CHAPTER 23

"The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves." - Victor Hugo

Isla Isabelle POV

As I slowly stirred from my sleep, my drowsy mind was immediately greeted by the muffled voices seeping through the closed door of my room. Instantly, a wave of unease washed over me.

You see, I've always been an introvert, preferring the comfort of solitude over the unpredictability of meeting new people. The thought of facing a house full of unfamiliar faces made my heart race with anxiety.

Summoning the courage within me, I finally rose from my bed, determined to face the day ahead. Shivering slightly from the chill in the air, I instinctively reached for warmer clothes. I swapped my pajamas for a cozy sweater, hoping its familiar embrace would provide some comfort amidst the chaos I was about to encounter.

With hesitant steps, I approached the door, my hand trembling as it reached for the doorknob. Peeking through the crack, I carefully surveyed the scene unfolding downstairs.

The sight before me was overwhelming-a bustling crowd of people engaged in lively conversations.

My gaze locked onto my papa, who stood amidst the commotion, engaging in earnest dialogue with two older individuals. But what caught my attention the most was the presence of a daunting figure-a stranger with an aura of mystery and intensity that sent shivers down my spine.

The realization struck me like a thunderbolt-today was the day my other relatives were set to arrive. The knowledge only intensified my nervousness, leaving me at a loss for what to do. I felt like a small boat adrift in a sea of uncertainty, lacking the compass of familiarity to guide me.

The fear of stepping out of my comfort zone and interacting with these unknown relatives gnawed at me, making my stomach churn with unease.

My mind raced with countless questions. Would they like me? Would I be able to connect with them? What if I said something wrong? The thoughts swirled within me, like a tempest threatening to engulf my fragile resolve.

As I mustered the courage to descend the stairs, the sound of my own heartbeat reverberated in my ears, drowning out all other noise.

With each step, the weight of my nervousness seemed to increase, making my legs feel like jelly. As I entered the room, a palpable hush fell over the gathering, and all eyes turned towards me.

Among the faces staring at me, my gaze fell upon a young man with tousled brown hair and an eccentric sense of style. He broke the silence, addressing his brother, who I assumed to be my cousin. His curious eyes locked onto mine, and he asked, "Brother, who's that little girl?" His innocent curiosity managed to momentarily lighten the tension in the room.

His brother, resembling my own sibling in height, stood beside him, wearing clothes that reminded me of what my Bubba wore when he went to work. My shyness prevented me from speaking up, and I longed for the reassurance of my brothers' presence.

The room remained suspended in silence until another young man, possibly a relative as well, spoke up. His voice carried a hint of excitement as he observed me, saying, "She looks like a doll. Mom, can we bring her home?" His eyes sparkled with an infectious joy, and my gaze shifted towards the woman on the couch, radiating warmth and kindness. She was the epitome of a loving mother, and her words reassured me that I wouldn't be taken away against my will.

With a gentle smile gracing her lips, she responded to her son, reminding him to seek the permission of my brothers and father. Her words offered a glimmer of hope that I might find a place among this family, but my apprehension lingered. I glanced at papa, desperately seeking his guidance, fearing that my presence might disrupt the harmony they shared.

As papa's voice rang out, capturing the attention of everyone in the room, a sense of anticipation filled the air. Confusion etched across the face of my cousin, his brows furrowing in bewilderment. I could sense the weight of the unknown pressing upon him, as his gaze shifted between papa and me.

With a deep breath, papa began the introduction, his voice resonating with a mix of pride and tenderness. "This is Isla Isabelle Caruso, my daughter. The only girl born into our family." His words hung in the air, laden with a revelation that seemed to ripple through the room. The shock and surprise on the faces of our relatives mirrored my own internal whirlwind of emotions.

He walked towards me, bridging the gap between us, and whispered, "How was your sleep, princess?" His voice, usually firm and unwavering, carried a gentleness that tugged at my heart. The weight of his words settled upon me, confirming a truth that had been concealed for far too long.

Confusion lingered in the eyes of the man who had initially appeared intimidating, his dark attire seemingly reflecting the depths of his thoughts. Our gazes met, and in that fleeting moment, I glimpsed a mix of concern and curiosity swirling within him. I couldn't help but wonder what his role was in this unfolding family revelation.

Papa, sensing the lingering questions in the room, proceeded to offer an explanation, unraveling the tangled web of secrecy that had shrouded my existence.

