Chapter Text
Many years later…
Carina woke with a deep inhale, groaning when she felt little feet pressed into her back. She turned her body slightly to find Gianna asleep, mouth open, and snoring. She smiled fondly because, even with tiny feet pressing into her back, she found herself in awe of her youngest child. She truly was the perfect mix of her and Maya.
Carina gently rolled over and grabbed her phone off the nightstand and charger, ready to go prepare breakfast before her eldest two woke up. Carina went downstairs and began cooking French toast like she always did on Sunday mornings, a family tradition from her childhood that she carried to her own.
Gianna had been the first to wake up. Wearing one of Maya’s old SFD shirts and pajama shorts, she went downstairs. Gianna rubbed her eyes and walked straight to Carina, “Mamma,” She said, looking up at Carina.
Carina smiled when she heard the voice of her seven-year-old. She turned her head and looked at her, “Buongiorno, Stellina! (Little star)” Carina exclaimed. She placed down the spatula she was using to flip the French toast and lifted Gianna into her arms. She smiled at her messy hair and gently smoothed it back before kissing her head.
“Ciao,” Gianna smiled tiredly and leaned into Carina. “French toast?” Gianna asked curiously.
Carina nodded, “Si. Mom will be home soon and then we can get the big kids up, alright?” Carina asked. Gianna nodded with a soft smile. Being nearly a decade younger than her siblings came with its own unique set of challenges, but it also came with a lot of perks and Carina found that the bond between her kids was just as strong as she and Andrews when they were children.
Gianna was eventually placed on the counter where she twirled her bracelet around on her wrist, watching Carina closely as she cooked in the kitchen. Out of all the kids, Gianna found herself in the kitchen the most, she always hovered over Carina and she loved to help where she could.
When the food was done, Gianna sprinkled the powdered sugar over the top of the French toast and carried a plate to the table while Carina carried the rest. Just as Gianna placed down the plate, she heard the front door open and she smiled widely, knowing exactly who it was going to be. Gianna abandoned the table and Carina, and ran straight to Maya.
Maya had arrived home with a large smile on her face, she saw the kitchen light on which meant that at least one person in her family was up and she knew it was probably Carina. She grabbed her bag and unlocked the door before walking inside. “Honey, I’m home!” Maya exclaimed.
“Mommy!” Gianna exclaimed. Maya smiled, happy to see her youngest awake with Carina. She placed her bag down just in time to catch the small blonde in her arms. Gianna wrapped her arms around Maya tightly and smiled, “I missed you!”
“And I missed you!” Maya exclaimed, adjusting Gianna to be on her hip while she walked into the house. She kissed Carina softly and Gianna leaned into Maya, gagging when they kissed but giggling when Maya gently tickled her. “What have you two been up to?” Maya asked.
“Making French toast!” Gianna answered quickly, “I did the sugar,” Gianna pointed and she wiggled her way from Maya’s arms, taking her hand and pulling her to the table. Gianna pointed to their spots at the table, the unspoken ones that had been a part of their lives for as long as they were able to sit at the table.
“It’s beautiful!” Maya exclaimed and Gianna grinned. “Have you done your beautiful things yet?” Maya asked.
Gianna shook her head, “No because Liam and Drea aren’t up yet. Mamma said to wait until you got home and now you’re home! I’m going to wake them up!” Gianna exclaimed and she departed from her mother’s, racing up the stairs to her siblings' bedrooms.
Carina gently sipped her coffee, handing Maya her cup. Carina grinned when Maya took it with an appreciative and delighted hum. Maya wrapped her arms around Carina and gently kissed her cheek. “How was work?” Carina asked.
“Long and tedious, but I am home now. Oh, the new neighbors moved in?” Maya asked and Carina nodded. “How many kids?” Maya tilted her head.
Carina smiled, already having been on the lookout for Gianna. Gianna, while ever the little ball of sunshine, was shy and struggled to make friends, far too similar to Maya as a child. “They have a little boy and he looks to be around Gia’s age, if not older. And they’ve got a baby on the way,” Carina smiled.
