I watched the trees and building move in a blur through the window of the car. I was finally going home after a year of bring away for my education I could finally stay home and be free. I was excited to see everyone again. Especially Nate. A year apart had helped me realize somethings and I was happy to be home. The walls of the estate became visible and i couldn't help the smile that spread on my lips as I looked on. A few minutes later we pulled up in front of the house. I took a deep breath, I had already seen them standing in front of the house. My heart was racing and i took another deep and calming breath before opening the door. Immediately after I had gotten out and stood up right, two little children crashed into me. It was Enzo and Aria. They seemed to have grown bigger since the last time i saw them and stronger as well because I stumbled back from the force. I couldn't help the laugh that tore free from my throat. I was as excited to see them as they were to me. I crouched a little till I was face to face with Enzo. He had grown a lot taller since I last saw him .
"Hey there my little pumpkin". I greeted Enzo. He had a huge grin on his face. I looked down at Aria, who although she was taller than before was still standing a few inches below Enzo. She had her black curly hair up in a bun and her dark brown eyes filled with leashed joy. i smiled warmly at her and bent down fully to her level, giving her a tight hug which she returned. We stayed like that for a while. I could tell how hard it was for her giving she was the only girl in the house filled with mafia bosses and hot headed males.
"Aria you're not the only one who missed her you know". I looked up so fast I was shocked my neck didn't snap. Ezra, the first born, The one who would take over the business from dad. He was also my best friend.
I slowly released Aria from the hug but she still held on to my arm.
"There he is. I was starting to believe you'd tucked your tail and run". I taunted. Ezra stood tall, not so different from the last time I saw him just more mature and stressed. One of the advantages of being the heir.
"It would take more than you coming back to scare me off". He said with a hint of a smile. I smiled back. He approached me slowly but Enzo stepped in his way.
"No. If you do start then we won't get anything done today". Enzo said and we all laughed. I looked around and my parents were there, standing in front of the house. My smile widened and i walked over to them still keeping Aria close by.
"Welcome back dear. The house has been boring without you". Dad commented. I held my laugh. As the head of the mafia, being indifferent and cold is the trademark look but that coldness always melted away when he was relating with his children. Well, all except Ezra. I turned to mother and hugged her.
"Welcome back dearest". She said.
I pulled away and looked around. He wasn't here, probably waiting for me to greet my family first. I sighed in my head but kept my smile in place.
"We are hosting a party for your return". Ezra said from beside me. I turned to look at him but he was focusing on someone ahead of me, probably father. I knew I wasn't the main reason for the party but I wouldn't object to it. I loved to play dress up and it would be my first time involving my self in the mafia business since last year. I was excited.
"Let's get in, we have to prepare. And Alma don't take you much time getting ready, you are the star of the show after all". Mom said and I laughed along with Enzo.
We all went our different ways but i lead Aria to her room. It felt so nice walking down these familiar halls again.
"I missed you so much Alma". Aria said. Her voice so small I wouldn't have heard it if the halls weren't so quite.
"I missed you too". I looked down at her still clutching my arm. She was looking at me as well and I smiled at her. She was just 5 and still innocent and oblivious to what was going around but I'm sure she knew a bit. I stopped right outside her door and squatted to her level.
"It may be hard and loud in here sometimes and it may feel like there is too much going on and you are disappearing but I, Enzo and even Ezra are here for you". I said and she nodded and she hugged me. I held her close till she released me and went into her room. I stood there for a while before turning and heading for my room. I still hadn't seen Nate. I'd call him when I was safe in my room. It was a bit suspicious though, the Nate I knew would have cornered me by now as I was walking. I looked around but still nothing. I sighed and continued on my way. I'd see him during the party since he missed my arrival.
I opened the door to my room and stared in. It was just like I left it and my box had been carried in to the room already. I walked in and closed the door behind me. The last time I was here, Nate was asking to follow me to America because he couldn't live without me and now i was scared he'd actually died.
"Thinking about me, are we?"
That voice. A smile spread slowly across my face. I knew who it was without even having to turn around. I felt the presence move to stand directly behind me. He leaned in closely and I could feel his breath on my neck. My heart picked up the pace at the proximity. I turned slowly and there he was. He's dark brown hair was perfectly tussled as always. His equally brown eyes staring intently at me. He had grown taller and apparently kept a light stubble. but none of that mattered, he was here, with me right here.
"It's obnoxious of you to think i would be thinking of you seeing as you didn't come to welcome me back". I said even though i was still smiling.
"Well, I'm quite certain I know what you were thinking". He said.
"And what would that be?" I asked and he lowered his head till it was just an inch away from mine.
"The last time we were in this room together, I believe we were interrupted. And you were thinking to finish what we started if only you found me earlier but here I am. Would you like to continue?" He asked playfully. His hands reached up between us and cupped my chin. He leaned in close till he was just a breath away. Our noses were touching, and I so desperately wanted to give in, it's been so long and I missed being so close to him.
I raised my hands as well holding his face and caressing it. The slight stubble he had grown tickled my palm but I didn't mind, I loved it in fact.
"Come on love, give in". He taunted.
Instead of replying I raised the other hand and tugged on his shirt twice before licking my lips. That was what I did the first time we kissed and he gave in. Just like that time it worked. He lowered his head meeting my lips. His hands slipped from my face to my waist pulling me closer. I melted into his kiss. I met his pace just as always and damn i missed kissing him.