Where I Belong - Chapter 14: Chapter 14

The whole idea of school still weighed heavily on me as I walked out of the kitchen, but I wasn't alone for long. As I passed through the hallway, Silas and Eros were standing by the front door, both looking like they were ready to get out of the house. Silas flashed me a grin when he saw me, his eyes bright with that playful energy I'd come to recognize.
"Liv!" he called, his voice enthusiastic. "You ready to take on the wild world of school shopping?"
I blinked, still a little lost in my own head, but his energy was infectious. It was hard not to smile at him. "Shopping? For what?" I asked, still confused. I hadn't even thought about what I needed for school yet.
Eros leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed in that usual brooding way. "For your first day, Livy," he said, his voice a little softer than usual, almost like he was making sure I didn't miss the point. "You need stuff for school, don't you?"
Silas threw his arm around my shoulders with a dramatic flourish. "Oh, we're not just going to get you anything, Liv. No, no. We're going big. You deserve a back-to-school shopping experience that's one for the books. Trust me. You'll have everything you need, and then some. Right, Eros?"
Eros just nodded, not saying much, but his expression was harder to read. I could see the way his eyes flicked toward me, like he was waiting to see if I would protest. But he didn't push me. Instead, he just stayed close, his presence solid and unyielding.
I hesitated for a moment, but Silas' arm around me was warm, and I could feel that, in some strange way, he was trying to make this feel normal. Maybe even fun. "I don't really...know what I need," I admitted, my voice quieter than I meant it to be. I wasn't used to this. I hadn't exactly had a normal school life before all of this, and the idea of buying school supplies, clothes, anything – it felt a little overwhelming.
"No worries, Liv," Silas said with that characteristic grin, giving my shoulder a light squeeze. "We'll handle it. Let's go make sure you're school-ready."
Eros, with his usual cool demeanor, stood up straight. "We'll keep it simple," he said, though there was something in his voice that seemed like he didn't quite believe it. "Get you what you need. Don't worry about anything else."
I nodded, feeling both grateful and nervous. "Okay."
And with that, the three of us made our way out the door and into the car.
The ride was mostly quiet, with Silas trying to get me to laugh with some random jokes and his overly exaggerated impressions of people from school. Eros stayed mostly quiet, his hands gripping the steering wheel a little tighter than usual. Every so often, I'd glance over at him, catching him looking at me for a split second before his gaze would shift away, almost like he was making sure I was okay. It was strange, but comforting in its own way.
When we got to the store, Silas wasted no time. He practically dragged me through the aisles, picking up everything he thought might be "cool" or "trendy." I couldn't help but laugh at his enthusiasm – he picked out a neon green backpack that looked like something straight out of a cartoon, then grabbed matching folders with wild patterns. "You're going to own the halls with this stuff, Liv!" he said, laughing as he tossed a set of glittery pens into the cart. "It's all about the vibe."
I felt a little overwhelmed by all the choices, but Silas was having so much fun that I didn't want to be the one to slow him down. He was practically skipping from one aisle to the next, tossing things in the cart without a second thought. At least I didn't have to make many decisions as he was handling it all for me.
Eros, on the other hand, was a little more methodical. He stood back, watching quietly as Silas piled on the supplies, but whenever I looked at him, his eyes softened just a little. When we reached the clothing section, Eros stepped up beside me, his usual distant expression replaced by something gentler. "Need clothes?" he asked, his tone a little unsure, like he wasn't sure what would be appropriate.
I nodded, feeling a slight pang in my chest. I hadn't thought about clothes and what to wear. Everything felt so foreign. Eros seemed to pick up on that because he added, "We'll keep it simple. You need a few things to start with. Just get what you need for now." His voice was quieter, and it felt less like a suggestion and more like a reassurance.
We ended up picking out a few pairs of jeans, some shirts, and a jacket, things that felt comfortable and easy. Eros didn't say much as we picked through the racks, but he kept glancing at me now and then, making sure I was okay. When I found a hoodie I liked, a soft, grey one that felt like it might wrap me up in comfort, he picked it up with a small nod, as if giving me silent approval.
