be blunt and loud and usually just a funny and warm person but today, today his honesty hit her like a ton of bricks.

She stood up from the chair, making a lot of noise. Everyone noticed it, and they, unfortunately, she turned on her heels and started running towards the door.

"Sofia wait!"

But she didn't wait.

She just ran.

Now that she thinks about it, Sofia is accustomed to running, that's the thing she knows best. So she just left that restaurant because she didn't want to face them.

She was planning to take a Taxi and just escaping  to a random place, anywhere where she could be alone. But instead, she stopped on the sidewalk before the restaurant and took a few long breaths.

She waited. She planned to face them this time.

Alessio and Valentino were first to leave, Francesco stayed behind.

"Oh you're here," Valentino said awkwardly. He expected her to run off somewhere as well. It didn't happen. "Listen Fia, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that"

"But you did" Sofia said coldly "At first I wanted to blame myself, but no. I have no intention to anymore. I would be grateful if you stop blaming me for the situation. I did not ask to be caught in the middle of the fight that I have nothing to do with. I told you I can get out of your sight if that's what you want" Sofia said.  "But at the end of the day, you know damn well that our family profits because of this reconciliation so I'd love it if you stop acting like you're doing me a favor for even being here!"

When Sofia finished yelling she felt a bit better. There was an awkward silence, as everyone knew she was right. They had nothing to say, they were just ashamed.

"I share exactly one parent with each of you so I am your sister in the same way. Stop making it a competition to which family I belong. I don't care to about the surname or my parent's gender. It doesn't change anything. And my last name will remain Sanzaro so call Alessandro and tell him that"

The last words were directed at Francesco who nodded wordlessly. He joined them a moment ago and so far - only observed what's happening - right now he decided to speak.

After that everything went quiet after Valentino started speaking "Listen Fia, it really sucks that we can't get along but we will eventually. Sorry for upsetting you"

"Yeah, what he said" Alessio muttered.

"This is m last warning stop behaving like animals" Francesco said slowly as if he was speaking to someone with difficulty understanding.

"Sorry" the small chorus replied to him.

"How about we get inside to finish eating the food?" Francesco asked.

Well, everyone eagerly agreed.

***

After the whole exchange they had a peaceful and delicious meal.

When they came back to the hotel Francesco knocked at the door of Sofia's room.

"Hi there, I wanted to say goodbye. I will be going home next morning and we won't see each other"

"Have a safe trip" Sofia said softly. "And I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings with that surname thing"

"Nonsense" Francesco opposed with gentleness "I remember well why Alessandro suggested to change your last name and reasoning behind it"

"...Reasoning?" Sofia asked.

"Yes. It was when you first joined us, he wanted to make you feel like you belong to our family. Back then it felt like you consider yourself to be an outsider and we didn't want that for you"

"Oh..."

That's why he asked, of course. At that time Sofia was still planning to move out the moment she passes 18. She was thankful for the way her brothers took care of her but she felt like a stranger after meeting them as a 17 years old.

"But now... now you don't feel like that anymore, right? You know we care about you and consider you a part of our family?"

After everything that happened? Everything they went through together, and how they showed her that they indeed care about her.

"Of course I do"

That was the only response she could give.

***

Just like that, the first week of their New York journey passed. It was a bit intense at times but nothing too crazy.

Then, it was time for Emilio to arrive. Francesco to Sofia's despair was leaving and she would see him a week later.

"Sofia, get up it's late" she heard Emilio's voice because he was loud and clear.

"What's happening," she asked in a sleepy voice. She looked at the clock and moaned. It was 6 am.

"What do you mean? Day already started it's time to get up" he said with his arms crossed over his chest.

"Are you serious? It's too early" she said. He was being unreasonable "I'm starting classes at 9"

"Right now is the perfect time to eat breakfast," Emilio said and his voice became harsher. Sofia quickly scrambled out of bed and looked at him with anger suddenly entering her chest.

"Why?!"

"Why you ask? Because I say so" he replied. Wow, what a reply. What was his problem anyway?

"And what if I don't want to?" She asked stubbornly. She wouldn't go back to sleep anyway, she was too awake.

"You can stay in your room until this trip ends," he said shrugging his shoulders.

Sofia's jaw dropped.

