EVELYN'S POV
"S-sis??" Sophia questioned with a horrified look on her face.
In fact everyone had the same look as hers. I sighed thinking,
'This is going to be interesting..'
"Yes, this is Evelyn, our sister. Her full name is Evelyn Romano." Xavier, oh so kindly informed smirking.
I internally groaned.
"What are they talking about Eve??" Emma frowned.
"I am so sorry I did not tell you guys. But they are telling the truth, I am their sister." I said lowering my head hoping they do not get mad at me.
"H-how is this even possible?? You just joined and you even said that your parents just shifted here for their job. And the Romanos have always lived here. Then how?? It doesn't make any sense." Hunter said awkwardly still very much confused.
"Yeah, I did say that. Actually, they were my adoptive parents and the Romanos are my biological family. So, before I was living with my adoptive parents, and now I am living with my biological family, i.e. the Romanos. It is all a little messed up to be honest." I cleared.
"Why didn't you tell us?" James questioned.
"I am sorry guys, but I myself got to know about my biological family few days ago. It all happened a little too fast, so I didn't have any time to tell you. It was actually a big shock for me too." I said honestly.
"We understand that girl, but why didn't you tell us right now?? We were basically talking about you all along right now. I mean we were just talking about the girl who came in with the Romanos today. You could have told us then." Ryan stated.
"I know. I didn't tell you because I was afraid you wouldn't want to be friends with me anymore. I just didn't want to lose you guys." I murmured.
"Are you kidding me?? We meant it when we said that you are a part of our group now Evelyn. We wouldn't have done that." Carter smiled reassuringly. I smiled in return.
We were brought out of our conversation with a clearing of throat. Looking up, I saw that it was Matteo who did it.
'leave it to him to be extra dramatic!!! He could have just called me, but noooooo! He had to be dramatic!!'
"If your talks are done, we have somethings to discuss as well." Xavier started as if he was talking to a business associate.
'LOL!!'
"So as I was saying, would you like to introduce us baby sis??" Xander smirked.
"I am not a baby." I muttered lowly thinking he did not hear, but looks like he did.
"We aren't arguing over this again bambina. You are our baby sister. No further comments." Matteo said smugly enjoying this.
I just huffed in return.
"Ok, so these are my friends, Sophia, Emma, Ryan, Hunter, James and Carter." I introduced pointing to each one of them.
"And guys, these are my brothers, Xander, Xavier, Matteo, Ezra and Ethan." I added.
"You look just like Ezra and Ethan." Hunter commented, his gaze flickering between us.
"Of course she does. After all we are triplets." Ethan said in a duh voice.
I just pinched my nose in return.
'why do they have a habit to drop all these bombs on my friends??'
'Do they want my friends to die of heart attack!?'
"WHATTTTT???" everyone yelled in chorus.
"Yes, Ezra and Ethan are my triplets." I confirmed glaring at my brothers.
My brothers just laughed at my attempt to glare.
"Aww! You look so cute glaring at us like that sunshine." Ethan cooed.
'What is he-?? A bird??'
"Now, coming to the point, we came here to meet you all, and to warn you too." Xander started speaking again.
"Warn??" James asked curiously.
"Yes, you hurt her in any way, and it won't be good for you. Understood??" Xander threatened in a low tone.
"Xander!!" I reprimanded.
"What?? He is right Eve. It is our job as your brothers to make sure no one hurts you. We know that your friends are good, but it doesn't mean we won't warn them of the consequences of hurting you." Ezra defended.
"We understand Eve, and it's ok. They are just being protective of you. And just to be clear, she is our friend, so we will never hurt her." Ryan stated with a smile making everyone nod at him and me smile at him.
"Good. Now, another thing. This is for all you boys. Stay away from her. If you try anything with her...." Xavier left the threat hanging.
"OMG! Guys stop please." I said completely embarrassed.
"I already told you that they are all dating for god's sake." I threw my hands in the air frustrated.
