✰ ✰

"𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲"

My giggles filled the silence of the park. Roman's hand around my waist was touching a rather sensitive spot, which caused me to be ticklish.

With a smile on my face, I looked around the suburban area. The dim street lights illuminated Roman's face, and the slight smile on his lips made my heart melt into a puddle.

"Ella," He whispered, his footsteps coming to a halt, as do mine.

My body faces him, I took in his light eyes and almost full smile. His unreadable stare swept over my features.

He drew me close to him, his lips hovering over mine. I looked between his lips and his eyes, noticing that his only focus was on me.

Right as his lips parted to speak, the incredibly loud sound of a gun firing cut him off.

When I heard the startling noise, I instinctively wrapped my arms around Roman's waist for safety.

Unfortunately, my hands were soaked when I did, forcing me to look down and scream.

As my hands were covered in blood, I flung myself away from him, my eyes lingering on him only to find blood gushing from his stomach.

"Roman," I gasped, my gaze falling on his emotionless face.

He stumbled back slightly, but held himself up and leant against the pole behind him.

I went down with him, hugging onto his arm as I ripped open the black shirt. My breathing began to cease as blood began to flow right from his heart.

"Please, baby," I cried, my hands pressing on the wound to try to stop the bleeding.

"Ella," He mumbled, and I tried to ignore the agony in my heart that came with the sound of his straining voice.

I kept pressing on the wound with one hand while looking through his pockets for his phone with the other.

"Arabella," He called again.

I raised my head, his hooded eyes meeting mine. And I felt my entire universe fall apart beneath my feet.

His eyes slowly closed, one of his hands came to mine that was holding his stomach and I sobbed.

"No, Roman," I wailed as my head rested on his shoulder.

"Wait," I sobbed again, this time, the feel of his heartbeat against my hand had stopped.

My body went limp, my throat dried and my eyes stopped moving as his last heartbeat raced beneath my touch.

My head throbbed as I sprung from my bed, my legs and arms sweating like bullets.

I immediately looked around, hoping to find Roman. The darkness confirmed my suspicions that he wasn't in the room.

Quickly, I yanked my phone from its charger and dialled his number.

My breathing was frantic, my heart was racing, and my forehead was dripping sweat.

When his deep voice was heard through the speaker, I let out a heavy sigh.

My voice was unable to come through as my heart still pumped furiously. I sank back onto the sticky bed and shut my eyes.

His voice spoke once more. Soothing the ache of longing.

"Nothing," I said, unfazed by my croaky tone.

He asked again, this time with a stronger, more demanding tone.

"Just a bad dream," I pulled my forearm across my eyes.

He deadpanned.

The dream was still fresh in my head, and just thinking about it sent goosebumps up my spine.

I gulped and sat up on the side of my bed.

"You died,"

It fell silent, perhaps a little too silently. I double-checked the phone to see if he had hung up, but he was still on the line.

Then he chuckled.

The sound was thick and melodic, yet I was baffled.

He said after regaining his control. I sighed and pushed myself out of bed.

"You don't know that," I acknowledged, and I could practically feel his eye roll.

No other words were said about it.

My eyes widened as I realised what day it was. I looked at the clock and read that it was exactly five in the morning.

I giggled and shook my head, pacing my room back and forth.

"Thanks, Roman,"

His accent came out thick and I nodded, forgetting he couldn't see me.

"Okay, I'll speak to you later," I said, making my way to my bathroom.

"Bye," I whispered and hung up.

Flipping my light on, I stood in front of the mirror and winced at my appearance.

My hair was a mess, and sweat glistened on my face, with black smudges streaming down my cheeks.

Switching the shower on, I undressed and hopped into the warm water.

Letting the drops consume me, I closed my eyes and let my mind rest.

Showers were definitely the most relaxing part of my day. It was the only thing that could soothe and calm me down.

However, it was now the second only thing that could make me feel better. Roman had supplanted it as the first.

He had the ability to comfort me in a variety of situations. I craved him. He provided me with security and protection, something I never expected to need or desire from anyone.

But he gave it to me, and I gratefully accepted it.