By the time we made it to the checkout, I was feeling a little guilty, like I was taking too much from them. Silas was still tossing random things into the cart: extra packs of gum, snacks, a shiny pencil case. He had grabbed more than I was comfortable with, but he wouldn't let me put anything back. Eros paid for everything without saying a word, the total flashing up on the screen.
"Are you sure you don't want me to pay you back?" I asked quietly.
Eros glanced over at me, his gaze softer than usual. "It's not about the money," he said quietly. "It's about making sure you're set up. That's what family does. Don't worry about it."
As we loaded up the car with bags, Silas turned to me with a wide grin. "See? Told you you'd be ready for school. You're gonna look awesome."
Eros gave me a short, almost imperceptible smile before climbing into the driver's seat. "Tomorrow, you're going to be fine. Just take it one step at a time."
The ride back was quieter. The weight of what tomorrow would bring settled back in, but it didn't feel quite as heavy. I had my brothers with me, and somehow, that made it feel a little more possible.
I didn't know what tomorrow would bring. I didn't know how it would feel to walk into that school. But I knew I wouldn't be walking in alone.
And that, in itself, was enough to help me breathe a little easier.
Morning came quicker than I would have liked, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. The sun was just starting to pour through the kitchen windows, casting a soft, golden light over everything. Zane was already seated at the table, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp, scanning the room like he was trying to see everything and everyone at once.
Elijah was busy at the counter, making my lunch. His movements were calm and purposeful, but there was a tenderness to the way he did everything. He didn't talk much when he was focused, but every so often, he'd glance over at me, checking in. His voice broke the silence as he finished wrapping up my sandwich.
"Made some lunch for you, sweetheart," he said, turning toward me with a small smile. "A sandwich, some fruit, and I'll throw in a few snacks, too. Don't forget to eat when you're at school, okay?"
I nodded quietly, tracing the edge of the table with my fingers. I wasn't sure what to feel. School, with all the people, felt like something way too big to handle. But Elijah's calmness eased the tightness in my chest. He always seemed to know how to make things feel less heavy.
Theo was sitting across from me, his posture tense, like he was trying to hold it all together. He glanced at me, then at the door, and then back at me, like he couldn't sit still. His hand scratched the back of his neck, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of something in his eyes that I didn't usually see.
"You sure you're ready for this, Olive?" His voice was a little rough.
I met his gaze, my hands still curled on the table, and for a second, I didn't know what to say. His brow furrowed as he watched me, the worry clear in the way his fingers drummed on the table. He was trying to keep it cool, but the nervousness was there. I could feel it.
"I just–" He cleared his throat, as if trying to force the words out. "School's...a lot, you know? It's not the easiest thing to walk into, especially with everything you've been through. But if you need anything, Olive, anything at all, just let me know. I'll be right there."
Theo's attempt to brush it off didn't fool anyone. He was trying so hard to seem casual, but the way his eyes tightened and how his fingers tapped restlessly on the table told me he was really worried. Not about whether I could handle it, but about how much I was carrying and how heavy everything felt for me.
Zane, sitting at the head of the table, was watching us both, his gaze thoughtful. He wasn't going to make a big deal out of Theo's nerves, but I could tell he understood. Zane always had this way of keeping his feelings close, revealing only what was necessary.
I broke the silence with a quiet nod, offering a soft smile. "I-I'll be okay," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt.
Elijah set the lunch down in front of me, his smile soft. "It's okay to be nervous, Olivia," he said, his voice warm. "Everyone feels that way, even the people who seem like they've got it all together. Take it one step at a time, and remember, we're a team. You're not alone in this."
His words settled over me like a gentle weight. I didn't respond right away, but the way my shoulders relaxed, just a little, showed that I was taking it in.
Theo turned away, his hands finally still on the table, but I could see how he shifted in his seat, the tension easing a bit. Still, his nerves hadn't completely gone away. "Don't...don't let anyone get to you, alright? If anyone gives you trouble, you let me know."
