Back & Forth | Book 1 of Back & Forth Series

Aunt Emilia, Uncle Emiliano, the three men, and I walk into the house with shopping bags for the third time. Damn. All of these probably cost a lot. I don’t really want to buy all of these but Aunt Emilia and Uncle Emiliano insisted so I ended up buying so much stuff that I probably might not use. I’m used to only having little amount of clothes, shoes, and bags. I just think that as long as something hasn’t have any tear or holes or broken, then I’ll keep using it. So, having this many stuff right now is kind of overwhelming to me.

When we were at the mall, Aunt Emilia told me that I need to have formal dresses so when we need to attend a function or other formal events in the future, I have something to wear and not needing to worry about it. I think that’s kind of a lie though. She’ll probably buy me a new dress from a designer’s new collection before we go to a party or something. Anyways, one of the dresses she bought me cost 10.000 euros. Ten thousand fucking euros. Only for a dress that I’ll probably be allowed to wear once. She made me bought 10 dresses so if the dresses’ average price is 10.000 that means I’ve spent 100.000 euros only for 10 dresses. This feels so excessive to me but definitely not to her. This is just how she’s been living all this time. I guess I’m just not used to this kind of lifestyle yet.

“Allura. No need to bring your clothes to you room for now. I’ll get the maids to launder them first before you put them in your closet.” Aunt Emilia said.

“Okay.”

I look through the bags and separate them into two sides. One side is for bags with clothes only and the other side is for bags with other stuff like shoes, bags, gadgets, and other stuff. There are about 50 bags of clothes only and 35 bags of accessories, jewelry, gadgets, body care, skincare, and makeup.

Damn. That’s a lot. No wonder three of our cars are full with shopping bags. Yes. You read that right. Uncle Emiliano had to get someone to bring one more SUV just to bring the bags. It’s actually insane that I’ve bought this many stuff only in a day. I don’t even want to know how much Uncle Emiliano and Aunt Emilia have spent to get all these stuff. I will seriously break down in shock knowing that I actually spend probably hundred thousands of euros only in one day.

“These bags are the clothes.” I said, pointing at the bags on my right.

“Okay.” Aunt Emilia said. “Bring these to the laundry room.”

“What is going on in here?” I look at the stairs and see Alessio descending it as he stares at the bags with wide eyes. The men grab all of the bags of clothes and disappear into the hallway.

“Just a result of normal shopping day.” Aunt Emilia said.

“Do you need help?” Alessio asked, looking at the remaining bags.

“Help us get her stuff to her room.” Uncle Emiliano said.

“Why don’t you use the lift instead?” Alessio asked. Uncle Emiliano gives him a look at the question with obvious answer.

“You still need to help us get these bags there.” Uncle Emiliano said.

“Right. Let me help you.” Alessio said. He takes ten bags at once and then walks away from us. Uncle Emiliano also take ten bags from the floor and follow Alessio into the hallway. I also take ten more bags while Aunt Emilia brings the other five bags. We go through the hallway until we reach the end of it. Alessio emerges from the lift, the bags that he brought already gone.

“Wait here. I don’t think all of us can fit in here.” Uncle Emiliano said, stepping into the lift with bags in his hands.

“Emilia. Put your bags in here.” Uncle Emiliano said.

“Okay.” Aunt Emilia puts down everything on the floor of the lift and then Uncle Emiliano goes up to the third floor. After a minute, the lift goes back down. Uncle Emiliano is not there anymore as the lift opens up. I guess that means I can go together with Aunt Emilia in one trip.

“Allura. You get in first.” Aunt Emilia said. I step into the small box and there’s still space for Aunt Emilia to squeeze in. She then steps into the lift and pushes he button for the third floor. The lift dings after it arrives at our destination floor. Aunt Emilia steps out of the lift first and then I follow closely behind her.

“Do you need help with those?” Aunt Emilia asked. I shake my head.

“No. It’s okay. I got this.” I said.

“Okay.”

We keep walking down the hallway and to the other side of the house. I step into my room and the bags are already there with Uncle Emiliano. However, Alessio is nowhere to be found. I guess he’s already back in his room.

I put down all the bags, sighing. Okay. These are a lot but because the clothes are still being washed. I don’t think I’ll take too much time to organize all this. An hour probably enough to put all most of my stuff away in the walk-in closet.

