A New Life

seventy three.

"I love you, too."

Danielle's POV

Wednesday, April 22nd

Sitting on the couch on a rainy evening, I scroll through the television channels, trying to find something to have on in the background. I land on a channel playing The Office, and decide to just keep that on.

I push the blanket I have draped over my lap off and stand up from the couch, walking into the kitchen to see Abby sitting at the island and scrolling through her phone.

"I'm bored," I say, leaning forward to rest my forearms on the table across from her. She looks up at me with an amused look.

"And what would you like me to do about that," she raises her eyebrows while smiling softly.

"I don't know, entertain me!" I exclaim, standing up straight and bringing my arms down to slap the sides of my body. I walk over to the window above the sink and look out at the rain falling from the sky. "Why has it been raining all day, it literally never rains in L.A."

"You're full of complaints today," Abby remarks.

"I'm in a bad mood," I deadpan.

"Really? I never would have guessed," she giggles, putting her phone face down on the table. I turn around and narrow my eyebrows playfully at her. Before I can say anything else, my phone begins ringing from the living room. I sigh, and walk back into the other room to find my phone. When I see Stefania's name on my phone screen, I immediately answer.

"Hi, beautiful." I say through the phone.

"Ciao, bellina," I can almost hear her smiling through her words.

"How was your day? I think this is the first time we've talked today,"

She lets out a sigh before answering. "It was okay, a little stressful,"

"Why is that?" There is a brief moment of silence.

"I'll talk to you about it later,"

"Oh...okay. Are you okay?" I ask, getting slightly concerned.

"Si, I am."

"Okay," I respond quietly. "What's up? Is there any reason why you called?" I walk back into the kitchen and sit down at the island across from Abby.

"I just needed to hear your voice right now,"

I can't help but smile when she says this, but it also concerns me slightly.

"Are you sure you're alright?" I ask her.

"I am bella, I promise."

"Okay,"

"I love you,"

"I love you, too." I smile again. "I miss you,"

"I miss you too, bambina. I can come over tomorrow if you want?"

"I would love that," my smile grows.

"Okay," she pauses for a moment. "I'll text you in the morning, bellina."

"Okay, beautiful," I say softly. "Sleep well tonight,"

"You too, bella. I will see you tomorrow,"

"Goodnight," I let out a sigh as I put my phone down on the counter after we hang up the call.

"You okay?" Abby asks me.

"I'm fine, but Stefania just seemed upset or stressed about something," I tell her.

"She'll tell you eventually if something's up," Abby says.