I walk into the kitchen and start to rinse the dinner plates in the sink, before loading them into the dishwasher. My mind starts to drift off and I begin to think about what Rosalia said. What would life be like today if Celeste was here? Would she and Giovanni be married with more children? Would I have a husband and what occupation would I have sought? Would our parents still be married and involved in our lives more? So many different paths our lives could have travelled in. Firm hands grip my hips and my back is brushed up against a hard chest. Luca pushes my hair to the side and lightly kisses my neck.
“What is wrong Cara Mia?” He whispers in my ear.
“I’m fine.” I sigh.
Liar, liar pants on fire...
“Then why have you been scrubbing the same plate for the past five minutes.” He murmurs before he titters.
“Sorry.” I groan.
“No harm caused.”
Luca turns the tap off and turns me around to face him, He places his hands on the side of my face and looks me directly in the eyes.
“Tell me what is going on in that pretty little head.” His eyes search mine.
“I’m a little envious of the bond you share with Rosalia.” I gulp back the embarrassment.
Luca continues to just stare at me in silence.
"Keep searching and you’ll find the soulless soul I have caged within." My conscious chants.
“You will... bond with her Vanessa. It will take time, but you will learn that being patient and honest with her will help bring you close.”
“You’re telling me to be honest?” I raise my brows at him.
Seriously?
Luca drops his hands and turns to walk away.
“I’m sorry.” I grab his hand and stop him. “I didn’t mean it.”
Liar!
He faces me and eyes me up quizzically. “I think you did and I can deal with that. But I won't have you question my love for me.. our niece. “ He quickly corrects himself. “You hear me?” There is a slight touch of venom in his voice.
Total disappointment.
I Take a deep breath that's fulled of shame and nod.
“Good, Now where is that dessert you promised us?” He snakes a hand around the back of my head, he leans in and kisses me on the forehead then walks away.
During dessert, I couldn’t take my eyes off Luca. It fascinated me too much to not stare and watch him down two large slices of the pie without any regrets. I have no idea where he packs it cause the guy hasn’t an ounce of visible fat on him whatsoever I’m more astounded by the fact that he’s not feeling the slightest bit queasy. The pie was rich in sweetness. So sweet even I couldn’t finish the generous slice I cut for myself and Rosalia. I'm sure she was struggling to contain the pie down. I did catch a glimpse here and there of her scrunching her nose with each bite she took.
Bless her heart for not throwing the plate across the room.
After dessert, Luca ushered us into the living room for a coffee. I had herbal green tea, the best green tea I have tasted, it had to be a top brand. Damn him! I'm going to have to go hunting for this particular brand next time I’m at the supermarket.
“What are your plans once you finish school hon?” I ask Rosalia purely interested in her future goals.
“I was hoping to take a year off and do some travelling..” Her eyes shine with excitement.
“Your Papa and I agreed that it was too much of a big risk for you to do that next year Rosa.” Luca cuts her off narrowing his eyes at her.
“Si, That’s why I said I was hoping. You didn’t let me finish my sentence before you rudely cut me off.” Rosalia hisses at him and the shine diminishes from her eyes instantly.
There’s nothing but silence while they both stare at each other.
“Rosa..” Luca breaks their eye contact first and looks at me. “Was given the choice to follow in the Venturi business or to choose something that will help make a difference in the world.”
“And Art doesn’t happen to fall into that category.” Rosalia grounds out before she stands up and exits the room, storming out.
“Rosa! Rosalia does not walk out on your Aunt Vanessa.” Luca stands abruptly with his hands clenched at his sides.
“It’s okay.” I get off the sofa and stand in front of him.
“It’s a sensitive topic for her, it is to determine the rest of her life and It is evident that she is not too enthusiastic about her options.” I turn and look in the direction where she walked off.
“Do you think she would see me if I went and spoke to her?” I look back at Luca and he has his head bowed down. I put a finger under his chin and lift his head, he looks up with sad eyes.
“You okay big guy?” I cup his jaw with my hand.
“I hate the fact that you feel the need to ask me if Rosa will accept your company.” He sighs. “You’re probably the only person she is not mentally assassinating right now so consider yourself lucky.” His lips curl up into a lopsided smile.
“Yay me....” I lift my hands in the air and cheer sarcastically, I turn around and take a deep breath.
“Wish me luck.” I throw over my shoulder and sigh.
Luca smacks me on the ass and I yelp jolting forward towards unknown territory.
“Good luck.” He says in his husky deep Italian accented voice.
I stand on the other side of her bedroom door and take a moment to mentally prepare myself for the worse. She doesn’t know me and I can't expect her to accept me with arms wide open and to give me her trust. It needs to be earned and I am willing to do whatever it takes to get that trust and lock it up throwing away the key forever. I take a deep breath and shake my arms to loosen up all the built-up tension.
Knock...knock...
“I’m sleeping!” she yells on the other side of the door.
Knock...knock...
I wait patiently as I can hear angry footsteps coming towards the door just before it’s being violently jerked open.
“I said I was sleep....” Her mouth closes the instant her eyes land on my face.
“Hiiii.” I wave at her. “I hope you don’t mind me coming by to check up on you?” I sheepishly smile.
She invites me in by opening her door wider and tilting her head to the side.
“Please, come in.”
“I’d Love to I quickly clap my hands as I enter her room.
Whoa! I think to myself as my eyes roam over his room.
Jealous much? It would take me months to save up for the bedding and furniture she has. I sit on the end of her bed and she sits right next to me resting her head on my shoulder. I gently reach over and stroke her head before I rest mine on top of hers.
“You wanna talk about it hon?” I ask her softly.
“I hate that they think they know what is best for me all the time. I can never make any life decisions of my own because they are too busy treating me like a little girl who doesn’t know right from wrong. It’s moments like this I resh mamma was here for. I bet she would have encouraged me to follow my dreams with the burning passion I have come to grow for the Arts.” Her voice was tainted with a mixture of anger and longing.
"Your mum would have wanted what is best for you, just like your dad and uncle do Rosalia.” I can't help but wonder what Celeste would do or say about this little dilemma.
“You can't be mad at them for wanting only the best for you. You're a precious gem in your dad's life, you are the product of one true love. I can only imagine all the crazy things running through his poor head, constantly worried sick trying not to fail you and your mum.”
“I can understand and accept that. But what I can't and won't accept is them trying to rule my life in every way. Art can make a difference too, it’s just not the difference they seek.”
“Then you will just have to prove them wrong.”
Please don’t ask me how because I wouldn’t have a clue. I failed art and I don’t have an artistic bone in me.
“Ha!” she sits up straight. “If I knew how I would have already been plotting ways to prove them wrong.”
I pat her knee. “I’m sure you will think of something. I have a feeling you are more resourceful than you think hon.” I stand up with my arms open wide.
“Gives a hug, I need to be taking off.”
Rosalia gets up and hugs me. I kiss her on the head and tell her we will get together during the week. Just the two of us, a girls day out with Chrissy too.