Eden was carrying a bag of medication to a new address. There was no one else available to do a delivery that night and apparently the customer who had placed the order was a well known businessman who was a man who did charity wlork for the public hospitals. One of the hospitals that were on his list for consideration for his next month's charity donations was the hospital where Eden's mother worked as a nurse. Eden's parents had met up with him personally at some point asking him to consider donating to the children's ward that was struggling. Eden's father wanted to keep this customer happy so they wanted to make this delivery that night.

Eden reached the destination and looked at the building. It was a nice looking new building which obviously housed various offices of some kind. She rang the door bell and a man opened the door who seemed like the security guard by the look of his uniform. He said "How may I help you lady?"

Eden said "I am here to deliver medication to a client."

The guard opened the door fully and said "Come in. You are expected. Go upstairs. Second floor. Turn right. Knock on the second door."

Eden nodded and walked away. She walked up the stairs and reached the correct door. She knocked and when she heard a "come inside" she opened the door. She saw a man sitting behind a desk.

He said "Who are you?"

Eden came in "I am from the Carter's chemist. I have brought your medication."

The man nodded "Come in. Place it on the desk." He then took some money from a box and placed it in an envelope.

As Eden placed the medication bag on the table, the man pushed the envelope towards here "Here is your money. Keep the change."

Eden said "Thank you." As she was about to walk away, the man said "Tell your parents I have decided where to write my next month's charity donation check to. It will write it for the hospital where your mother works as a nurse."

Eden was happy to hear that. She said "That is great. I am sure they appreciate that very much. I appreciate it too. It would mean so much to that hospital. Every dollar can make a difference."

The man replied "It would be my pleasure. Eden Carter."

Eden was surprised he knew her name "You know my name?"

The man nodded "Yes. I do. You look a lot like your aunt Eleanor by the way."

Eden felt uneasy suddenly. Did this man know her aunt? How? Her aunt was the most private woman. She did not let anyone in. She did not even answer her phone. She called their family always when she wanted to talk to them and no uninvited guests could arrive at her home. She did not even talk to her neighbours let alone some stranger. Maybe she knew him through the work at her law firm. That must have been it. She said "Oh. You know my aunt? Are you one of the current client or former clients of the law firm she works for?"

The man said "You could say that. Yes. But I do business mostly with her father in law, Ferdinando Fontana."

Eden gasped in shock.

The man said "I must say, your aunt Eleanor is a phenomenal woman. I am glad her father in law agreed to let her marry Fabrizio."

Eden shook her head in disbelief. "What are you talking about? My aunt is single... She has no husband... This must be an identity mix up of some kind."

The man said "Oh. So you do not know about this yet? I am sorry. I thought you must have been told about her secret marriage. Eleanor's father in law lifted the rules for her recently. They fully trust her not to betray the Fontanas and have done enough background check on your family to know you are not the type to cause trouble. Your parents and your uncle were let into the secret. They were told over the weekend. Your uncle has agreed to work for the Fontanas indefinitely from now on. Your father also will give priority to suppliers and consumers working with the Fontanas. I thought you were told too. But you will be told soon. I wonder if your brother Ethan know. I guess they will tell you later. Perhaps when you meet your cousin."

Eden gasped "Cousin?" Her head was spinning. How was this possible? Her aunt was married and had a kid? Why had she kept this secret? Was this man even telling the truth?"

The man said "Yes. You do have a cousin. One boy."

Eden took step backwards "I think I should go. Goodbye." She then turned around and walked quickly to the door. She opened the door soundly and then closed it with a loud bang.

Eden quickly walked outside and made her way home as her head was filled with so many questions, she wanted to ask her parents.

***

It was early morning and Gianluca was in the Italian School's Football Captain office. He was sitting behind his desk just looking through some of his notes that he had written his tactics on. The door suddenly opened and Luigi came in.

Luigi said "Hi."

Gianluca spoke "Hi."

