Chapter 1
Charlotte POV****************
It was finally the last day of school before summer vacation, I sighed, the sound of Moonlight Sonata playing in the empty room was serenity for me. I don’t have a lot of friends since well I keep to myself really a lot either move around, or they have their own friend group I was labeled the loner or whatever. I used to have a friend, but she was gone now and hasn’t contacted me even though she has my number. I was in the piano room; we didn’t have enough money to get lessons, but I did like to play. The school offered it but only for high school students so I will get to start actually taking lessons next year for free. It calmed me down a lot, playing a piece I heard recently trying to figure out a few of the cords and hand placements. I’m not by any means a musical genius. I love music, my love for it, I don’t know where it came from since Mom didn’t play. I have heard this song before though a long time ago. I sometimes remember a man with a booming laugh that made me feel so much joy and love. The booming laugh I couldn’t say who it belonged too.
Mom did like to watch and listen to me when we went to church on Sunday. She hated it though when people recorded me, and said that if they continued, I wouldn’t play anymore.
Mom is Catholic so going to church a few times a year was normal, Sunday is the only day she has off so sometimes she doesn’t want to go that is fine by me. There had been a competition going on in New York that my music teacher really wanted me to attend but mom said no. It was the first real fight we had in regard to my music. Though she couldn’t go and didn’t want me going with someone she didn’t really trust or know. And if the opportunity came in high school she would think about it more. So, we dropped it, Nelly my teacher did give me full access to the Piano room this summer though. So, I am happy about that.
The day went by pretty fast; I headed home, and mom was there late that night. We didn’t really talk since she would need to get up at 4am to head to her job. So, I was already in bed when she got home. I don’t remember her leaving in the morning it was a morning that I didn’t have to wake up early like I normally did so I was prepared to stay in bed all day if I could. But I knew mom would love to come home to a clean house and I’ll make dinner tonight. I did fall back to sleep though.
My dreams were back though, of the men but I couldn’t make out their faces. I could see me in purple but that was it, everything else was black and white like an old movie play then something scary was coming but I couldn’t remember what it was....BANG BANG BANG. I sat up looking around. It was dark. Why was it so dark? Did I sleep in late? No way....The heck?
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
Strong firm knocks reverberated through the small one-bedroom apartment. That must have been the...wait what was my dream about again? I looked at the time it was around 7am. Mom had her second job today and wouldn’t be home until around 8pm or 9 tonight. I rubbed my eyes getting out of bed yawning. It was already hot, and I hate that it’s so hot here, the only good thing is no homework, thank goodness. Though if the person knocked any louder, I was certain that the door would fall off the hinges. I glared and sighed annoyed.
“I’m coming, stop that,” I yelled at them, hurrying to the door. I was supposed to be able to sleep in today, it was times like this that I wish mom didn’t work so much. Selfish yeah but I also didn’t want her working two jobs anyway. It took a tole on her body and made her so tired.
“Charlotte McAlester, this is the police. Please open the door,” said the officer, his voice was loud, but there was a hint of sorrow in there, why? Wait! Police!? Why were the police here? Were we getting kicked out? A million thoughts spun through my head making me dizzy. I mean mom wasn’t a saint and yeah, and we were not the best family by any means but why were they here? Thoughts about my best friend being taken by CPS away from her mom who couldn’t hold a job and wasn’t doing well with buying drugs and more. But why are they here now? Mom wasn’t like that.
My hand was hovering over the doorknob, and then slowly I opened the door to the two officers. They stood there tall in front of me, the shorter one looked at me with sad eyes. I didn’t like bad news, which is what I felt was coming. The taller of the men knelt down to be littler and maybe less scary. It wasn’t really working for me. The man had a scar on his jaw that screamed I was in a fight and well I am the one that is the top dog in town.
“Hello, Charlotte, my name is Michael and my partner here is James. We’re with the Tulsa City Police Department.”
“H..hello, sirs,” I muttered, the uneasiness was making my stomach hurt. I was fidgeting now, rubbing her hands on my arm, then my pajama pants since now they were sweaty.
