Why did it have to rain today-the day of all days??? The coldness and wind was bearable but not the rain. This meant a change of clothes and shoes not to mention being late. Well if this was nature's cruel way, so be it. Just as she was contemplating this thought the rain began to fall harder and faster. Wildly looking around her, she saw the pain path dashed through it and towards the house.
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"How can you lose her again Daniel?" his brother bellowed. This was the third time in two months since Ari-Ana had arrived.
"It's not my fault she keeps wondering off. She knows the rules, you speak to her and leave me alone" he hotly replied.
"I expect you to take full responsibility when she's with you. God" rolling his eyes but the anger didn't back down.
"Is Ari lost again?" grinned Dean poking his head out of his room when he heard loud voices.
"No thanks to the genius of a brother" replied Dante.
"But it wasn't my fault. She's hot tempered, strong-head..." he never got to finish
"And fine" replied a calmer female voice.
Everyone turned to see Ari-Ana standing in the hallway dripping from her rain- soaked coat.
"Where the hell were you?" Daniel asked walking towards her.
"I must've wondered off. I'm so sorry for causing all this commotion" she nervously replied.
"Well at least you're safe. Daniel I expect better from you" his eldest brother scolded before heading upstairs.
"Ari, you ok? Better get changed before you catch a cold" Dean called before closing his door.
"Yes Ari, you better" mocked Daniel.
"I really am sorry" replied Ari-Ana sincerely.
"Whatever, just get changed before I get the blame again. One more thing, in the future you either stick with me or go out by yourself" he said before walking away.
She didn't realise she'd been holding her breath the entire time and exhaled quickly. He seemed really mad, but it was her fault; she had wondered off again and before she knew it she was stranded in the middle of the woods with the rain looming. Luckily she wasn't totally lost and found her way back even though she'd encountered most of the rain.
She began to shiver from the wet clothes and quickly removed her coat, hanging it outside. Her dress was damp and clung to her like second skin. Running up to her room she left her door ajar she proceeded to take off the dress. Mid-way she stopped abruptly; it almost felt like she was being watched. Shaking the silly notion from her mind she changed into the drier clothes and took her soiled dress to be washed.
*********************************************
"Do I smell spaghetti" Dean grinned as he walked into the kitchen.
"Indeed you do" she replied whilst serving it into a large dish for them all.
"Dante, Dan get down here, dinner's ready" yelled Dean before he sat down with her.
"Mmmmmmmm, delicious" Dante said as he smelt the food.
"Where's Daniel?" she asked as the two brothers dished out for themselves.
"I'm going out" came Daniel's reply as he leaned against the kitchen door.
"Can't you at least sit down for ten minutes? After all she's gone through the trouble of cooking for tonight" Dean said.
"I'm sorry Ari, but my friends are expecting me" replied Daniel as sweetly as he could. He wanted to be as far away as possible from her. He was still angry with her from earlier.
"I'll keep some for you" she said, but by the time she turned around he was gone.
"Ignore him. He's just being a jerk from earlier" smiled Dante.
"Well more for us" grinned Dean before putting in another mouthful.
********************************************
Ari-Ana was reading her book quietly in front of the lamp in the front room when she heard the door open. She realised it must be Daniel and went back to her book. She frowned when she heard a female voice too; another of his conquests no doubt.
"Shhh you'll wake up the whole house" came his voice which sounded a little slurred.
"In an hour they will" answered the girl in a giggle making Ari-Ana shiver in disgust.
"Go up, my room is the third on the left" Daniel instructed the girl before closing and locking the door.
Just as he reached the staircase, he noticed the dim light coming from the sitting room.
"Well well if it isn't little miss bookworm" he mocked as he walked in to find her sitting quietly.
"You're 'girlfriend' is waiting for you" she replied without taking her eyes off the page.
He was too tipsy to answer and remembering the girl turned around and headed up the stairs.
Anger rose deep within her. They'd never got on since childhood. His brothers were fantastic, but Daniel was a completely different enigma altogether. She continued to read pushing away her thoughts until sleep consumed her.
Slowly getting up, she headed towards her room which was a floor below his. She could hear the annoying giggles of the girl. She was too tired to think or care about the situation, as long as it didn't involve her, he could do as he well damn pleased.
********************************************
The morning sun shone right into her eyes as she slowly opened them. The day definitely seemed warmer and drier than yesterday. Sitting up she stretched her arms before leaning back and planning her day. Going out for most of the day was top of the agenda so she'd first have a shower, eat breakfast and then head out. The guys wouldn't mind, so she was free as a bird.
"Hey hey, what's the plan for the day" Dean asked with his usual bright smile when he saw her walk in. She was his little 'sister'.
"I'll be out for most of the day, planning to get some reading done outside then go out with some friend later" she replied whilst filling a little basket with fruit.
"Good morning Mr. Noisy" winked Dean as Daniel walked into the kitchen.
Ari-Ana blushed at the remark and only Daniel's eyes caught this.
"Stop teasing him Dean. But he's right you were a little noisy" smirked Dante before he burst out laughing.
"Can I help it if women find me irresistible?" Daniel replied before taking a bite from an apple.
