Work Text:
When a firefighter dies, the toll of the bell represents their last alarm. The house felt empty, it wasn’t, she wasn’t home alone all her children were in their beds sleeping, her best friend was in the guest room having flown with her daughter to be with her but her bed was empty, her heart was empty, she thought her eyes were empty but here in the quiet and isolation of her room her eyes were full despite the rivers of tears that fell from them.
———
“Come my baby time to get up” Maya laughed as she watched her daughter pull the covers over her head
“No mommy 5 more minutes” Emilia groaned turning over in bed
“Melee up come on” Maya smiled pulling the covers back and trying to tickle the teenager
“No” Emilia giggled trying to hit Maya with a pillow
“Emilia its time to get u-“ Maya laughed when she was pulled onto the bed by her youngest
“Just cuddle with me mom see it’s nice and warm and cosy” she replied wrapping her arms around Maya to stop her from tickling her
“You truly are your mama’s daughter” Maya giggled hugging her daughter
“…and sono molto stanca” Emilia smiled as her eyes closed before fluttering open to a cold empty bed
“Mom?” She croaked out into the morning sunlight that shone through the poorly drawn curtains “…Mom” she called again this time a little louder when she caught sight of the picture on her bedside table of her Maya and Margherita next to it a program for the funeral “…Come back Mommy, I need you”
———
“Ciao Jade” Andrea smiled as the teen let herself into the house she’d come accustomed to over the last 18 months of her Emilia’s relationship
“Hi, I’d ask you how you are but it seems like a stupid question” Jade smiled weakly noticing that many of the firefighters that she recognised from the station and various family parties were already here
“I want this day to be over” Andrea sighed
“I bet…” Jade returned the sigh with a sympathetic smile on her face “…is she up?” She asked talking about Emilia
Andrea shook his head in response. The 18 yeah old had hardly left her bed for the week and a half that Maya had been gone, she’d stopped eating, sleeping and reverting to speaking solely in Italian
“…she hasn’t moved in days yet I don’t think she’s slept” Andrea added to his body language
“Is she still speaking Italian?” Jade asked knowing that her girlfriend had stopped speaking English the day after Maya died
“Si, even then her communication is few and far between” he sighed growing increasingly concerned for his sister
“Can I?” Jade asked signalling to the stairs to see if she could go see Emilia
“Si, of course let me know if you need any help”
“I will, how long does she have to get ready?” Jade asked wondering just how forceful she’d have to be with her girlfriend to get her ready
“About 90 minutes” Andrea smiled looking at his watch
“I’ll try my best”
“I need her to be there, she needs to be there and my mama needs her to be there… not to put you under any pressure” he added quickly
“I know, leave it to me” Jade smiled
“Grazie” he thanked the teen before going to sit with his station family listening to stories of his mom as a young firefighter
The teen made her way up the stairs passing Eleora on the way sharing a warm smile with the blonde before heading straight to her girlfriends room slightly shocked by the sight she found.
She knew Emilia had been taking it hard, she’d spent days and nights with her but she thought Emilia was starting to move past it however the day of the funeral had seemed to take her back a few steps.
“Emilia Lucia” Jade sang softly as she stroked Emilia’s face to wake her up
“Meals come on babe you need to get up, get showered, get dressed” Jade whispered as she hugged Emilia feeling her girlfriend sink into her embrace
“Non voglio” she murmured turning away from Jade but pulling her tighter at the same time
“Emilia, please you’ll feel even worse if you miss this” the teen replied running her fingers through Emilia’s hair
“Non voglio” Emilia replied as her voice broke and she started to cry
“Look at me, hi…” Jade smiled softly as she turned the brunette over to look at her “…I’m here, I’m here for you Melee, I love you please let me help you get ready”
“Sembri cosí carina” Emilia smiled a she properly looked at her girlfriend
“Grazie, mon amour…” Jade smiled placing a soft kiss to her girlfriend nose “…now shower?”
“Si…” Emilia nodded pushing herself up and getting out of bed “…Jade” she turned back to her girlfriend who also got up and started to make her bed to stop her from getting back in it
“Yeah” Jade smiled
“Come with me” Emilia asked speaking English for the first time in days and holding out her hand to her girlfriend not really wanting to be alone even for the 15 minutes it’s take to shower
“Where?” Jade asked
“The shower” Emilia replied wiggling her eyebrows
“Emilia” she sighed with a smile on her face
“Not like that, I just don’t think I have the energy to wash my hair can you do it for me please” Emilia smiled softly before wiggling her fingers to urge her girlfriend to take her hand
“Sure”
———
Every time she tries to do something she was reminded that there wasn’t someone behind her able to predict her every move. She didn’t have someone to zip up her dress, or to balance against as she slipped on her heels, the biggest reminder was the wedding ring, not her own but her wife’s.
It wasn’t in her finger anymore instead it was laced through a necklace and worn around the Italians neck, she had wanted to lace it through the St Christopher like her wife had done when she was pregnant with the twins but Maya had given their youngest the pendant when she was 12 and it hadn’t left the girls neck since so Carina wasn’t about to ask for it back now she couldn’t do that to her daughter
“Are you ready?” Gabriella asked seeing her best friend frozen at her dressing table staring at her wedding photo
“No” Carina shook her head
“Sorry”
“I don’t know if I can do this, all the sad faces and anecdotes from people I don’t even know but she knew because she is a battalion chief and is one of the most influential firefighters in the city and she is-“ she paused when she caught the way she was speaking about Maya
“Cosa?” Gabriella asked not understanding why Carina cut herself off mid sentence
“I keep saying ‘is’ speaking in the present tense when I should be speaking in past tense… she’s not here anymore and my heart can’t take it” she sobbed as s Gabriella wrapped her arms around her trying to stop her body from shaking
“Non è per tutti andare avanti, con il cuore che è diviso in due metà” Gabriella whispered softly guiding Carina to the bed
“I told her that once” Carina uttered as she gained composure and control of her tears
“So take your own advice, you’re allowed to cry and break down tesoro” Gabriella smiled softly and Carina could help but laugh at the words
“Now you sound like her” Carina added
“Hmm well she was right pretty much 90 per cent of the time” Gabriella smiled earning a small chortle off her friend
———
“Ciao” the Italian knocked cheerily on the door finding Eleora in a similar state to how she’d found Carina
“Hi” Eleora smiled softly
“Are you close to being ready?”
