Mena
I wrapped a scarf gently around Naty’s neck, making sure she was warm for the evening. She looked adorable in the dress I had chosen for her, for the dinner Alessio had planned.
He hadn’t told me much, only that a driver would take us to the location. Whatever he told me, I just went with it-because I was too tired to investigate. I had already done that a lot lately.
Naty showed me a wide grin.
“What is it?” I asked, curious about the reason behind it.
“Nothing, I’m just really happy,” her eyes sparkled.
I immediately pulled her into my arms, caressing her hair with my fingers. She was really happy, that’s all I wanted to hear. After everything we had gone through, this was what she deserved. A joyful and carefree life.
“Come on, let’s go,” I took her hand in mine.
As I reached the bottom of the stairs, I noticed Liza in the foyer. Our eyes met and a smile spread across both our faces. It was the first time I had caught her alone since she handed me that letter. The letter that saved the Fanuccis.
After a lot of pushing, I had eventually told Alessio her name. He had acknowledged her, rewarded her for her loyalty, and even offered her a higher position which she humbly declined. Liza was content with staying in the background, and as I was not as oblivious as Alessio, I knew it was because she didn’t want to get involved even more than she had already been.
“The two of you look pretty,” Liza complimented, admiring Naty’s dress. “Special occasion?”
“Not really, just dinner.”
As I looked ahead, I could already see the driver waving his hand.
“Well, have fun,” Liza said.
“Thank you.”
“So, I suppose I’ll see you around then?”
I nodded. “I’ll see you around.”
Deep inside, all I wished for was for things to return to the way they once were. I had even managed to patch things up with Mrs. Rodriguez, and when Naty and I came to visit, it was like nothing had changed.
I hadn’t known Liza for a long time, but I missed her-and could really use a friend.
“Let’s drink some coffee tomorrow, catch up?” I suggested, hopeful.
Liza chuckled. “Yes, I would like that,” she agreed, giving me one last smile before walking off.
“Is that your friend, Mommy?” Naty asked as we made our way outside.
“Yes, she is,” I responded.
Naty looked up at me with curious eyes, “Does that mean she’s like Aunt Pilar?”
Her kind question brought a smile to my face. “She can be,” I spoke, hoping that would one day be the case.
“Good evening,” the driver held the door open for us, and we stepped into the car. The door shut behind us, and my thoughts went to Isaac.
He was way more welcoming than whatever this person was trying to be. This new driver was different, and during our entire ride he hadn’t said a word to us.
That wasn’t a problem because that wasn’t his job, but I couldn’t help but compare. The first time Isaac drove Naty to school, he made me feel comfortable, cracked jokes and there was never a quiet moment.
Back then, I could immediately sense he was a good person…
I pushed the thoughts aside, knowing I could never fully let go of my guilt if I didn’t. Alessio told me he relayed my message to Isaac, I knew he was safe and that was enough for me.
“We’re almost there, Miss. Just follow the path,” the driver announced.
After a short ride, the car stopped and we arrived at a beautiful garden, decorated with flowers and twinkling lights. “Wow!” Naty pressed her face against the window.
“Yes, wow,” I stared, even more curious about what Alessio had planned.
We exited the car, and I held Naty’s hand tightly as we followed the stone path. “Why are we here, Mommy?” Naty asked. “And where is Alessio?”
“I don’t know, Nat. I wish I could tell you,” I sighed, and just as we reached the end of the path-he revealed himself.
“Finally!” he called out, pointing at his watch. “You’re twenty minutes late. I was afraid you weren’t going to show up.”
“Don’t blame me, blame your driver!” I laughed, noticing he seemed unexpectedly nervous-a rare sight.
Naty freed her hand and sprinted towards him with open arms. Alessio lifted her into the air and twirled her around as giggles left her mouth.
“Do you like my dress?” Naty asked after he set her down.
“Yes, you look like a princess,” Alessio smiled warmly.
“And do you like mommy’s?”
“I do,” Alessio spoke. I caught his gaze, and I instantly cracked a smile. Once I got closer to him, I placed my hands on his arms, wanting nothing more than to kiss him. However, I didn’t for Naty’s sake because I knew she hated it.
“You look beautiful,” he said.
“You look…handsome,” I responded, roaming a hand over his suit.
“Yes, we all look pretty-now can we eat?” Naty stood in between us with a pout. “I’m really hungry.”
Alessio and I laughed at each other. He led us to the table where we sat down. Amazed, I glanced at the food in front of us. Lasagna, fried rice, garlic bread-all of Naty’s and my favorite dishes.
“You did this on purpose, didn’t you?” I pointed out as my heart melted at the gesture that might’ve seemed small to him-but was big to me.
“Yes. I’m glad you noticed,” Alessio confirmed. “I would’ve loved to tell you I made it, but I didn’t.”
His honesty made me burst into giggles. “Well, maybe next time.”
~
Naty initiated a game of ‘I spy with my little eye,’ just like she had done on the first plane ride we took together with Alessio.
Back then, I was too nervous to breathe near him and too focused on hoping Naty wouldn’t say anything out of line.
This time it was different. Tonight, I felt at ease and joined in on the fun without any worries.
“Now it’s my turn,” Alessio spoke after Naty was finished. His eyes were focused on me, and I raised a brow, giving him a questioning look.
“What color do you see?” Naty tapped her tiny hands on the table, full of anticipation.
“Pink,” Alessio smiled at me, not breaking any eye-contact. Meanwhile, Naty’s eyes searched to guess what he was hinting at.
“You’re not going to find it yet,” Alessio chuckled. “I need both of you to close your eyes.”
It took nothing more than a shrug before I complied and closed my eyes. Going back and forth with someone as stubborn as Alessio and asking why and how would be a waste of my time because at the end of the day we both knew I was going to close my eyes.
Even though my eyes were closed, I picked up on his movements with my ears.
What was he up to?
“Open,” Alessio said after a moment, and when I did-Naty released a loud, excited gasp. I looked down at her open hand, and she held a small box.
Why?