Maya smiled and kissed Carina’s cheek, “I really need to shower,”
“You really do,” Carina agreed and Maya scoffed. “What? You smell!”
“You are so rude,” Maya shook her head playfully and let go of Carina. “I’ll eat first and then go shower,”
“And we have to do the kids beautiful things before Liam leaves for practice,” Carina reminded even though Maya didn’t need it.
They had been doing beautiful things like Carina had since she was a child. Every morning when the kids piled in the bathrooms to do their hair, Carina and Maya would peek in to ask them how many beautiful things they wanted to find, and at the dinner table, they would all share the beautiful things they found.
Soon enough, Gianna came down holding Andrea’s hand while Liam trailed behind them, grumpy after being woken up from his sleep. Liam turned to Carina, immediately switching to Italian while he complained about Gianna.
Gianna looked at him, “Hey! I speak that too, you know!” Gianna exclaimed, crossing her arms before turning to Maya. “Mommy, he’s being mean again!” Gianna exclaimed.
“Oh my goodness it’s only 8:30, isn’t it too early to be fighting?” Maya asked, taking her seat at the table beside Andrea. Maya kissed her head softly and Andrea grinned, greeting her mother.
“And too early to be awake!” Liam exclaimed and he sat down. “I could have slept for another hour if she didn’t come into my room, jumping on my bed and whining in my ear,” Liam grabbed his fork.
Carina looked at Maya before turning to Liam and Gianna, “Alright, like Mom said, too early for fights. Gia, you have to wake up your siblings nicely. You would want to be woken up nice and not obnoxiously, right?” Carina asked and Gianna nodded. “And Liam, I’m sorry she woke you up and she won’t do it again, right Gia?”
“Yeah,” Gianna nodded and grabbed her fork, frowning softly before turning to him. “Sorry Liam,”
Liam sighed, reaching his hand up and messing with her already knotty hair. Gianna grabbed his hand and shoved it away, “It’s okay,” Liam grinned.
Together, the family of five sat at the table and listened as Maya described the details of the latest calls with her team. At one point, Gianna had giggled so much that she nearly spit out her chocolate milk.
Slowly and surely, they all began to get ready for the day. After Gianna had been born, they immediately started looking for new houses having outgrown their first house. When they had been searching for houses, Carina’s childhood home had been on the market. The same one with the yellow door directly across from the house with the red door.
Of course, the idea of moving back in even with all the bad memories had been a long and tedious discussion, but in the end, the house was perfect for them and they ended up back in the neighborhood where the start of Maya and Carina began. They took the kids to their spot often for family days and they would always go on little adventures that Carina and Maya used to go on. The space was safe and they loved it.
Gianna found herself on the bathroom counter as Maya parted her hair down the middle, starting to braid her hair while Gianna talked to Maya about the dream she had. Slowly, her chatter died down and she looked at Maya, “Can we do beautiful things now?” She asked.
Maya chuckled and nodded, continuing her braid. “Okay,” Maya smiled at her in the mirror, “How many beautiful things are you going to find today?” Maya asked and she held out her hand, Gianna held up a clear elastic which Maya took and tied around one half.
Gianna grinned, holding up seven fingers. “Seven things 'cause I’m seven!” Maya grinned and immediately started on the other side.
“That you are, my girl! That’s a lot, are you sure you can do it?” Maya teased softly. Gianna gave her a thumbs up and Maya finished the braid, tying it with an elastic at the bottom. “Okay! I think I’m going to find…” Maya tapped her chin playfully, “5 beautiful things!” Maya exclaimed.
Gianna grinned and Maya lifted her off the counter, “Is the first one Mamma?” Gianna asked. Maya smiled softly and nodded, “I knew it! It always is!” Gianna took her hand, “But you have to see her to make it true! Come on!” Gianna pulled her hand and the two snuck around to Maya and Carina’s bathroom.
Maya and Gianna crouched down, peeking behind the door, finding Carina standing beside Andrea, curling the ends of her hair while Carina asked her about her friends and how she was doing so far that day.
