2

Endings are not always bad. Most times they're just beginnings in disguise.

 ~Kim Harrison

7 years ago

"I'm so confused, what should I wear, this or this." Charlotte sighed exasperatedly as she showed her best friend 4 different black dresses.

"I'm not sure either bestie, they all look fabulous on you." Ingrid sighed.

"Charlotte hurry up, we need to leave!" Her father called from outside.

"OK!" She responded before turning back to her dresses.

"Honey, we need to leave." Miranda knocked on the door.

"Come in mummy."

"Why are you not dresses yet Charlotte?" Her mother stared with disbelief at her daughter who was only in a robe. “It’s been over 30 minutes.”

"I’m having trouble choosing the right dress." She sighed "this one makes looks formal but classy." She lifted a black tea length dress. “This one brings out my breast." She lifted a black sweetheart neckline dress with deep V-neck and her mother cocked her eyebrow at the dress, she knew how the men would react to seeing her in it. "This one brings out my figure." She lifted a black short sleeve bandage dress. "And this one makes me look innocent." She lifted a short black flared dress.

"You do realize you are going to a funeral right?" Miranda gave her a pointed look.

"Yes but Elio is going to be there." She whined.

"What am I ever going to do with you." She sighed and threw the first dress at her "Hurry up and get dressed."

"But I do-"

"Charlotte Kira Quan, get dressed this instant." She scolded.

"Fine." Charlotte whined before quickly slipping on the dress then her black flats and jacket and tied her straightened hair into a bun.

"How hard was that." Miranda teased and she rolled her eyes.

"Char, we'll leave for Italy without you if you don't hurry!" Peyton shouted.

"OMG, we need to hurry up leave." She told her mother while grabbing her leather mini backpack. "Let’s go." I clicked my fingers rushing down the stairs. 

"You know it's going to be an 8 hour flight to Italy right princess?" My father asked after looking at my outfit. 

"Yes and you are delaying us." She rolled my eyes strolling past him and getting into the car where my brothers were waiting. 

"You look fancy." Landon teased.

"If you want to ruin my day brother, let me tell you one thing dearest brother, your plan has failed miserably." She sassed putting on her headphones. 

Charlotte was happy she was going to Italy and seeing Adriano her crush so much so that she forgot the reason behind her and her family going there in the first place.

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After the jet had landed Charlotte and her family got into the cars that took them to the Esposito mansion.

"Matty!" Charlotte beamed pulling her best friend into a tight hug. "I missed you."

"I missed you too." He sighed leaning more into her embrace. 

"How are you?" She asked when they were seated on the small couch in his bedroom. 

"I'm Ok I guess." He shrugged with a frown. 

Charlotte took a second and drunk in his appearance. He looked tired, his amber orbs were red and swollen probably from the crying.

"I'm sorry for what happened." She spoke sincerely. 

"Thanks."  He leaned back into his friends embrace and she comforted him as bed as she could. 

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"Ladies and gentlemen, today, we gather to honor and remember our beloved grandmother.” Anthony, dressed in an all-black suit with his curly hair tied in a man bun, stood on the cathedral podium as he read a eulogy on behalf on himself and his youngest cousins to the multitudes of people who had come to mourn his grandmother Eleanor Mariana Esposito She was a pillar of strength, love, and wisdom in our lives. Her gentle touch and kind words filled our hearts with warmth. She was a beacon of guidance, always offering a listening ear and invaluable advice. Her unconditional love and support were unwavering, and we are forever grateful for the countless memories we shared. Her legacy will live on through the values she instilled in us - compassion, resilience, and a deep appreciation for family. As we bid her farewell, we find solace in knowing that she is at peace." He paused and took a deep breath before continuing. “Though she may no longer be physically with us, her spirit will forever be present in our hearts. We will honor her memory by carrying her love and light into the world. Goodbye, dear grandmother. You will be deeply missed.”

He didn’t shed not even one tear while everyone else was in tears. When Matteo stood to give his eulogy, Charlotte stood on one side holding his hand in mine while Anthony held the other, he was torn as he said farewell to his grandmother and so was she.

"We therefore commit this body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life." The priest spoke as the coffin in which Eleanor's body lay was lowered into the ground. 

Charlotte and everyone who loved the old dead woman couldn't help but break into tears, everyone except Anthony, even when grave was covered he just stood there staring with no emotions evident on his face just holding on to his brother and youngest cousin Amara.

"I can't believe she's really gone." Matteo told his brother who was holding him close. 

"It's going to be ok, she's in heaven now." Anthony told him. "Plus she's with grandfather and Racheal."

"I hope she's happy."

"She is very, very happy." He smiled at the picture of his grandmother that Matteo was holding in his arms. "Go get some sleep ok."

"Ok." He nodded hugged his older brother one last time. 

"If ever you don't want to be here alone, you know where my room is." Anthony pecked his young brother’s hair and left the room closing the door. 

“Is he asleep?” Charlotte asked when she saw him coming out of the room.

“No, but I’m sure he will fall asleep soon, he’s exhausted.” He responded and she was quite taken aback by that. He usually ignored her and since reaching Italy this was the first time he had uttered a full sentence to her.

“Alright then, I’ll check on him in the morning, I should get to bed as well.” She took a deep breath. “And my condolences, Eleanor was amazing.”

“Thanks.” He nodded.

She turned and started walking away but her feet came to a halt at the sound of her name leaving his lips. Her heart thumped against her chest as she quietly whispered for it to calm down.

“Charlotte.” He repeated when she did not turn.

Her name sounded perfect rolling off his tongue especially with his Italian accent.

“Yes.” She turned not wanting to make things awkward or make a fool of herself.

“Thankyou.”

“For what?” She stared at him confused.

“For caring for my brother.”

With that he walked off into the direction of is room which was a door away from Matteo’s own.

“You’re welcome.” She whispered quietly to herself as she watched his retreating figure.