CHAPTER 22

"Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten." - David Ogden Stiers

Isla Isabelle POV

I woke up early in the morning, my eyes still heavy with sleep. As I slowly emerged from my cozy bed, I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. It was a brand new day, filled with endless possibilities and adventures. I reached for my favorite toys scattered on the floor, their vibrant colors and familiar shapes instantly bringing a smile to my face.

Suddenly, I heard a gentle knock on the door, and my heart skipped a beat. I watched eagerly as my papa made his way to answer it, his warm presence filling the room. The door creaked open, revealing a bright, sunlit world beyond. Papa's voice greeted the visitor, and curiosity tingled within me.

"Good morning, Vita mia. How did you sleep?" Papa's tender voice reached my ears, his eyes filled with genuine care.

"It's good, papa. I slept okay," I replied, beaming at him. "What about you? Did you have a good night's sleep too?"

A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he nodded. "Yes, Vita mia. I slept well too. Now, let's get you ready for the day, shall we?"

I eagerly accepted his offer, and he led me into the bathroom, the warm water cascading gently from the faucet. The sound of the running water was soothing, and Papa's gentle hands skillfully washed away the remnants of sleep from my face. I felt refreshed and invigorated, ready to embrace the day.

With the bath complete, I skipped to my wardrobe, filled with a sense of anticipation. Among the array of clothes, I spotted a cute little white dress, adorned with delicate pearl designs. It was my favorite, the one that made me feel like a princess. Papa assisted me in slipping into the dress, his eyes filled with pride as he fastened the buttons.

As I twirled in front of the mirror, my dress swirling around me, Papa gently gathered strands of my hair and secured them with colorful clips. The mirror reflected my excitement and happiness, and I couldn't wait to show off my new look to the world.

Hand in hand, Papa and I descended the stairs, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. In the dining room, I caught sight of Bubba and Gelo, my older brothers, engrossed in conversation as they sipped their morning coffee. The room was filled with warmth and laughter, and it felt like a little haven of joy.

I glanced around, expecting to see my other brothers at the table, but they were nowhere to be found. They must still be lost in the embrace of slumber,

After Papa lovingly fed me bacon, eggs, and a colorful assortment of fruits, our bellies full and content, we made our way to the cozy living room. It had been a while since I last saw Papa preparing to go to work, and the prospect of spending the day with him filled me with joy.

As we settled on the plush couch, snuggling together under a soft blanket, the television flickered to life. Papa had chosen a delightful cartoon that never failed to bring smiles to our faces. The animated characters danced across the screen, their colorful adventures captivating our attention.

Lost in the world of imagination, I suddenly noticed my older brother, Gio, descending the stairs. He was dressed in his work attire, a serious expression adorning his face. He approached me with gentle care, his voice soothing yet laden with responsibility.

"Princepessa, today we need to go to the hospital for a follow-up check-up on your health," Gio informed me calmly, his eyes conveying both concern and reassurance.

My heart skipped a beat, fear gripping me tightly. Memories of the hospital flooded my mind, the sterile smells and unfamiliar faces evoking a sense of unease. The tears welled up in my eyes, and I mustered the courage to express my distress to Papa.

"Papa, I don't want to go," I whimpered, my voice trembling with fear.

Papa's tender gaze met mine, filled with understanding and empathy. He gently wiped away my tears, his touch offering comfort and solace. Yet, his response broke my heart a little.

"Vita mia, I understand your fear, but we need to go for your well-being. I promise you, my precious one, it will be fine," he whispered softly, his voice laced with love.

The realization that Papa agreed with Gio's decision only intensified my sadness, and I sobbed uncontrollably, my tiny body wracked with the weight of my emotions. Reluctantly, I accepted that I had no choice but to face my fears and embark on this daunting journey to the hospital.

With a heavy sigh, Papa changed out of his comfortable attire and into more formal clothes. His presence, as he stood by my side, was a source of strength. I clutched his hand tightly, seeking solace in his unwavering support.

Together, we made our way to the car, Gio joining us in the car. As the engine roared to life, I watched the familiar scenery pass by, a mix of apprehension and hope swirling within me. Papa's reassuring voice filled the car.

As we stepped into the hospital, its sterile scent and bustling atmosphere washed over me. My eyes searched the familiar surroundings until they landed on the friendly face of Dr. Dale, Gio's friend and our trusted doctor. Papa and Dr. Dale engaged in a conversation, their voices carrying a sense of familiarity and trust.

Finding myself seated on the hospital bed, I fidgeted nervously, trying to get comfortable amidst the cold, clinical environment. Dr. Dale approached me with a warm smile, his gentle demeanor putting me at ease.