“I’m sorry, but there isn’t really any easy way to tell you this. But your mom, Margaret, was in a terrible car accident early this morning,” Michael said, “And she died on her way to the hospital.”
My mind went blank, it was like I was thrown into an alternate universe that made my body numb, my legs felt weak and wobbled under me. I was too stunned to speak or talk, mom...she was gone. I knew she worked a lot; she really did everything for me. I rarely saw her, it was mainly me raising myself most times, though I didn’t really want to do that at all I rather have a normal childhood where I could be carefree.
I didn’t mind, I was fine alone, right? Wrong, though I was alone, I had mom, but now...who do I have now? Even I did a few things around the city, a few times helped walk some dogs and got money or helped clean up some houses and made us all a really nice dinner. That was just a few weeks ago, mom came home to it, and she was so happy. The only day mom got off were Sundays, we would go to early morning church sometimes then relax for the day.
“Charlotte,” Michael said softly, he went to touch my arm, more for comforting me but I didn’t want that right now.
I shook my head, holding up my hands to them not wanting to be touched. I didn’t want anyone to touch me or be near me. I wanted my mother; I wanted her to come into the house and tell me they were joking. Playing a late April fool’s joke on me. The other officer was getting frustrated with me
“We do need you to pack a bit, your social worker will be here soon,” James said, he probably never worked with kids or is a heartless man since he didn’t care about me at all right now. Michael glared at him hard. Tears fell from my face.
“James,” Michael said sternly, “why don’t you go call her social worker from the patrol car.”
Then they both left me alone, well almost alone. Michael was standing there, he didn’t come in, he asked if he could. I allowed him too. But I stayed where I was, sitting down and pulling my knees to my chest, sniffling. I wasn’t sure how long I was like this, but a woman was talking to me now. It took everything in me to listen to her.
“Charlotte, sweetie.”
“Don’t call me sweetie!” I snapped at her; it was very uncharacteristic. I don’t usually yell or raise my voice at anyone. Mom did sometimes, but most times I kind of deserved it. I paused but said nothing to the woman she looked down. She thought about a few things, then looked back at me.
“I’m Sorry,” she said soothingly, “My name is Jane, I am going to be your social worker. I’m so sorry for your loss. I know you must have a million thoughts and questions in your head,” she said. Jane was a round, middle aged woman with a ponytail at the base of her head. “Though since you are a minor, I have to find a guardian to take care of you. We are currently looking for them. Until we find them though you will be at the station with me, but if we can’t find them then you will placed in a Foster home at the end of the day.”
“No!” I looked at her, “This is my home, right here! I’m not leaving! It’s all I have left!”
Hot tears welled up in my eyes again, Jane watched me, sad eyes, I hated those eyes. Some kids and parents looked at me like that when Mom and I were are little parties hosted by the school, always had food so we always went to them. I finally got up and ran to the only room in the house. I jumped onto the queen I shared with mom. Recently Mom had gotten a twin for free from a family moving out and could take it. I had started sleeping in it sometimes, but I liked sharing with mom because it was warmer in winter. I hugged my stuffed bunny--Starla--; she wasn’t the prettiest, but she was mine. You could see the stitches I had to give her after some big bully kids ripped her apart when picking on me. Her name on her foot faded and gone. I’m not sure who I got her from but I know I love her.
I don’t know how long I was there for until Jane rubbed my back, telling me that I did need to start getting some of my things as we were going to the station for a little while to look for some relatives for me. I started to pack, I got a few things, including my last family photo. It wasn’t a professional one by any means, but it was one from a few weeks ago, on a Sunday we got dressed up and took some photos. It had been a fun day.
Once in Jane’s car. I sat there in the back of the car, and I didn’t want to talk. Jane was trying to get me too though. I was in the back Honda sedan. I looked out the window at my apartment. Jane started driving away from my home and it faded into the distance. Hot tears welled up in my eyes as I watched it go. I petted my Bunny’s head in my mom’s purple duffle bag. I only got that and a suitcase that was it. I didn’t have much attachment to the place aside from that it was home to me.