Luigi walked to the desk and put a few pages of notes on the desk "Here are my notes on the tactics. I changed some details since when we last spoke about this."

Gianluca said "Take a seat. Let me have a look."

Luigi sat down on a chair opposite his desk.

Gianluca took a few minutes looking through his notes. He was nodding as he was reading.

Luigi asked "What do you think?"

Gianluca looked up "It is perfect. We will brief the team today on the new tactics. I like that you have personalised a few tactics for some of the new recruits too..."

Luigi said "A couple of them seem very promising already despite just joining us. The future is bright for this football team..."

Gianluca nodded. He put away the papers on his desk and stood up "I agree. The future is bright for our football team... But I am not sure that I can say the same about our team work." He walked around the desk.

Luigi said "We can work on team work. The new recruits will eventually blend in with the more experienced members of the team..."

Gianluca stood towering over Luigi's seated from. He looked down at him "I was talking about you and me. Not the rest of the team."

Luigi said "We are trying. Aren't we?"

Gianluca said "I am definitely trying. I cant say the same about you."

Luigi stood up and stared into Gianluca's eyes "Gianluca. I have given you everything I have. I am trying hard here. I have not held back anything from this team as their new vice captain... What do you exactly want from me?"

Gianluca said "Honesty."

Luigi said "What? I have been honest with you. I am sharing tactics and knowledge that I have with you..."

Gianluca said "Luigi. You do not get it. Do you? I am talking about you not being honest with me on personal level. I am not talking about sports here..."

Luigi said "I have never lied to you..."

Gianluca said "But you have hidden information from me..."

Luigi said "Are you talking about the Nick's incident? I told you I did not think Nick was going to put Lena in any danger. I thought it was enough that I was keeping an eye on everything... I thought you might get Lena in trouble with my parents. That is why I did not tell you..."

Gianluca said "How about now? After what happened with Nick, don't you think I deserve to know everything relating to Lena when it comes to any admirers she has or she has had in the past... In Sicily perhaps?"

At the mention of the word "Sicily", Gianluca got the reaction he was expecting to get. Luigi's expression changed. His eyes widened and then he looked away. He looked around the room silently as he looked thoughtful. He then closed his eyes and then opened them. He turned to Gianluca and stared into his eyes.

Gianluca said "Well. Talk Luigi. I want honesty here..."

Luigi asked carefully and slowly "Do you know about Salvatorio?"

Gianluca said "My grandfather told me about him last night... He also told me that you know about his interest in Lena even though Lena does not know... You have hidden this from me and did not even tell me about him after what happened with Nick..."

Luigi said "Hold on here... I know how it looks Gianluca... But I was not trying to hide this from you..."

Gianluca said "You have hidden it from me... I told you I need to know about any boy who is admiring Lena. I am now her boyfriend..."

Luigi said "It was not my choice Gianluca. My father told me not to tell you..."

Gianluca asked "ReallY? Why?"

Luigi said "He told me not to tell you unless it is necessary. Salvatorio lives in Italy. We live in America... He can't get close to Lena without our knowledge on this land... We have the upper hand here... For now... I have heard from my father, says they are investing in the United States too. They are expanding their power but the fight has not reached our door step yet..."

Gianluca said "I am glad you admit it yourself here Luigi. That upper hand that you say we have may not apply for much longer Luigi. My grandfather also told me that the Romanos are expanding their business and the market in this country is within reach for them... When were you planning to tell me exactly?"

Luigi said "My father told me that protecting Lena should be his duty... He does not want to burden you with the knowledge unless you ever have to deal with Salvatorio..."

Gianluca said "I do not think it is relevant when I deal with Salvatorio or what your father ordered you to do... I know that if our situations were reversed I would have told you everything I knew about my sister's admirers if you loved Gabriela... This is between you and me... I would not keep such secret from you when I know you deserve to know..."

