"I want my daughter back, that's all I want," a man, my father, said, rubbing his chin. He wore a black suit, his hair brown with grey specks. His nearly black eyes glistened with unshed tears. "I need her back."

"What do you want to say to Dahlia, Mr. Morena? What do you want to say to the woman that took your daughter?" The blonde reporter asked, leaning forward, tensed, ready for my father to make an emotional appeal to my mother. And that's just exactly what he does.

"Dahlia, please bring my baby girl back," he said softly, unshed tears glistening in his eyes. "She deserves to have a loving, caring father in her life. Her brothers miss her. They're heartbroken that their little sister has been taken. Please bring her home, where she belongs."

I couldn't help but let the tears fall down my cheeks, the sadness in my chest taking over every ounce of my being. I cried for the father I never had, the one that I knew in my heart would die before doing the unspeakable things I experienced at the hands of Michael. He would have protected me and loved me.

I will never get to experience that.

I never would.

"I'm sorry, Alina, we shouldn't have-"

I looked up, shaking my head. "No, no, I'm okay. Just sad. I didn't know he made pleas to the country-"

"The world," Zoe interrupted. I tilted my head. "He didn't just go on national news, Al. He went world wide. You were up there with Madeleine McCann."

"Why didn't the police catch my mom?"

"I don't know," Tabitha murmured. "I mean, she changed your last name, right? Did she take you to a different country?"

"I'm not sure. She married my stepfather and changed my last name to his. I wish I could question her. She kept me away from my father, my brothers, and I don't even get to confront her."

Tabitha frowned. "I'm sorry, Alina, you should've been with your dad and brothers."

"I missed out on thirteen years with them ... and now that I'm back, I'll never meet my dad." Tabitha wrapped her arms around me in a side hug, taking me by surprise but I didn't pull away. Zoe reached out and grasped my hand, squeezing. I smiled, through I couldn't meet her eyes, glancing down at the video again. There were dozens more, on YouTube and other websites, all of them of my father talking about me and my kidnapping.

The bell signalled the next period. AP psychology.

Zoe stood up and gathered her backpack, Tabitha and I doing the same. "Al, I want you to know that I'm here for you if you want to talk," Zoe said, pulling me into a side hug. "I mean it."

"Thank you. That actually means...means the world to me," I said quietly and smiled. She left the back of the library. Tabitha glanced at me sideways as we followed her, heading to our shared class.

"I am here for you too, Al."

+++

When the bell rang for the end of the day, I hurried out the main doors and headed for Christian, who was leaning on the side of his black SUV. "How was classes?"

"Good," I mumbled, slipping off my backpack and walking past him to open the backseat. I didn't bother to let him see much of my face or else he'd know I'd been crying on and off during AP Italian and creative writing.

I slid into the leather seats without another word and stared out the window, overwhelming waves of sadness crashing over me, leaving me drowning in my own grief.

Christian drove back to the estate, his eyes glancing at me in the rear view mirror every few minutes, worry seeping off him. He unlocked the gate with the code and drove up the driveway, parking in his usual spot. I pretty much ran to the front door to avoid any questions from my overprotective bodyguard.

Opening the front door with my key, I kicked off my shoes and shuffled to the stairs, hellbent on getting to my room and locking myself away for the rest of the day.

"Hey, bambina," Killian appeared in the hallway, a folder in his hand. "Where are you running off to?"

"My bedroom. I have a lot of things to do."

He paused, hands on his hip, looking amused. "You have a lot of things to do?"

"Mhm. Lots of homework."

I made my way upstairs, aware that Christian and my brother were talking in hushed voices.

I didn't stop to listen, striding to my bedroom at the end of the hall. I opened the door, slipping in before closing it again.

I tossed my backpack on the floor, flopping down on my bed. For the next hour, I watched videos of my father and brothers tell the world about me.

I became angry with each video, angry at my mother. She took me from my father and brothers, pretended they never existed. She said I had no family, no other relatives but her. She lied. She lied and I couldn't confront her.

I sniffled, wiping the tears fuelled with anger away with my sweater sleeve. I needed to get out of the house, distract myself or else I'd end up doing something stupid.

I went to my closet and changed into a black sweater and dark jeans. I grabbed my phone and left my bedroom. I sauntered down the stairs, hoping to stay clear of my brothers.

In hindsight, I should have taken the back staircase.

"Hey, Alina," Angelo greeted as he exited his office. I raised my hand in a slight wave, trying to move past him. He stepped in front of me. "Alina, what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

He tilted his head, doubt flickering in his eyes. "Christian told me you were acting odd on the drive home. Tell me what's bothering you, bambina."

"He doesn't know anything," I muttered and tried to walk around my oldest brother. He moved in front of me again. "It's nothing, alright? Could you move out of my damn way? Please."

Angelo narrowed his eyes. "Hey, don't be rude."

"I did say please."

"If you don't want talk, I won't make you, ever, but don't lie and tell me it's nothing."

It was the first time he'd ever been stern with me. I held his gaze, nodding. "I'm sorry, I just, need some fresh air."

