lover of mine | Franco Colapinto

Madelaine sat on the edge of the couch in the Airbnb, her legs tucked beneath her, staring at her phone with a nervous flutter in her chest. She had to do it. She had to tell her mom, Pascale, everything. But the weight of it was overwhelming. Her heart was racing, her fingers hovering over the screen as she debated whether to press the call button.

Finally, she gathered the courage, swiping her phone to dial her mom's number. The phone rang, and each second felt like an eternity. She bit her lip anxiously, hoping that Pascale would answer soon.

On the third ring, Pascale's familiar, warm voice filled the air. "Madelaine? How's everything? How's Franco?"

The question hit her like a wave, and for a moment, she froze. She had never expected to say it this way, but here it was, the moment she had been building up to.

"I'm... I'm with him, Maman. Like, really with him," Madelaine blurted out, her voice trembling slightly. She closed her eyes, letting the words sink in, realizing just how much she had kept from her mother. "Franco and I, we're together now. We've been together for a day."

There was a pause on the other end, and Madelaine couldn't tell if her mother was shocked, speechless, or just taking it all in. But when Pascale spoke, her voice was soft, steady, and—thankfully—understanding.

"Madelaine..." Pascale began, her voice full of emotion. "I knew something was different. I knew you were happy these past months, and I could feel it. You've been more yourself lately. I'm so happy for you, sweetheart."

Madelaine's chest tightened at her mother's words. She had feared her mom would disapprove or question everything, but instead, she was met with acceptance and love.

"You don't mind?" Madelaine asked, a little unsure of herself.

Pascale's voice was firm, but full of warmth. "Madelaine, I trust you. I trust your judgment, and I know you've grown into someone who understands her heart. If you're happy, I'm happy. You've both been through a lot, and I know you wouldn't do anything that doesn't feel right."

Madelaine's eyes welled up with tears, the emotion overwhelming her. She had spent so much time trying to keep this a secret, not knowing how her mother would react, but now, hearing her mom's support, it felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off her shoulders.

"Thank you, Maman," she whispered, a shaky breath escaping her. "You don't know how much this means to me."

"I do know, sweetheart," Pascale said softly. "I can hear it in your voice. And I want you to be happy. Just promise me something."

"What?" Madelaine asked, her voice cracking slightly.

"Promise me that you won't hide anything from me. I'm always here for you, no matter what. Just be honest, always."

Madelaine smiled through her tears. "I promise, Mom. I'll always be honest with you."

Pascale chuckled, the sound comforting in Madelaine's ears. "Good. Now, tell me all about him. What's he like? How do you feel?"

Madelaine grinned, wiping away a tear as she settled into the conversation, finally feeling the peace of opening up completely to the person who meant the most to her. She knew it would take time for everything to unfold, but for now, it felt right. She was no longer keeping secrets.

Madelaine took a deep breath, feeling her heart race again. This was it—she was about to tell the most important men in her life. She had already shared the news with her mom, but now, it was time for her brothers. They had always been her closest allies, her constant support. But telling them would be different. They had always been protective, especially when it came to matters of the heart. She didn't know exactly how they would react, but she knew they loved her, no matter what.

She pulled up the contact list on her phone and tapped the group FaceTime. The call connected quickly, and soon, she saw the familiar faces of her three brothers, each in a different setting. Charles was lounging by a pool, the sun behind him casting a golden glow. Arthur was sitting at a café, sipping a drink and scrolling through his phone, while Lorenzo was somewhere outside, the sound of wind blowing in the background. Each of them smiled when they saw her, and she could feel the warmth of their presence, even through the screen.

"Hey, sis!" Charles greeted, his voice carrying a sense of relaxation. "What's up? You look... happy."

Madelaine smiled back, feeling a warmth in her chest. "I am, actually," she replied, her voice steady despite the excitement swirling inside her. "I have something I need to share with all of you."

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "What's going on? You're acting all mysterious."

Lorenzo chuckled. "Yeah, what's the news, sis?"

Madelaine took a deep breath, glancing at all of them. This felt big, but she was ready. She couldn't hide anymore. She opened her mouth, then stopped for a moment, unsure if she was really ready to say the words. But she knew it was time.

"I'm... I'm with Franco now," she said, the words coming out a little quicker than she expected. "We've been together for a day."

There was a pause. The sound of each of her brothers processing the information was almost tangible. Charles blinked first, leaning forward slightly. "Wait, what? You're with Franco?" His tone was half disbelief, half curiosity.

Arthur, on the other hand, seemed more composed but still surprised. "Franco as in... the one you've been hanging out with? The guy from the races?"

Madelaine nodded. "Yes, exactly."

Lorenzo's face lit up with a knowing smirk. "Well, well, sis, I guess you weren't as secretive as we thought."

Charles frowned a little, but his voice softened. "Are you sure, though? I mean, you've been through a lot, and we just want to make sure it's the right thing."

Madelaine nodded earnestly, her heart skipping a beat. "I'm sure, Charles. I'm really happy. And he's... he's everything I need right now."

Arthur's expression softened. "Well, if you're happy, then that's all that matters." He smiled. "Just promise me you won't let him break your heart."

Lorenzo leaned closer to the camera, his teasing grin widening. "And no matter what, sis, you know I'll always be here to kick his ass if he hurts you."

Madelaine laughed, relieved by the teasing tone in Lorenzo's voice. "I'm not worried about that," she said softly. "I trust him."

Charles gave a slight nod. "Okay, then. We'll trust you. Just... be sure, alright?"

Madelaine smiled. "I am. I really am."

Her brothers exchanged glances, and then all of them, in unison, gave her their approval in their own unique way.

"Well, you've got our blessing, sis," Charles said with a grin.

"We're happy for you," Arthur added.

"Just don't forget we're always watching, even from afar," Lorenzo teased.

Madelaine smiled through her happy tears, feeling the weight lift off her shoulders. She had just shared something so personal with the people who meant the most to her, and now, for the first time, she could feel like she was truly being herself with everyone. There were no more secrets, no more hiding.

"I'm glad I told you guys," she said softly. "I love you all."

"We love you too, sis," they all chimed in together.

And in that moment, Madelaine knew that no matter where life took her, her family would always be there, supporting her every step of the way.