Scared And Scarred

3️⃣ 1️⃣

After dinner.
Everyone was gathered in the living room as per the orders of our dear Tito.

"Alicia has decided to go through the 'Los Lobos' test. I-

"What, why, I mean what's the need? Xia you don't have to do this." Tio Alvaro interrupted Tito.

"Yes hermana, that's too risky. And test or not, you will always be our princess." Alonzo worriedly told me.

"I know you all are worried for me and trust me I am so thankful to God for giving me such a loving family. But this test is important for me, I want to clear this test so I can prove to myself that I do deserve all this attention."

"You don't need to prove anything, Xia"

"I know Tia Sofia, but for as long as I could remember, I was forced to believe that no one will ever love me and that I don't deserve any family or friends. These thoughts were instilled in my soul that I am so unworthy and I deserve all the whips, slaps and punches.
And now suddenly I am showered with all the love and care that I couldn't have imagined even in my wildest dream.
That's why I want to pass this test so that I can prove this to myself so that I can shut my inner devil and say with confidence that I am an Ortiz, that I am one of you."

As I finished my pretty long speech, almost everyone was teary-eyed.

"Querida, you may forget your identity but you have Ortiz's blood running through your veins. You were one of us and you always will be. Siempre recuerda esto."
(Always remember this)

As I wiped off my tears Tito cleared his throat.

"Alvaro next time think twice before interrupting me, I won't mind grounding you for this," Grandpa said in his no-nonsense style.

"Dad I am 41 now, not 14."

"And that only means that I must increase the severity and duration of your punishments."

Tio Alvaro raised his hands, surrendering while we all silently laughed.

"Now as I was saying I support Alicia in her decision and you all may tell her the essentials of the test and let me know when it shall be conducted.
That's all, now you all are dismissed."

"Boys and Xia go to sleep now. 9 of You have school tomorrow. We can discuss this test later tomorrow."

"9 of us."

"Yes, Xia your cousins will attend the same school as yours. Our mansion in Spanish had to undergo some renovations, so we are in America for some time."

"That's amazing news, Tia. But you said 9 won't Arlo come with us."

"No dear he is homeschooled for now."

"Okay, goodnight everyone."

I finally went to bed after giving a hug to everyone except for the rude brothers who just nodded. Dad tucked me and Arlo to sleep in my room. Yes, Arlo was adamant to sleep with me.
I couldn't deny his cute eyes. I just hope that like the last few days today also I don't get any nightmares.

The next day Alonzo woke us up.
It was a bright day with good weather. Tia Sofia specially picked out my outfit, she did my hair and also a little makeup.
She made me feel like a model. Confident and beautiful.

When I strolled downstairs for breakfast, everyone complimented me and Tia Julia served me a tasty breakfast.

We drove to school in two cars. And as we got out of the car, my brothers got everyone's undivided attention. As we were entering all 8 of them surrounded me like some bodyguards, giving out the message that 'no one can mess with our sister.'

Most students were looking at me enviously. My brothers went inside ignoring all the stares like it was an everyday thing for them. Maybe it was. But not for me, I was so invisible in my previous school.

Thank Jesus that today Tia dressed me so at least I am matching my brothers in the looks department. If only I could have their level of confidence.

Now all of my brothers started dispersing to their different classes.

"Come Mariposa, I'll drop you at your class."

"No Felipe her class is on my way so I'll be dropping her," Miguel said.

I was shocked, Miguel was one of the mean brothers. Why does he want to drop me off now?

He led the way and I followed.

Miguel stopped outside my class. I was about to get in when he stopped me and said,
"Talking much is not my forte, but remember Xia you have 8 brothers backing you up. And this fact should make you stronger. Never, I repeat, never let anyone treat you wrongly. And if they do, you shall teach them a good lesson. Pick a fight, break a bone but never just tolerate. Remember you are a mafia princess no damsel in distress."

"what if Lucas gets angry? Or I get expelled"

"He will get angry for sure if you don't stand up for yourself. Remember no one here is powerful enough to expel an Ortiz"

" the principal?"

"haha one call and he will come to our home to do our homework."

"Really?"

"ys Xia just don't tell anyone that I talked this much. You know I have an image to maintain."

"Understood, but can you just hug me as him a tight hug bait to keep my mouth shut and then I swear no one will know and you will have your image intact."

He shook his head but opened his arms wide. I quickly gave him a tight hug.

Surprisingly he kissed my forehead and then pushed me inside the class as the first bell rang.

After the first period was over I was packing my stuff for the next class. Someone banged loudly on my table, surprising me. It was the same rude girl whom I met on the first day.
"So suddenly Ortiz brothers have a sister. Either you were adopted or they picked you some trashcan."

My eyes were filled with tears but before I could cry, Miguel's words flashed in my mind. I decided that this time I will not stay quiet.

"WE Ortiz's are not like you, we don't go looking in the trash cans. Though I wish for the sake of mankind that I could go in the past and suggest to your parents about adoption, at least then they would have a few better options to choose from."

"How dare you insult me," she shouted at me.

"And how dare you raise your voice on my sister."
Rey said he was standing near the door glaring at the mean girl.
In an instant, he was right next to me. Rey who normally was a sweet guy looked so fierce. 

"Bu_but she humiliated me." the mean girl said suddenly crying her crocodile tears.

"I have been standing there for a while now, so think twice before uttering another lie. Get lost now." she disappeared.

"You heard everything?"

"I did. I wanted to see how you would deal with it and I must say, I am so proud of you girl."

"really "

"really. Now come or we'll be late for the next class. We have that together."