Reminder:
Christian - Alina's bodyguard.

Killian and I were cleaning up dishes from dinner, my head throbbing from this morning. "Go rest, Lina," he said, gently nudging me towards the door. I stuck my tongue out like the five year that I am and walked into the living room, where Angelo, Valentina, Soren, and Julian were sitting, each sporting a glass of whiskey - except Soren.

"Did you receive the new shipment?" Valentina asked, leaning back into the leather cushion. They hadn't noticed me walk in. Shipment? What shipment were they talking about?

Angelo sighed. "No. I expect it tomorrow morning."

"Sven better deliver on time," Julian muttered, knocking back his whiskey. "That bastard is always late."

"I don't understand why you do deals with him anymore. He's a liability," Soren drawled, and then glanced up and caught sight of me. He smirked, shaking his head. "How long have you been standing there?"

I shrugged and Angelo whipped his head around. "What shipments are you talking about?" I asked, curious.

Angelo finished his drink and stood, walking over to me. "Nothing you need to worry about, Alina," he murmured. "How are you feeling?"

"I am okay, I swear. My head hurts a little but that's to be expected," I said and he nodded. "I'm going to bed. I have to get up for class in the morning."

"Good night, bambina, I love you so much." I hugged Angelo and I think it surprised him. I hadn't initiated a hug with any of my brothers, but it felt good to do so.

When I pulled back, I smiled. "I love you too, Angie."

He scowled, flicking my nose. "Stop calling me that, you brat." I chuckled and shrugged before glancing at the others. They had amused looks and I grinned.

"Goodnight everyone," I said, waving.

"Ahh, our little princess is so cute," Valentina cooed and I rolled my eyes.

"Goodnight, Alina. Sleep well," Soren called as I walked up the stairs, calling out Goodnight. I went into my bedroom and closed the door, finally alone.

I pulled off my shirt and threw it to the ground, entering my walk in closet. I searched for a black hoodie and grabbed pair of grey pj pants. I felt cold and gross, knowing I needed to take a shower but didn't have the energy to do it.

After changing, I flicked off the main light and sauntered over to my bed, turning on the lamp on my bedside table. Killian warned if I used screens or read, it might hinder my recovery. He hadn't been pleased about the entire situation, especially with my decision to stay at school today.

I fished for the leather journal Killian had gifted me in the bedside drawer. I jotted the date at the top left of the page, and began writing:

May 8th 20xx

My very first day at Bloomfield Academy began with a sense of anticipation and anxiety. The prospect of new friends, experiences, and opportunities was almost overwhelming. Little did I know that my journey to the school office to get my schedule would take a completely unexpected turn.

As I made my way through the bustling corridors, the chatter of students echoing in my ears, a sudden, shocking impact sent my world into a whirlwind. A basketball struck me square in the head, making me lose my balance and hit my head on the wall. It knocked me out. When I woke, the pain was immediate and intense.

Hovering over me, with guilt and panic in their eyes were Noah and Damien, the two boys that were throwing the basketball back and forth. I met their friends, Tabitha, Aryan, Zoe, and Theo too. They are nice and kind, maybe we'll be good friends. I want friends.

Angelo and Killian weren't happy I decided to stay at school, but I wanted to stay. I love that Angelo wants to protect me, but I wanted to stay.

I think I impressed the headmistress. That's good, right? She also mentioned the swim team and asked if I would join but I don't think-

A light knock on my door broke my concentration. "Come in," I called and the door popped open revealing Killian. He carried a black back with a white symbol. I immediately deflated.

"I need to check your wounds, okay?" He murmured, striding to my bedside and gently setting the bag on the bed. "Make sure they're not getting infected."

"Do you have to do that tonight?"

"Yeah, bambina. I'm sorry, but it needs to be done."

As Killian opened the bag, the soft glow from the room's dimmed lamp revealed an array of sterile supplies – gauze, antiseptic, and bandages. I couldn't help but cringe at the sight, but I understood the necessity. He began with gentle hands, carefully unwrapping the bandages that covered my wounds.

I winced as the cool air met my skin, and Killian noticed, offering me a reassuring smile. "It won't be too bad, Alina," he said, his tone comforting. "I'll be gentle, I promise."

