Chapter 1

7 Years Later...

"Mom I'll be fine. I am only 30 minutes away." I said as my mom wrapped me in a tight hug for the hundredth time in just an hour.  

"I know but I am going to miss you so much." She cried into my shoulder her embrace somehow becoming tighter where I couldn't breathe.  

"Can't breathe." I choked out.  

"Bella you can let her go now." My dad said reaching for my mom and prying her off of me.  

"I'm sorry." She wiped her cheeks and took a step away from me into my fathers embrace. I smiled watching as my dad kissed my moms cheek. My parents were definitely relationship goals. My father, Nicola Rossi, met my mom when he was 28 at a beach in Italy and she later became a cook at his house. My mother, Danielle Rossi, always says she didn't fall for him so easily but I don't believe it. Now 21 years later they are still very happy and just like teenagers all over each other, sometimes worse than teenagers. It can be very gross to see.  

"Carmen remember no boys are allowed here with you and Macey. Keep up on your homework and studies."  

"Yes dad I will." I said resisting the urge to roll my eyes. "No boys." I've heard this speech so many times in the last few weeks I could recite it.  

"Come and visit often and keep in touch. Cristiano and Andrew also agreed to watch over the both of you." My dad said pulling me into a bear huge. I hugged him back pressing my face into his chest. I loved my father's hugs! At the mention of my brother and his best friend I groaned inwardly. When I applied to Colombia I didn't even think about that my brother and Andrew were going here as well. If it hadn't been for a full ride scholarship to go here I would be at NYU. Everywhere I go I get asked if the famous Nicola Rossi, owner of the Rossi Hotels all over the world is my father, or is Daniella Rossi the famous writer my mother, or is famous designer Rosetta Fanto my sister (yes we have a different surname because Luca wanted Rose to have his name and my parents had no objection with it so they agreed with him, so Rosetta has two parents and four siblings); and of course if Cristiano the football prodigy was my brother. Everyone in my family were known for something but than you had me, the boring nerdy one. Not that I minded being called that and nor did I mind being asked if I was related to the people in my family. I loved them and was proud I had such a great family it just got tiring being asked the same thing over and over again. Or being compared to your out-going, popular, smart, and amazing football player brother.  

"If you or Mia need anything don't forget to call us or Kiyara and Luca. You can even call Scarlett and Logan as well." At the thought of Mia, my best friend from since we were babies, I knew she was getting the same speech as we speak while on the way here by Aunt Kiyara and Uncle Luca. Calling Kiyara and Luca my aunt and uncle confused people asking me if Mia was my cousin but she wasn't. With Aunt Kiyara being my mom's best friend while she was working for my dad and than her always being over at my house it was only fitting I called her my Aunt. The same thing went with Luca he was my fathers best friend for years. They were practically like my parents acting like teenagers or thinking no one was watching them. Scarlatt and Logan were my aunt and uncle as well but we didn't see them as often since they were busy with their own lives. My real Aunt and Uncle, Aurora and Antonio, were currently in Italy doing something with business or whatnot.  

"Cristiano and Andrew are only a few buildings down so if you need them just go over there or call them." The way my father was talking to me you would think I didn't know any of this but I did. The only reason my father let me stay on campus instead of living at home with them and making the commute, was because my brother was only a few feet away so he could always keep an eye on me. It had taken a lot to convince my dad to let me live on campus and with the help of my mom he agreed but only if I stayed in the brand new building that were more like apartments instead of dorms. Plus it helped that Mia would be with me, he loved her like his own daughter as well. I was about to answer with an 'okay' when our apartment door opened and in walked Mia with Aunt Kiyara and Uncle Luca behind her.  

Immediately Mia was by my side sending me a look that said 'help me!'. I sent her the exact same look as my parents talked with Kiy and Luca. It was 4 o'clock in the afternoon and in 2 days our first day of classes would begin so Mia and I were ready for our parents to leave so we could settle in. Our 'dorm room' had 2 separate bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a small kitchen, and a little living room. Now you see why my father let me live here for the year, it was basically an apartment.  

"Okay we better get going, we'll let you guys get settled." Uncle Luca said after a few minutes of talking with my parents. After a few series of hugs from everyone, my mom crying once again, and the reminder to call them later tonight my parents and Mia's finally left. The moment the door shut behind them I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. Turning to Mia we both let out a squeal and hugged each other while jumping around.  

"Finally! We are officially freshmen!" Mia squealed pulling away from me.  

"Yes we are." I grinned back at her. Looking around the room that will be ours for the next year I smiled happily. I was finally free on my own and with my best friend what more could I want. I knew I was going to miss home and my parents even though I am 30 minutes away. My parents are the greatest and growing up I always had what I needed. Of course they made sure to raise Rose, Cris and I that we needed to work for what we want and to always follow our dreams.  

Mia and I both went to our rooms to put our things away before we decided to do anything else. The place already had beds, desks, and chest drawers in the rooms. Because both of our parents wanted the place to be a little homey for us they bought us a couch and a tv as a college gift. Extravagant I know but I wasn't going to say no and make my mom cry again. Turning my phone music on I played some music as I got to work putting my room together.  