“Do you want me to help you organise?” Aunt Emilia asked.

“I’ll manage by myself. Don’t worry about that.” I said, looking ove at the bags nervously.

“Alright. Just come by my room or ask the maid if you need any help.” Aunt Emilia said.

“I will. Thank you so much for all these. You bought me so many stuff.” I said. I didn’t thought I would buy things this many in a day only. I feel like I’m in a dream.

“Don’t mention it. Consider these as our welcome gifts for you.” Aunt Emilia said.

“Thank you.” I said, smiling gratefully at her.

“You’re very welcome. We’ll leave you to yourself now.” Aunt Emilia said.

“Okay.”

Aunt Emilia and Uncle Emiliano leave the room and close the door for me. I turn around and stare at the bags in front of me with a frown. Where should I start? I guess I’ll start with shoes first. I bring all the bags of shoes to the closet and putting them on the shelves at the end of the room.

I go back to my bedroom and look into the bags of perfume, makeup, and skincare. I’ll organise these first. I grab the bags of makeup and perfume and then go to the vanity desk. I put down the perfume bottles, face moisturiser, serum, and sunscreen on the desk, not bothering to get them out of their boxes yet. I then put all of my makeup product into the drawer of the desk. Also not getting them out of the box yet. I’ll do that later. For now I just want to set the place for all my stuff first.

I continue with organising my bags in the closet. After that I put my sunglasses and jewellery in the glass top drawer in the middle of the room. I then organise my belts and scarfs by hanging them. Lastly, I hang the summer dress that Luciano brought me in the morningI take a step back and then look around the room with my hands on my hips, admiring my job. Alright. I’m finished with everything in the closet. Now I just need to organise my body care stuff in the bathroom.

I take the bags of body care and toiletries and then go into the bathroom. I put down the body scrub and hair conditioner next to the bottle of shower gel and shampoo in the shower cubicle. I then put the body butter, deodorant, body sunscreen, and aloe vera on the corner of the sink counter. I look into the bag and only have boxes of pads and panty liners to put away. I put them in the drawer and then sigh.

Alright. I’m done with everything.

I walk back to my bedroom and throws the folded paper bags in my hand onto the pile of shopping bags on the floor. I guess I’ll take them out and put them in the storage room? Where the hell is the storage room? I’ll figure that out later.

I take the folded paper bags and then go to the door. Shit. I can’t open it. I carefully hold the bags with one arm only and then use my other arm to open the door. I pull on the handle and then step into the hallway. Alright. I definitely need to take the elevator.

I walk down the hallway, barely getting ahold of these shopping bags. I keep walking and then I see a girl walking towards me. What a good timing. I definitely need her help. I don’t think I can hold these bags any longer. They’re slipping out of my hold.

Everything falls to the floor, making a loud noise. I grimace at the sound. I crouch down and reach for the shopping bags. The girl comes running towards me and then stops in front of me. Liliana? That’s her name? Okay.

“Do you need help with these?” Liliana asked as she crouches in front of me.

“Yes. Please. Do you know where can I put these?” I asked.

“I can put them all away for you.” Liliana said.

She’s smaller and shorter compared to me. I can’t even bring all of these on my own. I don’t think I can let her suffer alone by bringing these by herself.

“No. I can’t do that to you. Let’s just do 50/50 of the bags and then you show me the way to the storage room.” I suggested.

“It’s okay. I can do it for you.” Liliana said.

I know that this is her job, to work around the house and do what we tell her to do but I just don’t want to do that to her. The least I can do is help her a little with this small thing.

“Nah. I’ll do it with you. Take half of the bags and show me the way.” I said, taking the bigger bags so she won’t struggle with them.

“Alright then.” Liliana said, smiling happily. I can see that she’s grateful that I’m not letting her take all the bags and putting them on her own. She takes the rest of the bags and then stares up at me.

“Do you want to take the lift or the stairs?” She asked. There’s no way I’m taking the stairs with these in my arms. Just imagine the mess I’ll cause if these bags slip out of my hold again.

“Definitely the lift. It’s faster.” I said.

“Okay.” Liliana said.