The police station was not really something that I wanted to be in at all. I was holding onto my knees as they were making calls. I was given a sandwich and hot coco that I didn’t want to eat at all. My heart hurt for my mother, yearned to hear her say my name, and hug me. The staff there was nice, but I didn’t care for them. James sometimes looked over at me but said nothing. I didn’t like his eyes, something about him made me want to run. He made me feel unsafe I stayed close to the captains office.
“Charlotte, I have some good news,” Jane said way to joyfully, “We found some relatives to take you in, your older brother in New York has agreed to be your legal guardian. He will be taking care of you.”
“Brother?” I looked at her, “I don’t have siblings,” and if I did, I couldn’t remember them at all. Wait, did she say New York?! Was that why mom didn’t want me going to New York? Though she never said anything about siblings, well maybe they are half. If they are, they might not want me and well I could just be their Cinderella something I do not want to be.
“Yes, five in fact they all live together. They have been looking for you for the past nine years. Seems your mom left when you were just four years old. Once we put your name in a notification was sent to your brothers. They have been searching all these years, your mom made it very hard for your name to appear in any database, your legal last name is Marino,” Jane explained. “I don’t know the reasoning on why she did what she did, but you can talk to your brother about that.”
Brothers? Searching for me? First my mom died from a stupid driver, who was driving recklessly trying to also get to work. Now I am being sent to people I do not know anything about. Where have these men been? New York? Why did mom leave? My mind was going a thousand miles an hour. It was making me dizzy, and a headache was coming on.
“Your brother got you a ticket to take the next flight to New York, so we do need to head out.”
I sighed, that was easy for her to say. Though I didn’t get much of a choice. I hugged Starla to my chest, as we drove to the airport, Jane was talking to me about our brothers being very influential or something. Something about a family business called Marino Enterprises. Mainly my brothers were well off and mom was working.... well worked into the ground. One thing I knew about money though, it can’t buy happiness. I thought about my anime episode fromFairy Taleand Lucy. I sighed, already missing my friend who I didn’t even get to say goodbye too. I...and I wanted to see mom, or at least have a burial. Did these men not care at all for her? Why did she leave? My mom didn’t have many friends, but I wanted to say goodbye to her at least. I didn’t say goodbye this morning. I should have stopped her and hugged her. I rubbed my eyes on Starla I didn’t want to cry yet.
“You will be well off, they are going to take great care of you.”
Sure, they were. Though I wasn’t so sure about that, not until I found answers on why the heck mom would leave my family in New York. Once we got to the airport Jane helped me check in and said a few final words of encouragement. I didn’t listen to her, the only part I got was the last bit.
“You mom will always be looking out for you in heaven and your memories are here forever,” she pointed at my heart. I moved back from her when she went to give me a hug, and again paused watching me. “It will all work out Charlotte.”
“Stop it,” I told her, “Stop trying to make a bad situation into a good one. My mom is dead, and you are not fixing anything, I didn’t get to say goodbye to her body at all. Nothing do not play this as everything will work out, you are not me,” it wasn’t fair I know; she probably had a lot of bad cases in the past where kids were really hurt and is happy to see some kids go to a good and well-respected family.
“I’m sorry,” Jane said again, giving me a sad smiled, “I do wish you well, I know it’s a lot.”
“I...I’m just upset, thank you for everything Mrs Jane. I appreciate it, I...I should get going,” that said I left, and Jane stopped me giving me her card. I would have hugged her but I just couldn’t do it. I would break.
“If you ever need to talk or anything, just give me a call,” She smiled, “I’ll see what I can do about you wanting to say goodbye to your mom though.”
“Thank you,” I said this time really meaning it, even after I was rude to her, she was still helping me. Once I boarded the plane, and I was surprised that I was given first class tickets. I hadn’t been on a plane before though, and it made me nervous. The plane taxi off the runway, I didn’t really like the takeoff, it made my stomach hurt. After we were in the sky for a bit I drifted off into a dreamless sleep.
“Miss? Excuse me, please move your seat upright. We are beginning our descent,” said the flight attendant. I slept the entire ride; I didn’t want to wake up. I didn’t want to stop dreaming of mom and then wake up to my life with no worries in the world.
