Valentina Aubrey

Part of me was like don't do it Aub.

The other part of me said just go for it.

So that's what I did. It's May now. I completed all of my classes and got accepted to UCLA. For the past six months I've not only grown closer to my family but I have become stronger.

Physically and Mentally.

My past doesn't define me anymore. One of my New Year's resolutions was to learn how to protect myself.

Word had got around that my family has found me and mafias around the world started to cause trouble. I was under 24/7 protection for a few months but Dad finally gave me some freedom about a month ago. Mom just had her baby a week ago, her name is Gianna Sofia. She's a beautiful handful.

On another note, I took up kick boxing. I have muscles now! And I've gained a few pounds and look a lot healthier. My hair is thicker, my skin glows and I got my period back after it was gone for a few months.

I also learned a lot of Italian. Once I learn something it sticks with me. I got tested and I do have a photographic memory and an IQ of 160. I still have very vivid nightmares some days of the abuse but other than that I'm much happier.

I get ready for the day. I shower and pick out my outfit. Today was Lorenzo's graduation. He didn't want to do online school so he went to a private high school here.

After getting dressed I curled my hair and went to see everyone in the parlor, all dressed up.

"It's someone's big day!" I smile, giving my big brother a hug.

"Thanks Val." He smiles.

I ruffle his hair and he looks at me like I'm crazy. "I just did it, Valentina," he whined.

I laugh, shaking my head, and see Marina. She was leaving later tonight for Paris. I was sad but this was her dream, so I'd allow it. She was a mess for the first few months after we got back because her fiancé had died. No one knew they were going to get married, I was the only one she told. She was pregnant on top of all of that, and he was just born a few weeks ago. Little Leonardo Matteo Romano.

Marina has been doing a lot of online work and is opening her business in Paris, she's lucky to have all of Dad's connections. Her baby wasn't going to stop her dreams, she was so happy.

I walked up to Momma and took Gianna from her. "Hello baby," I cooed.

She grabbed onto my hoop earring and I squealed. Venice helped me out and I was
A-Okay.

"Come on everyone. Time to take some photos."

-/-

Summertime.

Now, my favorite time of the year. We were all on a vacation to Bora Bora.

Marina bought me a bathing suit from he collection: Giovane Fiore  (young flower) and I'll tell you, it's beautiful. But I could never wear something like this. My scars are now a bunch of faint white lines and I got some treatments, but I was still insecure.

"You have to wear it. It looks so cute on you."

I looked in the mirror again. I did feel quite beautiful, especially with all the working out I've been doing.

"Fine. Only for you though," I say with a smile. I put some clothes over it and we leave the hotel room with Leonardo. We meet up with Venice and eat at the breakfast buffet.

"Mama and Dad are at the resort and the boys are checking out the pool. They want us to meet them," says Venice.

"Okay lets go then!"

We arrive at the pool and swim for a bit.

"Guys, I'm gonna go to the rest room. I'll meet you back in the hotel room," I say, wrapping a towel around myself.

I walk to the bathrooms and before I know it I am pushed against a wall.

"Hello sweet thang," the guy whispers in my ear as he practically gropes me.

"Get off me ashole!"I scream and then I punch him, breaking his nose. For good measure I knee him where the sun don't shine.

"Little b!tch!" He groans.

"I know I'm one, just not yours. Get a life," I remark.

And then I walk away.

He really has no idea who the hell he's dealing with. I'm not the weak girl I used to be...