“No, you?” Eleora retorted quickly
“Not at all” Gabriella shook her head
“Have you spoke to Mama?” Eleora asked having not seen her mama yet this morning
“Si” Gabriella nodded sitting down on the end of Eleora’s bed
“Is she okay? I haven’t seen her cry… at all” Eleora replied as the concern for her mama continued to increase
“She’s trying to stay strong, for you” Gabriella replied smiling at the photo on Eleora’s bedside a well known photo to the family of Maya throwing a baby Eleora in the air it had been one of Mayas favourite photos and Carina’s favourite memories
“Mom would hate that, she used hate when any of us would bottle up our emotions yet she was always the worst for it” Eleora sighed with a sad smile chuckling at the thought
“Oh I know”
“I’m worried about mama” the blonde spoke honestly knowing that her aunt probably felt the same way
“Me too” Gabriella nodded
“Life’s not fair, she can never just be happy” Eleora sighed thinking of all the hardships Carina had faced
“Your Mom made your Mama very happy, even when they were fighting” Gabriella smiled placing her hand on Eleora’s knee
“She’s lost everyone” Eleora sighed softly
“Not everyone… she still has you and Andrea and Emilia and me” Gabriella smiled
“Si…” she nodded in response returning the smile “….but she lost her mama and brother, arguably twice, then Nonno died and now Mom and I don’t know if Emilia will ever be okay again and Andrea tried to be strong but I know he’s breaking inside I mean he was there he got to say goodbye and I know he feels guilty about that and I know his job scares mama even more than moms ever did… I can’t lose him too” the blonde added as her voice cracked and the tears she thought were dried came flooding down her face again
“Shush, it’s okay… I’m here, I’ve got you” Gabriella whispered pulling the girl into a tight hug predicting that this was how she was going to spend her day comforting her niece wishing she had the magic powers to bring back Maya
“Grazie”
“Ti voglio bene” Gabriella whispered kissing Eleora’s temple in comfort
“Ti voglio bene anche” Eleora replied as she slowly pulled away to fix her make up and attempt to dig out her waterproof mascara but she wasn’t convinced even that would stop the black tears staining her face
“Do you need any help getting ready?” Gabriella asked passing Eleora a makeup wipe to redo her face
“Could you help with my necklace please” Eleora ask picking up a sliver locket and passing it to her Zia
“Si…” Gabriella nodded taking the necklace and inspecting it “…I recognise this, why do I recognise it?”
“It was hers, it’s the locket Emilia bought her for her birthday one year…” Eleora smiled “…it has DeLuca-Bishop engraved on the back” she added prompting the Italian to turn the locket over and read the inscription
“Sei bella…” Gabriella smiled as she clipped the necklace around Eleoras neck and played with her hair “…she was so proud of you” she added holding Eleora’s shoulders looking at her through the mirror
“Lo so” Eleora nodded softly with a small sad but warm smile
Eleora finished getting ready as Gabriella stood at her window watching as Andrea greeting a young blonde women who she’d never seen or heard about before
“Elly” Gabriella spoke up as she stood at the window in confusion
“Hmm”
“Who’s the blonde talking to your brother?” Gabriella asked prompting Eleora to join her at the window
“Mannaggia” she grumbled throwing her head back
“Cosa?” Gabriella giggled at the clear distate the blonde had for the other blonde
“That’s Anastasia, we don’t like Ana… Mom didn’t like Ana” Eleora replied grabbing her heels
“Who’s Ana?” Gabriella asked
“She was Andrea’s girlfriend then they broke up and now she’s stringing him along” Eleora groaned shaking her head as she leaned on Gabriella to steady herself and slip her shoes on
“Oh… what happened to Aurora” Gabriella asked
“Aurora” Eleora smiled “…she said she’d com actually with her Mamma but I haven’t heard from her this morning…” she added thinking about the conversation she’d had with her friend who also happened to be Andrea ex-girlfriend “…Drea and Rora were together when they were 16 it didn’t really last because Aurora ended up going back to Sicily when her Nonna died but I think Andrea still loves her, Ana is there to fill a space in his bed”
“I see” Gabriella nodded
“Come on, let’s go find mama” the blonde smiled hurrying Gabriella away from the window and going in search of Carina
The family continued to get ready at their own pace each of them doing whatever they could in an attempt to delay the inevitable. Eventually they all piled in the car, Gabriella insisting on driving as they made their way to the church
“Carina” Katherine smiled softly as she stood at the front of the church quickly pulling her daughter-in-law into a taught hug
“Katherine” the Italian smiled holding on tightly to the older woman “….I’m sorry I promised myself I wasn’t going to cry” Carina sniffled as she tried to compose herself
“Shush you have nothing to be sorry for”
“I didn’t think this day would ever come” Mason grumbled next to his mother watching as his children greeted his nieces and nephew
“Me either” Katherine replied
“Ciao Mason” smiled softly hugging the taller blonde
“Hi Carina… how are you doing?” Mason asked knowing it was a stupid question but couldn’t stop it from fall out his mouth
“Not great, you?” Carina asked
“I’ve been better, how are the kids?”
“Emilia’s still speaking Italian, Eleora- well I have no idea how Eleora is she won’t speak to me about it and Andrea is Maya…” Carina huffed “…I don’t think he’s processed any of it but he’s working hard to make sure everyone else is okay… I think he also feels guilty for being there when Emilia and Eleora weren’t”
“Do they blame him?” Mason asked
“No, nothing like that” Carina replied shaking her head
“I’m sure time will help” Katherine smiled trying to offer a sweet sentiment
“You’d like to think that but I’ve found that time is sometimes the hardest part…” Carina replied thinking about her mamma and brother “…sorry”
“It’s okay, come on let’s go sit” Katherine smiled guiding the Italian into the church
Carina took her seat in the front pew sitting between her twins finding herself smiling at the large photo of Maya on the beach with the children, the twice couldn’t have been any older than 7 as they both lay on top of her with a 3 year old Emilia sat on Eleora’s back. The Italian was lost in the memory until she felt someone tap her shoulder
“Can I ask you something?” Amelia asked as she leant forward in Carina’s ear
“Sure” Carina nodded
“Did Emilia turn up to the hospital drunk 2 nights ago?” Amelia asked
“Si” the Italian exhaled deeply wondering how Amelia had found that out but also knowing the way news travels around the hospital
“I’m hearing rumours they pumped her stomach?” Amelia added
“Che cazzo? No she slept in my office with a saline and vit c drip” Carina growled not impressed with false information about her daughter floating around her place of work
“Oh yeah that makes more sense” Amelia smiled nodding catching a glimpse of the sad look on Emilia’s face
“How did you hear about that?” Carina asked suspecting she already knew the answer
“Interns talk”
“Well next time can you make sure interns don’t talk about my children especially now” Carina asked
“Noted” Amelia nodded placing a comforting hand on Carina’s shoulder as she turned back to the front
———
As the service began Andrea zoned out. It wasn’t his intention. He tried to listen to every single word, to every single eulogy and memory of his mom but he couldn’t shake the final moments he spent with her
“You said she was right behind you” Andrea snapped at Jack who walked over the engine without Maya
“She was” Jack replied confused having heard the building collapse but not realise Maya hadn’t followed him
“Well she isn’t now” Andrea replied angrily looking around for his mom’s helmet but unable to find her
“Mayday, mayday, firefighter down” Travis’s call came through the radio as the two looked at each other
“It’s her isn’t it” Andrea spoke stoically as he swallows the bile rising from his stomach
“I think so” Jack nodded as Andrea grabbed his helmet and ran back into the building
“Probie where are you going everyone’s been told to fall back” his Captain called, Andrea wasn’t at 19 he hadn’t earned that privilege yet, he also hadn’t disclosed who his mom was
“Let him go, he needs to see her” Jack shouted over to the disgruntled firefighter
“Who?” The Captain asked confused as to what was going on
“Battalion Chief Bishop, she’s not coming out” Jack replied having a gut feeling on how the rest of the calm was going to play out
“I don’t understand?”