I follow Liliana to the lift and then get into it right away. She touches the first floor button and then the lift moves downward. It dings, letting us know that we have arrived to the first floor. I follow her through the long hallway and then she stops in front of a door. She opens the door to the door and then switches the lights on. I look into the room full of boxes and then see a pile tall pile of shopping bags. We’re definitely at the right place for these bags.

I follow Liliana into the room and then put the bags over the pile. She does the same and then we walk out of the room.

“Thank you for the help.” I said.

“No problem.” Liliana responded.

We walk our separate ways. She goes to to the direction of the lift again while I walk towards the foyer. I walk through the hallways towards the living room, wondering where the others are. I step into the living room and find nonna and nonno there, watching a show on the TV. I watch them arguing with each other over the show. Their hands move around as they try to prove their points. I take a look at the TV, not understanding what it is about since it’s in Italian. Nonna and nonno are also arguing in Italian so I don’t understand what they are talking about either.

Nonna notices me and then she smiles at me.

“Allura, vieni qui.” Nonna said, motioning me to come to her. I walk to her and then she pats the empty space next to her. I take a sit on her right, smiling at nonno who’s sitting on nonna’s left side.

(Come here.)

“How did the shopping go? Do you enjoy it and get everything you want and need?”Nonna asked.

“It was fun and wonderful but also tiring. I do get everything I need. Aunt Emilia and Uncle Emiliano made me buy a lot of stuff.”

“Good to hear that. Why don’t you go and get some rest? I was planning to continue your test now but we can do it later if you’re still tired.” Nonna explained.

Later? I don’t think I can wait that long. I want to know if I have more powers. I mean, I could try to figure it out on my own but doing it with nonna is safer. She’ll definitely know what to do if something goes wrong.

“I’ll get a nap later. I want to do the tests now.” I said. I then remember about what happen at the mall. Has Aunt Emilia told nonna about it? If she hasn’t, I should tell nonna about my mind control power now.

“Nonna, has Aunt Emilia told you about what happened at the mall?”

“No. I actually haven’t seen her. She’s probably in her room with Emiliano. What happened there? Did something bad happened?”

“It’s actually the opposite. Something good happened. We discovered that I can control people through her tests.” I said.

“Well done, Allura. Show me what you can do. Test your new power on me. Just make me do something simple.” Nonna said.

“Okay.”

I focus my mind on nonna and then I make her stand from the sofa and then walk to the door. I let my control of her go and then she turned around, grinning at me.

“Great, Allura. Now you officially have two powers and that means we don’t have to do more tests because from what we know each of us only has two superpowers. If you still want to continue with the tears, we can absolutely do that. Who knows the situation is different with you and that you have three powers instead.” Nonna said.

“Let’s do it now.” I said.

“Alright. Let’s do it. I’m going to test you for other possible powers that the family has had before. Our family powers so far are healing, pain infliction, mind control, invisibility, photographic memory, shapeshifing, and seeing ghosts and spirits. You know that you can control people’s minds and you failed the healer test so? The powers left that we hasn’t tried are pain infliction, mind control, invisibility, photographic memory, shapeshifting, and seeing ghosts. I’m going to ask you a few questions first so we can rule out everything that you has a smaller chance of having.”

“Okay. Nonna.”

“Do you think you have photographic memory“ Nonna asked.

“I dont think so. I’m actually the opposite. I’m quite forgetful. Well I could remember something that happened five years ago but that’s it. If I try to remember something on purpose, it won’t work.” I explained.

Having photographic memory seems cool though. When you have the ability to remember something in detail, you can use those memories as you please but the downside of it might be when you’re witnessing a traumatic events, like seeing someone in an accident, the blood, the wounds. Nah. I don’t want to remember all that. But if I want to be a surgeon or other jobs that needs me to know something in great details, I’d definitely be grateful if I have photographic memory.

“Alright. Let’s scratch it off from the list for now. How about ghosts and spirits? Have you ever seen them?”

Ghosts and spirits? I don’t think I’ve seen any of them before. Maybe I have seen them without me realising it. That is only if the ghosts look normal like, like human-looking, with no blood or any visible wounds. I’ve wanted to see ghosts all my life though, at least like once. Oh wait. I think I did see something once. Like a shadow. A very human shaped black shadow just running past me. It didn’t have any facial or body features, just like someone wearing a full all black bodysuit. I also think I’ve seen a very vague, almost invisible, little girl. And I think that’s it. I don’t think I’ve seen more ghosts. But knowing that I can actually see ghosts kinda unsettles me though.