The room was smaller than mine back home but I loved it. I was really looking forward to being on my own and going to school. Yes I am one of those people who liked school. Well actually the word 'liked' was used a little too loosely. School was just okay, I have always liked the first and the last day the best like every other student. But going to college was a whole different story than high school. Here you are in charged of getting up on time to go to class, you have to feed yourself, make sure you actually do your homework. The idea of it may seem scary but thrilling at the same time.  

Grabbing my easel I placed it in the corner of my room along with my bag full of pencils, markers, paints, erasers, etc. It was my sophomore year in high school when I decided I wanted to be an artist. There was no better feeling after sitting in a chair for hours and seeing something you drew come to life. After my parents realized how serious I was at drawing they got me my first easel and pencils. Over the years I have gotten quite the collection of drawing and painting utensils to last me a lifetime. While my brother got the knack for math and sports from my father, I got the art skill. He was here studying business and math, which I completely hated and failed at. The only things I was good at was drawing and photography. Probably not the best thing to go into when there aren't many jobs for it. 

I know you guys are thinking about the mafia and my dad being the leader, well its still the same. He is the Mafia Boss and Luca being his right hand, he manages it from here and rest of the things are handled by my Uncle Antonio because he lives there. My parents don't want us to be involved in such things so we have moved to New York as my dad owns Rossi Hotels here as well as in California, Asia, Europe and also in Florida.

After an hour passed I stepped back looking at my room with my hands on my hips. I nodded in approval. My bed had my blue and white bedspread and my favorite stuffed animal I've had since I was a kid. No one is ever to old for a toy going into college, it's like a security blanket. The desk had my laptop, folders, pencils/pens, a framed photo of me with my parents Rosetta and Cristiano from our family vacation last year. Next to that one was another framed photo of Mia and I at graduation a few months ago, and one of us when we were little kids grinning at the camera with only a few teeth and in bathing suits. Next to my laptop was my Canon EOS 5D Mark III. There was my rolling chair in front of my desk as well. My closet and chest drawers were filled with all my clothes. I still needed to put up some posters or pictures on the walls but for now it looked good. Smiling I grabbed my phone, turning off my music, and left my room heading to Mia's to see how she is doing on her room.  

"How's it going in here?" I asked Mia right before I stepped into her room. While my room looked brighter and had more light colors Mia had a dark purple bedcover with black pillows. Her desk was set up like mine with her laptop, binders, and a few photos scattered about. While my closet and chester drawers fit my clothes perfectly her's was over flowing. Right now it looked organized but give it a day and her closet would be a mess as would the floor of her room.  

Mia and I were like two peas in a pod. Even if our parents were friends I think we would have been friends in school. Her bubbly personality and gorgeous looks made everyone love her instantly. Her brown hair was cut shorter than she use to have because she wanted 'something new to start the year off' according to her. Her eyes differed from hazel to green depending on her mood or outfits. Although she was short you didn't want to underestimated her strength. She could easily beat a man at arm wrestling. Despite her gorgeous looks she was very smart. Studying to be a chemical engineer you had to be. Yep you heard me right, my girl was a smart cookie.  

"All done!" She announced coming to stand beside me and looked around. "So with our rooms done should we get something to eat then see what is going on around campus?" She asked. My stomach decided to answer for her instead of my mouth. "That must be a yes. Want me to text Amelia and see if she wants to meet us somewhere?"  

"Sure I don't mind." Amelia Mills was our other friend that came to Columbia University. She transferred to our high school Junior year and not having anyone to hang out with Mia and I brought her into our group. Now we were all inseparable. Unfortunately Amelia got stuck in another room with someone else while Mia and I were able to be together. She was everything every guy wanted and girls hated. Captain of the cheer team all through high school left her with a great toned body. Blonde hair that reached her lower back and a pair of baby blue eyes that made guys fall to their knees.  

"I think I saw a café sort of thing earlier just a block away on campus. Want to try it out?" Mia asked.  

"Yeah lets go there. Just let me throw on some shoes." Leaving her room I went back to mine grabbing my black converse and slipping them on. There was no way I was dressing up just to go grab something to eat. I was more than fine wearing a pair of old ripped blue jeans and a graphic t-shirt that said 'I don't wanna TACO about it'. My brown hair was pulled into a messy ponytail. I was not one to dress up unless it was for a reason such as an event my parents forced me to go to. Everyone always tells me that I look exactly like my mom with our matching brown hair and oval face. I had my father's blue eyes while my brother had my mom's grey ones. Cris and I were the perfect mix of our parents.  

Thankfully Mia was like me in some ways. She didn't always have to dress up and look pretty every chance she got. But when parties came into the picture she was different than me. Mia always wants to go out to party and dress up while I would rather stay home and read a book or watch Netflix. Out of all of us Amelia was the one who cared about her appearance. She never went anywhere without making sure her makeup was on point and her outfit hugged her body.  