“Andrea is her son” Andy added closing her eyes and taking a deep breath
“I’ve had Battalion Chief Bishop’s kid at my house this whole time” Andrea’s Captain asked in a state of confusion
“Yeah, he didn’t want people to know…” Andy sighed “…only those at 19 knew the connection”
“No wonder he’s the best probie I’ve ever had” the captain sighed dropping his own head kicking himself for not making the connection
———
“Mom” Andrea called as he found Travis two two paramedics and quickly dropped down by Maya’s head
“Hey bubs” Maya smiled softly her face covered in soot and blood
“We’re gonna get you out Mom” Andrea smiled
“Andrea its okay” Maya shook her head, she knew what was going to happen and she knew her son couldn’t promise to get her out
“No it’s not, I need you to hold on, I need to get you out” Andrea pleaded looking at his mom as he tried to free her arms
“Okay”
“I need you to keep fighting mom, for me, for Eleora, for Emilia… for Mama… you can’t leave Mama” Andrea whimpered removed the bricks and rubble from Maya so she was all but free
“Andrea it’ll be okay” Maya smiled softly
“It won’t, it won’t be okay unless you’re there… Mama needs you, Eleora and me need you and Melee’s just a baby” Andrea replied as a tear dropped from his face onto Maya’s
“Lay down here” Maya instructed encouraging Andrea to lay next to her
“Please Mom, you can’t just give up” Andrea added as he lay his head next to Maya’s
“You’ll be okay, Mama’s on her way” Maya smiled finding the strength to bring one hand to Andrea’s face
“I need you to be okay” Andrea replied
“I can’t promise that”
“Eleora’s going to hate me”
“No she isn’t, but she is going to need her big brother…” Maya smiled “…I need you to look after them, all of them”
“Just fight mom and you can do it yourself” Andrea shrugged with a small optimistic smile
“I’m trying Andrea” Maya replied softly though Andrea knew when he walks out this building he’ll have one less parent
“I don’t like when you call me Andrea, it sounds like I’m in trouble” he whimpered
“You’re not in trouble bubs… I love you” Maya smiled warmly as she tried to hide the pain
“Please don’t do that… don’t say goodbye, I’m not ready to say goodbye” Andrea pleaded
“I saw you today, I saw how you smashed those car windows without second thought to connect the hose… I watched you run across the street into the other building to get more water… I saw how you carried out those three kids and the dog… you’re going to make the most amazing firefighter bubs” Maya smiled with pride looking at her son admiring the name on his turnouts that he lay over her to keep her warm
“Only because I asked myself what would Maya Bishop do… you’re my hero mommy, I can’t loose my hero” Andrea sobbed burying his face in his moms neck
“I need you to do something for me bubs” Maya asked softly
“Anything mom” Andrea replied as he sniffled back tears and composed himself
“Make sure Mama’s happy… she’s one of a kind is your mama and she deserves all the love and light in the world, if I can’t be the one who gives that to her I need you to make sure she finds someone who can” Maya spoke as the tears she’s tried so hard to hold back finally escaped and tan down her cheeks
“Mom” Andrea tried to protest but Maya gave him a look he knew too well one that told him not was not the time to argue
“Shush, please Andrea… she can’t be alone for the rest of her life, she’s got too much love to give”
“But she loves you” Andrea replied
“And I love her” Maya smiled softly
“You’ll always have her heart, she’ll always be your Carina” he replied shakily not liking his moms request but knowing he’d do whatever he could look after his mama
“I know… but she needs to know it’s okay to love again… can you do that for me?” Maya asked
“Si, I can” Andrea nodded
Carina seemed to have the same stoic look on her face as her son as she remembered that day from her own point of view. She’d been called to the scene to assist with a labouring mother who was too dangerous to transport without a doctor but she’d heard the mayday calls through the radio before she heard calls of her own name
“Carina” Andy yelled as she saw the doctor jump out of the aidcar
“Is it Maya or Andrea, where are they?” Carina asked quickly
“Carina” Andy sighed and she knew instantly it was her wife
“It’s Maya isn’t it, where is she”
“She’s still inside they can’t free her, Andrea’s in there with her” Andy replied pointing towards the entry way as Carina made a run for it not caring about her lack of protective gear she just needed to see her wife
“Maya? Maya” Carina shouted through the building jumping over rubble and pushing a number of fire personale out of the way
“I also told you you can hear your mama before you see her” Maya chuckled
“She’s Italian, she’s loud” Andrea replied returning the chuckle
“She is” Maya nodded in agreement
“Maya” Carina sobbed as she dropped to her knees at her wife’s head
“Hi” Maya smiled widely happy to see her wife
“Oh bambina I told you to be careful” Carina sighed stroking Maya’s face
“I know, I’m sorry” Maya sighed as a stray tear fell quickly caught by Carina
“Shush don’t be sorry it’s okay” Carina smiled softly
“It’s not okay, I’m not coming home babe” Maya spoke the fear evident in her voice as Andrea let out a sob he’d been holding back reaching for Maya’s hand that has been freed
“No, don’t say that” Carina shook her head not wanting to believe her wife’s words
“Carina don’t make this harder than it already is” Maya pleaded the breathlessness in her voice evident as she gasped for air
“I need you Maya” Carina replied resting her forehead against hers
“I love you Carina, so so much…” she cried “…I’d have never made it this far without you, you saved me over and over again” she added as the words got stuck at the back of her throat
“Let me try again”
“It won’t work, I know it won’t…” Maya whispered as her eyes threatened to close “…I’ll always be with you” she added softly
“Ti amo” Carina smiled pulling Maya in to one final kiss as the blondes closed and the portable heart monitor she was hooked up to started beeping
“She’s crashing we need to move her” one of the other firefighters panicked as he tired to speed up effort to pull Maya out
“As soon as you lift the boulder she’s going to bleed out, there isn’t enough time…” Carina replied looking up at Andrea who’s eyes were fixed on his moms hand wrapped in his “…she’s gone tesoro” Carina whimpered bringing one hand to Andrea’s face before he dropped to hug Maya
“Mama… it’s okay Mama, I’m here” Carina shook her head in confusion when she felt Andrea’s hand on her shoulder and she zoned back into reality taking Andrea’s hand in her own and holding it tight
———
10 DAYS EARLIER
“Ciao” Eleora beamed picking up the FaceTime call
“Hi my princess, are you all set?” Maya asked as she sat down in her office chair and propping up her phone against a stack of files
“Si, my flight leaves tomorrow at noon, I’m so ready to come home” Eleora smiled
“You don’t-?”