Most people in my home country, including me because I’ve been conditioned with this way of thinking, believe there are invisible beings. So, we believe that you’ve come across at least one of them once in your lifetime even if you don’t see them. We also believe that ghosts or spirits stay in the bathroom so whenever I go to the bathroom to take a shower or do my nature’s call, I always feel kinda anxious about suddenly seeing them. That’s why we’re advised to not stay in the bathroom for too long.

“I think I’ve came across a couple ghosts but that’s it.” I said.

“Alright. Let’s skip it for now. We’re left with shapeshifting, being invisible, and pain infliction now. Let’s start with shapeshifting first. I want you to be a cat. No need to overthink it, just make yourself turn into a cat.” Nonna said.

“Okay.” I said. I inhale deeply and then exhale calmly. Alright. Let’s do this. I focus on turning into a bicolor ragdoll cat with blue eyes. I hope it’s going to work. My body starts to feel weird and all tingly. I keep persisting on turning myself into a cat, but nothing happens. Welp, I guess I’m not a shapeshifter.

I let out a sigh, feeling like it won’t work.

“I don’t think I can do it, nonna.” I said, giving up.

“It’s okay. Let’s move on to being invisible. Try to make yourself disappear.” Nonna said.

Alright. Here goes nothing. I stare at nonna and try to make myself disappear. Nonna keeps staring at me. Huh. I don’t think I’m disappearing any time soon.

“Nonna can you still see me?” I asked.

“Yes. You’re there.” Nonna said, motioning her hand at my way.

“Sì, Allura. I can also still see you.” Nonno said.

(Yes.)

Oh. That would be cool if I can actually go invisible. I can sneak everywhere and if I’m in danger I can just go poof! No one will see me even if I’m actually standing in front of them.

“Oh, that’s suck.” I said, frowning in disappointment.

“Don’t worry about it. Let’s try pain infliction. Make nonno feel a pinch of pain on his arm.” Nonna said. Nonno turns to Nonna with a frown.

“Perché io?” Nonno asked.

(Why me?)

“It might not work on me.” Nonna said, shrugging. Maybe she’s right. She’s a healer so it probably won’t work on her. Or maybe she’s using me as a revenge tool because of the argument their having earlier.

“Okay. Fine. Do it, Allura.” Nono said.

I’ll do it. But I’m scared if something goes wrong. Like, what if I just want to do what Nonna told me to do, which is making Nonno feel a pinch, but I ended up giving him a heart attack or broken bones? That would be insane. Yeah, Nonna can heal him right away but pain is still pain.

“But what if I accidentally do worse?” I asked.

“I don’t think it’ll go that bad. Just do it. It’s okay. I’m here to stop it if something happens.” Nonna said. Alright. If you said so.

“Okay, nonna.” I said.

I focus myself on nonno and try to make him feel as if I’m pinching him. Nonno winces, looking at his left arm, and I stop focusing on him. Oh my god. Did it actually work? Did I hurt nonno without laying a single finger on him?

“Did that work?” I asked.

“I guess so. I did feel the tiny pain as if someone’s pinching me.” Nonno said.

“Oh! Che stupendo! You have three powers now! That’s the most powers anyone in our family so far.” Nonna said.

(How wonderful.)

Oh wow. I can’t believe I actually have three powers now. Four if I include my claircognizance ability. I used to be just a miserable depressed girl but now I have powers and live with my mafia family. This is insane.

“So, what now?” I asked. Not sure of what to do now.

“You’re a unique case. Your mother doesn’t have any power but now you have three now. I’m actually not sure about what you can do now. Maybe try to pay attention to everything. There’s a possibility that you may get more powers in the future.” Nonna explained.

She’s right. I can’t really do anything about myself now. I just have to wait and see what’s going to happen next. Having too many powers sounds like a hassle though. Like, wouldn’t I be confused of what power to use when I’m facing a dangerous situation? Or maybe that I’ll instinctively use one or all of them at once?

“Okay, nonna. I’ll try to do that.” I said.

“Good. That’s it for now. I don’t have any more tests I can do with you.” Nonna said.

