Lost In The Sea Refound In Love

Chapter 1

September 14th 1998

was at’s house for a typical “guys night”.
_I wonder whatmust be doing. –said coming from the kitchen with a bowl 
full of popcorn.
_I bet my sister must be missing you. –joked. 
, who was’s sister and’s girlfriend, was on a cruise. She was going to cross 
France and then, go to Italy to spend a month there.
_Are you sure your mom doesn’t mind me staying here? –asked.
_No, she’s going out tonight with her friends and besides, she loves you.
took the popcorn from’s hands and turned on the TV.
_A tragic accident happened this evening. A boat with students going to Italy crashed into an 
oil tanker. The rescue team don’t know yet how many survivors there are among the 15 students 
but, there’re lots of wounded people in the oil tanker.
andwere listening to what the woman was saying and couldn’t move.’s mom 
heard the TV and when got into the living room, she collapse. The boys weren’t understanding 
what was that all about.was crying like a baby andwas totally in denial. Suddenly, 
his mobile started to ring “waking him up”.
_Hello? – he answered in a husky voice.
_, ishere. 
was’s best mate, they went to the same school.
_Hey,.
_Are you watching the news mate?
_Yes.
_’s here and is trying to know what’s happening.
was’s neighbor and attended the same classes as. He was the one who 
introduced her to.
_We... we don’t know yet. I call you as soon as I discover something.
_Are you ok?
_I don’t know.
The days went by really fast as they were looking for news about but all they knew 
was that 5 students survived, 7 bodies were found and 3 disappeared. Unfortunately among 
those 3, was.
_This is horrible! I was the one who should be there! –said discontented.
_Don’t say that, son. This is not your fault. –’s mother said trying to comfort him.
_If I didn’t get sick she wouldn’t go on this trip.
_listen, this is not your fault. It’s just fate. We can’t change fate. –said seriously. 
_Yeah, but...
_Just think she’s in a better place right now laughing about something goofy you did or said. – 
said trying to hold his tears.
For a month, the rescue team tried to find the 3 bodies but only one was found. The school 
rendered homage to the dead students in a touchy ceremony for their families and friends. Though 
was always surrounded by friends,’s premature death killed a part of him. He 
used to go to her house to talk to, who had to go to a psychologist to deal with his sister death, 
and try to comfort her mother with no luck ‘cause, a few weeks after the school ceremony, she got 
really sick and died in a few weeks. Seeing how bad was the situation,decided to go on 
with his life and, along with, moved from Liverpool to London.

June 12th 2004

came home from a usual day at work, and sawwith the newspaper in his hands 
walking around the living room.
_What’s up?
_Hey, I’m trying to find a job and you know... it’s hard.
_You don’t have to worry about it now. I make enough money for both of us, you know that. – 
said taking the paper from’s hands.
_I know but you’ve done enough for me and now, is time to pay you.
_Yeah but I’m not charging. 
_Thanks. You’re an incredible friend, more like a brother to me.
They gave each other a hug.
_You know what,? I’m starving!
went to the kitchen and opened the fridge. 
_I guess we have to go out to eat ‘cause we have nothing to eat in this house besides M&M’s!
_I’ll take the car keys, let’s go shopping.
They went to the supermarket to do a big food shopping. They were having fun, making jokes 
about everything.
_Hey, did you see that someone bought that house next to us?
_Who was the insane to do that? Doesn’t this person know about our famous parties? 
_I guess not.
_Well, I guess in two moths this person moves.
_We have to call our friends to place our bets.
_We’re gonna make easy money,!
A few time later, walking around the market, a little boy came running and bumped into.
_Hey kid!
_Sorry mister.
_Mister?! What’s your name? –asked laughing.
_. 
_Well, where’s your mom? –asked concerned.
_I don’t know. 
Suddenly, when they least expected, a woman appeared.
_!
He turned around and got shocked! The resemblance withwas amazing! 
_I finally found you! How many times have I told you not run away from me?
The woman asked desperate, even her voice looked like’s.
_Sorry mom.
_Excuse me. –interrupt – What did you call him?
_... that’s his name,.
_But he said his name’s. –explained.
_is his brother.
The woman pulled a little boy from behind her.
_They’re twins! –andsaid together.
_Yes, andalways use his brother’s name to run away from me. Come on young boy, 
let’s go home. – she turned toand– Thanks for taking care of my son and sorry 
for the mess.
The woman walked away with her kids.
_Did you see that? –asked.
_Yes I did. What was that? A prank that God is playing on us?
_I don’t know but hey! Life goes on and we’ll always have with us in our thoughts.
They finished their shopping, went to a restaurant to have dinner and then went back home. Though 
it was a Friday night, they didn’t feel like going out ‘cause seeing that woman brought a bunch 
of feelings back and, even though 6 years had passed, they still felt’s death. That night, 
they couldn’t sleep much thinking and dreaming about her. On the next day, at 8:30 in the morning, 
woke up scared.
_, where are you?
It was’s voice. He opened his eyes, looked around and sawcoming in his room.
_Did you hear that? –asked.
_Yeah.
_Thanks God I’m not crazy!
smiled and got off his bed.
_, stop hiding from me!
They heard the voice again. 
_Let’s go outside and see what’s going on. –suggested.
put a shirt on and went outside with. When they opened the door they saw some guys 
delivering furniture to the house next to their and the same woman from the market.
_Ok God, now is personal! What’s going on? –almost screamed.