Luigi deafened "Look. This order was not because my father wanted to keep this a secret from you or anything. It was for your own safety... He was worried you might do something...And now that they could be doing business on this country's shores, the risk is higher to you but only if you go looking for Salvatorio... My father does not want to involve you and does not want you to involve yourself when you are so young... You could have a lifetime of this rivalry Gianluca... He is a Romano. They do not let go of the women they love... They fight forever..."

Gianluca said "Then Belaggios and the Romanos have something big in common then..."

Luigi said "Maybe... But I do not think there is much else that your family may have in common with the Romanos. How much do you know about Salvatorio and his family?"

Gianluca said "My grandfather said they have honour and fight fair...How much do you know about them?"

Luigi said "They are dangerous and they do not play by some of the rules that we do...

Gianluca said "I do not care who they are, what their history is, what their rules are... All I need to know is... one of them is after my woman...And I am not giving her up...Not without a fight..."

Luigi said "You do not know the half of it... Let me tell you about Salvatorio and what he is really like. I saw a glimpse of his mind back there when I visited Sicily three years ago... He was not someone I wanted anywhere near my sister..."

Gianluca said "There is no need to tell me more about him... I do not care... I do not need to know him... I am ready for him to come at me if he decided to or when he decides to do so... I will try to protect Lena... But Luigi... I expect honesty from you from now on... I mean it... You give me excuses. You have reasons to hide secrets from me... I do not like it... Be honest with me... We both want to protect Lena. Then is it too much to ask from you to tell me any crucial information like this concerns Lena? He loves Lena... But I am her boyfriend now... I have the right to know such information... Do not keep me in the dark again Luigi..."

Luigi nodded "I will not keep you in the dark intentionally... I promise you... I did not want to go against my father's words on this matter...I agree with him. I think it is unfair to involve you in this when my sister is still very young and unmarried where the responsibility of protecting her is with my family... Not you... But I see your point. It is your wish to know such information and you say you would have done the same for me. In that case I will tell you everything I know when it concerns my sister..."

Gianluca said "Finally. I hope we now have an understanding..."

****

Christian was training with his baseball team. This was the day of one of Christian's home games. The match was an important one for Christian. Not because the opponents were one of the serious contenders for the end of season trophy but because Gabriela was going to be there cheering his team. As part of the initiation for the astronomy club, he had asked her to cheer for the baseball home games of the Irish school that season. Gianluca and Luigi as the captain and vice-captain of the Italian's School did not like that at all.

Gianluca had been speaking to Christian about this asking him to cut the season long commitment to a month. Christian had said he will think about it. Gabriela was the cheer leading captain of the Italian School. They needed her to be there full time. He did not want to let her go. Gianluca could ask all he wanted. He was not going to change his mind for him. But he knew if Gabriela really wanted not to cheer for two teams, Christian would have cut this commitment short as much as it would have annoyed him. For now, Gabriela had not complained. By the looks of it she was enjoying herself that morning as she was laughing and joking with the cheer leading team of the Irish school on the training field that was right next to the training field that the baseball team were practicing on that morning.

Gabriela was practicing with the Irish cheer leading team where Ciara was the captain leading the team's morning exercise. It was fun. This was a small price to pay to be in the astronomy club. They had the most exciting program. She did not care how many home games she had to cheer for. She was willing to do the initiation that had been asked of her. The training was alright. The girls got on well with her. Even Dina O'Brien and Sorcha McNab who were from two Irish-American crime families were civil with her. This was Kavannagh territory. But if she ever trespassed into their territory there would have been more hostility. Her status as a Bellagio gave her immunity basically in any territory of any close friends of the Kavannaghs. But of course, she knew there could still be in some kind of trouble if she was ever caught in any Irish ruled territory for no good reason. Christian had to use his influence to save her if she ever was in trouble where enemies of the Italian-American families operated. Currently, she had no plans to raise the tensions or by ever getting caught in cross fire though.

