Chapter 14: Happy Birthday to Me

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Keeley's POV

Beep Beep Beep

"Ugh," I grumbled as I rolled over and turned off my alarm. I sat up in a daze and rubbed the sleep from my eyes.

Today was December 3rd which means it's been a few days since Thanksgiving. Luckily, my father promised us all that his family would not be joining us for any further holidays, that of which we don't celebrate anyway.

But as it was December 3rd, that only meant one thing: my birthday. For the past couple of years, Brady had always made sure we did something on my birthday, whether it be ice cream or board games, he always did something.

Growing up, birthdays were celebrated in my family, but mine was often forgotten or just plain-out ignored. I'd gotten used to that, but Brady threw me for a loop, and this would be the first time in a while I would be spending it without him.

I rolled out of bed and headed to the bathroom to wash the stink from my body. Luca and I trained for a while last night and I had, unfortunately, went to bed sweaty because I was too tired to shower. I turned the water to the highest temp I could handle before stepping in and submerging myself under the showerhead.

I washed, scrubbed, and shaved my body till I was certain I smelled like my spicy vanilla body wash and not some sweaty mess. I dried off with my fluffy white towel and wrapped it around my body as I treaded into my closet.

I know nobody will actually remember my birthday, and it's not like I've told Luca what today is, but I still want to dress cute for school. I slipped my towel off and replaced it with matching white lace underwear and a bralette. I shimmied on a pair of light-washed skinny jeans and a low v-neck, long-sleeved, charcoal grey shirt.

I slipped on my favorite pair of moccasins before walking back into the bathroom. I brushed my teeth and towel-dried my hair so it would lay in its natural waves down my back. Brady's coin necklace was clasped around my neck and the small star bracelet Luca had given me sat delicately on my wrist.

For the first time in a long time, no bruises, marks, or injuries were on my body. Since being home, I've put on a couple of healthy pounds and I don't think I've ever looked better. My cheeks weren't so hollowed and were more full. My eyes held a sparkle I haven't seen in years, and between eating better and training like crazy, the muscles I had worked so hard for were actually showing.

I smiled to myself before walking into my bedroom and shrugging on my backpack. Gus wasn't in here so I made my way towards the stairs and to the kitchen by myself.

As I got closer to the dining room, chaotic shouts filled my ears. I slowed my steps and peeked around the corner to the dining room, where I swear the sight could have sent me into a fit of laughter.

Before my eyes were two mafia families, accompanied with neon party hats on their heads, bickering back and forth over different things. Matteo and Callan were trying to hang up a flimsy "Happy Birthday" banner on the wall while Sam and Donnie were struggling to tie down the balloons attached to the back of my seat. Gus sat quietly in the corner with a party hat sitting awkwardly on his head. My father and Stefano were frantically setting the table while Nick, Gio, and Luca went back and forth over which hat I should wear.

"Keeley likes dark colors! What's wrong with giving here the black and silver hat?" Giovanni yelled while gesturing to the hat in his hands.

"It's a birthday party! She needs this one!" I watched in amusement at the sight of Nick shoving a neon pink, pointy hat in Giovanni's face. Gio slapped it onto the floor.

"Both of you!" Luca shouted while pushing them apart. "This hat is the only one she would wear!" A sparkly blue and silver hat with a giant puffball was pushed into the middle of the three. The two older brothers looked at the hat... and then at Luca... and then immediately started yelling once again.

I leaned against the door frame and smiled adoringly at the three of them. "How about you let her decide!" my father shouted over everybody. His hat was the ugliest shade of orange I'd ever seen and it was falling down the front of his face, making it look more like a horn than a hat.

"If it's any consultation, I think I like Giovanni's the best," I finally spoke up while trying to hold back my laughter.

"See! Keeley agrees!" Gio yelled while motioning to me. The entire family went back to bickering as if they didn't even register I was here. I continued to smile as they all suddenly stopped and turned to me.