The one good thing about being in first class is you are one of the first off, the plane. Thank God! Once I exited the aircraft and went towards the arrival terminal to search for our ride. I looked at the woman with me who was taking me to my new guardian, she was looking around as well.
“Charlotte Marino?” A man asked, walking over. I paused and moved closer to the woman I was with. Marino is the surename I have. Though for 9 years I went by McAlester. We looked over at a man. The person walking us out looked at him and got identification after all that we were staying with this man. Zachary Marino. After the lady was gone, I felt strong arms wrapped around me and spun me around. Lifting me off the ground.
“Charlotte! Oh, we are so happy to have you home, we’ve been looking for you for years,” Zachary said in a strong, confident voice. The hug had surprised me, and I was speechless as he spun me around. He was looking up at me with a large smile. He sighed, as if all the weight of the world was lifted from his shoulders.
He looked like a runway model, dressed impeccably in white dress shirt with the top two buttons unbuttoned, I could see a cross hanging on his neck and the sleeves rolled up to his forearm. It was paired with black jeans to tie the look together. He looked important and masculine. I probably looked like crap. I was in leggings, my convers that had a hole in the bottom of the sole that I fixed with duct tape, and a shirt that was just a gym shirt from my now old school. I wasn’t pretty by any means. Hopefully I have an ugly brother or something, so I don’t feel out of place. Though with my luck it will probably make all of them drop dead runway model looks. He paused and set me back on the ground.
“Nice to meet you too,” I said softly, backing away a little.
I wasn’t looking up at him, I felt out of place especially with how he looked. Once all the pleasantries were said, Zachary guided me to his car which was a complete different from Jane’s. These people were of a different bread that was for sure. It was a dark blood red Audi RS Q8. Honestly, it all screamed I have money!
Zachary helped me into the front seat and still holding my duffle, I reached in the bag holding onto Starla hoping no one would make fun of me for having her. I could feel some eyes on me.
“Do you want me to put your duffle in the back?”
I shook my head, if Starla wasn’t near me, I might panic. He nodded and closed my door I watched as he got into the driver’s seat and started the car. I felt his eyes on me again, Zachary probably looking over at me a few times. I closed my eyes. Pretending to fall asleep, it wasn’t like he knew me all too well. It was almost noon now since my long morning had started.
“I’m sorry for your loss, Charlotte,” Zachary said, Knowing I wasn’t sleeping, “I know you wanted to say goodbye to her, but with everything going on we will see if we can get a funeral set up for her, and go through that. Henry is already doing something since your social worker spoke to him about it.”
“Thanks,” I told him. “Who is Henry?”
“Our eldest brother and your legal guardian, I am your second brother, though I like to think I am the kindest out of all of them. Henry, he can be a little stern, but he cares deeply for all of us. He just takes some time to warm up too. Though you’ll meet everyone at the house soon. Henry would have picked you up, but he got tied up in work. He wanted to get a lot of it done so he would have some time off to spend with you later this evening. He should be done when we get home though.”
I nodded and looked out the window. We continued driving for a bit more, I kept looking at him a little. I saw him peek over at me as well and I looked away quickly. Sure, I was curious and had a lot of questions, but I didn’t know what to talk about. I’m not really smart and starting along with holding a conversation that wasn’t going to happen. The only thing I can do is play a piano and though they seemed like the type of maybe play I wasn’t so sure.
I kept to myself for the rest of the ride. Getting a little car sick when we were taking a crap ton of turns. I made a face and Zachary looked over at me.
“Charlotte? Do you get car sick?”
“Not used to winding roads.”
He pulled over and I threw the door open and threw up anything I ate before getting off the plane. Zachary hurried to me on the other side. Helping me out of the car, holding my hair back and rubbing my back. I spit on the ground. Tears streaming. That was so gross.
Zachary took me to the car and took out a handkerchief that had Z.M. On it. From the center console. I saw something else in there but wasn’t sure what it was. He closed it. And poured some water on it. I went to take it but he watched me.