After my shower, I got changed into a short, white tennis skirt and a brown sweatshirt. I blow-dried my hair and then straightened it.

I finished up by adding a few chains and matching rings around my neck and slipping on my sneakers.

By the time I was done, it was roughly around six-thirty. Normally, I wouldn't be awake at this hour, but once i'm awake I can't fall back asleep

Nicolo and I had school today, but we were celebrating tonight with the whole family.

The rest of the week went quite quietly; there were no additional issues, and I was followed by guards anytime I left the house.

Since that afternoon when we were together, I hadn't seen Roman. He disappeared after I fell asleep.

I skip out of my room and head directly towards Nico's. As I reach for the doorknob, it swings open on its own, revealing a half-naked brunette.

Her eyes widen for a brief moment before becoming red and scooting past me.

"Sorry," She mutters and waddles down the hallway.

I scoffed and shook my head, turning to face my sleeping brother.

Strolling into the room, I opened the curtains allowing the sun to glow through.

I leapt onto the bed, crossed my legs, and shook Nicolo awake. In reaction, he groaned and shifted his head the other way.

"Nico," I said, slapping his shoulder, and he sprung out of bed.

I beamed up at him and he snapped his head towards me.

"Why the fuck are you waking me u—

"Happy birthday little brother!" I leapt onto his body and wrapped my arms around his neck.

"Only by a minute," He grumbled and hugged me back.

"Sure, sure," I spoke as I drew away from him, patting his shoulder.

I looked over his appearance, he was completely shirtless and his curls were pulling out in all directions making him look like a homeless monkey.

"Get ready," I urged. I yanked him from the bed with all my might, and he tumbled to the floor, glaring at me before heading to the bathroom.

I was scrolling through my phone for the time being. Receiving birthday messages from Kara and Aydan on our group chat.

Nicolo emerged from the bathroom thirty minutes later, fully clothed in a pair of loose shorts, a black polo shirt, and standard white sneakers.

I jumped out of bed and walked over to his side, hooking my arm through his as he grabbed his keys and half-filled schoolbag.

"So, what did you get me?" He muses as we walk down the hall.

Rolling my eyes, I avoid the question.

"You'll find out tonight... what did you get me?"

He raised an eyebrow at me and then averted his gaze.

"Why should I tell you if you're not telling me?"

I stick my tongue out at him and let go of his arm, tossing my hair over my shoulder as I dash into the kitchen and am greeted by everyone immediately.

Uncle Eli and Aunt Vi, as well as Uncle Andre, were all present.

"There's my Goddaughter!" Uncle Eliot rushes up to me before Uncle Dre can reach me, and scoops me up in a hug.

I giggle and he puts me down, placing a kiss on the top of my head. Nicolo walks in and Uncle Eliot immediately goes over to him and gives him one of those 'bro' hugs.

I was soon engulfed in another person's arms, Uncle Andre pulling me into his customary bear hugs, which I returned.

"Happy birthday, Bellz," He pinches my cheek making me slap his hand away, Aunt Violet moves away from my brother and comes over to me.

"Happy birthday, sweetie," She places a hand on my cheek and smiles, "I remember teaching your Uncle how to change your diaper," she pauses and looks over to Uncle Dre and he squints his eyes at her, "Bullshit, I taught you,"

"No, Landon taught you all," My mother said from behind Aunt Violet, Nicolo came beside me as our mother hugged us both.

Since she was a lot shorter than both of us, both Nico and I had to lean down and hug her. She stepped up alongside Nicolo and kissed both of our cheeks.

Dad was the last to wish us. Hugging Nicolo, he walks over to me and wraps his arms over my shoulders, and I hug him back.

"Happy birthday, Bella." He kissed the top of my head and circled my shoulder with his arm.

"Look at how soft he's gotten," Andre coos, drawing dad to pull out his gun and point it at Andre, who suddenly drops his grin and dashes behind the counter.

I cover my mouth to keep in my giggles looking at his terrified face.

"Landon!" Mum gives him a disapproving look and shakes her head.

Dad just smirks and walks up to my mother, while I drag Nicolo into the kitchen, where the chef had prepared breakfast for us.