"Keeley!" I laughed as I was suddenly crushed into numerous hugs and choruses of Happy Birthdays were thrown my way. They finally stepped back once the black and silver hat had been securely placed on top of my head.

"Happy Birthday, Munch!" Nick yelled wildly while throwing his hands in the air. I laughed at all of their antics. They actually remembered, and for the first time in my life, I would actually celebrate my birthday with my brothers and father.

"Thank you," I smiled brightly. "It looks great."

Just as I said that, the banner fell off of the wall and one of the balloons tied to my chair popped, causing all of us to flinch.

I was ushered to my chair as voices filled the room once again and a mound of pancakes was piled onto my plate. Everyone eventually settled down and began eating while keeping up the conversation. I smiled to myself as a warm feeling took over my body. This sight, this right here, is what I'd always wanted for my birthday, nothing else.

"Are the pancakes not good, Tesoro?" Luca asked worriedly while his eyes frantically searched my plate. I giggled as I adjusted his green hat and ran my hand down his face till it rested on his cheek.

"No, they're perfect. I'm just happy." His eyes met mine while his head unconsciously leaned into my hand. I leaned in and brushed a quick kiss on his lips.

I pulled away and took in everything about him at this moment. From the way his tousled ebony hair hung over his forehead, to the way the morning sun made his dark ocean blues sparkle. From the way his freshly shaven jaw looked to the way that thin silver chain made his tan skin warmer, this is how I would always picture my sweet Luca.

His ever breathtaking smile could make me forget everything about this life, and that look in his eyes... that look in his eyes made me feel like I was the only girl in the world.

"Okay," he whispered quietly as he leaned towards me and placed a sweet kiss on my mouth.

"Aye! Uh-uh, there is no kissing my baby sister in front of me unless you would like a knife in your throat. Got it?" I broke the kiss with my smile as I shook my head back and forth at Nick's words.

"Way to kill the mood, Nicky," Luca sneers quietly. Except I don't think it was as quiet as it was supposed to be because the look in Nick's eyes turned murderous.

"What'd you say?" my oldest brother breathed out in shock. The table fell silent as the two stared each other down. I could begin to see the start of a pinkish hue on the tips of Luca's ears, but his posture and face remained impassive.

"All I'm saying," Luca began even though he should really just not talk, "is that if I want to kiss my girlfriend, I'm going to."

My mouth fell open and I stared in awe at the Italian next to me. Might I say, I'm a little surprised and proud of him at this moment.

"Uh, she's not your girlfriend, bud. She's my sister." Tension filled the rooms as everyone's eyes darted between the two, and in all honesty, I have no idea who's going to win this one.

"Well, if she wasn't my girlfriend, could I do this?"I didn't even register Luca standing up and pulling me with him, because the next thing you know, I'm dipped down and being kissed...hard.

Luca's lips press against mine with a fire and possessiveness I've never felt before, but I don't mind. I kissed him back and let my hands tangle and pull on his hair. His arm hooked around my back and pulled me tightly into his chest as his opposite hand gripped the back of my head. Luca tilted his head and kissed me deeper. I felt his hand on my back stoop lower and squeeze onto my hip as the other one pulled on my hair. My head fell back as he pressed himself into me, and I felt my body heating up even more so than before.

Well, happy birthday to me.

Luca suddenly pulled back and stood the two of us up, pulling me securely by my waist into his side. My head spun and my breathing came out labored from the kiss. My eyes widened as I looked at our families and struggled to get my bearings. Nick basically had smoke pouring out of his ears, Callan not far behind. The other brothers were all staring in shock at the two of us, but the reactions that surprised me most were the two Capos.

My father and Dominic sat at the end of the table in a fit of silent laughter. Their faces were the color of Stefano's bright red hat, and I think even a few tears of laughter sprouted from their eyes. My father slapped the table while Stefano raised a shaky hand and pointed at Nick.

"You... your face... priceless!" Stefano cracked up and wheezed out the last part as Luca helped me sit back down. My father apparently found this hilarious as the two of them leaned into each other and continued their giggle fit.