“Not like that, I’m just ready for a break two weeks to unwind and relax and have Mama cook for me” Eleora smiled
“Not her sole purpose in life EllyBelly” Maya chuckled but knowing she also misses Carina’s cooking when she can’t have it
“I know but that’s definitely what I miss most” the girl shrugged
“You miss your mamas cooking for than you miss mama, or me” Maya chuckled running her hands through her hair before pulling it back into a low pony tail having seen the previous calls and expecting the klaxons to summon her any minute
“Hmm you’re right, no I miss Margherita” Eleora replied laying back down on her bed
“Of course you do”
“I’d she there?” Eleora asked
“She’s here on my couch” Maya smiled as she got up and flipped the camera walking over to the dog who lay sprawled on out on the office couch with one leg in a cast
“She looks so tired” Eleora pouted wishing she could hug the dog she missed so much
“Her broken leg has surely slowed her down but she’s on the mend the vets pretty optimistic… but she is getting old” Maya sighed ruffling the dogs ears and head
“Like you” Eleora teased
“Watch it” Maya replied quickly as they two started laughing
“I love you Mom” Eleora replied as she threw on a jumper and left her room in search of a drink
“I love you too daughter” Maya chuckled
“So Mama still doesn’t know I’m coming home right” Eleora confirmed, she had planned on surprising both her parents but she’d accidentally sent the flight confirmation to Maya so she had to tell her her plans
“Right” Maya smiled
“Or Drea or Melee?”
“Nope just me” she added again excited for her wife’s reaction when their daughter would ultimately walk into the house
“Perfect”
“I do have a question though” Maya asked
“Hmmhmm”
“Why is Mattia Rabbiaotti behind you?” She questioned as she saw her daughter ex-boyfriend attempt to dip out the frame
“Hi Chief Bishop-DeLuca” Matty called through the phone before disappearing again
“He’s just visiting” Eleora added seeing the disapproved expression on her moms face
“Hmmhmm, and he always visits topless?” Maya asked
“He’s not topless” Eleora replied shaking her head
“He isn’t?” Maya asked confused
“No he’s naked” Eleora replied with a coy grin on her face
“Che cazzo” Maya shrieked clearly embodying her wife
“Lei finalmente parla italiano” Eleora teased laughing
“I’m going ci vediamo dopo… ciao Maya” Matty shouted as he waved at Eleora and Maya heard the front door to Eleora’s apartment slam
“Have you spoke to Lucas recently?” Maya asked when she was certain the boy had left and Eleora ventured to sit on the sofa to finish their conversation
“No, he stopped answering my texts” Eleora sighed sadly
“I see… please just be careful” Maya asked she didn’t trust Matty, and she knew how Eleora still felt about Lucas
“I always am”
“Okay but just between me and you I prefer Lucas to him” Maya replied
“He has a name” Eleora grumbled shaking her head at her moms overprotective nature
“I know, but I don’t like him” Maya shrugged
“Mommy” Eleora groaned throwing her head back in frustration as she heard Maya giggle
“Eleora” Maya replied in the same time struggling to tame her laughter
“He’s changed” Eleora replied though she wasn’t quite sure she believed her own words when she was interrupted by the stations klaxons
“Mmhmm… I have to go, 5 alarm” Maya smiled softly
“Is Drea there?” Eleora asked as Maya moved around her office quickly finding what she needed
“I believe so” Maya nodded grabbing the keys to the battalion truck
“Oh”
“We’ll be safe, I promise I’ll text you when I’m back I want to hear more about you and Matty” Maya smiled softly
“There is no me and Matty” Eleora rolled her eyes
“Hmmhmm, i love you EllyBelly” she smiled through the phone
“I love you too Mom” Eleora replied returning the warm smile
“Bye bye” Maya waved
“Ciao” Eleora replied she as hung up and sunk into the sofa. She didn’t often worry for her mom and brothers safety but when she knew it was a five alarm and they were both there sometimes she couldn’t turn her brain off
“Eleora that’s you” Andrea whispered softly shaking the girl from her last conversation with her mom
“Hmm- right yeah, sorry” she smiled weakly
“Piccola you don’t have to speak if you don’t want to” Carina added noticing how white Eleora had gone
“I want to” the blonde replied as she stood up and made her way to the lectern
Eleora made it through her eulogy holding back her tears before resuming her seat next to Carina her head quickly dropping to her Mama’s shoulder in exhaustion
The service continued, many more firefighters talking thought none of the family could tell you what was said, they were all zoned out in their own right staring at the large photo of their mom.
After the service everyone migrated back to their home, firefighters and doctors alike filled the house many knew each other, some were firefighters who knew Maya and wanted to pay their respects
Emilia maintained her Italian and secluded herself to communicating with her family only not in the mood to make small talk with someone who barely knew her mom but pretended like they did.
Carina stayed glued to either Gabriella or Andrea, she hadn’t wanted to host at her house if she was honest she wanted to just spend time with her children but she was talked into hosting a wake so for now she had to grin and bare it.
