Reconstructing Amelia (unedited)

Chapter 1

September 22nd, 2019

"Sorella!" my little brother yelled, crushing my waist in a hug, looking up at me with a wide grin and his soft blue eyes. I brushed his dark curly hair off his forehead, smiling back at him. It always surprised me that we look so different, though I've always known we're not biologically related. Yet still, I seemed to forget, despite me being fair-skinned with long caramel hair and bright green eyes.

"Ciao, Javi," I greeted, tossing my bag down and heading into the kitchen. "Is Ben home yet?" I warily glanced around towards the living room. He shook his head, climbing up onto a counter stool.

"No, Papa comes home late," he said. I nodded.

"You want to help with dinner?" I asked him. He nodded eagerly.

"Si!" he cried, hopping down to help me prepare.

***

I sat on the couch, anxiously awaiting Ben to get home. I'd put Javi to bed hours ago. I'd cleaned up dinner, and made sure there were plenty of leftovers for him. Ben Albright was my adoptive father. I couldn't remember anything from when I was young - so I had no recollection of my previous family - but maybe it was for good reason. Not that Ben was good. In fact, he was the exact opposite; a six-foot slightly heavyset mass of pure evil.

After waiting another half hour more, I finally heard his car pull up in the driveway. I quickly sat up.

The door slammed as I heard his heavy footsteps thunder down the hallway. His beady little eyes focused on me, and I heard him curse under his breath.

"There better be dinner for me, Girl," he threatened, heading to the kitchen. I got up and followed him.

"I made spaghetti. There are leftovers in the fridge for you," I said nervously, wringing my hands. Ben was very particular about his food. He made his way to the fridge, pulling out the plate. He eyed it before unwrapping it and sticking it into the microwave.

"Run downstairs and get me a beer," he ordered gruffly. I nodded, making my way to the basement mini-fridge. I bit my lip as I scanned through the different packs. I grabbed a random bottle, hurrying up the stairs. I handed the icy drink to him only for him to smash it against the counter angrily.

"Stupid girl!" he shouted. "You got the wrong one!" I stepped away, holding my hands up in defence.

"You didn't give me a specific one to get!" I tried to reason, but I knew it was no use. He lunged at me, getting a firm grip on my arm. He threw me backwards, and I screamed as my head tore open as I connected with the corner of the counter. Tears slipped down my cheeks as blood dripped down my face, and I fell to the floor. He roughly picked me up by the collar of my hoodie, throwing me into the puddle of sticky beer on the floor, the glass shards cutting my hands.

"Clean this up," Ben growled, before grabbing his food and stomping off to the living room. After a minute, I heard the Tv blare. I winced as I moved. I carefully removed all the glass from the floor and then began mopping up the beer with paper towels.

After I'd finished, I shakily made my way to the bathroom, cleaning the glass out of my hands. I stuck my hands under the faucet, biting back a scream as the burst of hot water made my flesh curl back against my palms. I bandaged my hands and then disinfected the gash on my face. I patched it up and trudged up the stairs to my shared bedroom with Javi. He jumped up as I came in, hugging my leg tightly. I stroked the back of his head, trying to cease his crying.

"Stai bene, Sorella?" he asked worriedly. "I heard the shouting," I smiled gently.

"I'm fine, don't you worry," I told him, tucking him back into bed. I changed into my leggings and T-shirt, sliding in with him. Our bedroom was small, and we didn't have much. Just a worn-out mattress and a threadbare comforter with a couple of pillows.

"Did you say goodnight to Ella?" I reminded him. He brightened, sitting up and facing the window.

"Buona notte Ella!" he whispered brightly, before snuggling back down. "E buona notte Sorella," he told me. I kissed his cheek before switching the lights out and settling down. My eyes pricked with tears like they did every night when Javi and I wished Ella goodnight. Ella was our older sister. She'd been adopted too, but we were closer than anything. She'd protected me from Ben, and always made sure I was taken care of. She used to hold me in our bedroom when it was dark and comfort me so I wouldn't be scared.

"Look at the stars instead of the dark, Mia," She'd tell me every night.

Ella had died nearly three years ago when I was thirteen. She'd been eighteen, and Javi two. Javi doesn't remember much of her, but he always tells me he can remember her smiling. He was heartbroken when she died, so I told him Ella had turned into a star - to watch over him and keep him safe. Javi loved to talk to her, and it was the most precious thing.

Javi let out a warm hum as he snuggled closer to me. I smiled, letting sleep overcome me.

~Translations~

Sorella - it's Javi's nickname for Mia. it means 'sister'

Stai bene? - are you okay?

Buona Notte - goodnight

Ciao - hello