"I will," I said, my voice quiet. I met his eyes, and for the first time, a small smile pulled at my lips. I could tell he didn't fully believe it, but I felt the sincerity in his words. I wasn't going to let anyone get to me. At least, I hoped I wouldn't.
Silas, ever the one to break the tension, popped into the room, practically bouncing on his feet. "Alright! Ready to rock this day or what?" he asked, grinning wide. "We're gonna make this the best first day ever, Liv!"
I couldn't help but chuckle, the nerves in my stomach softening just a little. Silas always had a way of making everything feel like it was going to be a big adventure, even if it was just walking into a school.
Eros, who had been quiet in the corner, leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, watching us with that soft, steady gaze of his. He spoke up next, his voice low but unmistakable. "You've got this, Livy."
His words didn't come with the same enthusiasm as Silas's, but there was something about the way he said it that made me believe him. Eros was always the quiet one, but when he spoke, it carried weight. I nodded, feeling grateful for his silent support.
Zane's voice broke through next, deep and steady. "We've got your back, Olivia. Just take the day as it comes."
I didn't say anything, but I felt it. Even though Zane didn't show much emotion, I could sense the care in his voice. He'd been carrying a lot for a long time, but when it came to us, his gentleness was undeniable.
"Olivia," he said, his eyes scanning me for a moment. I looked back down at my plate, feeling the weight of his gaze.
Zane stepped closer, pulling something out of his pocket – a small, sleek box – and set it down in front of me on the table.
"This is for you," he said, his tone calm.
I stared at the box, my fingers brushing over the edges hesitantly. "What is it?" I asked softly, unsure of what to expect.
"Open it," Zane replied simply, giving a small nod toward the box.
With a slight frown, I lifted the lid, revealing a brand-new phone. The screen gleamed up at me, pristine and unfamiliar. I froze, my heart skipping a beat. "I...I can't take this," I said quietly, almost embarrassed.
Zane's expression didn't change, but his eyes softened slightly. "It's for your safety, Olivia. And we need a way to contact each other."
I nodded slowly, but I still felt overwhelmed. This was more than I was used to.
Before I could say anything else, Silas came beside me. His eyes landed on the phone immediately, and he grinned.
"Oh, hey, nice! Zane's getting you set up already?" he asked, clearly excited. "That's pretty cool."
I looked up at Silas, not sure how to respond. Silas grinned wider and pulled up a chair next to me. "Alright, here's the deal," he said, taking the phone gently from the table and holding it up so I could see. "It's simple, okay? Don't freak out."
I swallowed and nodded, my hands still a little shaky.
Silas's grin softened into something more reassuring. "So, see this button here?" He pointed to the power button on the side. "You press that, and boom, the phone turns on."
I watched as Silas demonstrated, tapping the button. The screen lit up, and he swiped through a couple of menus, showing me the basics. "This is where you call people," he said, tapping the contacts app. "Zanes put all our numbers in here. You just tap on a name, and you can text or call us. Easy, right?"
I nodded, still processing everything.
"You'll get the hang of it," Silas said confidently. "And if you need help, just let me know. I can show you all the cool stuff later, but for now, just remember to use it when you need us. Don't be afraid to call."
I looked at the phone again, feeling a little more at ease with Silas's calm explanation. "Okay," I said quietly, my voice barely above a whisper.
Zane, who had been watching silently, stood up from the table. His eyes met mine for a brief moment before he spoke in his usual calm tone, "You'll be fine. Call us if you need anything."
I gave him a small nod, though I wasn't sure I fully believed I'd be fine. Still, I appreciated the gesture.
The house felt warm, like a safe little bubble, and for a moment, I allowed myself to take it in. I didn't have everything figured out, but with all of them here, I didn't feel like I was carrying it all by myself.
Breakfast ended, and we all began gathering our things. Elijah came around the counter and stood in front of me. "You'll do great today, sweetheart," he said, his smile genuine. "And don't forget to eat your lunch."
Theo shot me a look as he stood up, trying to act like everything was fine, but I could still see the worry in his eyes. His usual bravado was there, but it was a little thinner than usual. "You got this, Olive," he said, his voice rougher than normal. "I'm serious. You can handle anything."