———
Eleora sat on the balcony of the porch with her glass of wine isolating herself from the rest of re guests she wasn’t really in the mood to speak to anyone since the one person she did want to talk to was the one person she couldn’t talk to
“Hey” Lucas smiled lightly pushing Eleora with his shoulder earning a small smile from the blonde
“Hi” Eleora sighed softly
“Can I?” Lucas paused wondering if he’d be overstepping
“Can you what?” Eleora asked
“Give you a hug” Lucas smiled
“Please” Eleora nodded instantly wrapping herself around Lucas finding safety and familiarity in his hug
“Herrera” Matty called as he caught to the two in a hug
“Oh hey Rabs, didn’t know you’d be here” Lucas replied slightly confused by the presence of his former high school team mate
“Why’re you hugging my girlfriend” he asked
“I’m not your girlfriend, not anymore and I’ve already asked you to leave” Eleora huffed out not giving Lucas any indication as to what she was so mad about
“Els” Matty tried t appeal to her softer side but it only irritated her more
“Please Matty, today is hard enough without having to listen to your lies” Eleora replied
“What have I lied about”
“I know about you and Mia Finch” Eleora snapped
“Who’s Mia Finch?” Lucas asked Eleora’s easier voice gaining her brothers attention
“Someone he works with” Eleora replied
“Oh, what happened” Lucas asked
“Lucas” Andrea called shaking his head
“What?” he shrugged looking at his friend in confusion
“Bambina nothing happened between me and Mia” Matty tried to hold Eleora’s hands but she worked to put space between them
“Don’t call me that… you don’t get to call me that” Eleora replied forcefully
“Why are you being such a brat” Matty asked his temper quickly changing when he didn’t receive the response he’d wanted from the blonde
“Leave it out Rabs her mom just died” Lucas tried
“Your mom dying isn’t an excuse to be a brat” Matty replied ignoring Lucas still talking to Eleora
“When did you start disrespecting the people you care about” Matty asked
“Around the same time he cheated in the first place…” Eleora snapped with a breathless intake “…you’ve been asked to leave Matty so please just save us all an argument and leave”
“I’m just trying to support you”
“I know but I don’t want you here, you came to the church you’ve shown your face at the wake it’s time for you to go” Eleora replied coldly her patiences quickly wearing thin
“So you can get back to sleeping with HIM” Matty spat out pointing at Lucas
“Cosa?” Eleora laughed incredulously
“What did you say?” Lucas asked one step away from squaring up to him
“Lucas leave it, he’s been drinking” Andrea replied pulling at his best friend
“So what if I slept with Mia you’ve been sleeping with your ex” Matty replied admitting to his cheating and Eleora’s could help the tears that ran down her face
In the moment she was reminded of Maya, she told her to be careful not to trust him but she didn’t listen and now all she wanted was to hug her mom and tell her she was right
“No I haven’t” Eleora replied shaking her head
“I saw you” Matty replied
“When?” Lucas asked equally as confused as Eleora as to where Matty had drawn his conclusions from
“Last week you said we could hang then you cancelled on me for him”
“I cancelled on you because we had film night at the station something we’ve been doing for years and my mom just died I wanted to be around the people who loved and cared for her” Eleora replied her tears quickly turning to anger at the allegations
“You’re a liar” he replied getting scarily close to the girl
“Dude watch your step” Andrea interfered pulling Matty away and stepping between him and his sister to protect her
“What are you going to do about it?” Matty asked squaring up to Andrea out of no where but Eleora pulled her brother back
“I’m walking away…” Eleora sighed “…andare a casa Mattia per favore” she exhaled as she walked away kicking off her shoes and picking them up before running away when she saw Lucas hit Matty
———
“Hey you okay?” Andy asked as the girl stormed passed her and headed up the stairs
“No my moms dead and your son is beating up my ex boyfriend” Eleora snapped back in a very Maya Bishop way
“He’s what?” Andy asked
“Matty just said something stupid to Leors and Lucas hit him now they’re hitting each other and I don’t have the energy to break them up” Andrea answered also having walked away in favour of making sure his sister was okay
“Robert” Andy called
“Yeah?”
“Go get your son, and send Matty home” Andy instructed seeing the two fighting pathetically on the front lawn
“On it, Gibson some back up” Robert called over to the lieutenant
“Yep”
———
Lucas pushed his way tentatively into Eleora’s room finding Andrea comforting his sister in her bed. He smiled at his friend and the two shared a knowing look before Lucas attempted to apologise
“Eleora” Lucas knocked on the door and let himself into the girls bedroom
“Save it” she held up her hand to stop him speaking as she held onto her brother
“Let me explain” Lucas all but pleaded sharing a look with Andrea
“I dont need you defending my honour, I don’t care. It’s not about me” Eleora replied sitting up and wiping her tears
“Let me help you” Lucas asked softly couching down infront of the twins
“I don’t want your help” Eleora replied
“I’ll leave you two to it” Andrea smiled softly knowing his sister was just being stubborn and Lucas was in fact the person she wanted right now “…ti voglio bene” he whispered in Eleora’s ear as he gave her a final squeeze and walked away
“What do you want me to do Eleora?” Lucas asked
“There’s nothing you can do, I want my mom back… I just want her back Lucas I need her” she broke as her sons wracked her body coughing Lucas to pull her onto the floor with home and hold her
“Lo sé, lo sé… it’s okay mi cielo… it’s going to take awhile but it’s all going to be okay… uno dia” he whispered softly trying to calm her down
“I’m sorry” she eventually spoke taking a deep breath and looking up at the boy who’d managed to calm her down
“It’s okay…” he smiled softly as he questioned whether the two were sharing a moment unable Eleora was thinking the exact same thing
“You’re bleeding” She gasped as she traced her fingers across the deep cut just below his hair line
“I’m fine” he shook it off not even feeling the pain
“That’s pretty deep” Eleora replied as she sat up on her knees to inspect the cut
“I’ll be okay”
“Let me fix it” Eleora asked softly
“Els… I’m okay, I’m here for you remember I’ve got you” he smiled softly
“Just let me clean it up” Eleora demanded not allowing him time to answer as she disappeared to retrieve the first aid box from the bathroom
“Fine”
Eleora patched up Lucas’ head the best she could managing to stopping the bleeding and securing three butterfly stitches
“So Dottoressa DeLuca-Bishop, am I going to die” Lucas chuckled before he realised what he’d said and instantly regretted his word choice
“That’s not funny” the blonde shook her head unimpressed
“Sorry I wasn’t thinking” Lucas sighed his head dropped as Eleora placed a bandaid over the butterfly stitches
“You’re going to be okay” she smiled tidying up the first aid kit and disappearing again to go wash her hands
“I know… I had the best doctor” he teased sitting on the edge of the blondes bed with a smug smile on his face
“Im not a doctor” Eleora replied as she made sure the bandaid was properly stuck down and not caught in his loose curls
“Not yet…” Lucas smiled looking up at her catching her eyes “…I never stopped loving you”
“I- Lucas” Eleora sighed as her hands dropped to hold his face
“I know it’s unfair, but it’s true” Lucas smiled weakly bringing his own hand to brush the fallen hair behind her ear “I don’t like not being with you, and I don’t like Matty Rabbiaotti”
“Just stop talking and kiss me” Eleora replied as she fell forwards pushing Lucas backwards on the bed in a searing kiss
———
“Eat” Jade instructed pushing a plate of food towards Emilia
“Nah-uh” she shook her head pulling her knees to her chest
“Emilia”
“Non affamato” Emilia whispered softly she didn’t have any energy to start an argument but she knew if she safe she’d be sick
“D’accord” Jade sighed putting the plate of pizza aside
As soon as Jade say next to her Emilia repositioned herself to sit in her girlfriends lap and cuddle into her chest resting her head over the fellow teens heart listening to the steady heart beat
“I love you” Jade whispered softly placing a kiss to the side of Emilias head
“I love you too, thank you for being here” she replied speaking English in public and not the comfort of her bedroom for the first time in a long time
“Anything for you” Jade smiled and she pulled Emilia closer to her
“I’m going to my safe place” Emilia whispered
“Can I come?“ Jade asked knowing exactly where Emilia wanted to be
“Si” Emilia smiled helping Jade up as they both climbed into the play pen with Margherita
———
“Emilia won’t speak to me in English or really at all” Gabriella sighed as she forced Carina to put the washing up down and leave it for another time
“She stopped speaking English 7 days ago but I think she still speaks it with Jade” Carina sighed as she lowered the glass in her hand into the bowl of soapy water