Maya’s smile turned soft and her eyes turned mushy as she watched her wife do her hair. It didn’t matter how many years they had been together, the first thing Maya saw nearly every morning was in some way, shape, or form, Carina. Carina would always be her first beautiful thing.
Maya cleared her throat, “One!” She shouted. Carina jumped and turned around to glare at her, “Hey beautiful,” Maya winked.
Carina only rolled her eyes with a chuckle, “I am in the middle of curling her hair. Better places and times to call out your first beautiful things,”
Gianna giggled and got up, walking into the bathroom and climbing on the counter in front of Andrea. “How many beautiful things are you finding?”
Andrew held up four fingers and Gianna grinned, “How about you Mamma?” Gianna asked.
“I can’t find my cleats!” Liam shouted.
“Check your closet!” Carina called back.
“I already did!”
“Do it again!” Carina exclaimed and she waited a few minutes before she heard Liam again.
“Found them!”
“See? Gia, I’m always right. Don’t forget that,” Carina booped her nose and twirled a small curl around her finger before turning off the curling wand. “Alright, you are all set,” Carina kissed Andrea’s head and she smiled.
“Thanks,” Andrea said, and then she turned to Gianna, “And Mamma’s right, she is always right,” Andrea held out her pinky which Gianna quickly linked with hers, both pressing a kiss to their fists. “And Mamma’s finding eight beautiful things,”
“That’s a lot!” Gianna exclaimed and Carina nodded with a determined smile. Liam walked into the bathroom with his bag hanging over his shoulder. “Hi, Liam!” Gianna exclaimed with a wave.
“Hey, Gia,” Liam grinned. “How many beautiful things is everyone finding?” Liam asked and everyone listed off their smiles. “Cool, I think I’m going to do four like Andrea,” Liam grinned and pushed his hair out of his face.
“Where’s your bracelet?” Gianna frowned.
Liam pulled it out of his pocket and slipped it on his wrist. Gianna, like Carina, loved making bracelets and was constantly learning new patterns and designs. Gianna grinned and looked at Andrea’s wrist, immediately spotting the matching bracelets.
Liam looked at them all before sighing softly, “Alright, I’m off,”
“Be good,” Carina said and hugged him.
“Bye Probie,” Maya said and Liam chuckled, hugging Maya before walking out of the bathroom and leaving the house.
Soon after Liam was gone, Andrea left with her friends to go spend some time with them before summer sports started up, leaving Gianna alone while Maya and Carina completed small household chores. While Carina’s consisted of doing the dishes and the laundry, Maya’s consisted of deep cleaning or small home improvement projects.
Gianna found herself sitting in Carina’s office which also doubled as a small home gym. Gianna twirled around in the chair, the white ceiling above her made her dizzy. Gianna groaned and flopped out of the chair, walking out of the office and finding Carina in the kitchen, washing dishes that Liam would put away later.
“Mamma,”
“Stellina,”
“Sono annoiato! (I’m bored)” Gianna pouted.
Carina smiled at her sympathetically, “I know, I know. In a few hours, we’ll go to Nonna’s,”
“Hours?” Gianna asked and Carina nodded. Gianna whined, immediately walking out of the kitchen to go see if she could bother Maya. Gianna found Maya sitting on the floor of Andrea’s room, fixing the rolling chair that had recently broken. “Mom,”
Maya scrunched up her nose, “Don’t like that,”
Gianna smiled softly, “Mommy,” Gianna said and Maya smiled, nodding for her to continue. “I’m really bored,” Gianna sat in the doorframe so she didn’t mess up Maya’s workspace.
“I have no doubt that you are, Gia baby,” Maya motioned to the toolbox, “Can you give me the little screwdriver?” Maya asked and Gianna nodded, crawling over and searching before handing it to Maya. “Why don’t you go introduce yourself to the new neighbors?”
Gianna shrugged, “Because they’re probably still moving in and I don’t wanna bug them,” Gianna wrapped her arms around her legs, resting her chin on her knees.