He revealed that Natalia, my birth mother, had kept my existence hidden from him, revealing the truth only when our paths fortuitously crossed during one of his business trips. It was then that he received a call from an officer, informing him of my existence and confirming our biological connection through a paternity test.

"Introduce yourself ugly bastards so my sister won't get confused." As Emi's blunt words echoed through the room, a momentary stillness settled upon us.

The sight of our cousins, with their intimidating appearances, caused a flicker of fear to dance within me. Despite this unease, I couldn't help but find solace in the fact that Emi felt comfortable enough to voice myconcerns.

I found my voice and murmured, "Emi, that's a bad word." The room's attention instantly shifted towards me, and I felt a mix of embarrassment and self-consciousness wash over me. Their expressions softened, revealing gentle smiles and coos of affection.

Hesitant to be exposed, I sought refuge behind papa's protective legs, finding solace in their sturdy presence. Peeking out from my hiding spot, I observed the unfolding scene. One of our cousins, the young man who had expressed a desire to keep me, spoke again. His attire mirrored that of his brother, complete with jet black hair and glasses.

"Mom, the Doll is talking! She's so cute. I really want to keep her," he exclaimed, his eyes filled with genuine admiration. His words painted a picture of innocence and longing, capturing the attention of those around us. Reacting to his son's enthusiasm, the woman, who I now understood to be his mother, responded with understanding.

"Sorry, little bee. I won't say it again," Emi apologized, his gaze fixed upon me with sincerity and an eagerness to rectify his mistake. His willingness to acknowledge and correct his behavior further melted away any apprehensions I held.

The man with fiery red hair, adorned with rings and chains, interjected with a touch of light-heartedness. "Alessandro the great is apologizing. This is great! I never knew you even knew that word," he remarked, a playful smile dancing upon his lips. His presence exuded a charismatic energy that eased the tension in the room, allowing a gentle laughter to ripple through the space.

In their towering stature, I couldn't help but feel a sense of smallness and vulnerability. Their physical presence, coupled with their unexpected warmth, left me both awestruck and comforted. Yet, amidst their imposing figures, I found solace in their acceptance and the genuine affection they seemed to extend toward me.

As the bickering among my cousins continued, my gaze momentarily shifted to the two elderly figures seated on the couch. Their eyes, filled with warmth and love, were fixed upon me, and a mix of confusion and self-awareness washed over me. Their unwavering attention made me feel simultaneously uncertain and conscious of my every move.

Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly felt a tap on my shoulder, causing me to flinch. Startled, I turned to face the source of the interruption. It was the older gentleman who had been sitting on the couch, his kind eyes locked onto mine.

"Uhm, are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. I mustered a shy nod in response, struggling to find my voice in this overwhelming moment.

He introduced himself with a warm smile, breaking through the haze of confusion that enveloped me. "My name is Benjamin Ryan Caruso. I'm your father's younger brother," he said, his words resonating with a sense of belonging that touched my heart. His gray eyes twinkled with genuine affection as he stood there, wearing a simple blue shirt and pants.

After Uncle Ben introduced himself, I mustered up the courage to approach the girl sitting beside him. With a soft smile, I gazed at her and whispered, "You are so beautiful. Are you an angel?" Her laughter filled the room, intertwining with her warm smile as she looked at me affectionately.

"No, love. You are the angel here," she replied, her voice infused with tenderness. "I am Lily Amelia Manzini-Caruso," she continued, pointing to Uncle Ben. "His wife." Her introduction filled me with a sense of comfort and acceptance.

"You can call me Aunt Lia," she offered kindly, her words easing my anxiousness. I felt a surge of affection as she enveloped me in a warm hug, her arms encircling me gently. The embrace conveyed a sense of security and love, diminishing the remnants of nervousness that had plagued me earlier.

In that moment, Aunt Lia's presence felt like a beacon of reassurance. Her affectionate nature and willingness to embrace me as family eased my worries and insecurities. As her fingers playfully pinched my cheeks, I couldn't help but giggle, a small ripple of joy spreading through me. The connection I felt with her was both heartwarming and transformative.

Uncertain about using nicknames, I made a mental note to seek guidance from Papa later. However, in Aunt Lia's warm embrace and the kindness she exuded, I found solace and a glimmer of the love that would envelop me within this extended family. Her words and actions were like balm to my anxious soul, gently nudging me toward a place of belonging and acceptance.