"Hey, we are just making sure." Ethan raised his hands in surrender.
"You don't have to worry about that either. Eve is right. We are all dating, so nothing like that will be happening." Carter ensured holding his laughter.
"Alright, we are leaving now. Meet us in the parking area near our car after school sunshine." Ezra said looking at me.
I merely nodded and they left kissing my forehead and hugging me.
Turning my head towards my friends, I said embarrassed, "I am so sorry for everything that happened right now guys."
"Hey hey, we told you Eve. It's ok. We understand. Stop saying sorry." Sophia said softly earning a smile from me.
"It was all just a very big shock for us. I mean I never expected the Romanos to behave so gently with a girl. I never thought I'll see that day to be honest." Emma gushed.
"Now, that the highly unexpected is over, let's talk about the upcoming party." Hunter diverted the topic.
"What party??" Ryan furrowed his eyebrows.
And just like that, the whole lunch went with some talks here and there.
After completing all my lessons for the day and bidding goodbye to my friends, I made my way towards the parking area.
There, I stood beside the car in which we came. Taking out my phone, I spent some time scrolling on some sites trying to pass the time till my brothers came as they were still not here.
After some more minutes, they finally arrived and we all settled in the car going back home.
"So, how was you day sorella?" Matteo questioned.
"Sorella??" I furrowed my brows in confusion.
'What did he just call me??' I wondered.
'I have no idea..' my inner voice replied.
'I never asked you Linda. It was a question I asked myself.' I retorted.
'Well, if you forgot, I am you sweetie. So, technically, you did ask me.' she said extra sweetly.
'Uggghhhh!! Go away!!!' I scowled.
'Why is my subconscious so annoying??' I thought.
'I heard that!!' she chimed.
'You were supposed to! NOW GO AWAY!!' I said yelling at the end. (in my mind obviously)
'Geez, no need to yell. I am going.' with that I shut her off.
"Well, sorella means sister sunshine. It is Italian." Ezra clarified.
"You know Italian??" I whisper-yelled.
"Yes, we have an Italian origin baby. So we have to know our native language, don't we?" Xavier chuckled amused at my reaction.
"Ohh ok." I nodded.
"You didn't answer, how was your day?" Matteo repeated.
"Oh, it was fine." I shrugged.
After that, we made small talks till we reached home. Climbing out of the car, we entered inside.
"Hey, you guys are back. How was you day?" mom greeted us as soon as we entered.
"Good" we all chorused.
She just shook her head at us and told us to get freshened up and then come downstairs for some snacks.
I refused saying that I wasn't hungry, which I really wasn't and made my way to my room.
Throwing my bag on a chair, I landed on the bed utterly exhausted and closed my eyes for a few seconds.
But, the silence and peace didn't last long as my ribs started throbbing in pain.
Reluctantly, I got up and moved to the bathroom and changed into comfy clothes.
After I was done, I lifted up my hoodie to check my ribs.
They were black-blue throughout and it was clear that they were still broken. They were still not healed.
Sighing to myself, I started changing my bandages and applied ointment on my wounds.
I know I should tell someone seeing the damage, as I probably need to see a doctor to heal this time, but I can't. I don't want to lose my family and the happiness I finally have. I know they will definitely not want me anymore after they get to know about the abuse. So, I guess, I have to take care of myself on my own as I can't risk it.
When I was done treating my wounds and bruises, I went back into my room and pulled out my bottle of painkillers. I have hidden it under a pile of clothes in my closet, so no one can find it. If someone found it, it would lead to many questions and I definitely do not want that.
Gulping down 2 painkillers with water, I sat back down on the bed and started doing my homework.
I was finally done with all the work I had to do and I kept everything back in my bag. I checked the time and it was almost dinner time now.
As if on cue, there was a knock on my door and opening it, I saw it was Ezra who had come to get me for dinner.