Gabriela could see the contrast in how Dina and Sorcha were behaving in the cheer leading team compared to how they acted when they went hunting for boys to torment and threaten. They were different when they were around girls mostly. They did not feel the need to show off their dominance as much. Also glancing at their boyfriends who were practicing on the field next to them with the baseball team had seemingly put them in a good mood. They kept looking at them and laughing with each other and making comments about the two boys. Dina was now dating Connor and Sorcha was dating Dean. Gabriela could see how happy and carefree the girls were when they were relaxed and not having cruel intentions towards the males they targeted. Gabriela did not approve of how they hurt people for no good reason but had nothing personal against these two girls even though they were technically enemies of the Bellagios.

Ciara looked over at the baseball team who had now stopped practicing. Some were having water, some were collecting equipment and a few had started walking away to the direction of the locker rooms. Christian, the team captain was talking to Connor. Ciara looked at her watch. "I think we are ready to perform for the home game now... Let's go drink some water and then we go back to the locker rooms."

The girls cheered and followed Ciara's lead towards where a number of water dispensers were placed with paper cups.

As Ciara and her girls walked in the direction of the water dispensers the crowd of boys suddenly dispersed, as they drank quickly and sprinted away. Ciara sighed. It seemed like the Sean effect again. But she was sure the quick dispersing was because of the presence of other girls in the group following her too.

Ciara spotted Sean making his way to the water dispenser she was heading towards.

Ciara picked up an empty cup and poured water inside. Sean approached her as she was drinking water. Sean said "Hi."

Ciara stopped drinking and turned to him "Hi."

Sean said "I was watching you during practice. You are a great leader. You manage your team well."

Ciara said "Thank you."

Sean picked up a paper cup and started dispensing water in it.

Ciara finished drinking from her cup. She put the cup in the bin and started walking away but stopped when she heard his voice "Ciara."

Ciara thought she could walk away in peace. She turned "Yes."

Sean said "You left your badge."

Ciara just noticed she had left her badge on top of the water dispenser when she had taken it off. She said "Thank you. Can I have it back?"

Sean said "Sure. I will give it back to you after you come back from the locker room. I will see you in the cafeteria once you leave the locker rooms. Let's have a drink before the lessons start."

Ciara was so annoyed. He wanted to make sure she did not make a run for it after getting changed in the locker room. She was hoping to breathe more. But he just had to tag along everywhere he could.

*****

Gabriela was walking towards the locker room and was passing Christian and Connor on her way who had just finished talking when she approached them.

Christian looked at Gabriela "Hello Gabriela."

Gabriela said "Hello."

Christian walked alongside her towards the locker rooms. Christian asked "How was your first training session with the cheerleaders of the school? Did any of them give you a hard time?"

Gabriela said "It was fine. No one gave me a hard time."

Christian said "Great. I am glad you are on the cheerleading team today at our important home game."

Gabriela said "I am sure your team will smash them..."

Christian raised an eyebrow "You think?"

Gabriela said "Yes. I do actually. Your team is much stronger."

Christian was surprised she had just paid his baseball team a compliment. Christian said "How do you know? You have never seen us play."

Gabriela shrugged "I do read the school's newspaper. They do have small sports section with latest scores of both the Italian School and Irish school... I have followed your team's performance."

Christian said "You have? I had no idea."

Gabriela said "Well. The Italian School has no baseball team. So I root for yours. I always have. I like watching baseball more than football actually."

Christian was so happy to hear that. He could not believe she loved the game that he did and actually rooted for his team.

*****

Gianluca was walking through the school corridors and came across Lena's home room. He spotted her in a corner reading a book while sitting on a sofa alone. He approached her and stood next to her. "Lena."

He watched as Lena looked up as she heard his voice, she looked up "Oh. Gianluca. Hi."

Gianluca said "Hi." He then sat down opposite her on a sofa.

Lena said "What are you doing here?"