TWENTY TWO

It was six in the evening, it's been two days since I walked in on Vicky and Ric. Right now I was going through some documents, proofreading it for any error and mistake. I had gotten a job as an editor in a publishing company, Wonder wonder. I knew i didn't need the money, but it was a means to while away time.

I haven't seen Giovanni and Alexander all day. They have been acting strange lately. There was a time I walked in on them whispering to each other and when they noticed I was there they kept quiet. I tried everything to make Alexander and Giovanni tell me what they were hiding but both father and son are stubborn to the core.

So right now I was giving them the silent treatment, yeah, call me childish but i don't care. I know that was the only way to make them fuss up and yet it's been five hours, i still haven't heard from them.

It was almost dinner time, I closed my laptop then went to freshen up for dinner. I stepped out of the room, and when I turned around the corner, I bumped into Alexander.

" mom." he grins " come i want to show you something."

My eyebrows raised. What could this be about.? Few hours ago he was being suspicious and now he is all excited.

" What could it be, to make you this happy. Do show me." I smiled at him.

He nods still smiling, his small hands take mine in his hold as he leads the way and I chuckled.

I walked with him and noticed we were heading to the dining room, we were almost there when I felt someone behind me with a hand covering my eyes.

Giovanni whispered in ear " keep walking."

What was going on?. What exactly are they planning.?

Slowly and carefully, I kept on walking. By now we had reached the dining room. Giovanni released his hands from my eyes and I looked at what was in front of me. I gasped.

There on the dining table was different varieties of food with candle lit. I stared at them surprised till I saw my family coming in along with Vicky and my brother.

" Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, happy birthday. Happy birthday to you. " They all sang together, Vicky was holding a cake in her hands.

My mouth dropped open and my hands were placed on my chest. Tears fell down my eyes, my eyes scanned the place and every one. I shifted my gaze to Alexander, to find giggling and I snapped my head toward Giovanni, who had a smirk on his face.

" Happy 22nd birthday amore." Giovanni said, placing a kiss on my lips.

My birthday was tomorrow, but that didn't mean I didn't feel thankful to have them here together.

Giovanni must have noticed my confused state. " I know your birthday is tomorrow, but I plan on taking you out. Just the two of us." he clarified. `` and Alexander wanted to be the first one to wish you happy birthday i couldn't deny. So we came up with this amazing plan."

I was speechless, I turned to Alexander and hugged him and he hugged me back, burying his head in my tummy.

" Happy birthday mom."

I hold him tightly, feeling my heart melting because of him. " Thank you so much love." Alexander pulled away with a grin.

My mom looked like she did when I last saw her, her long wavy dark brown hair was tied up in a ponytail, her pale blue eyes suited her medium pale complexion. My dad, on the other hand , looked more healthy and well rested.

" Mom and dad." I didn't waste any more time and hugged them in an embrace. Both of them hugged me back and I felt very happy.

" Happy birthday pumpkin"

" Happy birthday princess."

They both wished me at the exact same time.

" Thanks mom and Dad."

" Happy birthday beastie." Vicky pulled me into a hug and we both let out a series of laughs enjoying the moment.

Ric pecked my head, wishing me a happy birthday before we all moved to the seat at the dining table. I took a seat beside Alexander and Vicky, and we chatted among each other. We had dinner and cut the cake, sharing it amongst ourselves

" We will be leaving." My mom stated.

" Wait, what. Stay some more." I said.

"It's already late princess, let's have dinner this week again as a family. Your mom and I will send you your birthday gift tomorrow." my dad responded.

I nodded my head in understanding. " Okay, i will call you soon."

" You look like a happy pumpkin and it brings joy to me." my mom said again.

" I am happy, I never thought I would be but I am." I told her, a smile placed on my lips.

" That's nice to know, we have to go now. Bye" . I hugged them one last time as they left.

" I think we should take our leave also." Ric said, his arms wrapped safely round Vicky's waist. I hugged them goodbye, with a promise to call or text them.

After they left, we helped put Alexander to bed before freshening up. I waited for Giovanni to come into the room.

The minute he entered, I walked to him. " Gio, I really appreciate what you and Alexander did today." I said in an overly sweet voice. " I don...".

I was stopped mid sentence by Giovanni's lip on mine. As soon as I felt his lips on mine in the softest possible way, my eyes voluntarily closed. A tingly sensation grew across my body. I parted my lips and kissed him back. This kiss wasn't intense, it was gentle and passionate. It was like pouring our feelings into one single kiss.

My hands found its way to his dark curly hair, softly twirl around a stain of his hair around my finger. Our lips move in sync with each other almost like they were fighting for dominance..

My finger gripped the material of his shirt knowing that I would turn into a pile of mush If I didn't. Desperate for air, we both pulled away from each other but didn't let go of each other.

" you drive me crazy In an amazing way." he stated breathlessly " and i fucking love it."

Smiling at his words, I replied. " you drive me crazy in an amazing way and i fucking love it too."

When he understood what I meant, he grinned not wasting another time his lips met mine once again. I moaned into the kiss, enjoying the feel of his lips.

When we pulled back, I pecked him one last time. We both laid under the duvet, Giovanni pulled me close to him and I snuggled Into him. My head rested on his chest with his hand on my hair. My eyes closed as I welcomed the darkness with a smile on my face.