"What? Why?" Did she do something to upset him? What was wrong with him?

"You have 10 minutes, breakfast is already on the table," he said, leaving her wondering why does he hate her.

10 minutes?! The moment he left her hotel room she started cursing under her breath.

She opted for a simple red t-shirt and above-knee skirt in dark brown color.

"Go change" Emilio said the moment he saw her.

"Why?"

"You can't jog in this"

"I can't what? Jog? No. I can't jog at all. It's winter" she said as if it explained everything.

She wasn't really a fan of physical activity.

Emilio raised his eyebrows "Do people lose their ability to use legs in the winter? No? Then go change your clothes"

Why so snappish? Clearly, she stepped on his toe accidentally.

When she came back in completely different attire he commented: "Better" he commented.

Sofia wanted to throw the plate at him again but she opted out of that solution. Let's remain calm.

It would be a second time when she threw a dish at him...

Wait. From all he knew she was a completely spoiled brat, right? No wonder he was acting like this they didn't exactly get off on the right foot.

When Sofia sat at the table Alessio was already there, fresh and ready for the day. He normally was awake around 9 and Sofia suspected his change of schedule was caused simply by his older brother's arrival.

"I-is he always like that?" Sofia asked quietly, she felt awkward addressing Alessio so casually. They barely had a chance to speak with each other, no one was really approaching until now.

"Like what?" Alessio asked as she piqued his interest.

"Oh, you know... like mad at everything?"

"Yes," he replied simply. "But today something is different I mean it makes sense"

"How does it make sense?" Sofia asked taken aback.

"I mean you broke a plate by throwing it on the ground, remember?"

Oh, right. So her brother hated her. Cool.

She ate half of her oatmeal because she actually felt nervous right now. Alessio noticed that and he didn't say anything but he gave her a quick, analyzing glance.

****

"I can't breathe," Sofia said miserably. She really couldn't. She wanted to drop to the ground and die (not to be dramatic but that's how she felt like).

"It's been 2 minutes of running, c'mon. Move"

Emilio, who from an early age has been polishing his physical stamina clearly believed that she's faking it because a person cannot be in this bad condition.

"I am really tired"

"You will rest when we're done" he replied cruelly. He was impossible. Sofia got up and started running again.

An hour later and she really just dropped to the ground.

"I'm not doing this anymore"

She wanted to die.

He sighed. "Alright, we can go back to the hotel"

"Finally"

"But don't think it's over. We will be jogging together every day"

"No, thank you"

"Wasn't a request"

She sighed. It's going to be a long week.

***

A long week it was indeed.

To Sofia's schedule of online classes morning jogging with Emilio was added. And she didn't mind at all. It was a pleasant experience.

The week spend with Emilio was definitely different from the one she spent with Francesco. Emilio has took it upon himself to start teaching her to defend herself the moment he arrived and he didn't take a no for an answer.

Sofia stopped minding his attitude really quickly because she realized that she wants to learn.

On Saturday he brought her to the shooting range.

"By the way why you insist on training me when we're on holidays?"

Okay, she had classes but it kinda felt like holidays. She had a really good time here.

"We are not on holiday. You're here because it is not safe at home, and since you are keen on picking up guns and pointing them around carelessly you will learn how to use them, and if you will know how to use your weapons in case of another emergency"

"What do you mean? I have security following me like a shadow everywhere I go. I won't need to use it"

"Maybe. You cannot predict the future" he said darkly and Sofia shivered.

Sofia's brows furrowed, she lowered the gun. "Is the merge going well?" Sofia seemingly changed the topic but in fact, she wanted to know if everything is going on smoothly. Emilio reminded her that she was here not on holiday but for her own safety. His serious attitude was very different from Francesco's calmness. He seemed to be on edge.

He looked at her "Yes, why wouldn't it?"

"I don't know, I've been just thinking," she said quietly. She lifted the gun again and took a shot.

It was pretty near the target. She had a good aim. She's is talented, he decided.

"Thinking about what?" Emilio asked with mild curiosity. He observed her shooting skills and he was impressed with what she could do after their first lesson. The kid wasn't hopeless after all.