“So she’s still speaking?” Gabriella asked
“Barely” Carina exhaled looking over at her daughter who was in the dog pen with Margherita
“How are you?” Gabriella asked watching as her friend fidgeted with her rings
“Im fine” Carina smiled unconvincingly
“You never were a good liar” Gabriella chuckled pouring wine for the two of them
“I told you before, I need to be strong for my babies” Carina replied as she thanked Gabriella for the wine
“Hmmhmm…” Gabriella nodded “…there’s so many people” she added looking around at the packed house as firefighters and doctors filled the living room back yard and front porch
“She was very popular” Carina smiled imagining how Maya would hate this many people in her home disrupting her order
“Lo so….” Gabriella smiled “…do you want me to start clearing people out, I can be pretty scary when I try” she added as Eleora wrapped her arms around her in a hug “…ciao dolcezza”
“Ciao Zia” Eleora smiled resting her chin on Gabriella’s shoulder
“Maybe anyone who isn’t 19 or our immediate friendship group” Carina asked
“I can do that” Gabriella smiled nodding letting go of Eleora and heading off on her task
“Ciao mama”
“Ciao bam- piccolina” Carina smiled weakly unable to use the name she used interchangeably for Eleora and Maya
“I’m sad mama” Eleora sighed softly picking up Gabriella’s glass she’d left behind and taking a sip
“Me too” Carina whispered pulling Eleora towards her to hold her
Carina stood with her arms wrapped around Eleora watching Gabriella attempt to send people home when she zoned in on a conversation that was being had between Travis and Jack though they didn’t realise Emilia was also tuned into what they were saying and the girl wasn’t impressed
“She’s in a better place now” Jack spoke softly to Travis thinking he was being comforting not realising Emilia had over heard him until the teen jumped up from laying in her girlfriend lap with the dog and started shouting at him in Italian
Jack froze as the girl continued to scream and cry though he couldn’t understand a single word, he looked to Gabriella for some help who had a defeated and heartbroken look on her face having full understanding of what the girl was saying
“Che cazzo, che cazzo!” the girl shouted pushing at Jack who tried to wrap her in a hug to calm her down
“Emilia calmati” Gabriella tried to help the firefighter steady and calm the girl but it wasn’t working
“No, che cazzo a better place?” Emilia asked the effect of only speaking English to Jade a few times evident as her accent heavily resembled Carina’s “…A better place! my mom isn’t in a better place…”
“…a better place would be our home in Catania or visiting Leors in Milan or sitting on the porch with Margherita and a glass of wine talking with mama as the sun sets…” she continued to cry as she freed herself from Jack and Gabriella and moved away from Carina unable to face any immediate comfort
“…she isn’t in a better place Jack she’s dead, my moms dead and she’s not coming back…” she broke as her knees gave way beneath her but Jack caught her before she could hit the floor with force “…I’m not getting her back”
“Meals” Jade tried to wipe away her own tears as well as Emilia’s as she crouched infront of her
“Lasciami stare” Emilia muttered as she shook of Jade and ran up the stairs the next sound being the slamming of her bedroom door as everyone in the house looked at each other not knowing what to say or who should go after her if anyone
“I’ll go” Eleora volunteered seeing the broken look on the faces of her mama and sisters girlfriend
“Jade come here” Carina smiled softly offering the girl a warm hug
“Should I leave?” Jade asked as she pulled back from the Italian grateful for the comfort
“No, no I don’t think she’d want that she’s just upset she’ll come round” Carina smiled softly, Emilia often acts out first and thinks later all of her kids did, it was one thing she was certain they’d got from her wife
“She shouldn’t have to though” Jade whispered softly
“Hmm?” Gabriella questioned not quite understanding the teen
“She shouldn’t have to come round, Maya shouldn’t be-“ Jade stuttered
“I know, lo so” Carina smiled softly having understood the comment in the first place
Eleora knocked on the door not waiting for a response before entering. The blonde stood there watching her sister pace not knowing what to say and knowing better than to try and hug her at the moment in time
“This shouldn’t be happening” Emilia cried as she sat on her bed curled around the toy dog she’d had since that day Maya rescued her from a claw machine in the arcades
“Lo so” Eleora nodded in agreement closing the door over behind her
“She shouldn’t be dead” Emilia cried shaking her head as she pulled the dog closer to her chest
“Lo so”
“Abbracciami” the teen whimpered
“Vieni qua…” Eleora whispered as she quickly moved across the room and jumped on her sister’s bed to hold her “…do you want me to get Jade?”
“No right now I want my sister” Emilia continued to cry shifting so her whole weight was held by Eleora
“I love you, we’ll be okay” Eleora whispered kissing the top of Emilias head and rocking the two of them in comfort
“I love you too” Emilia replied softly
———
Andrea found himself gasping for air on the front lawn as he tried to push through the rest of the day without a public breakdown. He could cry as much as he wanted once everyone left but for now he had to be strong for his sisters and his mama
“Andrea” the voice came from behind the firefighter as he turned in confusion when he recognised the accent
“Cosa stai facendo qui?” Andrea asked looking at his ex girlfriend
“I couldn’t not, your mom was a good person… she was always nice to me, I liked her… I’ll miss her” Aurora replied honestly as she got closer to Andrea, she seemed even more beautiful than Andrea remembered her long dark hair pulled back into a tight pony tail and her deep green eyes swimming in pools of unshed tears
“She always liked you too…” Andrea smiled “…I’m pretty sure your her favourite girlfriend I’ve had” he added holding his hand out to the Italian to pull her into a tight hug and greet her properly
“See I knew she always had good taste” Aurora teased as she pulled back from the embrace taking in the solemn look on Andrea’s face as her thumbs swiped over his cheeks to dry the tears
“Must be the Italian” Andrea replied in an equally teasing tone
“Must be…” Aurora laughed loudly a laugh the boy didn’t realise he missed as much as he did “…who’s the blonde?” She asked catching a death stare from a pretty tall woman with blonde hair and blue eyes
“Oh that’s Anastasia” Andrea sighed looking over this shoulder at the girl he’d been in a complex relationship with for the best part of 6 months
“Anastasia” Aurora repeated needing more information
“My friend” Andrea smiled softly leading Aurora to to sit on the steps of the porch
“Your friend?” Aurora raised her eyebrows suggestively
“Girl friend” Andrea replied with a small but noticeable pause in eterne the words
“As in a friend who’s a girl or, fidanzata?” Aurora asked
“It’s complicated” Andrea sighed looking straight a head wishing things weren’t as complicated as they were so he could kiss the Italian sitting next to him
“Si, it always is with you DeLuca’s” Aurora sighed nodding listening to every word he spoke
“DeLuca-Bishop” Andrea smiled correcting the girl
“DeLuca-Bishop” she smiled back catching the small glimmer in the boys eye
“Have you spoke to Leors?” Andrea asked
“No I haven’t quite ventured in that far” Aurora replied fighting the urge to rest her head on Andrea’s shoulder
“She misses you” Andrea replied
“Who Leors?” Aurora asked as she tuned back into what Andrea was saying
“Si” Andrea nodded
“I miss her too, I’ll start seeing her more often I’ve been offered a job in Milan” Aurora smiled knowing that her friend was at med school in the city
“That’ll be good for her, someone who knows her… I think she’ll need you” Andrea smiled worried for his sister being alone on the other side of the world so close after loosing their mom “…Do you want a drink?” he asked when the conversation dwindled
“You got a beer?” Aurora asked
“Of course” he nodded as he got up to fetch two beers from the fridge before quickly returning and passing the beer bottle over the girls head
“Ah peroni” she smiled taking the bottle of beer tipping her head back to look up at Andrea
“What else?” he shrugged with a coy smile softly back down next to her
“It was a beautiful service” Aurora smiled talking about the church aspect of the funeral
“You were at the church?” Andrea asked slightly taken a back
“Si, me and my Mamma came we stayed at the back I didn’t want to over step” Aurora smiled softly
“You wouldn’t have been over stepping, how is Gioia?” Andrea asked talking about the girls mom genuinely interested in what her missed on the last years when they hadn’t spoke
“She’s good” Aurora smiled
“Good”
“How’s Meleebear?” She asked remembering how Emilia used to revert to Italian when she was hurt or upset and having seen the look on the girls face at the service
“She’s stopped speaking English” Andrea sighed
“Italiano?”