Normally, at least one of her siblings was home with her to keep her company or her mothers would spend as much time with her as they could. Today was just one of those days where they needed to catch up.
Maya hummed thoughtfully, “Well maybe in a few days you can. I’ll watch you from the window if it makes you feel better,” Gianna nodded. “How about after I finish this chair, we go to the tree?” Maya suggested.
Gianna’s eyes lit up as she nodded excitedly, immediately running to get her shoes and to let Carina know what was going to happen.
Soon enough, Maya finished the chair and the two blondes were off to the tree. Maya walked the trail with Gianna on her back, Gianna carrying her disposable camera and taking pictures of beautiful things she saw. Every time they came, it seemed like there was something new.
Maya climbed over the log and kneeled, letting Gianna off her arms as she ran off toward the tree. Maya chuckled and followed her, brushing her short hair out of her face. Maya watched as Gianna placed her camera down and got on the swing, Maya appeared behind her and lightly started pushing her. She watched as Gianna’s feet reached for the sky like hers did as a child, and she smiled softly.
Maya grabbed one of the many logs that had littered the space in the years since they had been there, plopping down onto it and looking at her youngest daughter. “Is there anything you want to talk about, Gianna?” Maya asked.
Gianna shrugged, “Dunno,” She whispered.
Maya looked at her softly, “What’s wrong?”
Gianna sighed, “Drea has friends and she always hangs out with them instead of me. And then, Liam plays soccer so much that he’s never home and when he is home, he just wants to sleep. And then, you and Mamma have stuff to do and I don’t wanna bother anyone. I just don’t have anyone to hang out with,”
Maya hummed, “So you’re feeling a little lonely?” Maya asked and Gianna nodded. “Oh, Gia, you remind me so much of myself when I was a kid,” Maya whispered, reaching out to touch her face. “I used to be just like you. I hardly had any friends and I only had Uncle Mason to hang out with. I was so lonely and bored during the summer. I hated summer,”
“But you love summer!” Gianna exclaimed. It was true, summer was when Maya was her happiest. They always spent so much time outside and in the sun, they always camped and did family gatherings. Summer was the best and Maya made sure everyone knew how much she loved it.
“I do now, but I used to hate it,”
“Well, what made you like it?” Gianna asked.
“Mamma,” Maya replied and Gianna grinned softly. “I was your age when I met her. We were both seven and we were best friends for three months before I moved away,”
“To Pennsylvania?” Gianna asked and Maya nodded. “You guys were best friends,” Gianna repeated and Maya nodded once more. Gianna sighed, “I need a best friend,”
Maya nodded, “You’ll make one, Gia. Everything happens for a reason and I’m sure getting a best friend is right around the corner!” Maya gently tickled her and Gia laughed.
**** ***
Gianna ran into Lucia’s house, heading straight to the kitchen where she found Lucia humming along to music. “Nonna!”
Lucia turned around with a large smile, “Gianna!” Lucia exclaimed. “You’ve gotten so big! I missed you so much!” Lucia lifted Gianna onto the counter and then hugged her, unable to carry her now that she was getting so tall. Lucia kissed her cheek, “Where’s your brother and sister?”
“Drea’s coming and Liam is coming with Uncle Mason and Aunt Syd,” Gianna replied. Lucia smiled when she saw Carina and Maya, taking each of them into her arms and kissing their heads.
“Gianna is going to be brave very soon,” Maya said.
“Mommy,” Gianna whined. Lucia raised an eyebrow at Gianna and she sighed, “They want me to go introduce myself to the new neighbors,” Gianna looked at her.
Lucia smiled widely, “That’s a fantastic idea!” Gianna shook her head, “It is!” Lucia nodded and turned back to the stove, still facing Gianna. “It’s nice to be friendly, even if the kid across the street doesn’t want to be friends! But who wouldn’t want to be friends with you? You’re funny, kind, smart, talented, and so brave!”
