Chapter 5 #2
“Of course not. I'll travel back and forth, but there will be days when I'll need to stay in Rome. Maybe most of the time at first, but we'll adjust. And you can visit; I found a great apartment not far from the studio.”
“An apartment? Why do you need an apartment if you're just going to travel?” I questioned, feeling a mix of anger and worry.
“Because hotels are expensive, and an apartment is more economical,” she said matter-of-factly, continuing her meal. My dad didn't look at her once.
“But why?” The question slipped out before I could stop it.
“I've told you, it's a fantastic opportunity. I can't stay here forever,” she replied, her tone sharp.
“You mean staying here with me?” my dad interjected, disappointment etched on his face.
“That's not how I meant it. Luna will finish school in less than a year; she could go to university in Rome or find a job there. We could all move to the city,” she said, her eyes filled with dreams.
“But what about my dental studio?” he asked.
“Oh, I'm sure there are plenty of people in Rome who need cleanings,” she countered, and I could see the pain her words caused him.
To him, the studio represented more than a business; it was a legacy passed down from his father.
Before I chose to pursue art, he had hoped I would follow in his footsteps and take over the family practice.
After dinner, I went back to my room, burying my face in a pillow.
I felt an overwhelming urge to scream and to soothe myself at the same time, a deep ache in my chest. My mind was a whirlwind, unsure of where this turmoil would lead, but it was clear that my dad was the one bearing the brunt of it all.
In a fit of anger, I snatched my hoodie and dashed outside. The road was glistening from the rain, which had started to fall again as I made my way to Marco’s house. By the time I arrived, I was completely drenched.
I rang the doorbell, and Marco’s mom opened the door with a surprised expression.
“Oh, Luna! I didn't expect to see you out this late. Come in.” She seemed unaware of the latest events as she gestured for me to head upstairs to Marco’s room. My heart sank as I knocked on his door.
“Come in,” he replied, his tone irritated, likely assuming it was his mom.
“Hey,” I said, stepping inside and leaving a puddle of water at my feet. Marco, lying on his bed with headphones on, looked up in shock. He jumped out of bed, wearing a white sleeveless shirt. I hadn't seen him in a week, and he already seemed taller.
“What are you doing here?” His voice was impossible to read.
“I miss my friend,” I confessed, my voice trembling as tears threatened to spill. “I really need a hug; I miss my best friend.” He fell silent, and I could feel frustration bubbling inside me.
“You said we could try to be friends, and yet you're taking a different bus?” I raised my voice, anger seeping through.
“Yes, I said that, but I didn't mean right away—eventually,” he replied, maintaining his calm demeanor.
“So you don't care at all? Didn't you miss me even a little?” I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me.
“Of course I did. That's why I gave you space; I would rather not push you further,” he explained.
We stood there, our gazes locked, both of us on the brink of tears. He moved to his dresser, pulled out a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, and handed them to me.
“Here, you can change into these.”
“So that means I can stay?” I asked, a flicker of hope igniting within me.
“Only if you want to,” he replied. I nodded and closed the door behind me. I changed right in front of him; after all, he had seen me naked before, but he turned away out of respect. I left my wet clothes on the floor and rushed to him, wrapping my arms around him from behind.
I held on tightly, my eyes shut, feeling his solid frame beneath my fingertips. After a moment, I loosened my grip, and he turned to face me, his gaze steady. He placed his left hand on my waist while his right hand gently brushed my cheek.
In a sudden, tender motion, he cupped my head and pulled me deep into his chest, enveloping me completely. He inhaled deeply and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead. The familiar scent of peaches and fresh cotton surrounded me, and in that moment, I felt safe—he would protect me.
As we settled into our usual position on the bed, with my head resting comfortably on his chest, I opened up about my parents and how I was feeling.
I shared updates about recent events, excluding a few details—not to deceive, but because some things were still too raw to discuss.
He remained quiet, likely aware that I needed to voice my worries, yet he held me close, offering silent support.
“I should get going; it's getting late. Will I see you on the bus tomorrow?” I asked, my eyes shining with anticipation.
“Sure, I'll be there,” he responded, his tone suggesting he wanted to make me happy.
“Alright then, goodnight,” I said, reluctantly sitting up to gather my damp clothes from the floor.
“Just make sure to bring those back, or soon I will be walking around naked,” he joked, a playful glint in his eye, as I pulled a hoodie from his drawer.
I couldn't help but smile, knowing I had borrowed more than a few of his T-shirts and hoodies.
There was something comforting about carrying his scent with me, a thought that made me blush more than I intended.
The night had already settled in, casting a dark veil over everything, and a chill lingered in the air. The rain had ceased, leaving a serene stillness that enveloped the surroundings.
As I walked along the familiar path, the shadows appeared more profound and ominous than I remembered. My heart raced as I hurried home.
Upon entering, I found my dad lounging on the sofa, a glass of whiskey in hand, but he said no word.
Mom was absent from sight. I managed a quiet “good night” before making my way upstairs, shutting the door softly behind me.
The terrace door was ajar, and my room greeted me with a refreshing coolness.
I moved closer to close it, and I felt a sudden urgency to step outside. I surveyed the darkness that crept in, swallowing the faint glow from the mountains. The air was crisp, tinged with the scent of rain; it was going to rain off and on all night long.
I closed the terrace door and grabbed a book to dive into. I
removed the sweatpants but kept the hoodie on for warmth. Climbing into bed beneath the blanket, I shivered slightly from the dampness in the air. Finding a comfortable position, I opened the book to my last page and began to read, soon succumbing to the gentle pull of sleep.