“Let me help you Charlotte,” he told me. Cleaning up my face and I swished some Gatorade in my mouth to get rid of the taste. After I wasn’t as nauseated. Zachary gave me something to help with the car sickness. After I took it he situated me back in the car buckling me in. He looked at me with silvery blue eyes that reminded me of a soft storm cloud in Oklahoma. The sight made me miss the clouds.
The drive started again. Zachary went slower now and not as fast it wasn’t as bad as it was before. It wasn’t too long before we were on a secluded tree line road. After a few more minutes of driving. Zachary pulled up to the gate and rolled down his window to a security guard, he looked like a FBI agent from Criminal Minds. There was another on the other side of the car. I watched as he was hiding a gun behind him. Gun? why did they have guns?
I held down my panic, thinking of that one school shooting I was in. I gripped Starla harder for comfort as the gate opened and we drove along some more trees. I was biting my lip.
“Why do you guys have guards?”
“For protection,” he told me, I pushed the bile down.
“And the guns?”
“I’ll let Henry explain everything to you, but the main thing is they are here to protect us, we are a very wealthy family, and some people don’t like that.”
Why? Well I sometimes hate rich people more I was jealous of their lives. Weird. Zachary pulled up to the “House” or rather an estate. I looked at the three story French inspired mansion with amazement. It was white, with gray stones and Ivy growing on it as well. Just how wealthy are these people? I could see a garden, and a swing on a tree branch that seemed interesting. It was something so childish that I was surprised to see it. Getting out of the car, and out of nowhere another security guard took his keys and drove the car off. Zachary guided me into the house and shouted, “We’re home!” when the door closed. I jumped at the sudden loudness of his booming voice.
Can people actually hear him? His voice carried in the house though. This place is enormous. I am going to get so freaking lost! Someone came over to take my duffle and I held it close to myself unsure what they were wanting.
“It’s alright, she is just going to take your duffle to your room, your suitcases are already being taken up from the car,” Zachary told me. The maid smiled at me, and I handed her my bag, still unsure. Hopefully no one goes through my things. Not that there was much there but I felt uneasy.
“Welcome home, Charlotte,” a deep voice that conveyed authority echoed in the foyer. I look over and see him walking up the long hallway with a beautiful woman by his side. I am assuming he is my guardian and my eldest brother, Henry, since his aura was more dominating and authoritative than Zachary. I was growing nervous.
“I’m Henry, your guardian and eldest brother. Let me be the first to introduce you to my fiancé, Emma,” introducing the beautiful women by this side. She had long wavy brown hair, with large blue eyes and enough make up that wasn’t noticeable.
Emma came up to me, ready to hug me but I backed away a little, she didn’t press it, “Oh it’s so nice to finally meet you! We are going to get along great!” she squealed. I hope we did since well she is the only other girl aside from the maids and for some reason, I don’t think they would want to hang out with me, but I just gave a soft, Hi. I felt the moment if someone hugged me again, I would break, I didn’t want to do that right now. I would probably do it later once I am in my new room, or temporary room since once they meet me and figure out, I am not very smart or beautiful they will send me somewhere else soon.
I noticed that I was the shortest in the room and was already short for a girl my age. As that is what I have always been told by our yearly doctor checkups. I am also on the borderline of being underweight. The house seemed familiar in away, but I wasn’t sure what about it was familiar and what was just what I would expect in a house like light fixtures. Henry motioned for us to follow.
“Come, the rest of our siblings are in the dining room. Lunch is about to be served,” Henry directed us to the other room with his hand, as he turned him and Emma walked in front of us, hand-in-hand. Zachary was comforting me with my new surroundings with his hand on my back as we followed behind them. Well almost on my back, his hand brushed my hair but I was walking a little faster so he wouldn’t touch me. It’s not that I don’t want to get to know him or get comfort from him. I don’t really know him all too well, and well Henry I don’t think I would get anything from him quite yet. Or ever. He might not like me.
