Hey everyone! It's great to be back! I'm announcing the winners today! And on Sunday, we will know the grand prize winner! So, ON WITH THE STORY! ＼(^o^)／

Italy do the disclamer!

Italy: Ve~ Ally doesn't own hetalia! Now who wants PAAASSSSTTTTAAA?!

Chapter 10: Roma and Feli's Birthdays!

March 17, XX

Dear Journal, (Still not a diary!)

Guess what day it is today? It's my birthday! Yup, you guessed it, I'm turning 8 (appearance, human years, yada yada). Alba is taking me to The Leaning Tower of Piza. I'm so excited. She told me to pack for a trip last night, so we should be leaving any moment. Wait! Don't tell her I know about the trip, because it was supposed to be a surprise. But seriously... Who can outsmart Lovino Bello?

"Lovi! We will be leaving soon!

Grab your suitcase and come down stairs." Alba yelled up to me from the downstairs kitchen. I nodded back even though she couldn't see me. Returning back down to my current journal entry, I noticed I put 'Bello' instead of 'Vargas'.

It just seemed natural...

A little knock at my door startled me. Quickly, I stuffed the journal under a nearby pillow.

Alba appeared, asking "Didn't you hear me?"

"No, what did you say?" I lied.

Alba ran her hands through her reddish brownish hair, "I said get your suitcase and come downstairs. We are leaving in 10 minutes."

"Okay, Alba. Just let me grab a few last minute things."

"Just don't bring too much, okay? I don't want to pay any extra fees for unneeded bags." She smiled sweetly and she left my room.

I waited until her footsteps were a good distance away before getting off my bed and stuffing the journal into my suitcase. Alba still doesn't know about it.

I mean you don't just go up to a person and say, 'Hey! This is my journal where I keep secrets and lies about my past life because I used to be a country. So whats for dinner?' It's not something that you just causally work into a conversation.

I sat at my desk and slumped into my arms.

'You know what?' I asked myself, 'Alba hasn't even told me happy birthday today! I wonder why?'

That is strange... I was expecting a happy birthday breakfast from her and we'd celebrate together all day. Although, it is 9:00am and I still haven't eaten. I really hope she hasn't forgotten and she's just taking this trip just to go sightseeing.

I sighed glumly and dragged my things downstairs to our restaurant's kitchen. My mood had dropped, going from excited to confused and depressed...

"Alba, I'm ready to go." I lazily called out to no one. Receiving no answer, I tried again, "Alba?"

It was quiet.

TOO quiet.

"Where is everyone?" I asked, and walked out into the main dining area

"SURPRISE!" The whole room screamed as I found the light switch and flicked it on.

"AGGHHHHH" I stumbled backward and hit the wall.

All around the restaurant were my family (Alba's of course) and friends from school wearing party hats and huge grins on their faces.

Alba smiled and walked up to means cheered, "Happy Birthday, Lovi!" And everyone started adding their own little happy birthday messages.

My mind was spinning. 'I hate surprises...' I quickly thought.

"Wow, I really didn't expect this! Thank you everyone!" I smiled and embraced Alba, "I love surprises! Now lets party!"

My mood had increased a little. I'm glad Alba threw me a party and invited friends and family, but I just wanted it to be us two. Oh well.

About an hour later, Alba tapped me on my shoulder, "We are leaving at 12." I looked down at my wrist out of habit even though I didn't have a watch. "What time is it now?" I asked.

"About 10:45."

"Where are we going?" I asked innocently.

"Somewhere."

"Why aren't you telling me?"

"I don't know."

"Why aren't you answering my questions?"

Why are you asking so many questions?"

"Touché."

Alba smiled and cheerfully skipped off.

I sighed and sat down at a table, wondering what else she has in store for me today. I laid my head down and grumbled, "I really hate surprises..." I was also thinking about how this was my first birthday without Feliciano and a big huge country party they always throw. "They probably don't even care." I mumbled to myself sadly.

Someone sat down in front of me and laughed, "Lovino, What's wrong? Isn't it your birthday?"

I looked up to see Rosa, one of our cooks smiling at me. She was an older woman, in her sixties, and wearing a chef outfit. Her hair is chest length, thin and turning gray. Rosa was one of those really skinny older people. She was also my favorite person of Alba's staff. "I'm fine, Rosa." I lied, then quickly brought my head off the table, with confusion in my eyes.

"What is it Lovino?" She asked, sensing my confusion. "Are you working today? I thought Alba was closing up shop. There are still customers everywhere." I stated, looking around at the random people everywhere.

"Yeah, She didn't want to close the shop just because you both are leaving to The Leaning Tower of Pi-" she gasped, "I've said to much!" She announced dramatically as she placed a hand on her chest.

"Don't worry, Rosa. I knew," I began, "Alba is a really bad liar."

Rosa smirked, "Yes, yes she is." And we laughed together. At that moment realization struck me, hard. This is my real family, and I that I didn't have one before.

Short Chappie, I know... Don't hate me. BUT! We will be finding out the characters moving to the next "round"!

(This is in random order.)

Laineybug07 with Meara O'Brien

et12356 with Emma Schafer

CIOP970 with Katerina Smirnov

angelgirl 158 with Eponine Ayalah Caron

Congrats! If you'd like to PM me, that'd be great!

Expect me to announce winner on Sunday!

Thank you! Have a great day!

Italy: Ve~ Review please! And can I have some pasta?