I relaxed as he cleaned each wound meticulously, his movements practiced and tender. His presence alone eased my anxiety, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for having such a caring brother. The pain, though still present, became more bearable with each passing moment.

Once he had cleaned and rebandaged the cuts, Killian placed a warm hand on my shoulder and gave me an affectionate squeeze. "All done," he said with a reassuring smile. "You're healing well, Lina."

I smiled back at him, and Killian smiled, shaking with head with awe in his eyes. "What?" I asked, tilting my head.

"You are just so ... so loveable," he said, chuckling at his own words. "To be honest, when you first showed up, I planned on not giving you the time of day. I wanted to act like you never existed."

Startled by his honesty, I raised an eyebrow. "What changed your mind?"

"You."

"Me?"

"Yes. Alina, you are kind and sweet and your passion for learning astonishes me. After everything that happened to you, you view the world with hope and curiosity. I am lucky to have you as a sister."

+++

I woke up in good spirits, a rare occurrence given my recent struggles. I felt surprisingly well, even with the bandages wrapped around my stomach, a constant reminder of my wounds. Glancing at the clock, I realized I had five minutes until my alarm went off, signaling that it was time to get up and ready for school.

With a satisfying yawn, I sat up in bed and stretched, feeling the stiffness in my body gradually dissipate. The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm, golden hue across my room. It was as if the universe was offering me a small moment of respite, a brief escape from the challenges that lay ahead. For those few minutes, I relished in the simple joy of feeling good and ready to face the day.

With renewed energy, I swung my legs out of bed and began my morning routine. I carefully removed the bandages from my thighs and inspected the healing wounds. They looked better than they had in days, a hopeful sign that I was on the mend. After reapplying fresh bandages, I got dressed, choosing a comfortable outfit that wouldn't irritate my injuries - a pair of black leggings and a purple blouse with sunflowers over it. With a glance in the mirror, I quickly did a single braid down my back, messy and looking like a total slob.

I didn't care though.

Finishing my hair, I went downstairs, smell of breakfast wafted up from the kitchen, and my stomach growled in response. Downstairs, I could hear the clatter of pans and the rhythmic hum of Carlotta preparing a meal.

Just as I finished tying my shoelaces, Soren's voice called from downstairs, "Alina, breakfast is ready! Come on before it gets cold."

I grabbed my school bag and made my way into the kitchen. "On my way!"

Soren met me in the kitchen, smiling. "Good morning," he said, handing me a plate. "Go on, grab something to eat. Carlotta made lots."

I scanned the table, seeing all the delicious food. There were pancakes and waffles, bowls of fruit - strawberries and raspberries and blackberries. There were eggs and bacon and toast.

"Merci, Carlotta," I said, smiling but turn towards Soren. "This is too much, who's going to eat all of this?"

Soren chuckled, piling food on his plate. "Don't worry, on Tuesday's and Thursdays, the staff come in for a buffet."

"How many staff do you have?"

"We have Carlotta, her daughter Edna, and then the entire security team. Angelo likes to come in and check on them," Soren said, shrugging a shoulder. "Are you sure you're okay with going back to school so soon? You can tell Angelo and I know for a fact he'd let you stay home."

I chuckled. "I am fine, really."

"Did you meet a boy? Is that why you want to go back so quickly?"

I rolled my eyes. "No."

"A girl?"

I kicked him in the shin. "Stop. I like to learn, okay? I like the creative writing class I have." Soren smiled warmly, letting the subject go. I piled some pancakes onto my plate and fruit, enjoying every bit of it.

+++

"Hey wait a second," Christian said as I got out of his sleek Lexus. "Are you sure you're okay? No headaches, no dizziness?"

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, Christian. I'm okay. See you later." He smiled and I shouldered my backpack, heading inside. I stopped before going inside, taking a deep breath. I wanted to have a good day. No bullies, but no getting hit in the head.

You can do this, Alina, I thought, opening the door and striding into the main corridor. Fellow students were chatting and waiting for the first bell. I began the walk to the front office, but Headmistress

"Ah, there you are Alina," Headmistress Sinclair called, walking down the stairs, her clapping against the floor. A woman walked behind her, dressed in a blue blouse and black slack pants. "This is Coach Robinson, coach of the swim team."