Like the foyer, the dining room was also grand to match the exterior of the estate. There was even a fireplace behind the large dark wooden table. I see my new other three older brothers gathered at the large dark wood rectangular table. There were four chairs on each side and a single chair at the end and the end of the table. Though it seemed to be able to fit more if needed
“Gentleman, Charlotte is home,” said Henry waving towards me, a motion to come closer to him. I didn’t want to. Henry paused, but Zachary gently nudged me to go to him. I wanted to leave. I didn’t like being one center of attention, and secondly, I felt like an ant in the room, I wanted to run and hide. One of the lookalikes smiled largely at me and waved.
“Hi there, I’m Sampson, and this is my twin Noah,” Sampson was smiling at the end of the table, but not at the head. Noah gave a nod and one of those five fingers waves who was sitting next to his twin. He gave me the opposite vibe as Sampson, Noah seemed more serious than Sampson. Though they looked identical they are very different.
“Hi,” I did a small awkward wave. The twins were also tall, gorgeous and model-like. Yep, my luck was that I am unlucky. They looked at me, and I instantly looked down. I peeked up at our last brother.
He was sitting to the left of the head seat at the table. Right by Noah. He looked up from typing on this phone and said,
“Dean” then went back to his phone. Okay, that was actually the kind of interaction I was fine with, name and ignore me. Perfect! We will get along spectacularly.
Henry was sitting at the head of the table, but not before pulling out Emma’s chair for her to the right of his seat. Zachary led me to my seat, having me sit by him and Emma. Thank goodness though I think I would like to sit next to Noah and Dean since they do not seem like the talkative types. Or like me at all. I don’t feel sick anymore from the car ride.
Seating Arrangements
Henry
Emma Dean
Charlotte Noah
Zachary Sampson
Men and Women came out with plates of food setting them down in front of us. A very nice piece of macadamia nut breaded salmon, the only reason I knew it was a specific breading is cause someone told me, hoping that I wasn’t allergic to anything since I’ve been gone. I don’t think I am, so we will find out, string beans and rice was set in front of me, and we all began eating. I was so not used to this type of food. But it was amazing, I hadn’t realized just how hungry I was. The fish was so delicate that it just fell apart. Though after a few bites I was very much full to my dismay. I did start to play with it a bit, and Henry took notice of it and used his fork to slightly point at what she was doing.
“Charlotte, stop playing with your food, and eat it.”
“I’m not playing with it, I’m just full,” I told him. Pretty sure if I ate more than I would most likely throw it up. Though I didn’t like the sternness in his voice it made me question myself.
At that though everyone stopped eating and I was just watching what was about to happen. I wasn’t even here for an hour. Honestly, I was hoping Zachary or Sampson would ease the tension around the table, but honestly no one was going to dare go against Henry. And I don’t blame them. I wanted to throw up and it wasn’t just because my nerves were wracking now, if I ate more my stomach would be very angry at me.
“Charlotte, you need to eat a few more bites, and then you can ask to be excused if you want to.”
“Henry, maybe she can be excused now if she isn’t hungry anymore,” Emma tried. Henry looked at her and narrowed his eyes. “She has had a long trip and an even rougher morning and is probably tired from it all and maybe her appetite is low is all.”
I looked at him and paused, I would probably die here before I asked anything of anyone yet. It was nice that the twins and Dean were not paying me any mind they were watching Henry, though I could feel Zachary’s and Henry’s eyes on me for a moment. And after Emma’s interjection well, I didn’t pick up my fork at all unsure what to do now. I had set it down when Henry started talking to me. Henry set down his silverware after a little moment.
“Charlotte, if you are all done how about I show you where your room is,” Henry said standing up. “Emma, why don’t you go wait for me in our room? I’ll be there shortly.”
“I..Henry.”
He said nothing just helped her out of her chair and me out of mine, giving me a hand that I slowly took and holding it as we walked out of the dining room, I wasn’t given the option to say anything, but followed up after him, Emma beside me. I looked at her and she gave me a soft smile and winked her eye at me. The floor was marble and there were some photos, mostly school photos and other photos of family around the house.