"Our families are both strong and now they start cooperating... that power shift cannot be beneficial to everyone"

Sofia was thinking what about families in the city who were strong and had a position but now it doesn't matter because Denaros and Iannielos uniting must mean that they will have some sort of hegemony over the city. She didn't know much about the business but it felt like something... dangerous.

"Be careful. You're speaking about things you shouldn't speak about"

"Why not?"

"Because I don't feel like discussing it with you" Emilio said sternly.

Sofia sighed tiredly. She knew that she was not going to get anything from him so she stopped trying.

***

On Sunday they were on the plane to Catania.

This time Sofia really couldn't so she was just reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

When they arrived at the airport Sofia was pleased with how warm it was. March weather in New York was definitely colder than in Sicily. The pleasant change of environment and temperature lifted Sofia's mood.

She was not sleeping much on the plane but she was happy. Finally, home.

Well, home as if - the city.

In regard to her actual home she didn't know where it was now.

The car and a chauffeur already waited for them when they arrived at the airport.

"So, where are we going exactly?" Valentino asked. Just like Sofia and Alessio he didn't know where the location of their new house is.

"Piedimonte Etneo"

"So far away?" Alessio asked quietly, he seemed to be slightly confused.

Emilio replied "Yes, we wanted privacy, it's a perfect place for that"

After 40 minutes of driving from the airport, they arrived at the property situated on the slopes of Etna. It had a breathtaking view that descends from the mountain to the sea and Taormina city. The villa was surrounded by the impressive garden and the vineyard. The house had a terrace and Sofia knew she will spend hours here reading or just staring at the wonderful landscape in front of her.

"Holy sh-"

"A-ah" Emilio pointed at her "Language"

"Sorry. It's really beautiful here"

Of course, this is when Sofia noticed Francesco, Alessandro, and Rosario discussing something while sitting at the round table in the garden and she ran to give each one of them a hug.

Yes, even Rosario.

***

It was the beginning of march and days started to get warmer. Just like that the new semester the school started.

The moment she entered the school Bruno appeared in front of her.

"Apologize to me," he said firmly.

"Bruno" Sofia said awkwardly backing away with her hands up.

"What? You're not going to? You ghosted me without a word of explanation and-" he said taking a step forward. Oh. He was pissed.

Sofia considered her options.

A) she could run away and avoid him at all costs.

B) she could just... apologize.

She chose the second option. But before she started speaking she had to hug him.

"I'm sorry. I was in a bad place. Some things have happened and I didn't want you to get hurt"

"Fia..." Bruno started, in a completely different voice. She could tell it was gentle and that his anger evaporated in a split second.

Then, a cocky male voice has spoken.

"Seriously Sof I thought we're meant for each other who's this jackass?"

She would recognize his voice everywhere. Sofia turned around to face Anastasio who was leaning over the corridor wall with his hands crossed over his chest.

"What are you doing here?" Sofia asked, utterly confused by his presence.

"Who's he?" Bruno asked, in a suspicious voice.

"Oh right. Bruno - Anastasio, Anastasio - Bruno" she gave them a quick introduction.

"Anastasio is my friend"

"Boyfriend" he corrected her.

"What?" Bruno asked taken aback.

"That's not true! Don't listen to him, he's just teasing. That's his personality. Being annoying" Sofia replied sweetly and gave Anastasio a deadly glare.

"You're rejecting my feelings, love. That's painful" he openly mocked her.

"Stop it. What are you doing here?" Sofia growled at him.

Anastasio shrugged his shoulder "I live with Felice now. He found me because of you, remember? Father found out about me too and now I have to go back to school again. We will be in the same class are you happy?" He asked and grinned at her.

"Excuse me, Bruno, I need to talk with this idiot alone. We will be back in a minute" Sofia said to her confused best friend and dragged Anastasio to the nearest bathroom.

"Nice to be alone with you, Sof" he said in a flirty voice and he started playing with a strand of her hair.

"Stop it" she said firmly slapping his hand away "You told me that your life is in danger, now Cesare will find you!"

"Things got complicated for Cesare. I'm the prime minister's missing son, my disappearance was a national case number one for months so if he decides now for another few months I will be in the spotlight. Father transferred custody to Felice so people already are side-eying Cesare. He will stay the fuck away from me at least for a bit"

"Oh... I guess that's good"

"Sure is" he said confidently.