"Let's just, uh, finish breakfast before it's time to leave, yeah?" Finn muttered as he shoved a forkful of pancakes into his mouth, clearly uncomfortable. The rest of them followed suit and eventually turned their attention elsewhere, but I couldn't stop openly staring at Luca.

He turned to me with a wild look dancing in his eyes. The corner of his mouth quirked up as he raised an eyebrow at me.

"Posso aiutarla?" his voice deepened as the Italian rolled effortlessly off his tongue.
(Can I help you?)

I shook my head and tried to contain my smile. As I sat back down, I picked up my fork and turned to the untouched plate in front of me. "Nope," I smirked, making sure to pop the p.

I ate the rest of my pancakes in peace while listening to the conversations that flowed around the table. When the clock on the wall read 7:30, I pushed back my seat and grabbed my backpack off the ground.

"Where are you going?" Giovanni spoke managing to catch everybody's attention.

"Um... school?" I answered, confused as to why I would be going anywhere else at 7:30 on a Wednesday morning.

"No, you're not. We're taking you on a day trip." My eyebrows furrowed in confusion at Finn's words. Day trip? The hell does that mean?

"But I have a math test today." I actually did have a test today, that wasn't a lie.

"Well," Nick butted in, "you'll have to reschedule then because we're leaving in fifteen minutes."

"I- I can't reschedule a math test, Nick." I appreciated them wanting to do something for me, but school is not really negotiable according to my father, who much to my surprise, is agreeing with them.

"Look boys, I'm really happy you want to do this but-" Matteo quickly cut me off.

"Don't make us kidnap you and put a bag over your head, Keels. That would be a really suckish start to our really awesome day. So if you would: please go upstairs, grab a jacket, and let's get going."

My mouth hung open as I looked at the men around the table. I wanted to go wherever they had planned, but I had a math test and I had promised Aubrey I'd help her study for a Spanish test that she was going to fail.

A plan formed in my mind, and I didn't think twice about it.

"Fine. Let me go grab my stuff." I plaster a fake frown on my face that seems to be believable as the boys think they got their way. I drag my feet and shuffle my way out of the dining room. The moment I get out of the doorway, I run for it.

"Get her!" I sprint as fast as my short legs can go. I hear the shouts and thumping of shoes chasing me. I round the corner and the door is in sight. I yank it open and run out into the cold December air. My feet beat against the concrete as I close in on my car.

"Callan, stop her!" 

I hear Callan do what sounds like a battle cry. Oh shit.

I'm almost to my car, all I have to do is pass this small patch of grass. I push myself and I'm almost there-

"Ah!" I cry out in pain and surprise as Callan's body hits my own and we go flying to the ground. I groan as he lands dead-smack on top of me and it feels like I was just crushed by a full-grown bear.

"Aye! Way to go Cal!" The boys congratulate my gargantuan brother as I lie under him slowly suffocating. I bang on his torso but he doesn't let up.

"Luca," I hear Nick's voice call out. "Go up to Keeley's room and get her stuff."

"Cal- can't...breathe," I choke out, hoping he will roll off of me and actually allow a steady breath into my lungs.

"Oh, right." Callan pushes up off of the ground and stands above me offering a hand, but I can't find it in me to move. My body feels like I got hit by a truck.

Out of the corner of my eyes, I see the guys slowly walking towards me and wincing with every step.

"Did you have to hit her so hard?" Sam winces as he nudges my leg with his boot.

"Dammit, Sam. I'm not dead so stop nudging my body like you would a corpse," I spit out, quite unhappy that I ended up on the cold, rock-solid ground.

I try to move onto my knees, but a sharp pain in my right hip stops me.

"Are you okay, Munch?" Finn asked while bending down towards me. He helps stand me up to my feet and I have to lean on him for help.

"Oh, I'm great. Not like I was just body slammed into the ground by my 6'8", 300-pound man," I gasp sarcastically. A guilty look crosses Cal's face and I immediately feel bad.