All of us sit and eat breakfast together. Then Nicolo and I went to school; we were throwing a small party tonight with only close relatives and friends, including the Agnello's.

We each drove our own cars today; it wasn't really a conscious decision; we just decided to drive alone today.

Parking at the front, I stood out of the car with my bag thrown around my shoulder and relocated towards the entrance.

I couldn't see Nicolo's car in the parking lot telling me he hadn't arrived yet. My name was screamed out loudly as I walked through the doors, and arms were thrown around my neck.

I stumbled backwards, but my arms curled around my best friend in time.

"Happy birthday!" She swayed me from side to side before leaning in and kissing my cheek. I giggled at her cheery demeanour, she came to my side while Aydan enveloped me in a hug.

He ruffled my hair and wished me as Kara did. Then Nicolo blasted through the door, and they both ran up to him.

I smiled as our two best friends hugged him and wished my twin a happy birthday. Many people often think it would suck to share a birthday with your sibling, but fortunately, it wasn't that way with us.

We four made our way to our different classes; I had art for the first hour and then business after lunch.

As soon as I entered the room, I took my usual seat and started to set up.

"Arabella?" My eyes dart towards the voice, and my throat tightens.

I stare at the blonde girl and smile tightly.

"Hi, Haley."

As she turns on her feet, her blue eyes soften somewhat.

"I um... just wanted to apologise..." She murmurs and flickers her eyes between her feet and me.

I scowled inwardly. Her good girl charm was not going to work on me. But, if that's how she wanted to play then I would play with her.

Expect, I was the one she was playing against.

"For what?" I mused as I crossed my arms over my chest.

Her smile twitched at the sides, her eyes faltered a little, and it was then obvious that this was all a lie.

"I'm sorry for the way I acted. It was immature and insensitive..." She took a breath and looked up at me once again.

Sighing, she pulls out her hand and tilts her head to the side.

"Forgive me?"

I look towards her hand and then to her face, I smile and clasp my hand with hers.

"Forgiven."

But not forgotten, bitch.

She lets out a sigh of relief and lets go of my grip on her hand.

"Thank you, Arabella." I nod in response with a light smile, she straightened up and turned on her heel.

I watched her walk to the door before she could exit, she turned and flashed me a little smile.

"And, happy birthday."

With those words, she walked out of the room, leaving me befuddled.

✰

"Cheese fries and a regular cheeseburger with no tomato, please."

The lady nods and prepares the food for me, I glanced around the large cafeteria thoughtlessly. My brother and Aydan were seated at a table, while Kara stood nearby with her own tray of food.

My two classes went well this morning, and it was now lunch, and I was starving as usual.

I mentally reminded myself to go to the gym; it was much needed. I think the last time I worked out was with Nicolo in our gym last week. My normal workout schedule would be every other day, but that hasn't been the case recently.

With a shrug, I accepted the food and thanked the lady. I take a couple of fries from my tray while walking in step with Kara.

"Nicolo knows by the way," I glance at her and she looks up at me.

"Knows what?" She questioned cautiously, I looked away from her and fiddled with the edges of the tray.

"About Roman and I,"

"Oh shit, really?" I nodded as she expressed her surprise.

For a moment, she appeared to be lost in thought, possibly overthinking his reaction.

"How'd he react?"

Bingo.

"He was actually okay with it. He was only upset because I had kept it from him." As we drew nearer to the table, I explained.

"I'm glad. We'll talk about it more tonight "She smiles and sits next to Nicolo, while I sit next to Aydan.

We all start talking about ransom things, mentioning a few plans we could do in a few weeks.

The weather was gradually breaking free from its shell and morphing into considerably warmer days, which meant beach days for us.

After eating, I had one class left, which was business.

That immediately brought Roman to mind, whom I hadn't seen or spoken to since this morning.

I sighed and walked out of the cafeteria alone, setting the tray away.

The others had gone to their classes, and I had a good ten minutes before mine began, so I took my time.

As I walked along a corridor with only a few students, my mind was off in nowhere land while I continued to roam.

Then, once again, being unobservant had placed me into the worst of situations, as I was pulled by my forearm and dragged into a dark room.