"And you're a student here now?" She asked carefully. She didn't know if she should be happy or cry.

"Yup. We're at the same class" he said. He winked at her, she blushed. It just happened.

****

Cynthia. Cynthia was in a classroom.

The moment Sofia entered, Cynthia simply looked away. As if she was stressed what will happen if she will look at her incorrectly or something.

"Hello everyone! Welcome at the second semester. Today we are welcoming two new students to our class: Veronica and Anastasio. Cynthia also came back to us after a small break. I hope you will welcome our newcomers warmly"

With that, Ms. Castillo started her lesson.

"Hey, would you like to go to the shopping after school?" Veronica asked, her voice was different than it was when she met her before.

"Sure" Sofia agreed and Veronica smiled brightly at her.

Veronica. Veronica was a homeless girl that was in Anastasio's group. Her situation surly got better and so did her attitude. She seemed nice.

Later when they were in the mall Veronica explained why she was so hostile towards her. She was interested in Anastasio, had a little crush on him and she was jealous at how he looked at Sofia. But since they started living together they kinda felt more like siblings than a potential couple so Veronica was no longer interested. When she asked Sofia if she was interested in him Sofia just blushed and started protesting loudly.

Of course, she wasn't.

***

A few days have passed since the new semester begun and Anastasio was an absolute phenomenon. A star. After all he was the kid of the most important politician in the country and he wasn't shy about it either.

He had that aura of confidence surrounding him. Don't get it wrong, Alessio and Valentino were still pretty much owning the school but Anastasio got a fair share of attention.

He was wearing his staple letter jacket despite strict uniform requirements, he had a tattoo, another forbidden thing according to the school rules that he couldn't give two shits about.

From the beginning Anastasio was working hard to for getting labeled as a bad boy, that's basically what he got. During the lessons, he looked like he was incredibly bored and he wasn't paying attention, sometimes he had a snarky comment or two but at the end of the day, he always knew the correct answer to every question.

"C'mon Sof which one of us is hotter?" Anastasio asked in a self-confident voice right after the math class ended. They sat together at the corridor while waiting for the next lesson.

"No one" She replied, her face red

"Aw she doesn't want you to feel bad" Anastasio said to Bruno who shook his head and didn't dignify it with a response.

***

Bruno, Sofia, Veronica and Anastasio went to the shopping mall after school and Sofia kinda felt like she had a group of friends. For the first time. It felt so good.

"So when Felice was looking for Anastasio he found me. I didn't know who he is so I... stole his wallet"

"Vera started selling drugs-"

"I needed money" she mumbled quietly.

"Yeah, how did that work out for you? Anyway long story short she lost or were robbed out of a batch of drugs she was suppose to sell. She didn't tell me anything and she tried to get her money back by stealing. Didn't work out that well"

"And how did I get her to be adopted by Felice?"

"The drug lord wanted his money back so he kidnapped her and wanted to sell her. Felice..." Anastasio glanced at Bruno "let's say he called a law enforcement. By the way he took over the family business now"

Oh wow.

"So what does it mean?"

"Cesare is gone. Felice is temporary the head of the family. Not ideal since he never wanted that but as soon as I finish school I will be taking over the company"

"Oh. Okay"

"And then I will marry you" he said, grinning.

"In your dreams. Absolutely not"

That's what she replied, but in fact she was thinking: that wouldn't be so bad.

***

Hi guys,

I didn't want to leave this story unfinished so this is how the ending is for now. I suck at endings, I know!

I hope that for some of you the story was enjoyable. I was only able to write this much because of your support and kindness. It has been extremely difficult for me to write such a long piece I know it's not perfect but this story is so important to me. Sure, it is unrealistic but I just wanted to enjoy writing something, it didn't have to be real to me.

I also know that you're angry at me bringing back Cynthia but Cynthia is not a harmful character anymore. I realize that she's annoying but I couldn't just leave her at that school. 💔

As for Anastasio and Bruno I think I can make Sofia choose between any of them. Some of you suggested to leave them as friends and this is what I decided to do. The rest is for your imagination.

Thank you for every kind word you said to me. Some comments I was reading for several times and smiling. Well to be honest negative comments I also read for several times, but don't let that stop you writing them because I appreciate honesty. Your words are really important to me <3