_Take it easy mate.
Thoughwas trying to keep cool, he wasn’t handling that situation very well. It was 
hurting him.
_Hey mom!
_, for Heaven’s Sake! Where were you? – the woman yelled concerned.
_I was seeing inside the truck. – the little boy answered.
_Why didn’t you warne me first? You know how I get worried about you baby.
_Sorry mom.
Suddenly the boy sawandstanding at the door.
_Mom, look! Those men from the supermarket! Hi!
The little boy yelled and ran to.
_Hey little buddy! How’s it going?
The woman approached them.looked at her and felt something strange, kinda familiar.
_Hi... sorry if my yelling woke you up. – the woman apologized.
_That’s ok. Are you the new owner of the house? –asked.
_Yes, I guess we’re neighbors.
_So neighbor, nice to meet you. My name’sand this one is.
_Nice to meet you too, my name is.
andfroze. Could it be possible? Could that woman be their ? Or it was just 
a bad coincidence?
_, come here to meet our neighbors! – she called her other son.
looked at the boy and shivered inside.
_You already knowand this is. Say hi toand, honey.
_Hi, nice to meet you. 
The little boy shook their hands andfelt a cold down his spine.
_Well guys, I better go back ‘cause the day is gonna be long and by the way littlewoke 
up, is not gonna be easy either.
_We could help you if you want. –offered.
_Are you sure?
_Yes and besides, lil’and I are beginning to bond. –said laughing.
_Thanks, you don’t know how much I appreciate that.
The guys changed their clothes and went to’s house to help with her furniture and the 
twins. After hours of exhausting work, they finally stopped to have lunch.
_Can we eat watching T.V, mom? –asked.
_Yes but take care to not drop anything on the floor or on the couch. And, don’t run.
gave the dishes to the boys, helped them with their drinks and went back to the table 
whereandwere sitting.
_The boys are really cute. –said smiling.
_Thanks. 
The girl looked at her boys and her eyes got sad.
_Must be hard to be a single mother. –observed.
_Sometimes, but I have a good job and, besides material stuff, I can provide them lots of love.
_Sorry for asking but where’s their father? –asked curious.
smiled...
_I don’t know.
_Did he abandon you? –asked a bit upset.
_I don’t know.
andlooked at each other.laughed and begin to explain.
_Oh boy... my story looks like a movie or something.
_What do you mean? –sounded interested.
_Well, six years ago, I don’t know what I was doing going to Italy by boat, I had an accident in 
the sea and was found unconscious at the Sicilian coast.
andgot shocked. It couldn’t be another trick from God.
_How long did you stay in the sea? –asked quickly. 
_The Sicilian Coasting Guard don’t know that and neither do I ‘cause I lost my memory.
_Soisn’t your name? –asked.
_My name is. It’s all I could remember after a month. It was like this... I was found in 
Sicily with no memory. I couldn’t even remember who I was. The doctors did some tests and 
discovered that I was 2 months pregnant. Well, I didn’t have a place to go ‘cause I didn’t remember 
from where I was so, one of the men who found me, Captain Francesco Mastranni took me to 
his home at the naval base to live with his wife Mariana and his two daughters Julia and Camilla.
_His wife didn’t see a problem in that? –asked again.
_No, his wife and daughters felt sorry for me. 
_How could you live with no memory? –asked curious.
_At first was hard. For a month my name was Maria Del Mare ‘cause I had no name then, I 
remembered my real name,, and a week later the rescue team found my wallet among some l
ost things. Of course it had no money and every paper that could say something about my life was 
smeared and ripped but, my I.D was untouched. Then, I discovered that I was from UK, Liverpool 
to be exact and my full name was.
's heart skipped a bit asfelt an indescribable happiness inside, all he wanted to do was 
hold her but he knew if he did something like that she’d be scared.
_But didn’t you want to get in touch with your family or something? –asked almost without 
voice.
_Of course I did! They told me I had a mother but no father, they couldn’t find any brothers or 
sisters or other relatives. Through my I.D they looked for my mother but it was too late... she was 
dead.
_Mom, I’ve already finished. Can I play now? –interrupted them.
_Of course,. Leave the door opened and don’t go to the street.
_How can you tell who’s who? –wondered.
_Well,has his hair a bit long andhas the spiked hair.  
looked atand felt a cold running down his spine again. The little boy looked back 
at him and seemed like he could see’s soul. It was unbelievable!was alive and 
the twins were his sons!


Chapter 2

_Oops!
_Oops what? –asked her son.
_I spilt my juice on the couch.
_If you didn’t do that it wouldn’t be you! Come on “ragazzo”, let’s clean this mess!
The little boy laughed and went to help his mother.
_Did you hear that? It’s her, she’s my sister! –said all excited. 
_I know.
_andare my nephews.
_And my sons. 
looked at.
_I didn’t think about that. You’re a father.
_Yes I am and it’s scary.
_What should we do now?
_We need to look for a doctor and see what we can do for her to remember us and her life.
looked atand littlecleaning and playing with each other and finally 
realized how much he missed her and how much the moment he always wanted scared him. 
That weekendandspent withand the twins. On Monday morning 
called Dr. Mitchell, the father of a friend who was a neurologist, and he agreed to see him and 
around 5pm when his office would be empty and they could talk better. 
_What’s the problem, son? – Dr. Mitchell asked.
