𝑨 𝑵 𝑫 𝑹 𝑨 𝑫 𝑬

I K I

CHAPTER TWO

Amalfi ,

"Come on , Nile  , Zia Marcia is waiting for us . Gather the fish ". She pulled at the ropes and pulled the small wooden boat closer to shore .

"Yeah whatever , I know already ". Nile grumbled gathering the fish and placing them apart in small baskets . Tilapia , crab , lobster and crayfish . A small white cloth placed onto them as to keep away the pests. 

The potent smell of fish filled the air . Small boats swayed along the shore as the two siblings gathered their supplies and what they had caught. "Is this really happening? Carlia Is getting married?" Nile asked as they gutted the fish and tossed the scales and other things into a small bag to throw out later .

"Yeah I guess , its surreal and I can't believe that she is finally leaving ". Sonya said with a chuckle as tears welled up "makes me feel kinda old . It's a bittersweet moment ." A tear cascaded down her brown cheek and onto the the sandy shore .

"Chear up Marie , you're more than capable of finding a man suitable enough to take good care of you and Salmaa ". He reassured her .

To her family it was just a tragic moment of background and circumstance . Sonya-marie Lima  had suffered a long fight with domestic violence at the hands of the man who she had once considered to be a Gem . Guillermo Santos was his name and although he was not Italian , it seemed to have coursed through his veins through and through .

She had survived 4 long years of torture . She was free and along with it came her daughter , Salmaa . Her pride and joy .

"Let's get going , it seems like it will rain soon". She squinted her eyes up at the sky watching as grey clouds gathered overhead .

"Okay ". Nile leaned in closer to grab more of the seafood and placed them all in a basket .

***

Amalfi ,

"We're home ". Sonya yelled from the door as they entered into the home . "Oh great place the fish on that table over there , hopefully we can prepare the crayfish before dinner ". Their mother , leeda  , thought absent mindedly.

"Mama!" Saalma ran through the living room and into the kitchen . She raced forward and grabbed onto her mother's knee , hugging it to herself with a broad smile .

"My love ". Sonya kissed both her cheeks before lifting her up .
The two and a half year old buried her face into her mother's neck while her back was rubbed lovingly .

"I missed you". The 3 year old mumbled onto her neck .

"Me too , Amore ". A small chuckle leaving her as the young girl placed small kisses on her cheek.

Sonya gently placed the girl onto her feet before pulling her to the grand kitchen , something her mother took pride in . "What do you wanna eat ?" She asked her with a small smile .

"Pasta , mama" .

"Well that's what we'll be getting you . Princess ". She smiled at Salmaa as she walked toward the cabinet where all the different pastas were placed . As she made the food in the back of her mind were visions of the life she had hoped for yet couldn't grasp .

At the dinner table . All seemed to be going smoothly except for the saddened glances Sonya's aunt threw her way. 

It was time to speak on the matter. 
"Umm , Aunt I want to tell you all something ". She looked at everyone at the table . Her uncle smiling in reassurance sending her nervousness .
"Go on flower what is it ?"

"Aunty salmaa and I will be moving to the city . We won't be able to attend Carlia's wedding ". She spoke softly afraid of their reaction .

She looked at all her cousins  and then she looked at Nile , her younger brother , who silently stood from the table and stormed out of the house. 

A small sigh left her lips . She looked towards salmaa and watched with a saddened smile as her daughter ate happily.  She didn't speak further and the once chatty table turned quiet . This would be the last family dinner they would have in a while . She would be leaving soon.  Too soon ...

"When are you leaving ?" Her uncle asked .

"Tomorrow ".

A/n

Hey ,

It's been a while . I know that this chapter isn't all that but I wanted to write something to fill in the gap of her going to the city instead of her jumping straight to it .

I personally don't like it and I think I'll be changing it soon.