Ana's POV
I woke as the memories of yesterday rushes back, I fell face down on the pillow muffling my annoying scream. I know I will unconsciously avoid everything that will hurt me. That has been my coping mechanism for a long time. The brothers' family know about it and we have learnt how to handle it like a normal family. I like I said, they have been taking care of me for as long as I could remember. I will always be grateful for them.
"Are you going to keep screaming or are you coming down for breakfast? Ma made dosa for you," I looked up to see Arjuna leaning on my door smiling at me. I perked up at when I heard what his mum is making. I loved her cooking especially the Indian foods she makes. They are delicious, I have fallen in love with them.
On my birthdays or any special occasions, she will make her special biryani. They taste like heaven when you eat them with a small side called Rita it is made of onions and yoghurt.
"Stop drooling, she is said she will make biryani when you come over for dinner on Saturday" he winked at me knowing what I was thinking about.
I jumped off the bed happily. And went to shower. I walked to the dining room looking forward to Saturday.
"Ma, are you really making Biryani on Saturday?" I looked at her with hope,
"Yes child, only for you" she kissed my cheeks affectionately. I was about to reply when someone cleared their throat, I turned around to see my brothers sitting there watching me.
"Oh, you are here," I said as I sat down, with a plate of breakfast. I started to use my hands to eat it. Savouring each and every bite.
"You like it?" Ma asked,
"Ma, you know I love everything you make" I kissed her cheeks as thanks.
"You are too sweet" she blushed.
"Ana, can we know what happened yesterday?" Vin spoke softly after I finished eating. I saw that my brothers were shocked to see me eat more than what I normally eat at their house.
"I had an episode of a severe panic attack" I mumbled
"What triggered it?" Et asked worriedly.
"I am not sure if I can trust you with the reason or tell you about it" I answered them honestly making them suck in their breathe at my hurtful words.
"I am sorry, but I just cannot trust you guys at the moment," I said as I picked the broken skin around my nails.
"Stop it. this is not good" Pa placed his hand on mine, making me smile at him.
"Okay, are you willing to come back home with us?" Vin asked, I was able to hear the fear in his voice. He feared that I will reject them,
"I can stay with you guys for now," I said, and I know I made Ma proud with my decision.
Three of them were happy with my decision. We spent a while longer here as Ma cooked some lunch for me to bring back. I can even heat it up tomorrow for breakfast. I was happy. She told me she will pack my lunch tomorrow and ask the boys to bring it for me. I thanked her happily. She knows her way to my heart.
Alex hovered over me till we went to bed to make sure I was alright. He treated me like a glass that could break at any time. It made me feel touched, but I have to play safe. The secrets that I am keeping might break this family once again. I do not think they can handle it again.
"You sure you are ready to go back to school today?" Alex asked me worried as I ate my breakfast that I heated up from yesterday's leftovers.
"Is it healthy to eat leftover food?" Luke asked me scared.
"I have been eating leftovers for half of my life and I am fine" I answered him with a smile.
Her face turned sad at my reply. It is something they have to accept. My past is not rainbows; it was a full survival game.
School went as normal, the girl that hurt me yesterday was not in today. Rumours have it that she transferred.
I walked out towards the carpark and saw something that made me freeze. Arjuna and Vijay were talking to him happily.
I walked over knowing that I have to confront him sooner than later.
"Finally the princess that I have been waiting for" Jordan spoke taking off his sunglasses and glaring at me, I shifted from one foot to another wanting to get out of here as soon as possible.
"What is the reason?" he asked not going around the bushes.
"I cannot tell you" I whispered,
"Her brother made her choose between family and this" Vijay answered making me to give him a death look.
"Did you explain to them about achievements and upcoming competitions?" Jordan sighed, I shook my head.
"I cannot take the risk now" I answered. Before the conversation can be continued,
"Well, looks like our sister is really what they call her," Alessio spoke making me freeze up in fear. He cannot know that Jordan is my figure skating coach. It will cause more problems. I started to shake in fear, as Alessio dragged me to his car, he throws me in and speeds all the way. I was starting to have staggered breathing. He pulls me into the living room.
"What's wrong with her?" I heard Luke speaking with concern,
"She is faking it. There was an older guy talking to her. I think the girl was right yesterday, she is really an sl*t" Alessio said pushing me into a full panic attack.
"Ana?" I heard Vij's voice but I could not follow whatever he was saying. The last thing I heard was,
"This would not have happened if you kept your mouth shut" I heard Ar shouting at someone.