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Part 1

September 14th 1998.

was at �s house for a typical �guys night�.
_ I wonder what must 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.
and were 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 and was totally in denial. Suddenly, his mobile started to ring �waking him up�.
_ Hello? � he answered in a husky voice.
_ , is here.
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, Courtney�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 saw with 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 beside 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 with was amazing!
_ I finally found you! How many times have I told you to 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! � and said together.
_ Yes, and always use his brother�s name to run away from me. Come on, young boy, let�s go home. � she turned to and � 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? I 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 saw coming 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.
Though was 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 warned me first? You know how I get worried about you, baby.
_ Sorry mom.
Suddenly the boy saw and standing 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�s and this one is .
_ Nice to meet you too, my name is .
and froze. Could it be possible? Could be that woman 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 know and this is . Say hi to and , honey.
_ Hi, nice to meet you.
The little boy shook their hands and felt a cold down his spine.
_ Well guys, I better go back �cause the day is gonna be long and by the way little woke 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 where and were 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.
and looked 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.
and got 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.
_ So isn�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 lost 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 as felt 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 and has the spiked hair.
looked at and 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!
_ 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.
_ and are 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 at and little cleaning and playing with each other and finally realized how much he missed her and how much the moment he always wanted scared him.

That weekend and spent with and 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 where 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 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.
and felt 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 call and in Liverpool to help them since they were part of her life as well.

When the boys got home, they saw coming with the twins.
_ Uncle ! � little ran 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 subscribed in the school swimming team and in the soccer little league so, I just had a busy day. � explained smiling.
_ Mum, can and uncle have dinner with us? � asked.
_ I don�t know... probably they have plans, baby.
looked at .
_ Do you have plans? � he asked.
didn�t wanna bother but when he looked at �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 at and she was smiling.
_ I don�t mind at all. And you, , are gonna help me cook, �certo�?
_ Certo mamma!
_ Can I help too, mom? � little asked.
_ Yes you can. Let�s cook something special for our guests.
gave the keys to little and 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.

Part 2

got surprised with his action. They got inside and saw little in the kitchen with so, ran straight to where his brother was leaving and alone.
_ This is new. � sighted.
_ What�s new?
_ I guess likes 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 and talked about life and stuff. was happy too being with his sister again and now, with his nephews, was a blessing for him.
They helped cook with the twins, laughed a lot and had a nice meal. She was amazed with the way could handle little easily as was head over heels �cause was always next him, talking to him and he could get in touch with one of his sons a little bit better. Little was goofing around with making 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. and looked 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 . � little complained.
_ , 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 could but, you know what I learn 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.
Little looked 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 an 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 call and to come and help us with that.

A few minutes later came back.
_ Sorry for keep 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 name and ?
_ 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...
Suddenly got 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 all of the sudden.
scowled at him.
_ What? � asked.
thought for a few seconds before answer.
_ 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 10pm and decided to leave.
_ Thanks. We had an incredible time. � said smiling.
_ Yeah, the food was great. � added.
_ Thanks for the complements 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 little and 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?
As was listening to �s proposal, his smile was getting bigger and bigger. felt happy about the proposal too �cause he knew would 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 .
Duncan looked at and 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 things told them.
_ Aren�t you gonna call ? � asked.
_ I think I better call to not shock with 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 but is alive.
_ WHAT!?!?
_ is our new neighbor. She lost her memory and was living in Sicily these 6 years.
He told the whole story and got 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?
_ When left Liverpool she was pregnant.
_ Damn , you were totally right. I had to sit down to listen to all this.
_ So, can you talk with and come here to help me an bring 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 to and he got all excited. He had the feeling that with and his 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 gave a 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 then drove 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. When stopped the car in front of the house, saw coming and the boy gave him a beautiful smile that melt inside.
_ Hey boys!
_ Hi uncle ! � little greeted.
_ Hi . Are you free to stay with us? � asked.
_ Sure I am.
held �s hand and saw how happy his friend was with that.
_ How was work, ? � asked.
_ Great! It�s pretty easy to tell the truth.
They went inside and little went 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.
Little ran to his room and went 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 took to 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.
led to his brother�s room.
_ Can we come in ?
_ Yes!
_ I came her 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!
and laughed.
_ 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.
Suddenly entered the room.
_ MOM! � the boys ran to hug her.
_ What�s gonna be fun next time?
_ Uncle is 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 that was almost time to pick and at 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 at almost begging her to let go 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 way made 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 found and .
_ Hey mates! Over here!
waved as squeezed his hand and hid behind him.
_ Hey ! I missed you, do you know that? � greeted giving a hug.
_ How are you doing ? � asked.
_ I�m much better now with the news. I�m crazy to see ....
Before could finish his sentence pulled the little boy from behind him.
_ Guys, this is , my neighbor�s son.
and looked 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 little and .
_ Hey, I wanna play too! � yelled getting out the car. When saw , 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 to and .
_ 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 finally got 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!
and didn�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. � 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!
_ Is coming? � 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.
_ Can have 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 gave a 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... but and 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 and went 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 finally cried.