“But it’s a boy,”
“And boys have cooties?” Katherine asked, walking into the kitchen with a bag hanging over her shoulder. Katherine pulled out a block of cheese, handing it to Maya who had an apron on.
“So what? My best friend was a boy before Mom,” Carina said and Gianna raised an eyebrow. “It’s true! His name was Lorenzo and he lived in the apartment beside mine. And after Lorenzo, Uncle Andrew was my best friend,”
Gianna crossed her arms and tilted her head, “You’re lying,” Gianna glared. Maya chuckled, shredding the cheese with the grater.
“I am not!” Carina exclaimed. “I cross my heart,” Carina drew an X over her heart and held out her pinky to Gianna. Gianna huffed and linked her pinky with Carina’s. “And not all boys are gross and just because boys are boys doesn’t mean you can’t be friends with one,”
“But they’re stinky, like Liam,” Maya snorted and Gianna glared at her, “It’s true! He smells after practice!” Gianna exclaimed. Maya and Carina couldn’t even deny it so they hid their smiles.
Lucia rolled her eyes, “Gia, just give it a chance. You never know what will happen if you don't introduce yourself,” Lucia said and Gianna groaned, getting off the counter and going to Katherine, hoping to talk about anything other than the previous topic.
**** ***
Carina stood in the bathroom with Gianna, hands on her hips while Gianna copied her, much less enthused than Carina. “Ready?” Carina asked. Gianna nodded softly and Carina smiled at her, “I am brave,” Carina said.
“I am brave,” Gianna repeated.
“I am strong!” Carina exclaimed, lifting her arm and flexing. Gianna smiled and copied her, repeating the phrase. “I am smart,” Carina tapped her head and Gianna did the same. “I am kind,” Carina wrapped her arms around herself and Gianna smiled. “I am loveable,” Carina said.
“Very loveable!” Gianna nodded and Carina smiled brightly. “And I’m a good person,” Gianna stuck her arms out, finishing the set of affirmations. Gianna smirked softly, “Rapid fire?” She asked.
Carina turned to face her, both with determination on their faces. “I’m funny,” Carina started.
Gianna didn’t skip a beat before saying her own, “I’m awesome!” Gianna exclaimed.
“I’m resilient,”
“I’m confident!”
Carina smirked, “I’m invisible,” She teased, knowing it got on Gianna’s nerves just as much as it did Maya’s.
Gianna glared at her before turning toward the door, “Mommy!” She exclaimed.
From downstairs, Maya rolled her eyes knowing what Gianna was yelling at her for. “Carina, it’s been almost twenty years of correcting you! It’s invincible!” Maya dropped a tea bag into Carina’s mug.
“Same thing, Ma-ya!”
Maya rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath, “Same thing, Car-ina,”
Carina wrapped her arms around Gianna, kissing her cheek softly. “Me and Mommy will watch you from the window. If you don’t come back, give us a thumbs up so we know where you are. And remember, you’re always welcome to bring him over,” Carina whispered.
Gianna nodded softly and Carina lifted her off the counter. Gianna took a deep breath and walked downstairs, finding Maya already sitting at the window with her smoothie in hand. Gianna walked over, hugging Maya and saying goodbye before she grabbed her shoes—pink Converse—and slipped them on.
“You’re so brave and I’m so proud of you!” Maya yelled as Gianna walked out of the house. Maya grinned and opened her arms for Carina. Carina cuddled up to her and took a deep breath, “Nervous?”
“Yeah,” Carina nodded. “I just hope this goes well,” Carina whispered.
Both watched as Gianna turned back and they both gave her a thumbs up. “Here we go,” Maya whispered.
Gianna took a deep breath and pressed the doorbell, turning back to her house a few times before the door opened. Gianna looked up at the woman standing there and she took a deep breath, waving. “Hello,” Gianna said.
“...Hi?” The woman looked confused.
“I live… My name’s Gianna DeLuca-Bishop and I live in the house down the road. The one with the yellow door. I’m seven and I wanted to introduce myself since you’re new to the neighborhood,” Gianna smiled nervously.