_Well doc, 6 years ago my girlfriend disappeared in an accident in the sea. – he started – She was 
also’s sister and for years we suffered for her “death” but now, everything changed. She isn’t 
dead,was in Italy and lost her memory. Even though after 6 years had passed she still 
can’t remember her past, in fact, the only thing she remembered was her name.
_Well, it’s a quite of a story. She lost her memory and can’t remember anything... are you 
sure about that?
_Not that sure but, she can’t remember me or. –answered.
_You know that the human brain is quite a mystery and a memory loss can last for half an hour, 
days, weeks or years. You said she lived in another country so, the fact of not getting in touch 
with anyone she knew before the accident contributed for her not remember things about her life. 
_So what do you suggest, doc? –asked.
_Maybe her brain is sending messages through her dreams or some flashbacks like names, situations, 
scents, places... anyway, you have to go slow on it, try to “pull” some information from her and 
find out what her brain is trying to “tell” her about her life. I’m gonna be sincere, this won’t be 
easy, you’re gonna get hurt in some occasions and it won’t go day over night. You two have to be 
patient and understanding.
andfelt relieved talking with Dr. Mitchell.was full of happiness and 
full of hope. They went back home and talked about how they’ll suppose to do all that to bring 
’s memory back. After thinking a lot,suggested that they should calland 
in Liverpool to help them since they were part of her life as well. When the boys got home, 
they sawcoming with the twins.
_Uncle! – littleran towards him.
_Hey, lil’! –gave the boy a hug.
_Hi. –greeted her smiling.
_Hi guys.
_You look tired, had a bad day?
_I had lots of work and then subscribedat the school swimming team andat 
the soccer little league so, I just had a busy day. –explained smiling.
_Mum, canand unclehave dinner with us? –asked.
_I don’t know... probably they have plans, baby.
looked at.
_Do you have plans? – he asked.
didn’t wanna botherbut when he looked in’s eyes he couldn’t say “no” 
to his son.
_I don’t have any plans and, if your mom doesn’t mind, I’ll be glad to join you for dinner.       
He looked atand she was smiling.
_I don’t mind at all. And you,, are gonna help me cook, “certo”?
_Certo mamma!
_Can I help too, mom? – littleasked.
_Yes you can. Let’s cook something special for our guests.
gave the keys to littleand he ran inside the house holding’s hand. She 
took some things from her car and, when she was about to go inside the house,held her 
hand and then held’s too.got surprised with his action. They got inside and saw 
littlein the kitchen withso,ran straight to where his brother was leaving 
andalone.
_This is new. –sighted.
_What’s new?
_I guesslikes you.
_What do you mean? –asked curious.
_He doesn’t have those reactions with anyone. I mean, he invited you for dinner and even held 
your hand.
_Should I be happy about it?
_Consider yourself a privileged ‘cause that means I can trust you.is smart and have a 
good judgement about people so, if he likes you... – she looked inside the kitchen and saw
holding– ... and, it means I have nothing to worry about you two.
smiled and felt a good feeling inside, like the old times when he andtalked about 
life and stuff.was happy too being with his sister again and now, with his nephews, was a 
blessing for him. They helpedcook with the twins, laughed a lot and had a nice meal. She 
was amazed with the waycould handle littleeasily aswas head over heels 
‘causewas always next him, talking to him and he could get in touch with one of his sons 
a little bit better. Littlewas goofing around withmaking jokes all the time as 
was almost sleeping in’s arms.
_Boys, look at the time. –warned.
_But mom! – they both moaned.
_No “buts”.,... bedtime. 
Suddenly, the coin dropped.andlooked at each other and realized that the boys had 
’s first and middle name. That was clearly one of the signs Dr. Mitchell talked about.
_I wanna keep playing with uncle. – littlecomplained.
_, please, do what I say. You know it’s bedtime.
_I don’t care. 
_Can I talk to him? –asked.
_Go ahead.
_Hey buddy, you know what? I’m pretty tired and look at the time, is my bedtime too. –said.
_But we could stay awake if we convince mom that we wanna play more.
_Yeah we couldbut you know what I learnt when I was a little boy? 
_What?
_My sister always said that if I wanted to have a long day, play a lot and hang around with her 
and my friends, I should go to bed early so I could wake up early in the morning and do all that.
_Is it true? I can do all that tomorrow if I go to bed now? Wasn’t your sister lying?
_I swear it’s all true. My sister is a wise woman... she’d never lie to me.
Littlelooked at his mother and finally gave up.
_Ok, I’ll go to bed. Good night uncle. Good night uncle.
The boy gave them a hug, a kiss on his mom and went to bed.
_I’ll be right back, ok? – she said.
_Do you want help? –offered.
_No, it’s ok. I can handle... ah,!
_What?
_Thank you very much and say thanks to your sister. She must be an amazing person.
_Yes, she’s the best.
smiled and followed her boys to their rooms. 
_It was a good thing you did. –observed.
_Now I understand how annoying I was following her around and being a brat with her.
_Besides that, it was cleaver talk about something she used to say to you.
_I didn’t think about that but you’re right.
_I guess we found a way to send messages to her brain about who we are and who she is. Now we 
just need to callandto come and help us with that. 
A few minutes latercame back.
_Sorry for keeping you waiting. So, what you’re talking about?
_We wanna invite two friends to visit us. They live in Liverpool. –said.
_Really? Well, I’m from there and I don’t know the place. Maybe one day I’ll go there to visit. Do 
you know Liverpool?