“Si, she misses mom” Andrea sighed
“We all do”
“You should go see them” he added catching the ever growing scorn on Anastasia’s face
“Your sisters?” Aurora asked
“Si and my mama and Gabri, they’d be happy to see you” Andrea smiled
“I’ve missed you Andrea” Aurora smiled as she brought her hand to his face to look her her
“I’ve missed you too” he smiled shifting his face to place a soft kiss to the palm of her hand
“Hi” Ana barked possessively shaking the two out of their laughter of memories
“Ciao” Aurora smiled looked kindly up at the other girl
“Oh ciao” Ana replied in a poor Italian accent
“Ana this is Aurora” Andrea smiled standing up
“Oh hi” Ana smiled weakly noticing the glimmer in Andrea’s eye as he giggled along with Aurora
“Aurora” Emilia beamed as she saw the Italian on the porch and ran at her for a hug
“Eccola” Eleora giggled following her sister and joining in on the hug as her tears fell
“Ciao belli come sta?” Aurora asked predicting that she already knew the answer
“Non lo so…” Emilia replied
“Mi sei mancata” Eleora smiled hugging her friend again
“Mi sei mancata anch’io” Aurora sighed as she tightened her hold on the blonde
“Vieni qua… come see mama” Eleora added as she pulled back and took Aurora’s hand leading her to Carina
“So that’s Aurora” Ana asked
“Si” Andrea nodded watching as his sisters pulled her into the house and over to Carina and Gabriella who each wrapped her in a tight hug
“Your sisters like her” Ana added stoically realising the girls had never greeted her the way they greeted Aurora
“They do” Andrea nodded
“They don’t like me” Ana replied
“They don’t dislike you” he added quickly narrowing his eyes wondering where the conversation was going
“Hmmhmm, your mom didn’t like me” Ana replied
“That’s not true” Andrea added although he wasn’t sure if what he was saying was true
“Okay… look Andrea I know todays hard and I want to be here for you but you don’t need me, you have your sisters and your firehouse family I’m going to go” Ana spoke after taking a deep breath
“You don’t have to leave”
“It’s okay Andrea, you keep yourself safe” she smiled as she turned to walk away
“I will”
“And talk to Aurora…” she added “…she’s seems nice and she’s pretty and you speak the same language, don’t walk away from her… bye” she waved as she headed to her car
“Bye Ana” Andrea called watching as she drove away before heading off to find Aurora and his sisters
———
Emilia tried to sit inside with her family but she needed her own space it had been 20 minutes since she left her sister talking to Eleora in search of fresh air and a moment to try and breathe
“Hi” Jade smiled softly as she sat down next to Emilia on the porch seat
“Ciao…” Emilia smiled weakly “…Vieni qua” she whispered pulling Jade into a soft kiss and settling their foreheads together
“It’s going to be okay Emilia, I know it’s hard right now but it will get easier” Jade smiled softly pulling back and holding Emilia’s face in her hands
“Just don’t leave me” Emilia choked out
“Jamais, je suis amoureuse de toi mon amour” Jade smiled swiping at the tears
“Voglio mia mommy” Emilia weeped as she fell into Jades lap and curling herself into her girlfriends abdomen who continued to hold her in an attempt to keep her safe
“I know… I know” Jade repeated as ran her fingers through Emilia’s hair
———
Gabriella had been successful at clearing out the house, it was only Andy and a select few left who continued to dwindle in numbers not necessarily because they wanted to leave but because they knew Carina and kids needed their own space to be together and to grieve together
“Come on papi let’s go” Andy smiled placing her hands on her sons shoulders who sat next to Andrea on the sofa
“Actually I’m going to stay… for Els” Lucas smiled both at his mom and best friend
“Does she want you to stay?“ Andy asked
“Si tia, she won’t admit it but she does” Andrea answered for his friend
“Okay, well you know where I am if you need anything and I mean anything” Andy smiled shrugging on her coat and signalling to her daughter to join her
“I know, thank you” Andrea smiled
“Jade do you need a ride?“ Pippa asked her friend as she followed her mom to the door
“No thank you, I’m going to stay too” Jade smiled
“Aurora?” Andy asked although she knew from the way the girl was lay in Andrea’s lap the answer would be no
“I’m good grazie” she smiled softly
“Man you kids have grown up too fast…” Andy smiled softly as she exhaled “…you be good” she added pointing at Lucas
“Mami” he groaned shaking his head
“Call me if you need anything” Andy reiterated looking to Gabriella before saying her final goodbyes and leaving
———
The nightsky was a strange colour at this time, it wasn’t bright blue, and it wasn’t pitch black. The navy canvas was speckled with bright white stars as stray clouds floated in the wind. Carina lay on a blanket into the middle of the backyard staring up at the stars. When she was younger she’d sped hours with her brother pointing out the constellations, it brought her comfort after her mama died and she shared her stories with Maya after Andrew. Now she lay on her own resisting the urge to fight her tears instead allowing them to flow down her cheeks
“Hi” Eleora whispered as she lay down next to Carina and lifted her arm to cuddle into her the same way she had always done
“Are you okay?” Carina croaked out feeling Eleora wipe away the tears that rolled down her cheeks
“No, are you?” Eleora responded softly
“No” she shook her head
“Abbracci?” Eleora whispered softly
“Si” Carina nodded tightening her grip around her daughter as they both lay on the grass looking up at the stars
It wasn’t long until Emilia joined them seeking comfort from her mama and allowing her to hold her for the first time in a long time.
