"I'll excuse myself now." The kitchen lady who came in to serve the new arrivals bowed, and walked out.
Valentina stared at the plate in front of her-bored, and uninterested.
She longed for the freedom of the wind.
With her camera in her hand, and her nose breathing in fresh air, her day was always fulfilled.
Inside of her, she tried not to be bitter. But it was hard not to be, when one trip had taken away her freedom.
Her hands played with the spoon in her hand, whilst her thoughts were claimed by a brief flashback.
"Belle, you can't ever go into that country. No matter the years that pass."
"But why, Nana? I'm already restricted to the house alone. Will I never taste freedom to go wherever I please? Not even out of the house."
Her eyes glistened with tears. "My sweet girl," she brushed her hair. "One day, I'll be long gone, and you'll finally be free to go out into the world. But you have to promise me you'll go anywhere but Italy.
"I want to promise, but you refuse to tell me why."
Her heart squeezed affectionately. The child might bear a striking resemblance to her mother, but she had the stubbornness of her father.
"Belle, scars are not just remnants of battles overcome. They're also a reminder of debts yet unpaid. And for you belle, your scar is your face." She stroked her face as she spoke to her.
"My face is a scar? I don't understand Nana."
"You're so beautiful, Belle. You look just like her. Even though decades passed, someone is bound to recognise you, my love. If anything happens to you, even if I'm in the afterlife when it does, I'll never find peace. Your mum and dad will not find peace either. So please, listen to me."
She pulled the little girl in for a hug, whilst her own daughter snored peacefully beside her.
"I guess I should have listened," her mind whispered, as she shifted thoughts.
Across the table, Daniela and Aurora chatted mindlessly.
"Babe, I have my dress appointment soon. You haven't told me about plans for your suit and all of that. I know the best, and finest designer if you haven't found one yet," Daniela said, brushing her hands across Luciano's wrist to get his attention.
Slowly, he tore his eyes away from Valentina who he had been observing discreetly, to Daniela.
"I already told you to handle everything to your taste. If you have a designer, call him," he said.
Her smile lit up her entire face. "I told you Aurora! When you want to get a man, get one that allows you to take creative control. So what are we saying for guests?" She turned to her friend.
"Obviously, I'm the maid of honour. I've also outlined certain friends," she air quoted. "To be part of your bridal train. We just need to settle on venue, decor, and the photographers/videographer's for the day," Aurora replied, as she ate.
On hearing a word she could use to jump into the conversation, Natalia lifted her head.
"It's too bad we're under investigation. If we're free before the d-day, Valentina could photograph your wedding. She's really good. Really good," Natalia said with a kind smile on her face.
Both girls whipped their heads towards her, their noses turned all the way up.
"No thanks, we don't need bad luck," Aurora blurted brattily.
"Bad luck? I don't understand." Natalia's lip pursed.
"So naive," Vittorio thought, as he listened with half an ear.
"I don't believe anyone who kisses my man is welcomed to my wedding. That goes for all of the women in his life prior to me. Thankfully, they're not that many." Daniela broke it down for her.
"Oh, I'm sorry for butting in. I'm just so happy for you. I think you're going to be the most beautiful bride on your day. You two make a fine couple," she said, and smiled again to show her sincerity.
"Hmmm," Daniela mused. "You know what? I think you're not half as bad as your friend. At least you're wishing me well, while she stays quiet."
"Yeah, I can smell the American ego all over that one. Which is very weird, because their names are Italian right? Am I the only one confused about that?" Aurora looked around, and then stopped her gaze directly on Natalia.
Natalia realized she wanted her to explain their names, and her legs began to wobble under the table.
She was afraid to say the wrong thing, and give their intentions away.
But everyone was looking with curious eyes.
She couldn't even look up to Valentina for help, for fear they'd see, and realize she was truly just a coward who hated confrontations.
"Yes we have Italian names," she said carefully.
"Obviously you do. What we want to know is why that is, when you both have thick valley girl accents. Or are you faking the accent? Because I really do believe that you're broke girls looking for a come up." Daniela shrugged.
"Don't be mean Danny," Aurora said as she laughed.
"You know I'm right, Ro. We've seen it happen too many times. Remember the last one—Hayley was it?"
"Oh don't get me started on that bitch. She was practically throwing herself at Nicolo. It was awful to witness!" She gestured barfing, and Daniela burst into laughter.
Natalia watched the girls interact, very much reminded of her and Valentina.
Her heart warmed. She was truly happy that Daniela, who could possibly be her sister, was very happy.
There was no amount of insults she would receive, that would change her mind about someone she already considered family.
"So back to you, American. What's your name about?" Aurora shifted the conversation back, when she was done laughing.
"Distant relatives I guess. I don't really know why we're named the way we're named. Unfortunately, we don't have living parents to explain our names to us," Natalia said.
She was proud of herself, and she hoped Valentina was proud of her too.
"Distant relatives, huh?" Vittorio, who had been silent all along, couldn't help himself anymore.
Natalia looked his way, and so did everyone else.
"Perfect," Aurora thought.
She could freely look at him without having that nose-butting Elio wink at her with mischief glowing in his eyes.
He's perfect.
The crush she carried as a girl, still held her captive as a woman.
It burned in her heart, different from the way his heart burned.
Because hers was love, and his was from a heartbreak he never recovered from.
All she wanted was a chance to heal his heart, but she was afraid.
He would never betray his friend-her brother, that way.
Although, she would never call falling in love betrayal of any sort.
"Yes," Natalia replied.
"Are your distant relatives aware of your presence in Italy? Are you staying with them? Where are you staying?" He asked multiple questions at the same time, his intent to throw her off.
Natalia realized she had been backed into a corner.
"I shouldn't have said anything from the start," she thought, whilst outwardly trying to compose herself.
Something crossed her mind, and she swiftly went with it, in hopes she was doing the right thing.
"Not really. We know of their existence, but we don't know them by name or face. We just go with what we were told. Right, Val?"
It was the perfect way to bring Valentina in, without making it look suspicious. Holding her breath, she hoped it worked.
They all shifted their eyes to Valentina. All except Luciano who was already looking at her, wondering why she was playing with her food instead of eating it.
"Hey, American? Your friend is trying to tag you in to help explain your name's origin. Don't hang her out to dry," Aurora called out to her.
Silence.
Valentina was so lost in her thoughts, she had no idea what was going on around her.
"Val?" Natalia finally looked her way, tapping her thighs as she did.
She jerked.
Luciano's stormy eyes, looking at her with so much curious intensity, were the first thing her vision caught, as she blinked into consciousness.