_Actually we’re from there. We’ve been living here in London for 6 years. –explained.
_Maybe you should go with me when I decide to go there.
_It’ll be great! –said all excited. 
_Can I ask you something? –asked serious.
_Sure.
_Why the twins have the nameand?
_Since I was found in Sicily these two names cross my mind all the time and when I knew I was 
expecting twins, I decided to do something with the names. Why you’re asking?
_‘Cause my full name is.
_What a coincidence! I always thought that one of them was their father’s name...
Suddenlygot sad.
_What’s wrong? –asked.
_Sometimes I wonder who is their father. I mean, the boys don’t look like me at all, not even their 
personalities. When I look at them, all I can see is the face of someone I don’t know... 
felt his heart getting small. He couldn’t handle when got sad, he knew she 
wanted to cry but since she was in front of two “strangers”, she wouldn’t do it. 
_It kills me ‘cause I don’t know if I was married to their father, if he knew about my pregnancy, 
if I knew I was pregnant, if he was happy about it, if he left me when discovered or if it was a one 
night stand.
_It wasn’t! –said out of the sudden.
scowled at him. 
_What? –asked.
thought for a few seconds before answering.
_I’m pretty sure he loved you really much and didn’t have the opportunity to know about your 
pregnancy. 
_Thanks. It’s really kind of you.
smiled.knew that his answer made a difference for her.
_It’s all that bothers you? –asked.
_No. Sometimes I dream about a little boy with little’s behavior and he always call me 
“sis”. I assume I have a brother, maybe he still lives in Liverpool but it’s gonna be hard to find him. 
wanted to hold her tight and say that she already found him but he knew that was wrong, he 
had to control himself.
_It must be awful. –observed.
_Yes it is but I love the little boy in my dreams, he comforts me sometimes and by the way my 
twins are handsome I guess their father must be incredibly good looking. It shows I have a wonderful 
taste.
That comment made them laugh and forget about the sadness. They chatted for a little while and 
around 10pmanddecided to leave.
_Thanks. We had an incredible time. –said smiling.
_Yeah, the food was great. –added.
_Thanks for the compliments and thanks for helping me with the boys. By the way, I know it 
sounds weird for a guy but I was watching the way you handle littleand I wondered, 
would you like to work for me as a babysitter? I know is not a great job for a guy but I’m gonna 
pay you and you won’t be around doing nothing since you’ve already said it bothers you a lot. What 
do you say?
Aswas listening to’s proposal, his smile was getting bigger and bigger. felt 
happy about the proposal too ‘cause he knewwould accept it and his kids would be in good 
hands, in their uncle’s hands.
_ Of course I accept it! I’ll be glad working for you I mean, I love lil’and! When 
do I start?
_Tomorrow at 8am is ok with you?
_Is fine!
_So, see you tomorrow morning.
_See ya!
_Good night.
_Good night.
looked atand she saw something familiar in his eyes but let it go and went back 
inside. The guys went to their house talking about their night and the thingstold them.
_Aren’t you gonna call? –asked.
_I think I better callto not shockwith the news we have.
_You’re right. So, what are you waiting for?
took a deep breath and dialed's number.
_Hello?
_?
_Yes it is. Who’s there?
_It’s, mate.
_Hey mate. How are the things in London?
_They are great.
_What about?
_He’s fine too.
_This is great!
_Listen, I have something to tell you.
_Something wrong?
_Are you sat?
_Why?
_If you’re not, sit down.
didn’t understand what was going on but sat down.
_Ok, I’m sat now, what do you have to tell me?
made a long pause.
_Well... you won’t believe butis alive.
_WHAT!?!?
_is our new neighbor. She lost her memory and was living in Sicily these 6 years.
He told the whole story andgot shocked with everything.
_This is unbelievable! The doctor said she’s gonna be ok?
_It’s gonna take some time but he said she’ll be fine. But there’s more.
_More?
_Yeah... she’s a mother of twins.
_Jeez, I’m sorry.  
_Don’t be, the boys are mine.
_What?
_Whenleft Liverpool she was pregnant.
_Damn, you were totally right. I had to sit down to listen to all this.
_So, can you talk withand come here to help me anbring her memory back?
_Of course mate. I guess tomorrow night you’re gonna see us.
_Thanks, you’re a great friend.
_Don’t mention it, mate! See you tomorrow.
_See ya!
talked toand he got all excited. He had the feeling that with andhis 
sister would remember everything. On the next day,woke up early, had breakfast and then 
went to’s house.
_Good morning.
_Good morning “boss”.
She laughed and let him in. 
_The boys are finishing their shower. Do you wanna eat breakfast?
_No thanks, I’ve already ate. So, what do I have to do?
_I made a list of the things you have to do. Is not much and you have to pick them at school. 
_No problem. Do you want me to cook dinner for them?
_Only if they’re hungry. Another thing, no sugar to, he’s hyperactive.
_Got it.  
The twins came all dressed.
_Boys, be nice with. Give mamma a kiss. 
The boys gavea kiss and she left to work.
_I guess it’s the three of us now. –said.
_Where’s? –asked.
_He went to work but later he’ll come to see you two, ok?
_Ok.
They ate their breakfast and thendrove the twins to school. The day went fine,had some 
shopping to do for, cleaned her house and after everything he went to pick his nephews at 
school. The boys were talking about a bunch of things at the same time. Whenstopped the car 
in front of the house,sawcoming and the boy gave a beautiful smile that 
meltinside.