Mia and I left our apartment a few minutes later leaving the dorm building and heading in the direction of the café. The word 'campus' was not really the right word to describe Columbia University. It was like it's own little town or private island. The main building was constructed to look like the capital building in Washington DC, while other school buildings surrounded it almost like in a rectangle. It was so beautiful with a big lawn in the center of it all, tables and benches sat underneath big trees giving it shade. Behind the main building was the huge football stadium and off to the left the baseball fields. The campus here was definitely one of the best ones in the country.  

As we walked we passed groups of girls already dressed in short dresses and huge heels. It wasn't even 6 o'clock at night and people were already gearing up to party. At least it was the end of August and it was still warm or they would be freezing their asses off. Of course the cold wouldn't stop girls from wearing slutty outfits.  

The moment we stepped into the cute little café called 95 Degrees. I knew this was going to be a place Mia and I would be going to be at all the time. Off in the corner was a big couch and a few comfy chairs, and along the whole sides of the café were tables. Almost all the tables were filled but one over by a window.  

"Lets hurry and get that table then order." I said at the same time as Mia. Smiling we quickly made our way to the empty table to snag it. I glanced around trying to see if I knew anyone. It seemed most people we went to school with stayed around here and I wouldn't be surprised if they were at the same college as us. Even though school doesn't start until Monday, 2 days away, there were people on their laptops doing what looked like school work, and a table a few down from us had football players in their jerseys already. I silently prayed my brother and his best friend wouldn't show up.  

"You stay here and wait for Amelia, I'm going to go order. What do you want?" Mia asked standing next to the table.  

"Can you get me a hazelnut latte and the same thing you are." It helped that Mia and I liked the same foods so we just ordered for each other.  

"Sounds good." As she went to go order I looked around waiting for Am to show up. Of course the moment she walked in I knew. Practically every guy in the place stopped and turned to look her. Her long tan legs were displayed in her small shorts. She wore a tank top that showed her belly button ring and lean stomach. Of course her blonde hair was curled to perfection and so was her makeup.  

"Carmen!" She squealed when she spotted me and ran over to me. Don't ask me how she can run in those heels. I stood up just in time to be pulled into a hug. My forehead hit her shoulder but I was use to it. She stood taller than me at 5'10 and with her heels she was towering over me.  

"Am." I said grinning at her. I didn't see much her of this summer and was surprised to hear she was going here with us.  

"Where's Mia?" She asked but her eyes were on the football guys a few tables over from us.  

"Getting food. You may want to go get in line before it gets any longer." I said gesturing with my head towards the line. She nodded but I don't think she really heard me. Thankfully Mia walked over done ordering.  

"Mia!" Amelia greeted her once she saw her making her way towards us. While they greeted one another I looked around the place. The cafe was a cute little place that I bet did great business during school. I definitely was going to come here and do homework. I thought to myself. The scraping of a chair brought my gaze back to our table just in time to see Am prance towards the counter.  

"Wow she should have just worn her underwear instead of those shorts. They cover the same amount." Mia snorted.  

"Your right about that." I muttered as she headed back our way. Just as she sat down a cute looking guy came to our table with our food on a tray.  

"Here is your two grande hazelnut lattes and hamburgers." He said setting them in front of the two of us. I grinned at Mia's choice and sent her a thankful smile. After moving in I was beyond starving. I was not one of those girls who watched their weight/calories and only ate salads. Screw that give me a pizza or hamburger.  

"Thank you." I said already grabbing two fries and stuffing them in my mouth.  

"I cannot believe you are eating that." Amelia said wrinkling her nose at us.  

"Why not?" Mia asked her mouth full of hamburger. I giggled behind my hand at the disgusted look Am's had on her face.  

"This is our first year of college we don't want to gain the freshman 15." She said almost in a condensing tone. The exact same guy came back a few minutes later with her meal that consisted of a pathetic excuse of a salad and some tea looking thing. I liked salads as much as the next girl but it had to be a great salad with substance.  

"Can you believe we are finally college students!" Am gushed a minute later.  

"It is pretty exciting." I said taking a bite of my hamburger. I knew I was acting unlady like stuffing my face but this burger was amazing.  

"Wow Carmen that is sexy." Am said shaking her head at me but smiling. She was use to my weirdness by now. The three of us made a weird group with a cheerleader, an outgoing person, and me the more nerdy one.    

"What? You wouldn't get with this?" I asked around a mouthful shaking my shoulders and trying hard not to laugh. Next to me Mia chocked covering her mouth with her hand. I heard the bell chime from the front door opening but didn't really pay attention and kept talking making faces with my mouth full.  

"Look Cris, Carmen is already eating the place out of business." An all too familiar voice said making me freeze on the spot.  

I looked up slowly my mouth still hanging open. My blue eyes clashed with a familiar pair of blue/green eyes. Standing in front of us was my brother Cris and his annoying hot friend Andrew Hawke. Luck must not be on my side today.