The woman nodded softly, “It’s very nice to meet you, Gianna. I’m Alyssa and I have a son who’s eight, his name is Jonnah. Any chance you’re looking for a friend?” She asked.
Gianna looked hopeful and nodded, “Yes please,” Gianna said.
“Would you like to come in?” She asked.
“Oh, uh, yes,” Gianna nodded and turned toward her house, giving Maya and Carina a thumbs up before walking in.
From inside the house, Maya and Carina erupted in cheers, causing both Andrea and Liam to stumble down the stairs half asleep and concerned.
“What’s going on?!” Andrea exclaimed, looking equally terrified as she was tired.
Carina held Maya close and looked at her eldest children, “We think Gianna just made a friend!” Carina smiled brightly. Liam’s face turned to shock whilst Andrea looked ecstatic, immediately rushing over the window to see if she could catch a glance of her little sister making a friend. Liam joined her and both kids stared out the window, hoping to see Gianna soon.
Gianna watched as a young boy came into view, his hair dark and at the bottoms, they had a small curl. Gianna smiled nervously and he put his hands in his pockets. Gianna stuck out her hand and smiled, “I’m Gianna,”
Jonah took his hand out of his pocket and shook her hand, “I’m Jonah. How old are you?”
“Seven,” Gianna replied easily.
“I’m eight,” He cleared his throat. “But I was born in December so we might be in the same grade,” Jonah smiled reassuringly and she smiled. Together, the two quickly broke into a conversation and less than an hour later, they were walking out of his house and to the DeLuca-Bishop’s.
Carina peeked out the window and squealed, “Here they come!” Carina walked into the kitchen and Maya laughed, grabbing Carina’s hand.
“Babe, calm down,”
“This is the first friend she’ll have ever had over!” Carina exclaimed and Andrea giggled from the counter, book in her hand as she held a strawberry in her hand. They heard the door open and Gianna instructed her new-found friend to take his shoes off before guiding him into the kitchen.
“This is my big sister, Andrea,” Gianna introduced and Andrea waved. “These are my moms, Carina and Maya,” Gianna scrunched up as their names came out of her mouth unnaturally.
“It’s very nice to meet you,”
“This is Jonah,” Gianna said. “And my brother is around here somewhere,” Gianna nodded and crossed her arms. “Can we go play in my room?” Gianna asked.
Carina nodded, “Go do whatever you want, but we have to go to Liam’s soccer game at two,” Carina reminded. Gianna gave her a thumbs up and led Jonah away from them and upstairs.
Gianna pushed open her door, gave Jonah a quick tour, and smiled at him. Jonah looked at her walls and he smiled, “What are these medals for?” He asked.
Gianna grinned, grabbing her skates from the end of her bed. She showed him and didn’t notice how his eyes lit up, “I do competitive figure skating. I started skating when I was three but now I’m seven and I just started competitive,” Gianna grinned.
“You skate?” Gianna nodded, “I do too! My mom was a figure skater and I don’t skate competitively like you do but I do skate! And I’m seven too but in December I’m gonna be eight,” Jonah smiled and Gianna grinned. “Can you do the really fast turns?” He asked.
Gianna did a so-so motion with a grin, “Not all the way yet but soon!”
He grinned, “Awesome! Maybe you can teach me,” Jonah said and Gianna nodded quickly.
At two, Jonah ended up coming with them to Liam’s soccer game. Gianna was sitting in the grass with Jonah while Andy stood beside Maya, watching as Liam passed the ball between his teammates.
Gianna looked up and saw Mason walking over, she quickly scrambled to get up and raced toward him. “Uncle Mason!” She exclaimed. Mason chuckled and picked her up, hugging her tightly. “I missed you!”
“You saw me two days ago!”
Sydney chuckled, reaching up to brush some grass off of Gianna’s back before walking over to Maya and Andy, a large smile on her face. “But that was two days ago and so much has changed!” Gianna exclaimed. Mason chuckled, walking over with her in her arms, he placed her down and Gianna sat down beside Jonah.
