Prima Donna

Laura knocked on Deanna's apartment door. She wasn't expecting her. Classes had been canceled that day, and she took the opportunity to tidy up and do some cleaning. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been back until late afternoon. This was supposed to be her final year, and she was going to finish it with Harry, but now she would have to wait a bit longer.

"Sorry to bother you today."

"Not at all, Laura, come in... It's a bit messy because I was cleaning up."

"Thanks. I come with a mission."

"A mission?"

"Yes, my brother-in-law gave me his credit card, and today we're going shopping together."

"I imagine the family gathering is already planned."

"Yes."

"Alright, I'll do my best."

"Really, Deanna, I don't know how to thank you for what you're doing. I know you didn't get a good impression of Daniel the other night and you'll have to postpone your studies for us. But you don't know what this means to me," she said, placing both hands on her belly.

"I'm more than happy to help you guys, don't be silly. That little one growing inside you will have the best parents in the world and will grow up happy. That's all that matters."

"And they'll have a wonderful aunt."

"Who will spoil them endlessly."

"Let's go spend Daniel's money. We need to find the perfect outfit."

"Alright, let me change first."

Deanna had never set foot in stores like these in her life. The cheapest dress was equivalent to three months of her salary. Did people really spend that much on a single item? She felt reluctant to buy these things. Not only did she need new clothes, but also shoes, bags, and a visit to the salon, according to Laura.

This was how they were used to living. Laura just swiped the credit card, and they went from one store to another. They also spent a lot of time trying on outfits and choosing colors. Deanna's head was starting to ache. It was a completely foreign world to her.

Her life had always been simple. Her mother and grandmother had practically raised her in the small restaurant they ran, among pots and spices. She had a normal childhood, playing with friends after school until late in the park. A typical adolescence, with friends and trips to the movies. She had worked at the restaurant since she was 16 and had her first love at 17.

Suddenly, she was immersed in a completely new world, and she wasn't sure if she could enjoy it. None of the things that excited Laura interested her in the slightest. Her only passion had always been singing, and all she wanted was to perform in a renowned theater until she couldn't speak anymore. She wasn't seeking fame or fortune. When she sang, she felt an indescribable energy; she was happy, she was free.

"I think this color goes really well with your hair tone."

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Laura, but you're the expert," Laura laughed.

"Well, then leave everything to me. Even Harry won't recognize you."

Her professors were surprised when she showed up for the entrance audition. No one understood how such a powerful voice could come from that slender body, capable of hitting the highest notes without losing warmth. She was definitely destined for a bright future.

On stage, Deanna changed dramatically. She wasn't the same optimistic and smiling person as always. She transformed into a presence that captured all eyes. Her demeanor shifted, and her face expressed a passion that reached everyone watching. She put her whole soul into every performance.

"I look like my great-aunt in this... and she's dead."

"You're exaggerating. It looks magnificent on you... but maybe it's not your style."

"Are we going to take much longer?"

"We can't leave until you find the perfect outfit to impress everyone... Although I think you've already impressed Daniel."

"Your brother-in-law is the most unflappable man I know."

"He's a great person, just a little..."

"Bland?"

"Formal, I'd say."

In reality, Deanna hadn't expected Daniel to be so attractive in person. She had imagined him to be a different kind of man, but he didn't look his 40 years. He didn't seem younger either; it was as if he was at just the right moment in life. He had only a bit of gray at his temples and expressed more with his eyes than with words.

If it weren't for his blunt way of speaking and his attempts to impose his will, she could understand why he was considered a good catch. Deanna sensed something else but didn't dare mention it to Laura. Maybe it was just her imagination, but Daniel seemed to carry a great sadness within him. She knew his story from Harry, so that was probably the reason.

"Oh, yes! That's the one for you."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely! How do you feel in it?"

"Like a Prima Donna."

"Then this is it."

"Thank heavens! Can we go now? I'm hungry."

"Sure, we'll get something to eat and then look for the rest of the stuff."

Internally, Deanna swore she would kill Harry when she saw him.

While they were shopping, Harry went to visit his brother at the office. He had to get Daniel to tone down his intensity toward Deanna. He knew she wouldn't back down, but he also didn't want her to be the target of his brother's complicated character.

At that moment, Susan was with Daniel, trying to find out if what her mother had told her was true. In the end, Harry decided to confess everything.

"I have two brothers who escaped from a mental institution... They're crazy."

"Come on, Susan, you know we have no other choice. All because of that family rule, and my friend was the only one who could say yes."

"She must care a lot about you to agree to this without asking for anything in return."

"She's amazing. That's why I'm asking you, Daniel, please try to be less strict, okay?"

"That woman is combative and has an answer for everything. Why don't you ask her to be more docile?"

"Brother, we're putting her in a difficult situation. She didn't have to agree; she just wants to help us."

"Harry's right. Treat her well, Daniel."

"You're making me feel like a heartless monster."

"Of course not... You're just a bit distant sometimes and very, very, very disdainful when you want to be."

"Of course not."

"Of course, you are, Dan," said Susan.

With Susan's support in this whole charade, they would have a better chance of making it believable. Although she still didn't understand how Daniel had agreed so easily, she was sure her older brother would never go along with something like this.

However, if there was a nephew on the way, it all made sense. Still, there had to be another factor involved. She would find out when she finally met Deanna.