_Hey boys! 
_Hi uncle! – littlegreeted.
_Hi. Are you free to stay with us? –asked.
_Sure I am.
held’s hand andsaw how happy his friend was with that.


Chapter 3

_How was work?–asked.
_Great! It’s pretty easy to tell the truth.
They went inside and littlewent straight to the TV.
_Before watching TV you have things to do, don’t you? –asked.
_But...
_Look, your mom’s gonna be here soon and I think she won’t like to know that I did something 
wrong.
_But you didn’t do anything wrong.
_Well, you’re gonna watch TV instead of doing your homework and take a shower. She’s gonna 
think it’s all my fault.
_Ok, I’m gonna take a shower and do my homework.
Littleran to his room andwent right after him.
_Aren’t you gonna do the same,? –asked.
_Yes.
_Do you want me to help you?
_Don’t need but if you wanna see my room.
_I’d love to!
The little boy tookto his room. It was the way a boy room should be and, besides the 
toys,noticed some trophies and medals.
_Did you win all of these?
_I’m a good swimmer. My brother has some too.
_He swims like you?
_No, he plays soccer and he is good.
smiled, he was proud of his boys. Suddenly he realized he was having the feelings of a father.
_Do you wanna see his trophies? –asked.
_Yes.
ledto his brother’s room.
_Can we come in?
_Yes!
_I came here to see your trophies. –said.
_They’re all there. – the little boy pointed to a desk on the corner of the room. – I wanna be a 
professional soccer player when I grow up.
_And for what team do wanna play? –asked.
_Arsenal, of course!
andlaughed.
_I’m a big fan of Arsenal too. –said.
_Now we have one more to tease mom during the games against Liverpool,!
_Yeah, next game will be fun! –agreed.
Suddenlyentered the room.
_MOM! – the boys ran to hug her.
_What’s gonna be fun next time?
_Uncleis an Arsenal fan so, next game is gonna be fun to tease you. – little
answered.
_Oh no! This is bad!
The girl start to tickle the twins and then they went to do what they were suppose to do.
_Did they gave you a hard time? –asked.
_No, they were nice.
_Thanks.
looked at his watch and noticed it was almost time to pickandat the 
airport. When he was about to leave,showed up in the living room.
_Where are you going? – the little boy asked.
_I’m going to the airport to meet some friends. –answered patiently. 
_Can I go with you?
_You have to ask your mom first.     
looked atalmost begging her to letgo with him. 
_Ok, you can go babe but, what are the rules? – his mother asked.
_No running, don’t go far away from him, keep holding his hand if possible and obey him all the way.
_That’s it! That’s my boy! Now go grab your coat. 
caught himself smiling after seeing that scene.came back after a few minutes 
then they left to the airport. All the waymade questions to the boy, he was fascinated by 
the fact of, even with no memory, be making a real good job with her sons. They walked 
around the airport then finally foundand.
_Hey mates! Over here! 
waved assqueezed his hand and hid behind him.
_Hey! I missed you, do you know that? –greeted givinga hug.
_How are you doing? –asked.
_I’m much better now with the news. I’m crazy to see...
Beforecould finish his sentencepulled the little boy from behind him.
_Guys, this is, my neighbor’s son.
andlooked at the boy amazed with the resemblance between father and son.
_Nice to meet you. –greeted.
shook his hand but never left’s side. Seeing that the boy was uncomfortable, 
led them to his car.
_Where’s? –asked.
_Is at our neighbor's helping her with’s brother.
All the way back the little boy stared at.noticed that but didn’t understand. 
When they got home,was playing soccer with littleand.
_Hey, I wanna play too! –yelled getting out of the car.
Whensaw, he had to control himself ‘cause he was really thrilled. His best friend 
wasn’t dead, she was there laughing and playing soccer like she used to do with him and.
_It’s unbelievable. I could never think that I’d see her this way again. –sighed.
_I understand what you’re feeling.
put his hand on’s shoulder and took them to talk toand.
_I can’t believe that I’m seeing you again! –said hugging.
_It’s been such a long time! You finally grow up! –joked.
_I grew so much that I’m finally bigger than you!
They were laughing when finallygot near them.
_Let me introduce you to my mates. –said all excited. – Guys this is. 
They looked at her and she had a reaction that they didn’t expected. 
_Hey, how are you?
He controlled his shocked reaction. 
_I’m fine, and you?
_I’m great!
anddidn’t understand what was that, did she remembered ?
_Who’s this one? – she asked pointing at.
_This is. I know him since I was a little boy. – Lee introduced.
_Nice to meet you... well, I better go now. I need to feed my “birds”.
She went towards the twins and yelled.
_The game’s over, let’s go inside!
_Iscoming? –asked.
_No, he has guests and a life. He can’t be with you all the time. –tried explain.
_But I wanna be with him!
_, sweetie, please understand.has his own things to do.
The little boy ignored his mom and ran to. He held’s hand and hid behind him.
_I wanna stay with him! –tried to fight.
_What’s happening to you? You don’t do these things. Come on, babe. I’m gonna cook 
pasta with meatballs tonight, what do you think? –tried.
_Canhave dinner with us? – the boy tried.
_I’ve already told you, babe, he has guests in his house and can’t stay with you tonight.
approached the boy and he squeezed’s hand really hard. 
_Come on. Let’s go home!
She took the boy and he start to cry and scream for. 