“Who’s this?” Sydney asked.
“My friend! This is Jonah, Jonah that’s Uncle Mason, Aunt Syd, and Tia Andy,” Sydney pointed to each of them. Jonah waved shyly and they all smiled at him warmly.
Mason looked at Maya, holding out his fist which Maya quickly fist-bumped, smiles on both of their faces. Soon enough, Carina reappeared at the game with both Katherine and Lucia, both having come from a photoshoot.
“Who’s this?” Katherine immediately asked and Lucia pushed her sunglasses up and into her hair. “Is this the new neighbor?” Katherine asked.
Gianna nodded, “His name is Jonah and he’s my friend,” Gianna grinned.
Lucia looked pleasantly surprised and set her chair up behind them, leaning over and talking with the two of them as they giggled and smiled with her.
**** ***
By week three of being friends, Jonah was extended an invitation to a Sunday family dinner. He had put on nice clothes, khakis and a button-up shirt with his hair brushed over to the side before he had walked to the DeLuca-Bishop’s.
When they arrived at Lucia's, Gianna and Jonah found themselves in the kitchen helping where they were allowed. Gianna taught Jonah how to properly hold a knife (a plastic training one, per request of Maya), and eventually, the two ended up in the backyard where Gianna showed him the garden.
Lucia called them in and they ran inside, Gianna immediately speaking to Lucia in Italian. Jonah furrowed his eyebrows and turned to Maya, looking for an explanation. Maya chuckled softly, “Never heard her speak in Italian?” Maya asked.
Jonah shook his head, “Italian?”
Maya nodded and pulled out a seat for him. Jonah sat down and Gianna sat beside him, a large smile on her face as she continued her conversation with Lucia. “Carina is Italian. Born and raised in Italy and all of our kids speak Italian,”
“What about you?” Jonah asked.
Maya smiled, “I do speak Italian thanks to their Nonna,” Maya sat down in the chair beside him and Carina took the spot beside her, “If you stick around, you’ll get used to it and even pick up on a few phrases yourself,” Maya grinned.
Jonah smiled, “I am! Me and Gianna are best friends,” Jonah nodded.
Giana turned around and looked at him with a smile before turning to Maya, “Best friends,” She confirmed
Jonah sat around with the DeLucas and Bishops, surrounded by a love that was so strong. He knew what family looked like because his family was amazing and wonderful, but the love everyone had at that table was insane and it was beautiful.
Gianna piped up at the table, “Number five!” Gianna exclaimed.
“What?” Carina, Maya, and Lucia all asked together, curious to see what Gianna’s number five was.
Gianna grinned, “This!” Gianna exclaimed. While the explanation was extremely vague, everyone knew what she meant. It was beautiful that they were all sitting at the table together, all talking and catching up, surrounded by love and familiarity. That even after many fights, arguments, and hard times, they were all still able to be here at this table with smiles on their faces.
That Mason and Sydney, even after a long journey with a thousand different side quests, were still able to sit at the table, holding each other’s hands under the table.
That Katherine, after having spent so many years with Lane, was able to sit at the table without him by her side, laughing and smiling knowing she had a better life without him.
That Andrew, even after dealing with mental illness and not having Meredith in his life anymore, could still sit at the table and feel a happiness he wasn’t sure he’d find again.
That Maya and Carina, even after losing each other three times, were still able to always come back to each other in the end and still find a way to make each other’s lives feel like they were living in another world.
That Andrea, Liam, and Gianna, had all found the people that loved them and cared about them and brought them to this table. That their friendships and bonds were as strong as ever. That they had all been able to bring a best friend to Lucia’s and give them a place that felt safe.
That Lucia, through everything, had been able to grow her family and expand it in new ways every day. That the people she loved and cared about showed her the same love. That she had done her part in the world by making it beautiful in a new way every single day.
That love did last so long, that love does last so long. That it’s passed down and on and on for generations so similar to that of a folk song, that love is clear and in the air at all points if they continue to look for it.