Chapter 9
CHAPTER 9
T he Gift
Symphony
A year later …
I’ve been getting into fights in school. Uri and Michael have talked about homeschooling me. It would be easier, but I would be isolated.
Michael doesn’t want that for me. However, my temper and the incidents are drawing attention. It’s not my fault. The girls at school are mean to me.
I try to ignore them, but some days, I’m too overwhelmed to block them and everything else out. I’m never the first to hit. They are the ones who put their hands on me.
I have learned to defend myself, so I do. Can anyone blame me for that? I just hate making Michael angry and he gets really angry when I get into fights.
“Symphony, come and sit. It will be okay,” Annabella says from her seat on the couch.
I’ve been pacing since I got home. I haven’t been able to calm down, no matter what I try. My nerves are all over the place and I’m overwhelmed with anxiety.
I start to walk on my toes as my nerves get the best of me. I did beat Sandra down pretty bad. She picks on me the most.
After my first six months of being married, I wanted to be different. I stopped tearing out my hair and asked Annabella to help me cut my hair off so it would grow back evenly. Sandra has made fun of my honey-brown fro whenever she gets a chance. She and her friends are always teasing me.
They are mean and hateful. I don’t regret beating Sandra up. She slapped me, then pushed me to the ground and stepped on my hand.
“Where is she?” Michael’s voice booms through the house.
I stop pacing and turn for the doorway as I wring my hands. It’s all I can do to keep from tapping my fingers and chewing on my tongue. The music has been loud today.
I’m trying my best not to listen to it. That’s why I allowed Sandra to get to me. I couldn’t ignore her and the music.
Michael storms into the room and his eyes land on me. Adriano, my security guard who comes to school with me, is right on his heels. I want to groan. Adriano tells Michael everything.
“That is it. I’ve had enough. This shouldn’t be happening. It stops now. If the headmaster won’t stop them, I will,” Michael seethes as he cups the side of my face.
I glance at my husband’s handsome face. He looks angry but also concerned. Michael has changed so much in the last year.
His eyes have become more like Uri’s. There is a darkness within them. I look away quickly.
“I’m sorry,” I murmur.
“For what?”
“You are angry with me.”
“ Mia cara , I am not angry with you. I’m angry that those kids are always targeting you. I am angry with myself for not stopping this personally sooner.
“I noticed at breakfast that you were having a bad day. I should have kept you home. I knew you were overstimulated as you walked out of the door,” he says.
“I will do better. I can do better.”
He pulls me into a tight hug and it’s like what I’ve needed all day. I wrap my arms around his waist and tap my fingers against him. The music begins to make more sense and it’s soothing.
“I have something for you. Come with me,” he says softly.
He takes my hand in his and leads me from the room. I’m surprised as he takes me to the sunroom, where I love to read and paint.
My eyes grow wide when a grand piano comes into view. Michael takes me over to the bench seat and sits me down. I look up at him and he kisses my forehead.
“This is for you, little one.”
“Thank you, Michael. Thank you,” I gasp.
I turn to the piano and begin to play. I’ve never played one before, but I play the notes playing in my head. For once, it feels like my fingers are doing what they have always wanted to do. I have never been more calm.
“You’re incredible,” Michael says as he sits beside me and bumps me with his shoulder.
I look at him and smile. He is always so kind to me. This is the best gift ever.
“Can I play with you?”
I nod and still my fingers. Michael rolls up the sleeves of his dress shirt, then he places his hands on the keys. I smile as he begins to play “Für Elise.” I love this song.
Classical music is my favorite. I close my eyes and follow the notes he is playing. I listen closely to keep up with him.
Soon, I’m lost in the music and a sense of peace washes over me. My bad day is forgotten, and I wish it could always be like this. When we stop playing, I open my eyes and look at Michael’s face.
He’s smiling back at me. His blond hair has fallen into his eyes, showing he’s not much older than me. A boy who is becoming a man with great responsibility.
I now understand the burden I have become to him. However, he never makes me feel like that’s the case. I turn away as butterflies fill my belly.
“That was amazing, Symphony. I would never know you’ve never played before. This is yours. Play whenever you want. Let this room be your happy place, Sim.”
“Sim?”
