Chapter 5
My mother calling my name is the first sound I hear. It wakes me up too quickly and pulls me out of my slumber.
With a moan, I turn over on my side and cover my head with the blanket. She might give up if I remain motionless for long enough.
"Elisabetta! Do you remain in bed? It's getting late.
Oh no. That plan was a failure.
"I'm awake! I'll be down shortly! My voice is hoarse from sleep as I yell back.
I exhale with a sense of relief as the house returns to silence. As I stretch, my limbs object, and one by one, my joints crack. It's another day, another struggle against the rising sun. I drag my feet across the room to get ready after finally forcing myself out of bed.
The aroma of coffee permeates the air as I go downstairs. My mother shows up halfway to the kitchen, her smile so big it's almost eerie.
She puts her arms around me and says, "Good morning, baby." I'm at her height thanks to the step I'm taking, which makes the embrace simple.
I give her a wink. "All right... Why the extra love?
She smoothes down her dress, laughs, and pulls back. "I'm always loving."
Yes, but this feels a little different. You even referred to me as "baby." That's something you never do.
She takes a step back and shrugs. "I'm just feeling upbeat."
"All right. And what causes that? I cross my arms and follow her into the kitchen. "You didn't return home last night."
She looks at me over her shoulder and responds, "I did."
I scowl. "No, you didn't."
She pulls milk out of the refrigerator. "I arrived home late. You had fallen asleep already. I didn't want to wake you up.
Easy solution. However, something doesn't feel right.
She puts down the milk and examines me. "And before going to bed, why didn't you take off that dress?"
I give a sigh. "I was too worn out."
"Well."
She pours herself a cup of coffee, takes a sip, and then turns back to face me, her eyes shining in a way that betrays her concealment of information.
"Get home early this evening."
My spine tingles with suspicion. "Why?"
"You'll see." Her smile broadens.
I squint. "Mom."
She turns away and says softly, "No questions." "You'll discover it in due time. Proceed now. You'll be late.
A nagging sensation settles in my stomach as I hesitate before leaving the kitchen. What is she doing?
I hardly get to my locker at school before Giacomo shows up, leaning against the row beside me.
He says, "Hey." We may have to wait until later to check out that location. Dad wants me to get home early.
I close my locker with a sigh. Indeed, the situation remains exactly the same. My mother is behaving strangely. She also wants me to get home early.
"How strange?"
"This morning, she was radiant."
"She might be in love." He gives a playful wiggle of his brows.
I laugh. "Don't even make light of that."
He chuckles. "All right. Could we discuss this at a later time?
I give a nod. Indeed. Definitely.
I can't help but stare at Giacomo as he begins to leave, amazed at how even the unattractive school uniform somehow suits him.
He calls over his shoulder, "See you at lunch?"
"Yes."
I fight the foolish smile that is starting to appear on my face as I watch him leave. However, an unwanted presence obstructs my view before I can fully enjoy my thoughts.
Gisella.
I can hardly contain my groan. "What are you looking for?"
Desperate, she takes a step closer. "I need your assistance."
"With what?"
"Giacomo keeps avoiding me, even though I really like him. You're his pal. Are you unable to speak with him?
I give a sigh. "Gisella..."
"Please. I realize I probably come across as pitiful by doing this, but—
"At least you recognize yourself."
She presses her lips together. "I just want to know why he won't even consider me."
I cock my head. "That answer seems pretty obvious, doesn't it?"
"What?"
"Listen, Gisella." I massage my temple. "I am unable to assist you. He has a valid reason for avoiding you. That won't change if you follow him around. Before it aggravates him further, you should stop.
Her expression drops. That's it, then? Should I just give up?
"Perhaps." I pass her. "I apologize."
The answer is no.
By lunchtime, I find myself glued to my phone, responding to messages. Giacomo sees right away.
He takes one of my fries and asks, "Who's got your attention that bad?"
"No one."
"You haven't even touched your food."
I take a quick look at my phone. Louis has another message.
Giacomo smiles. "Louis, what?"
I give a shrug. "He's just being amiable."
"All right." He reclines. "He liked you, I told you."
"He doesn't."
Yes. I'll let you solve it. He laughs and returns to his nuggets.
I respond to Louis while rolling my eyes.
LOUIS: You haven't shared any personal information with me.
ME: It's difficult to say. I enjoy going to school. That's all.
I finally put my phone away after hitting send, then returned my focus to Giacomo. He's muttering to himself as he chews slowly. It makes me smile for some reason.
He sees me staring. "What?"
"Nothing." I pick up a fry and shake my head.
I enjoy watching my best friend eat.
I arrive home to find my mom already dressed. She's radiant, not just dressed up.
"Mom." Her red gown catches my attention. "Who is visiting?"
She smoothes the fabric by spinning in place. "Do I look alright?"
"Yes, for the hundredth time."
She practically leaps with joy when the doorbell rings. "They must be there! Get behind me, please.
Them?
She rushes to the door, and I follow, bewildered. I freeze as she swings it open.
Giacomo is standing in a formal suit on the doorstep with his father.
What the hell?
Mom says cheerfully, "Come in," and moves aside.
As soon as he intervenes, Giacomo moves to my side. "I was unaware that we were coming here. Dad remained silent.
"My mother didn't either." I look at our parents. Gabriel, his father, hugs my mom tightly, as if they have known each other for ages.
I look at Giacomo. "When did they start referring to each other by their first names?"
He gives a headshake. "I don't know."
We wait for an explanation while seated in the living room. At last, Gabriel is the first to speak.
"You two must be confused; I know that." I'm not joking. "But we've wanted to talk about this for a while."
I clutch the armrest, fear beginning to seep in. "What is it?"
Mom lets out a breath, appearing almost anxious. "We have some news."
Giacomo furrowed his brows. "News?"
Gabriel gives a nod. Indeed. Samantha and I have decided to get married.
Quiet.
I blinked.
Giacomo tenses up next to me.
Hold on. Hold on. No.
"What?" At last, I succeed.
Mom gives a tentative smile. "We wanted the two of you to know first."
I turn my head in Giacomo's direction. He appears as appalled as I am.
I return to our parents. “You’re joking.”
Gabriel shakes his head. “No, Elisabetta. We’re serious.”
Seriously.
As in, they’re actually doing this.
I stare at my mom, my chest tightening. “You’re marrying his dad?”
She nods.
Suddenly, my entire world is turned upside down.