_I don’t wanna go! I wanna stay with him!
start to feel bad. He wanted to do something but didn’t know what would calm.
_Please babe, don’t cry. –said.
_listen, if you behave and do what your mom is asking I promise you we’ll spend the 
whole Saturday together. What do you say? –tried.
_Can my brother come with us? –said sobbing.
_Sure! I know what we can do. Arsenal is gonna play Saturday and we can go to the match. 
_Really?
_Really.
wiped’s tears and the boy held him. It felt so good that didn’t want 
let the boy go but he had to.looked at his mother and saw that she was crying too.
_I’m sorry mom. 
_That’s ok babe, mom’s fine.
The boy gavea kiss and went to his house.was feeling lousy seeing his girl and 
son that way.
_Why are you crying? –asked.
_‘Cause I’m realizing how much they need a father and how much I need to know about him. Is 
hard for them and for me also... harder than I thought.
_I know... butand I can help you.
_Thanks... I wish I could find their father. I don’t know if he remembers me or loves me but 
something inside me tells that I still love him... 
looked down and, trying to comfort her, wiped her tears.
_Thanks, you’re a nice man. I bet your kids will be glad to have you as their father.
She gave him a kiss on the cheek and went to her house.
_Are you ok, mate? –asked.
_No. My heart’s kinda broken but I’ll survive... I have to! For my girl and my kids.
The guys went inside the house andwent straight to his room to call Dr. Mitchell.
_tries to pretend that everything’s fine and he can handle the situation but, I know that’s 
really hard for him. –said.
_And is hard for you too. She’s your sister, you were always together. I remember your mother 
saying that when you were born she was always taking care of you. –said.
smiled remembering the stories his mother use to tell about him and his sister.
_Anyway, the doctor said it’ll hurt us but we have to be strong and don’t let those things put us 
down. –tried to sound ok.
gave him a hug and finallycried.was in his room crying too, thinking about 
these 6 years he spent away from, how he missed great part of his kids life and about 
what she said. He wanted to answer all her questions beginning with that one about if he still loves 
her. Of course he did! The picture of them together beside his bed was a prove. After 3 hours locked 
in his roomfinally joined his friends to have dinner and tell what the doctor said.
_Are you feeling better? –asked.
_Yes, believe me.
_Good... 
_Look, I called Dr. Mitchell. 
_Really?
_Yes, I asked him aboutremembering’s name and not realize.
_And what he said? –asked.
_He said that’s a clear sign that her brain’s sending messages about who she is. She “knows” 
but doesn’t know how. It’s a start. I told him about my twins’ names and he said that 
is still looking for me in Liverpool and didn’t connected my name with the boys.
_It’s complicated. –observed.
_He said thatbeing here can help a lot ‘cause now, besides, she has something strong 
to connect with her childhood. Did you bring pictures of you and her?
_Sure mate. They’re in my bag. –answered.
_Dr. Mitchell said that pictures from her childhood can be a real big help.
_Anything to help my baby girl!
_You know how I get jealous when you call her that way.
_I know but, I knew her when we were 4 so... you don’t have to be jealous, she’s my little sister.   
smiled and they sat down to eat. At’s house, she made dinner for her kids and 
later put them to bed. When she was leaving little’s bedroom... 
_Mom? 
_What babe?
_Are you mad at? 
_No. Why are you asking?
_Because you were crying.
_I’m sad ‘cause I think I’m not a good mom to you.
_Don’t say that. –said entering the room.
sat on little’s bed, puton her lap and held little.
_But I don’t even know who your father is.
_That’s because you can’t remember him yet. – littlesaid.
_And you said once that we’d know who he is if we saw him – said.
_I love you two, do you know that? – she said holding both.
_We know.
felt kinda relieved about it ‘cause she had two understanding boys but was still upset 
‘cause she was thinking about their father more than the usual. The week went by with no 
complications,gave signs about her past giving hopes to,and. 
Finally Saturday came.took the boys to the Arsenal game, spent the whole afternoon 
playing with them and even got Tierry Henri’s autograph for them. At evening he was feeling the 
happiest man in the world. They went back home andinvited everybody for a pizza.
_Did you make the pizza? –asked.
_Yes. Mariana, the twins’ god – mother, taught me.
_So, it’s an italian night. –joked.
_Only for the pizza.
and littlewere running through the house, the little boy seemed to be tireless. All evening 
was like that. The guys sent some more messages to her brain talking about’s sister who was 
also’s best friend and’s girlfriend. Around 9pm,was in the kitchen with 
andwhen suddenly a confusion started.
_? Are you mine and’s dad? – littleasked.
looked atand didn’t know what to say and, before he could think about an answer, 
head an unexpected reaction.
_He’s not our dad!
_How do you know? – littleasked.
_I don’t know... but he’s not our dad!
_But he could be!
_No, he couldn’t!
_Yes, he could. He’s nice, he likes us, he likes mom.
_But he’s not our dad!
_He could be if he was mom’s boyfriend!
_SHUT UP! HE WON’T BE MOM’S BOYFRIEND.
Littleandstarted to fight.andtried to put them apart but couldn’t 
then,came from the kitchen.
_HEY, KNOCK IT OFF!
She tookand put him far from little.
_What’s happening here?
_said thatis gonna be your boyfriend! –explained.
_’s not my boyfriend, he just helps me taking care of you two. 
_But he could be dad! – littlesaid.