Angelo stared and then nodded, moving out of my way. "It's supposed to rain soon. Don't be out too long or you'll catch a cold."

"Yes, mother."

He made a face, running a hand through his hair as I retreated down the hallway. I felt kinda bad for pushing him away, but I needed some time before I did talk to him.

I reached the garden doors, opening them and felt the spring breeze flow through my hair. I stepped outside, taking a deep breath as the cool air filled my lungs. The scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass enveloped me, offering a temporary respite from the weight of my emotions. I walked along the stone path that led to a secluded corner of the garden, a spot where I often sought solace.

As I found a comfortable bench nestled under a weeping willow tree, I let myself sink into the seat, closing my eyes for a moment. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds created a soothing symphony, easing the turmoil within me. I focused on the present moment, trying to find a sense of peace amidst the chaos that had consumed my thoughts.

With my phone still in hand, I scrolled through the contacts, searching for someone who could provide the distraction I desperately needed. My finger hovered over Tabitha's name. I hesitated for a moment, wondering if burdening her with my troubles would be fair. But then I realized that true friends are there for each other, even in the darkest moments.

I pressed the call button, bringing the phone to my ear as I listened to the dial tone. After a few rings, Tabitha's voice filled my ears, filled with concern and warmth. "Hey, Al, what's going on? Are you okay?"

Tears welled up in my eyes again, but this time they were tears of relief. Hearing her soft voice, knowing that she was there for me, provided a glimmer of hope in the midst of my pain. "Hey," I choked out, my voice wavering. "I just... I need a distraction. Can we meet somewhere? Anywhere."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, and then her voice filled with determination. "Of course, Al. I'll be there for you. Let's meet at the café a few blocks from your house. It's called Robins, best milkshakes in the city. I'll be there in fifteen minutes."

Gratitude washed over me as I thanked her, my voice filled with emotion. We said our goodbyes, and I ended the call, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. Gathering my strength, I stood up from the bench and made my way back to the house.

As the evening sky painted shades of orange and pink, casting a warm glow over the estate, I knew that sneaking out would be my only option. The heavy security measures in place made it impossible for me to leave without Christian, my ever-watchful bodyguard, by my side. But meeting Tabitha was crucial for my sanity, and I couldn't let anything stop me.

I waited until the house grew quiet, the sounds of laughter and conversation dissipating into a peaceful silence. Taking a deep breath, I slipped out of my room and tiptoed down the hallway, my heart pounding in my chest. Every creak of the floorboard felt amplified, threatening to expose my plan.

With stealth and caution, I made my way to the back staircase, praying that it wouldn't betray me with its usual squeak. As I descended the stairs, I held my breath, relieved when they remained silent under my weight. The faint glow of the moon seeping through the windows guided my steps as I reached the ground floor.

Moving like a shadow, I navigated the familiar layout of the house, avoiding any security cameras or motion sensors that could alert Christian or my brothers. I could hear my own heartbeat in my ears, the adrenaline fueling my determination to meet Tabitha.

Reaching the kitchen, I paused for a moment, contemplating whether I should grab a snack or risk attracting attention. My stomach growled, a reminder of the long day I had endured, but I knew time was of the essence. Suppressing my hunger, I continued on my mission. I'd have something at the cafe.

Finally, I reached the back door, my heart pounding in my chest. I turned the handle with trembling hands, praying that it wouldn't make a sound. The door swung open, revealing the night sky and the freedom that awaited me beyond the estate's walls.

As I stepped outside, a wave of cool night air embraced me, bringing a sense of liberation and relief. I closed the door softly behind me, leaving behind the safety and security of the mansion.

I hurried through the moonlit gardens, staying close to the hedges and shrubs to avoid being seen by any patrolling security guards. Every rustle of leaves made me freeze in place, my senses heightened with the fear of being caught.

Finally, I made it to the gates, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The dim glow of the streetlights outside beckoned me, promising a world beyond the confines of my now sheltered life. With a surge of determination, I typed in the code I'd seen my brothers do, feeling a thrill rush through my veins.

Sneaking out was impulsive, I knew that, but it felt like I was boxed up and protected like a possession. I needed to be free, even just for a little while. I trudged through the rain and made it to the cafe in twenty minutes, peering through the large bay window to see Tabitha in the first booth. She smiled and raised her hand in a wave.

Inside the cafe was warm and I instantly got cozy vibes. It smelled like cinnamon and chocolate, making my stomach rumble. I settled down in the booth. "Thanks for meeting with me, I just, I don't know - I'm having a hard time and I needed to get out of the house."

Tabitha scoffed. "House? Girl, you live in a mansion."

I chuckled. "Yeah, I guess."

The waitress bustled over to our table, handing us menus. "I'm Heather. What can I get you two to start?"

"Chocolate milkshake," Tabitha and I said simultaneously. We glanced at each other and giggled. Heather smiled, shaking her head.

"Coming right up."

"Make that three."

Angelo appeared beside the waitress, dressed in a dark hoodie and jeans, and gestured for me to move over. "Move over, bambina. I want to meet your friend."

+++
Thank you for reading.
Charlie 🧡