"Hi, Isla. We meet again. Do you remember me?" he asked, his voice laced with kindness. I nodded timidly, recognizing his friendly face from our previous visits.

"That's good to hear," he responded, his smile widening. "We've received your lab results, and I'm pleased to inform you that everything looks fine. You're doing great. It seems like you're gaining weight and height, which is a wonderful progress."

A shy grin spread across my face, relief washing over me. Papa's words about eating well and getting plenty of rest echoed in my mind, their importance now affirmed by Dr. Dale's encouraging words.

Dr. Dale's expression softened as he continued, "Now, we just need to give you a shot to ensure your continued health, and then you can go home to rest."

The mention of a shot jolted me with fear, catching me completely off guard. Panic welled up inside me, and in a split second, I leaped out of the bed and rushed into Papa's comforting embrace, tears streaming down my face. I pleaded with all my might, begging to be spared from the impending injection.

My voice quivered as I sobbed into Papa's lap, desperately seeking his reassurance and protection. My heart ached with a mix of fear and vulnerability, the thought of a sharp needle piercing my skin overwhelming my young mind.

Papa held me tenderly, his embrace providing a sense of safety and solace. He whispered soothing words, his voice filled with love and understanding, trying to calm my racing heart. His unwavering support gave me the courage to face the injection, but my tears continued to flow, silently expressing my apprehension.

Dr. Dale, witnessing my distress, approached us with empathy. He spoke softly, assuring me that the shot would be quick and would ultimately contribute to my well-being. His gentle demeanor and kind words helped alleviate some of my fears, though the trepidation still lingered within me.

As the syringe pierced my tender skin, a sharp sting coursed through my arm, causing me to squirm involuntarily. Tears streamed down my face, and my cries filled the air, echoing my distress. But Papa's strong embrace held me securely, his arms wrapped around me tightly, providing a sense of comfort and protection.

Though the pain persisted, Papa's steady presence and his unwavering grip helped minimize the discomfort. I took solace in the knowledge that he would never let anything harm me, his love acting as a shield against the pain.

Moments stretched on, but finally, the ordeal came to an end. Dr. Dale gently withdrew the syringe, his voice filled with reassurance and encouragement. I sniffled, wiping away the remnants of tears, feeling a mixture of relief and lingering discomfort.

Gio, witnessing my distress, offered to take care of the remaining tasks, recognizing the need to alleviate my discomfort. He assured us that he would handle any additional paperwork or errands, allowing us to head home sooner.

Piero Antonio POV

After arriving home, I carefully carried Belle, to her room, tucking her in with a gentle kiss on her forehead. Ensuring her comfort and safety was always a priority, and seeing her peaceful slumber brought a sense of contentment to my heart.

With Belle settled, I made my way to my office, a space that held the essence of my responsibilities and aspirations. As I stepped inside, a sense of anticipation filled the air. I scanned the room, taking in the meticulously arranged items and checking that everything was in order, ready to fulfill the tasks that awaited me.

Satisfied that everything was prepared to perfection, I heard the familiar sound of my phone ringing. Its melodic tone cut through the stillness, drawing my attention. I swiftly picked it up, recognizing the name flashing on the screen—Salvatore, a trusted companion and loyal member of our family.

"Father, they have arrived at the airport," Salvatore's voice resonated through the phone, his words carrying a sense of authority and responsibility. "We are currently escorting them to their new home."

A surge of excitement and anticipation coursed through me as I listened intently to his words. The arrival of someone significant, someone whose presence held great importance to our family, was imminent. I acknowledged Salvatore's report with a quick response, assuring him that I would be waiting eagerly for their arrival.

As I waited for their arrival, the distant sound of laughter and animated voices began to crescendo, filling the house with a joyful commotion. The door swung open, and my sons eagerly rushed downstairs, their excitement palpable as they greeted their beloved uncle, aunt, and cousins.

A wave of relief washed over me as their warm embrace and cheerful greetings filled the air, casting away any lingering apprehension. The presence of family, united under one roof, brought a renewed sense of belonging and happiness.

Amidst the lively atmosphere, a stern voice pierced through the excitement. It was Mama, her tone laced with frustration and impatience. Her eyes fixated on me, her gaze filled with an unmistakable demand.

"Where's my granddaughter, Piero Antonio? I want to see her," she exclaimed, her voice carrying a hint of anger.

I paused for a moment, feeling the weight of her words and the intensity of her gaze. However, rather than responding with a defensive tone, I made a conscious decision to approach her with love and understanding.

"Hello, Mother," I said, softening my voice and extending my arms for an embrace. "It's been a long time since we last saw each other."

As I wrapped my arms around her, I could sense the initial tension slowly dissipating. Mama's anger began to melt away, replaced by a flicker of warmth and familiarity.