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 room finally 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 about remembering �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 that being 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, put on her lap and held little .
_ But I don�t even know who are your father.
_ That�s because you can�t remember him yet. � little said.
_ And you said once that we�ll 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 and invited 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 little were 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 and when suddenly a confusion started.
_ ? Are you mine and �s dad? � little asked.
looked at and 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? � little asked.
_ 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.
Little and started to fight. and tried to put them apart but couldn�t then, came from the kitchen.
_HEY, KNOCK IT OFF!
She took and put him far from little .
_ What�s happening here?
_ said that is gonna be your boyfriend! � explained.
_ �s not my boyfriend, he just helps me taking care of you two.
_ But he could be dad! � little said.
_ 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 room looked at and smiled. This time saw that.
_ Does know 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 at the 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 way is smarter than he�ll find their father first.
felt a cold running down his spine. Maybe the boy already knew and didn�t say anything. After that night, the days went by really fast. The guys kept trying to make remember 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 on 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 made some tests to see if everything is ok. I�m at the hospital with him, little and .
_ 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, warned that was 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 later entered in the hospital and saw and little sat in the waiting room. She approached them slowly and heard their talk.
_ Uncle , is gonna 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 and but she didn�t know what it was.
_ Hey . � the girl whispered.
_ Hi, .
_ Mom, you don�t have to worry �cause �s ok. Uncle just 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 saw and talking, 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 but wasn�t happy with �s answer.
_ , babe, are you alright?
_ Yes, mom. took good care of me.
She looked at and he realized that something was wrong.
_ , can I talk to you outside? � the girl asked.
_ Sure.
They went outside the room and before could say something started.
_ How could you do this?
_ 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 at astonished.
_ 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 and and were badly talking. He saw the twins a lot �cause of but was 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 portrait...
_ 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 in 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 of holding 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! � little yelled. � 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 sure would 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 own, 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 saw and �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 saw unconscious 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!
_ 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 , and went inside to call an ambulance. Minutes later they were at the hospital waiting for some news about .
_ , is mom gonna be alright? � little asked.
_ 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 way and looked 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 followed to �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 saw laid on the bed.
_ ?
When called her name the girl felt dizzy again and immediately looked at them. All the things from her past started to come again. looked at next ...
_ When you were young, , you used to call me �Cout� �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 all could say, over and over again, was �Oh my God�. start 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 then put a big smile on her face and looked at holding 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 that is our dad? � asked.
_ Yes baby. is your dad.
The twins looked at .
_ Do you love us? � little asked.
_ 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? � little asked.
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 at and 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 of your cousin�s wedding.
_ Which one? � asked.
_ The one �s holding your little cousin Samantha.
_ Why that one? � asked.
_ The day was in the hospital said 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 and said that to comfort her and the little girl stopped crying.
sat down and looked to all of them.
_ I missed you really much and I love you all.
_ Group hug! � yelled.
They all hugged and finally kissed her.

Three months went by, and moved to London and were living with . married and were living at her house with their twins and takes care of his nephews for free. The 4 guys decided to open their own business but now, , and their kids are going to Italy �cause wanna say thanks to the people who took good care of his family.