I hated being the smallest person in the room though. All my brothers no doubt towered over me like a skyscraper. Henry, Emma and I walked up the stairs to the second floor, there was a third story as well. I looked up at it confused I wonder what it up there? I didn’t say anything though. He watched me for a moment but said nothing to me. He is scary. With Zachary at least he talks to me or something, his aura was more approachable, and Henry’s well, he is not really giving me that vibe at all. He seems like he does but doesn’t know what to say or doesn’t really want to start a conversation right now? I am unsure, and I am not looking to ask him right now.
“I’ll see you later,” Emma told me, “I’ll give you a tour of the house today as well.”
That said she headed into the first room, and I looked at Henry, he watched the door close softly and turned back to me.
“Here we are,” Henry opened the last door, “This is your room, Sampson is right beside you. Emma’s and mine is the first room, then Zachary and Dean is across from you, and across from me is Noah and then Sampson,” he said. Pointing at all the doors. I walked into the room and froze.
ROOMS
Henry&Emma Zachary Dean
Noah Sampson Charlotte
It was larger than the apartment itself and I felt so out of place. The bed was a king size with two nightstands on either side and a desk probably for my schoolwork. There’s a fireplace in my room, which I can’t wait to light during the cold winters. It can get cold in Tulsa, but the heater and AC were so expensive that we didn’t turn it on much in winter. By the window there’s a window seat. There was also a bathroom with a bathtub and a separate shower. With those fancy shower heads that you can take off. Throughout the room the theme was clear, white, gray and a lavender purple for an accent color. Some blush pink here and there.
Henry didn’t seem angry at me, but still I had a feeling he was mad, and I wasn’t really looking up anymore. I could feel his eyes on me. He looked at the room, then back at me.
“If you don’t like your room, we can get some things for it tomorrow when you go shopping with Emma.”
“Huh? Oh, it’s really nice, thank you,” I told him gratefully. I never had a bed this large before, I was standing there for a moment. Or well a bed and room to myself. Henry walked over to me. “I don’t think I ever had my own room before; I love it a lot. Thank you Henry.”
“You’re welcome. Why don’t you unpack, settle in, and take a nap. When you wake up, Emma will show you around,” he paused,
“O..ok,” with that Henry paused he pulled something from his pocket.
“Here, I thought you might like this, Sampson and Noah found a few photos and put this together for you. It’s small but we are still looking for a few more you might enjoy.”
Slowly taking it I let it open, there was a newborn baby in the photo, Charlotte on the blanket, there were twins behind the baby...that I realized was me, and it was Sampson and Noah. They were so little the twins. They were all smiling. I turned the page to the next one was to a baby sleeping in a man’s arms. I paused analyzing him. Who was that? He looked older than all my brothers, his hair was dark brown and had a neat beard. It wasn’t a big one, but it was very well taken care of. He was smiling as he was looking at the baby. His eyes were almost my color, but a tint of green in them.
“Who is that?” I asked Henry softly. Henry looked at the photo.
“That’s our Father, Benedict Marino, he passed away four years ago,” Henry said, pointing at the other kids in the photos naming them in the next one. There wasn’t one with my mom in it except one, she was smiling. I looked to be around 4 years old, in a purple dress, black shoes and white tights, a bow in my hair, and I looked to have a bit of lip gloss on. I was in my father’s arms leaning my head on to him. All my brothers were in suits including the twins; mom was in a beautiful silver dress that went to the ground.
“This photo was taken before your mother took you away,” he told me.
“Why did she?”
“I will tell you when you are older,” he told me. There was another photo was me, a little younger. I was in a purple swimsuit in a pool, a hat on my head and...Henry I could tell that, and his name was at the bottom. I had a huge smile on my face clearly enjoying the attention or the water. I wasn’t sure which. Maybe both.
“Get some sleep.”
Henry left me alone with my newfound treasure. I sighed sitting on the bed and just couldn’t sleep at all. I was going through the photos; there was one in it that Dean was sitting on the ground holding out his hands towards me smiling. There was a DVD in the back I paused. Going up to the TV and put it inside. Yes, I have a TV in my room, CRAZY! I went and sat back on the bed and clicked play.