When I was settled in my chair, I placed some food in my plate and started eating.
"So, I hope your day was good tesoro?" dad questioned after some time.
"Yes" I smiled politely.
"Good. And I hope you all met her friends boys." Ales said raising an eyebrow.
"Of course Ales. Who do you take us for? And to answer your next question, yes they are good kids and they can be friends with her." Xander replied.
Nodding his head, Ales resumed eating.
"I need to tell you all something." Dad started.
After getting multiple nods from us, he continued.
"I called our family in Italy today and they are coming here tomorrow." he announced.
There was silence for a while after which all the boys started cheering and hooting.
'Now they are happy that our cousins are coming. Before they were annoyed. Are they bipolar or what!!??'
'You know what!!? Nevermind.. living here for a few days, I have realized that everyone's behavior here is unpredictable. So, I am not even gonna try anymore.'
The elders chuckled at the enthusiasm and Domenico and Ales just looked at them amused.
"I have missed them. It has been so long since we met them." Matteo pouted.
'Trust me. It was NOT cute.'
" I know. The minute I announced that we found Evelyn, I knew they were going to come here as soon as possible to meet her." dad shook his head.
"Umm, who all are there in our family in Italy?" I questioned curiously.
"Well, there is your grandparents baby. Then we have our uncles and aunts and then lastly our cousins." Carlos explained.
"How many cousins?" I asked tilting my head in confusion.
"Well, including all, we have total 20 cousins." he continued amused.
My eyes widened and my jaw hit the ground hearing that.
Everyone chuckled at my reaction.
'So many!!??'
'My family really doesn't know about birth control I guess.'
Composing myself, I asked, "Oh ok, so how many sisters?"
"Oh all brothers bambina." Xander smirked.
I started choking when I heard that.
"WHAT??" I screeched in a weird high-pitched voice.
"Yes bambina, we have a total of 20 cousins and they are all boys. Exactly like us." Ezra explained clearly enjoying this.
"Oh god, someone save me." I muttered lowly not intending for anyone to hear.
But, I guess everyone did hear it and they all started laughing at my statement. Even Domenico had amusement swirling in his eyes and I swear I saw his lips twitch upwards a little.
'I could have imagined that too.'
"Don't worry honey, me and your aunts and grandma are there to save you from the male population of the family and their overprotectiveness." mom said looking at me sympathetically encouraging me.
I smiled back gratefully.
"So, how are our grandparents like?" I asked no one in particular.
"Well, our grandmother is the best grandma you can ask for. She is the sweetest and makes the best dishes. Meanwhile, our grandfather is very strict and intimidating, but he really loves us and would do anything for family." Xavier answered.
I simply nodded at that.
I was honestly scared of the family's reactions to meeting me and it was clear that I was freaking out. Not wanting to have a panic attack in front of my family, I tried to take long deep breaths and calm myself.
'Yeah, I get frequent panic attacks, so I am not new to them.'
I was able to calm down finally and quickly finishing my dinner, I bid goodnight to everyone and went to my room. Closing my door, I slid down on the floor, realizing my panic attack was coming back full force.
I started having trouble breathing and everything around me started to blur. I quickly started doing the exercise I do to calm my panic attack. Counting from 1-10 and then backwards from 10-1, I repeated this another 4-5 times till I was finally able to breathe again.
After staying in the same position for a few more minutes, I moved to the night table to get some water. Taking a few sips, I changed to my nightwear and laid on my bed, drifting off, unaware of the nightmare awaiting me.
_________________________________________________________________________
ANOTHER CHAPTER DONE!!
HOW WAS IT??
A HEART-TO-HEART MOMENT BETWEEN THE LEAST FAVOURITE BROTHER AND EVELYN IN THE NEXT CHAPTER!!
ANY GUESSES WHO COULD IT BE?
KEEP READING TO FIND OUT!!
DON'T FORGET TO VOTE AND COMMENT.
LOVE<3
NEHAL