“Yes, Symphony Isabella Mansilla, right?”
“Yes, that is right, Michael Zuko-Donati.”
“Donati, Sim. Just Donati. We are Donatis.”
In this moment, I believe I have fallen in love with my husband. Michael Donati has given me the greatest gifts. A piano and a name. I will cherish both.
Michael
“A piano? You gave our little one a piano?” Nico says as he sticks his head into my office.
Looking up from my computer, I then frown. I didn’t know he was home. The sound of Symphony playing fills the house.
I glance at the clock and smile. It’s a good thing we don’t have close neighbors, although she plays beautifully and I’m sure they wouldn’t mind. The only thing that might be a problem is the fact that she’s been playing “Für Elise” repeatedly for the last few hours.
“I thought you, of all people, would be happy to see it.”
“I am. However, judging by the hour and the fact that Annabella says she’s been playing since you gave it to her this afternoon, I don’t think I’ll ever get any playing time. I didn’t know she could play.”
My smile grows. I had no idea either. I had planned on getting her lessons. However, when I saw her slightly bruised cheek after Adriano told me what happened in school, I knew giving her the piano was the right thing to do.
Symphony tries so hard to be perfect. I always tell her to be herself and do what makes her comfortable, but teenagers can be cruel. I know it’s overwhelming for her.
I remember how confusing and frustrating that time of my life was. It wasn’t that long ago. I remember needing an outlet when I came home from school. I wanted to give her that. I was happy to learn she could play.
“Neither did I. I bought it on a hunch. Turns out she’s a prodigy.
“I plan to find her a school for music. She obviously loves it. It might be the best thing to send her away.”
“Why is that?” he asks curiously.
I take a moment to think about whether or not to share this information with my brother. Nico lives in a different world. While I’ve told him why I married Symphony, I haven’t gone into great detail about what that means for our future.
“Things are changing. Don Locatelli and his nephew have invited Uri into something that could change everything for Sim and me.” I shrug. It’s most of the truth.
The Locatellis want to talk to Uri about joining an alliance they are forming. I’m still learning about it and digging for more information for Uri to consider the invitation. I’m interested. It sounds like the opportunity I need to gain the upper hand with Leonardo Trovati.
“Sim? Cute. I like it. You know I don’t follow the family business, but why would you need to send her away. She’s been doing so well here, no?”
I pull a hand down my face. Symphony has done great in the last year. I’m watching her flourish.
If not for the bullies at school, I’d say she’s been doing wonderful. She’s happy most of the time and so smart. Annabella talks to her about her university studies all the time.
My mind is blown when Symphony engages with Annabella as if she sits in the lecture halls with her. My wife holds some of the most intellectual conversations I’ve ever heard, and in the next moment, you realize you’re talking to a child.
“Yes, she’s doing well, but I don’t know how much longer Italy will be safe for her. Uri’s decision will affect everything. I need to place Symphony far away from any of us.”
Nico pushes off the doorjamb and makes his way fully into the office to take one of the seats before my desk. I notice he looks tired. His season has been up and down this year.
He’s playing great but the same can’t be said for the rest of his team. It looks like that might be taking a toll. I’m sure Annabella nagging him for a visit hasn’t helped.
“You are twenty. You could be out partying, but you are here taking care of a young girl, along with taking care of your duties with our brother. You take on responsibilities beyond you. I admire this, little brother.
“Your heart is a good one. If you think you need to send her away, I believe you are making the right choice for her. Although it might break her heart,” he says after seeming to sit in thought.
“I have considered this, but I will always make my decisions based on what will keep her safe.”
“Do what you must, Michael. I will miss her. I look forward to coming home and seeing her.”
I fall back into my seat. I will miss her as well. Our talks always brighten my day.
After I’ve had to go to that dark place to take a life, I’ve become accustomed to basking in her light. However, the goal has always been to keep her safe. I don’t believe staying here with me is the best choice.
I sigh as my thoughts weigh heavily. “We shall see what comes of this. If the music is bothering you, I will ask her to go to bed for now.”
“No, leave her. I will go to my wing. The sound may help me to sleep.” He snorts. “She has never played? Lei è un genio .”
“Yes, that she is. A genius indeed.”