Broken Wings (1st part)

Chapter 9. Victoria

Victoria couldn't seem to get Leonardo out of her mind. She had no idea what had happened between them. Why was he so tense? Why did he simply turn and walk away? Did she offend a new acquaintance with her words? After all, she just said what she was thinking!

During the day, Victoria searched the school corridors for the young man to find out what had happened. Leo, on the other hand, was nowhere to be found.

The girl decided that if the opportunity arose, she would speak with Leonardo the following day. She was concerned about the situation. Her words seemed to have the greatest impact on Leonardo. All day, she was haunted by the image of his sad eyes.

Victoria came home from class. Normally, the girl dashed to the ballet studio at lunchtime. However, in honor of the first day of school, the ballet school has declared a day off.

Mom was preparing dinner while she awaited her daughter's return. Mrs. Wilson was very interested in learning more about the new school. The spicy aroma of vegetable stew permeated the entire house. The woman enjoyed cooking and was always adding spices to her dishes. Garlic, paprika, rosemary, and turmeric aromas filled the house. Chloe Wilson didn't forget to add her favorite pinch of curry to the dish for a touch of spiciness.

The woman was already setting the table. She displayed her favorite handmade plates, which were painted with oriental ornaments. They were brought from India over 5 years ago and have become a must-have for any meal at the Wilsons' house.

"How did you find the first day? Have you made any new friends? "Mrs. Wilson started the conversation.

From the outside, it appeared that two friends, not a mother and daughter, were conversing at the table.

"Everything went as I expected, Mom," Victoria shared her impressions of the teachers and classmates. She spoke enthusiastically and thoroughly about the upcoming training program.

The mother and daughter had a close, trusting relationship. They shared information and experiences. Mrs. Wilson was a psychologist as well as a writer. She was always able to give her daughter wise advice.

"I think I offended one guy at school," Victoria explained. "His name is Leonardo. We crossed in the parking lot, and I accidentally took his spot. He offered to show me the location of the administration office."

Mrs. Wilson perked up and listened intently at this point in the conversation. Her daughter was talking about a young man for the first time in a long time. Yes, the name "Leonardo" is still romantic. Like a love story's hero. Mrs. Wilson recalled how, as a child, she and a friend were obsessed with DiCaprio and gathered every weekend at a friend's house to rewatch the film "Titanic." Where did those carefree days go?

"On the way," Victoria continued, "we got to talking. He inquired as to where I intended to study after graduation. I stated that I was planning to go to a ballet school in New York. His mother, by the way, used to dance."

Mrs. Wilson exclaimed, "What a coincidence." She was unsurprised for some reason. She had her own ideas about who we meet on our life's path.

"However, there is a very sad story. If I'm not mistaken, she stopped dancing after giving birth to Leonardo. And he also said something so horrible that she is constantly telling him that she made a mistake, "Victoria stated.

Mrs. Wilson's hands dropped the spoon. How can you say something like that to your son? His mother is most likely a very unhappy woman.

"Leonardo struck me as a strange and sad person. I inquired as to where he intended to study. His father wanted him to study law, he explained. This phrase frustrated me, "the girl went on.