Coach Robinson smiled, reaching out her hand. I shook her hand, offering a small smile back. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Alina. I've heard a lot about you, I also hear that you are a very good swimmer. How would you like to come to the first tryouts?"

"I don't think-"

"You can think about it. No need to answer now."

"Oh, uh, thanks."

"I think-"

"Alina, I've been waiting for you," Tabitha appeared beside me, shooting Headmistress Sinclair and Coach Robinson an apologetic smile. "Sorry, but do you mind if I steal her away? I want to show her home room before the bell."

"Go, I'm glad Alina has made friends."

"Thanks for saving me," I whispered as we walked down the corridor.

Tabitha grabbed my hand and squeezed. "Anytime.
How are you feeling?"

"Good, thanks. My brother is a doctor so he's been taking good care of me." I shrugged a shoulder. "Hey, thanks for showing me around yesterday. I've memorized my schedule too."

Tabitha raised her eyebrow. "Really?"

"8:00- 8:50: Creative Writing
9:00-9:50: AP Psychology
10:00-10:20: Break
10:30-11:20: AP English
11:20-12:00: AP World History
12:00-1:00: Lunch
1:00-1:50: AP Italian
1:50-2:30: Free

I smirked at her expression of shock.

"Do you have a photographic memory or something?" She asked and I laughed.

"No, not quite. I'm just good at remembering things. What classes do you have?"

"We share AP Psychology together and AP English. Unfortunately, I'm stuck taking my required sciences this semester. What was your old school like?"

"I didn't like it much. The teachers weren't passionate. I can tell that might be different here."

Tabitha nodded and we turned down another long corridor. "Oh yes, most teachers here are passionate about what they teach ... hey, can I ask you something?"

"Okay," I say, cautious.

"Why was Headmistress introducing you to Coach Robinson? I mean, I know you're a new student and all but I heard her say you can think about it. Are you thinking about joining the swim team? Oh, tell me you will," she said, not giving me a chance to explain. "It would be so nice to have someone with me. This is so exciting."

"What's exciting?" Noah leaned on the wall across from the classroom. He has a beige dress shirt on with a blue hoodie, complete with black jeans and converse. He watched me with a grin. "Alina, good to see you alive."

"No thanks to you," Tabitha growled, narrowing her eyes.

"Hey Noah," I greeted with a smile.

"What do you have first? I can take you if I'm close."

"Creative writing."

"I've got chemistry but Damien will escort you," he said, his gaze moving beyond me. I shifted and glanced over my shoulder. Damien walked up behind me, looking fine as hell. I bit my lip.

"I don't know what you're volunteering me for," Damien said, "but I'm not doing it."

"You'll take Alina to her first class. You both have creative writing," Tabitha said, her eyes moving to Damien, daring him to challenge him. Damien softened, his dark gaze meeting mine. He didn't say anything and he didn't get a chance to as the bell rang above us.

Homeroom was ... interesting. I met Noah and Damien's teammates Bohdi and Shane. They were loud and obnoxious, but friendly.

"Why weren't you there yesterday?" I asked, tilting my head. I don't remember seeing him in class. Damien led me down a series of corridors, making our way through dozens of students to the language arts wing, he had creative writing too.

He smirked. "I got called to the Headmistress's office. For throwing a basketball and knocking someone out."

I laughed. "Did you get in trouble?"

"Nah. She knew I stayed with you. Your brother, however, wanted me to be suspended." I winced, though it sounded like an Angelo thing to do.

"Sorry. My brothers are ... overprotective."

"It's okay. Anyway, here we are," Damien said, opening a door to a classroom at the end of the hall. "Want to sit beside me? There's no seating arrangement."

I smiled, nodding. "I'd like that," I said and followed him to the back of the room. "I call the window seat though."

Damien chuckled and pulled out the seat beside the window, gesturing for me to sit. "M'lady," he said, bowing.

I rolled my eyes at his dramatics. "Thank you, kind sir." We both laughed and continued to talk until Miss Wilder entered and commanded we give her attention.

+++

I am Fourth Wing obsessed.
What book outside of Wattpad are you reading?
Thank you so much for reading. I admit, this was a bit of a filler but hope you liked it anyway.

Charlie 🧡