"I'm fine, Bubba. Don't worry about it." I give him a reassuring smile just as Luca reappears. The boys get into motion as we are piled into two cars. The Capos aren't coming with us, so Callan, me, Luca, Finn, and Matteo rode in one car while Giovanni, Nick, and the twins got into the other.

"So, where are we going?" I asked after we had been driving for about twenty minutes. I could still feel the pulsing in my right hip as I shifted to try and get comfortable.

"That's a surprise. We've planned this for a while, so please, don't try and escape again?" Finn begs me, which I assure him I won't.

I turn and look out the window as the sound of an Italian opera fills my ears, courtesy of Matteo. It was really cold out today, as it was December, but you would never be able to tell if you weren't out there. The sky was seemed to stretch on forever as no clouds filled the milky blue sky. The yellow sun beat down on the earth, giving everything a sort of surreal look to it.

I felt Luca's hand reach over and take my own. When I turned to look at him, he took my picture.

"Why'd you do that?" He paused a minute and sat there, just staring at me with a dreamy look on his face.

"Perché non dovrei volere il tuo bel viso sul mio telefono?" I quickly turned my head away from him, hoping to hide my blush.
(Why shouldn't I want your pretty face on my phone?)

Very rarely does someone come around that makes me feel the way Luca does. I don't even know how to explain it: the rush, the excitement, the admiration, the longing. Everything I feel is amplified when I'm around him. Luca makes me feel special, but at the same time, normal. He pushes me to fly and do better, but is also the rock to keep me grounded. Luca, the boy sitting next to me in plain jeans and a black t-shirt with a worn zip-up on, the guy who makes me feel good even on my worse days, my Gnocco- I was so lucky to have him.

***

"A history museum?" I ask while raising my eyebrows at the large building in front of us. The cement building went on for what seemed like forever in either direction. The front entrance was basically a huge panel of glass with the skeleton of a dinosaur sitting front and center. The parking lot was relatively full for a Wednesday, and just the sight of the eight extremely built and scary men in front of the museum was quite funny.

"Let us explain," Nick said while stepping forward. He looked a bit nervous and so did the rest of them except for Cal. Callan was normally pretty stoic. "We thought since you like learning about things, this would be fun. Plus, they're having a serial killer exhibit, and you know, murder. And, there's a planetarium section where you can go and look at stars."

I stared at them, but not in a bad way or anything. I was actually trying to swallow the lump in my throat that had suddenly formed. The fact that they thought about me, my birthday, and what I would like, for someone who's never really had that, it's pretty overwhelming.

"Do you- do you not like it?" Luca whispered from beside me. I snapped out of my trance and cleared my throat.

"No, I love it. Can we go in?"

They led me inside where we were given neon orange wristbands that would allow us into all of the exhibits and into the planetarium.

We wandered through the first floor of the museum where the majority of the dinosaurs were. Sam and Donnie gasped and fawned over just about anything they saw, successfully earning odd stares from the people around us. We continued through the ice age section where we made Callan stand next to one of the taxidermied animals that was the same size as him. The picture I took of him made me laugh.

We eventually came up to a crazy-looking staircase with odd-shaped steps and wobbly handrailings, but we went up anyway. At the top of the stairs, the nine of us emerged into what seemed like a whole new world. There were only a few divider walls on this floor and it allowed us to see everything as a whole. To the left sat a huge collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, paintings, and sculptures, and that exhibit slowly faded into a newer age. The artwork and displays evolved all the way until the renaissance period where beautiful artwork was displayed. The boys continued to the left, but my feet led me to the paintings.

I knew they weren't the real ones, but somebody had painted almost exact replicas and I was fine with that. The paintings slowly transitioned into newer aged paintings that were not very old at all.

Each of the paintings had a small plaque next to them saying who the original artist was and who replicated them. I read the dozens of plaques until my steps faltered at one particular one.

This one didn't

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