I nodded, appreciating the sentiment even if I wasn't sure I felt the same.
The ride to school was a bit different. Silas kept up his usual chatter, cracking jokes to distract me from my nerves and I could feel Eros's steady presence at the front, quiet and constant.
The car pulled up in front of the school, the hum of the engine fading as I stared out the window. The building loomed ahead, a steady stream of students flowing through the front doors. My heart pounded in my chest, and for a second, I thought about asking to turn around and go home.
"You good, Liv?" Silas's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts. I glanced over at him to find his usual easy grin, his energy buzzing like always. "First-day nerves? Totally normal. Trust me, I was a wreck on my first day."
I blinked at him. "Y-you were?"
"Oh, absolutely." He flung open the car door and climbed out. "I tripped over my shoelace before I even made it into the building. Face-planted in front of half the football team and broke my water bottle. It was like a movie – except I wasn't the hero, just the comic relief."
I couldn't help but smile, even though the nervous knot in my stomach didn't let up. Silas caught the look and grinned wider, holding out a hand to help me out of the car. "See? You're already having a better first day than I did."
Eros got out without a word and walked around to stand on my other side. He didn't try to joke like Silas did, but just having him close was comforting enough. I tightened my grip on the strap of my backpack as we approached the front doors.
The hallways were chaos. Students jostled past each other, laughing and shouting. Lockers slammed shut while friends gathered in groups, their voices overlapping into a mess of noise. My steps slowed as I took in the scene, trying not to get too overwhelmed.
Silas noticed right away. "Hey, don't overthink it, Liv. We'll get you sorted." He gave a wave to a passing student like he'd known them his whole life before pointing towards a quieter hallway. "Office is this way. Almost there."
Eros moved just a step closer, his shoulder brushing mine briefly before he adjusted his pace. His eyes scanned the hallway as if he were on guard, though he didn't say anything.
We reached the front office and Silas walked up to the counter. "Hi, we're here to pick Olivia Romano's timetable."
The receptionist smiled warmly as she typed something into her computer. "Welcome, Olivia. First day, right?"
I nodded, staying quiet as she handed me a piece of paper. My hands trembled slightly as I unfolded it.
"What's first?" Silas asked, peering over my shoulder.
"Maths," Eros answered for me, his eyes skimming the schedule. "Room 203."
Silas made a face. "Maths first thing in the morning? Brutal. But hey, at least it's not history. That'd put anyone back to sleep."
I followed them back into the crowded hallway, Eros walking close, his presence like a wall between me and the noise. Silas led the way, throwing in random commentary as we passed bulletin boards, lockers, and clusters of students.
I couldn't focus on much of what he was saying, but I appreciated the effort. By the time we reached the door to Room 203, my palms were damp. I froze just outside, staring at the classroom where I could already hear laughter and chatter inside.
Silas stopped and turned back to me, his face gentler now. "You've got this, Liv."
Eros stepped closer, his voice low and steady, the kind of tone that made everything else around me fade out. "One class at a time, Livy. You don't have to figure everything out today. Just get through this part, and we'll be waiting for you when you're done."
His words settled over me, pulling me out of the whirlpool of nerves in my chest. I nodded slowly, gripping the strap of my backpack tighter like it might anchor me.
Silas leaned in conspiratorially, lowering his voice. "And if it gets too boring, just picture Eros rocking that sparkly neon backpack I tried to get you to buy. You know, the one with the sequins?"
A laugh escaped before I could stop it – small, light, and unexpected. Silas looked triumphant.
"See? I knew you had it in you!" He grinned. "You're going to do great, Liv. And hey, if anyone messes with you, just remember that you've got a team of very large, very intimidating brothers ready to sort them out."
Eros didn't say anything, but when I glanced at him, he gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. His expression softened just enough to remind me that he was there.
Taking a shaky breath, I stepped toward the door. My heart still raced, but knowing they were there – waiting for me – made the next step feel a little less impossible.
The door closed behind me, and I could still faintly hear Silas's voice through the noise of the classroom.
"She's got this," he said confidently.
And for just a moment, I believed him.