_Look, what did I tell you?
_When we see dad we’ll know. –answered.
_Do you feel that he’s your father?
_No. – the boys answered together.
_So that’s it!’s not my boyfriend nor your father. Now say good night, brush your teeth and go 
to bed. I told you not to fight like this, you’re brothers!
took the boys and when they were leaving the living roomlooked atand 
smiled. This timesaw that.
_Doesknow who you are?
_I don’t know. Since I met him he looks at me in a different way and when you arrived  in town, 
he looked atthe same way. –explained.
_Sorry about that. -said coming back.
_Are you ok? –asked.
_I’m fine, I just don’t like to see them fighting like that.
_Do you think when they saw their father they’ll know? –asked curious.
_Maybe, and the wayis smarter thanhe’ll find their father first.
felt a cold running down his spine. Maybe the boy already knew and didn’t say anything.


Chapter 4

After that night, the days went by really fast. The guys kept trying to makeremember 
something but it was helpless. On a Thursday,was at her office when her phone rang.
_Hello.
_, here’s.
When she heard his voice she felt butterflies in her stomach ‘cause she knew something was wrong.
_Hi. What can I do for you?
_Listen,fell at school and hit his head.
_Is he ok?
_Yes, he needed some stitches on his forehead and did some tests to see if everything is ok. I’m 
at the hospital with him, littleand.
_I’m gonna be there in a minute.
_Ok.
_....
He heard the way she called him and a bunch of things came to his mind. How much he missed her 
calling him that way.
_What?
_Thanks for being there for him.
_Anything for you and the twins.
She hung up the phone feeling worried and relived at the same time and left to the hospital. 
Meanwhile,warnedthatwas on her way and went to see.
_Hey pal. How are you feeling? 
_I’m ok. 
_This is a good thing.
_Did you call my mom?
_Yes and she’s coming to see you.
smiled and held’s hand.
_Are you gonna stay here with me ‘till she comes?
_Of course I am! I’m not gonna leave you.
gave a soft kiss on’s forehead and carried on chatting with him. 25 minutes 
laterentered in the hospital and sawand littlesat in the waiting room. She 
approached them slowly and heard them talking.
_Uncle, isgonna be ok?
_Sure, lil’.’s fine, he needs to rest a little but in a few days he’ll be able to swim 
again and play soccer with you.
_And you!
stared at them and felt something familiar about little andbut she didn’t 
know what it was.
_Hey. – the girl whispered.
_Hi.
_Mom, you don’t have to worry ‘cause’s ok. Unclejust told me that.
_This is great news,!
kissed her son.
_Where’s? – she asked concerned.
_Room 412. –answered.
thanked him and went straight to the room. When she got there she saw the door half 
opened and sawandtalking, it was a beautiful scene. The girl felt something 
strange, butterflies came to her stomach and she just stayed there watching them. 
_Did you like Italy? –asked the boy.
_It was good. I miss my god – father Francesco. You’d like him.
_I hope I can meet him someday.
_He always helped my mom when she was crying, just like you do.
smiled, he was happy to know that all these years was well treated. He ran his 
fingers through’s hair and sighed.
_Do you know why I comfort your mother like your god – father did?
_No.
_‘Cause when a girl cries the day of a boy gets dark but when a girl smiles, the day of a boy 
becomes brighter and nothing can go wrong in his life.
heard that and smiled, she felt something familiar in that too. Seemed that she heard 
that before and she was trying to figure out where.
_, are you my dad?
’s words interrupt’s thoughts, she was going in the room but he carried on talking.
_If you’re not my dad, you could be.
looked at the boy.
_Yes, I could be.
The boy smiled butwasn’t happy with’s answer.
_, babe, are you alright?
_Yes mom.took good care of me.
She looked atand he realized that something was wrong.
_, can I talk to you outside? – the girl asked.
_Sure.
They went outside the room and beforecould say somethingstarted.
_How could you do that?
_What? What did I do?
_You’re trying to be a replacement for my kids father?
_Where did you get this idea?
_I heard what you said to.
looked atastonished.
_Look I...
_Look, this is not fair with. You’re not his father and giving him this kind 
of hopes will crush him when you find your own family so please, don’t do this anymore.
She turned around and went back to see.left the hospital and walked around 
town thinking about the whole situation that they were going through. He was desperate to tell 
her everything, tell her that he loved her and that he was the father of her sons.couldn’t 
hide his sadness, his heart couldn’t take it anymore. After 2 hours walking he finally went back home.
_Are you ok? –asked.
_No... 
_Everything’s gonna be fine. –tried to cheer him up.
_ I don’t believe it anymore.
locked himself in his room and cried all night. The days went by andand 
were badly talking. He saw the twins a lot ‘cause of butwas hard. One day, 
the guys decided to take the twins to the movies,went to pick them up at’s 
house but they weren’t there yet. She was about to leave when she noticed that the door was opened.
_Airheads! They forgot to lock it.
She entered in the house, it was the first time she was in there not in a hurry. The girl was looking 
around when saw something weird: a picture of,and her!took the frame...
_Oh my God! What’s this?