“Hi” Eleora smiled softly as Emilia lay down the other side of Carina and the two girls caught each others eyes
“Lelorla” she whispered softly with a small but warm smile on her face as her tears continued their steady flow down her cheeks not matter how hard she tried to hold them in
“Eccola, mi sei mancata” Eleora smiled reaching up to stroke her sisters face as she lay her head on Carinas chest
“Ti voglio bene” she whispered to both her mama and sister cuddling in as close as she possibly could
The three lay there for a while all cuddled in each other’s arms all staring at the stars, all replying their own favourite memories of the person they missed the most
“There you are” Andrea sighed softly as he found his mama and sisters cuddled up together under the stars
“Come lay down” Eleora smiled holding out her hand to her brother
“It’s freezing” Andrea replied shivering under the cool spring air
“I know” Eleora chuckled smiling as Carina continued to run her fingers through her blonde hair
“Aspetta” Andrea replied as he quickly disappeared again
“Andrea come back, please” Emilia cried wanting her brother close to her
“I’ll be back just wait…” Andrea called as she ran to the corner of the living room to retrieve a number of blankets and throws “…qui” he smiled as he returned throwing a blanket at Eleora and draping one over Emilia and Carina before wrapping himself up and laying behind Emilia hoping that by cuddling her between him and Carina would provide her with a sense of safety
“Grazie” Eleora smiled softly
“Prego” he smiled softly feeling Carina reach to stroke his face pulling all her children closer
“Mama” Andrea broke the comfortable silence the four of them had fallen into
“Hmm”
“Are you going to Italy?” He asked having overhead Carina and Gabriella talking earlier
“Si, I think so” Carina nodded
“Sicilia o Milano?” Eleora asked hoping that it’d be the latter so she’d have her mama around
“Milano, for now” Carina smiled softly
“Good, I need my mama” Eleora replied cuddling in closer to Carina as she absentmindedly drew patterns on her mamas shoulder and the Italian had to hold back tears as she was reminded of Maya
“I need you too bambina” Carina whispered kissing the crown of her daughters head
“Can I come?” Emilia asked
“You have school” Andrea replied reminding the girl she was still in her first year of college
“It’s the spring break next week” Emilia replied
“Oh yeah”
“Si patatina, You’re coming with me” Carina smiled softly
“Can we move to Italia?” Emilia asked and Carina was reminded of a conversation Maya told her she’d had with Emilia when she was younger
“No” Carina replied
“Perché?” Emilia pouted not receiving the answer she was looking for
“What about gymnastics?” Carina asked
“It’s not fun without mom” she sighed as managed to wipe at a tears in her eyes
“You can’t give up Meals, she wouldn’t want that” Andrea replied
“It’s not about what she’d want, it’s about what I want” Emilia replied
“I thought you wanted a gold medal” Eleora added looking at her sister and lacing their fingers together
“I want my mom” Emilia replied
“Me too” the twins replied in unison and Carina felt her heart again in a way she never thought it could
“Can we just go to Italy for now” Emilia asked wanting to get away from Seattle even just for a short while
“I’ll think about it” Carina replied but deep down she had every intention of returning to Italy to be closer to Eleora but struggling with the thought of leaving Andrea and the friends who’d become family behind
“Va bene”
“Andrea, where did Aurora go?” Eleora asked changing the subject seeing the obvious confliction on her mama’s face
“My bedroom” Andrea grinned proudly
“Was Gioia here?” Carina asked having seen Aurora earlier but not her mother
“No just Aurora…” Andrea replied “…Gioia was at the church though”
“Oh”
“What’s going on with you two?” Carina asked needing more information
“Niente” Andrea lied poorly
“Why did you send Ana home after you hugged Aurora” Emilia asked with a cheeky grin on her face, the first grin she’s worn in a while
“You saw that?” Andrea asked timidly as his face went a deeper shade of red though the girls couldn’t see properly for the dark of night
“Si” Eleora answered for the two of them
“Your mom always liked Aurora” Carina added with a vacant smile on her face
“Lo so, I do too” Andrea sighed almost happily
“Don’t mess it up this time Drea, I like Aurora” Emilia replied craning her neck backwards to look at her brother
“I think I still love Lucas” Eleora blurted out quickly as her mama and siblings looked at her with the knowing look on their faces as if she was the last person to figure this out
“You think” Carina chuckled watching as Eleora’s face contorted into a pure look of confusion where she looked just like Maya
“Mama” Eleora pouted
“Bambina you need to talk to him, properly” Carina smiled softly reaching her hand up to her daughters face and running her thumb along her cheek
“Lo so” Eleora sighed settling her head back on Carinas shoulder
“Where were you two before?” Emilia asked narrowing her eyes already know the answer but never missing an opportunity to embarrass her sister regardless of the circumstances
“When?” Eleora asked
“After Matty hit him and Lucas split Matty’s lip” Andrea added picking up on his sisters allusions
“I- I just patched up his head” Eleora replied honestly it wasn’t a lie but it also wasn’t the complete truth
“So you were in the bathroom?” Andrea asked
“No in my room” Eleora replied diverting her eyes
“Hmmhmm”
“Nothing happened” she added hearing a knowing hum from her mama
“Nothing?” Emilia asked knowing they were gone for a pretty long time for nothing to have happened
“Okay maybe I kissed him” Eleora added rolling her eyes at the look on her bother and sisters face
“Maybe?” Carina asked with a smile at grin
“Okay I did kiss him, and he kissed me” Eleora replied proudly with her own smile on her face
“Hmmhmm” Carina chuckled softly at her daughters confession
“What about Matty” Eleora asked seeking advice on what to do
“What about Mattia” Emilia growled having taken a dislike to her sisters ex boyfriend a long time ago
“Bambina, love is precious don’t waste is on someone who can’t love you back” Carina smiled running her fingers through Eleora’s hair… she always knew the blonde was a physical carbon copy of Maya but since the firefighter had died Carina couldn’t help but look at Eleora and see Maya
“If it helps Lucas is in your room” Andrea informed his sister who had no idea where he was
“He is?” Eleora smiled
“Si, he didn’t want to leave without knowing your okay” Andrea nodded
“I should talk to him” Eleora sighed as she went to stand up
“But it can wait” Emilia interjected grabbing at Eleoras arm and stopping her from moving
“Si, it can wait” she nodded laying back down
The settled for a while before the sound of Emilias cries got too much, she held on tighter to Carina scared that if she left she’d loose her too
“I don’t know how to live without her” Emilia sobbed loudly against Carina’s chest
“Me either…” Carina replied sadly her eyes instantly filling with all the tears she’d held back for the last week “…but we’ll work it out together…” she added lifting her head slightly to look at her three children “…andrà tutto bene”
“I love you Mama” Eleora whispered
“I love you too” Andrea added quickly
“Ti voglio bene più” Emilia murmured with a small grin knowing it’d irritate her siblings who both rolled their eyes at their little sister
“Vi amo anch'io bambini, sei tutto per me” Carina replied chuckling slightly at her youngest as the three of them cuddled close together under the stars