Now I’m seriously anxious of my future. What if I’ll actually obtain more powers? What should I do with all of my powers? The only logical thing I can do is to help my family. I don’t know what else I can do later but for now I’ll try to focus reading people’s mind just like what Alessandro told me to do.

“Thank you for helping me, nonna.” I said, smiling at nonna gratefully.

“It’s all you. I’m just here to supervise. Now go and get some rest. You look tired.” Nonna said.

“Okay, nonna.” I said.

I walk out of the living room, leaving Nonna and nonno to themselves again. They’re probably going to argue about whatever’s on the TV again now so I’d rather be gone now because if I stay, I won’t understand any single words they’re going to say to each other.

I continue to walk towards the stairs, putting a hand over my mouth as I let out a yawn. I don’t realise I’m actually this tired. I should go back to my room and get some sleep. I feel like I’m going to fall asleep anytime soon if I didn’t do it now.

“You sure make the house staff work hard.”

I stop at the foot of the stairs with my hand on the railing and whip my head around to see Luciano. What did he say? What does he mean by that? Am I making the workers in the house work harder now that I’m here?

“Huh? What?” I asked.

“All the clothes in the laundry room. They’re yours, right?” Luciano asked. Oh, that. He’s right. They’re probably working overtime now that they have to wash all of my clothes and get them ready to wear as soon as possible.

“Oh. Yeah. They’re mine.” I said.

“That’s a lot of clothes. Does that mean you’ll be staying here for a while?” Luciano said. I don’t know why but I see that he looks hopeful about it.

“Yeah. Alessandro wants me here to help you all finding the moles. Or maybe I’ll stay here for the rest of my life. There’s no way in hell I’m going back to my parents. Not anymore.” I explained. Luciano frowns at my answer.

“Is it that bad with your parents?” Luciano asked. Should I tell him everything or what? I don’t think I want to tell him everything. Yeah, he told me that I can tell him everything after I keep saying all those suicidal and death stuff but I don’t trust him enough yet. I’d rather talk to someone on the internet. At least they don’t know me in real life. So, if they’re going to spill out my secrets, they can’t specify who the secrets belong to. Unless they’re a hacker and know everything about me and where I live.

“Uh-huh.” I hummed.

“That sucks.” Luciano said. He frowns sympathetically at me. I feel a yawn coming out of me again. I cover my mouth and let the yawn out first before I continue talking.

“Yeah. Whatever. I’m not there with them anymore so I don’t care.” I shrug.

“You look tired. You better go back to your room.” Luciano said.

“That was my plan before you start talking to me.” I said, giving him a stare.

“Sorry for holding you back. Now go before you pass out here. I don’t want to carry your heavy ass all the way to third floor.” Luciano said. I roll my eyes at what he just said.

“Then stop talking to me.” I said.

I look over Luciano’s shoulder and see Niccolo standing by the hallway leading to the basement. His back is against the wall as he stares emptily at the marble floor. Let’s be annoying to him. I don’t know. I feel like I want to piss him off.

“Hi, Niccolo. Nice shirt you’re wearing today.” I said, smiling widely at him. Niccolo looks up at me with a scowl and then he walks into the hallway, ignoring and leaving me with no words. Damn. Didn’t thought he would be that mad.

“What’s up with him? Why is he always so grumpy?” I asked Luciano.

“Don’t worry. That’s just how he is.” Luciano said, shrugging.

“Figured. Why do I feel like his twin had a different personality than him though?” I asked. I feel like Pietro is more, I don’t know, carefree? Like he doesn’t take anything except his job that seriously. He knows how to joke around unlike Niccolo.

“Well, Pietro is, let’s say, friendlier but he’s not much different than Niccolo. At least that’s what I know. They’re serious most of the time so that’s probably why they rarely take a joke.” Luciano said. Huh. That’s weird. I guess my psychic ability still sucks.

“Oh. I guess I can’t put too much trust in my power yet.” I said, sighing.

“Maybe you’re right about that. Who knows? Even if you believe that your power are not good enough yet now, I’m sure it’ll get better over time with practice.” Luciano said.

“Hopefully.” I sighed. I better go to bed now. I feel like my eyes going to close themselves in any second now.

“Alright. I’m going back to my room now. See you at dinner.” I said, turning to get on the stairs.

“Don’t oversleep again.” Luciano said.

“I’ll try.”