She looked around and decided to go upstairs. She found’s room and in there had a picture of 
him and her together. He looked very young, he seemed to be 14 years old and she 16. The girl kept 
looking at that picture, she felt dizzy, didn’t understand what was that all about. She left ’s 
room and found’s. When she entered she felt a familiar smell and saw on his bedside table 
a picture of him holding her from behind kissing her neck. They seemed pretty young too. She didn’t 
know what to think anymore, she was afraid of all that but she decided to go further and check 
the entire house.poke into’s drawers and found more pictures of them together 
with,and. She went to the “guests” room look for something and found pictures 
from a wedding. She looked all of them when suddenly she saw a picture ofholding 
a little girl.got confuse, her head started to spin, her knees got weak and she fainted. 
At this moment the guys went to her house to drop the twins there.
_Mom is home! – littleyelled. – Her car is here!
The twins ran to the door and tried to open it but it was locked.
_Mom, open the door! – the boys were yelling.
The guys thought it was weird ‘cause for surewould be waiting for her sons.
looked around and saw their door opened. He immediately went inside.
_Hello! Is there anybody here?
yelled and got no answer. He took a baseball bat and went upstairs. He looked at’s 
room and saw nothing different but when he got in his room, he saw the drawers opened, his clothes 
on the floor, everything out of place. 
_What the hell happened here? 
left his room, looked around and sawand’s door half opened. He entered 
slowly and saw a bunch of pictures on the floor and on’s bed. He came near the bed and 
sawunconscious on the floor.
_! Babe what happened?!
tried to wake the girl but had no answer. He went outside again to ask for help.
_Guys! Help me here!
_What happened? –asked.
looked at the twins.
_.... Your mother is in my house but she’s not ok. 
_What’s wrong with her? –asked.
_She’s resting a little but I’m gonna take her to the hospital to make sure everything will be fine, ok?
The boys nodded and hugged. Meanwhile,andwent inside to call 
an ambulance. Minutes later they were at the hospital waiting for some news about.
_, is mom gonna be alright? – littleasked.
_Of course! She’s with Dr. Mitchell and he’s the best doctor in town.
The little boy held’s hand and stayed with him the whole time just like . 
Meanwhile, after some tests,woke up. She looked around and realized she was in a 
hospital. The girl was still confuse but some things were making sense now. She started to think 
about the wayandlooked at her with love and how they were always trying to protect 
her and the twins.
_Are you feeling ok? – Dr. Mitchell asked.
_Yes, just a bit dizzy. Where are my sons?
_They’re outside with your friends. I’m gonna call them to see you, don’t worry.
smiled and got really anxious. Outside,was holding the twins when he saw 
Dr. Mitchell coming.
_How’s she? – he asked worried.
_She’s ok. We did some tests and now I’m waiting for the results but I’m sure she is fine.
_Can we see her? –asked.
_Yes. She was asking about her boys.
smiled and turned to the twins.
_You’re gonna see your mom now. Be careful ‘cause she still needs to rest, ok?
The boys nodded and followedto’s room. 
_Do you think she’s ok? –asked concerned.
_Sure mate. You don’t have to worry. –tried to comfort him.
They slowly entered in the room and sawlaid on the bed.
_? 
Whencalled her name the girl felt dizzy again and immediately looked at them. All the 
things from her past started to come again.looked atnext...
_When you were young, you used to call me‘cause you couldn’t say my name and 
, I met you when I was 4 ‘cause I was the only girl at school who played soccer with you.
They all look astonished.had a big smile on his face and tears in his eyes and allcould 
say, over and over again, was “Oh my God”.started to think again and looked at...
_, you’re’s neighbor. I’ve been in your house several times. You use to throw parties 
all the time and for that reason, I used to call you “party-boy”. But there’s a particular party that 
I remember clearly. 
They all looked puzzled thenput a big smile on her face and looked atholding 
both twins.
_The party I’m talking about was the first one I went ‘cause made me.’s parents 
were out of town and I guess there were hundreds of people in there. After being bored for an hour, 
introduced me one of his friends. We chatted all night long and by the end of the party, I 
fell completely in love him.
smiled and cried at the same time.
_It means thatis our dad? –asked.
_Yes baby.is your dad.
The twins looked at.
_Do you love us? – littleasked.
_Of course he does! –answered. 
_How do you know that?
_Because I knew he was dad since that day at the supermarket.
held tight the little boys.
_Do you love mom too? – littleasked.
stood up and looked at.
_I loved her since the first time I saw her and never left this love behind, not even when I thought 
she was dead. 
looked atand finally took the weight of the world off her shoulders. She realized 
she still had a family, good friends and the guy she loved.... she had a life full of memories.
_How did you get your memory back? –asked.
_I went to pick up the boys and entered in your house. I saw a bunch of pictures of me and all of 
you together and things were making sense but, what made me remember everything was a picture 
from your cousin’s wedding. 
_Which one? –asked.
_The one’s holding your little cousin Samantha.
_Why that one? –asked.
_The daywas in the hospitalsaid something to him that sounded really familiar 
and today I remembered what was that.
_When a girl cries the day of a boy gets dark but, when a girl smiles, the day of a boy becomes 
brighter and nothing can go wrong in his life. –said smiling. 
_Samantha fell and hurt her knee that day. She was crying a lot andsaid that to comfort 
her and the little girl stopped crying.
sat and looked to all of them.
_I missed you really much and I love you all.
_Group hug! –yelled.
They all huggedandfinally kissed her. Three months went by,and 
moved to London and were living with.marriedand were living at her house 
with their twins andtakes care of his nephews for free. The 4 guys decided to open their own 
business but now,and their kids are going to Italy ‘causewanna say 
thanks to the people who took good care of his family.        


The End.