Pleased To Meet You

A New Place

We never told you about your grandfather because you know, he's a really bad person. But don't you ever worry, he won't hurt you and even if he comes out of jail, I would never let him do something to you. The only thing I hope for him is to understand that everything has done was evil, psychotic and outrageous. 

Anyways, while all of this was happening I noticed that neither Giovanni or me were actually moving forward. We were barely speaking and when we talked we'd only argue about my father, so I took the hardest decision I've ever made. I decided to take a break from all this pain. I asked Gio if we could just take a step back and give us some time to heal. We both needed space  in order to have a better relationship and stop hurting each other, so I packed my bags and left for six months. 

When Camilla asked me for a time out it felt necessary. I didn't know how to talk to her anymore and I didn't want to hur her. The best thing we both could do was to be alone for a little while to heal but I your mother needed more time than I thought and that was okay because I can't imagine how she felt. I think we lost ourselves among all the pain and suffer we went through.

For six months I tried to rebuild myself all over again. I can't say it was pretty easy because it takes a lot of courage to move forward on your own. Aunt Christine used to visit me from time to time. She knew where Camilla was and she would let me know how she was doing. Your Aunt Lucy came to visit for a couple of days but she had to leave to get to her new job in Venice. Sometimes it was really lonely but I knew your mother one day would get back and I needed to be ready to welcome her. 

On December 24th I started decorating the house. I know, it took me long enough to actually do it but you know me, I respect the Bartolini's Christmas traditions. 

All the house looked very Christmassy except for one room. One which we never entered because since your mother had left we locked it but I thought it was time to get some closure. I went to the cabinet, opened the lower draw and took out the key. I opened the door and saw the nursery covered in dust. I turned on the lights and well, it was hard not to feel like I used to but I manage to keep it all to myself. A few tears were running down my face and for a moment I just tuned out. I started to remember how I felt when I met your mother, how we fell in love and even though we really had a tough time nothing could ever keep us apart. Not even the distance between us. 

When I was about to close the door I felt someone holding my hand. It was Camilla. She was back home. 

Camilla: Do you remember when we bought that little horse?

Giovanni: Yeah. We found it in that old store when we went to Paris. We also bought the curtains.

Camilla: That's right... It feels like time has stood still in this room. 

Giovanni: Yeah... I'm glad you're back though. 

Camilla: I'm glad to be here too because I ready to begin again. 

Giovanni: I've missed you so much. 

Camilla: Me too. I'm sorry for leaving-

Giovanni: It's okay. I understand you needed your time and honestly, I'm ready to begin again too. 

Camilla: I think we had enough waiting and I just can't stand to be away from you. I'm here to stay.

Giovanni: Merry Christmas, babe. I love you.

Camilla: I love you, honey. Merry Christmas. 

The reason your mother left was because the doctor told her that she wouldn't be able to have another child but we never stopped loving the idea of starting a new family. A few months later we decided to go back Alessandria for a little vacation and I ran into my social worker. The one who found me that precious home with the Bartolinis. She looked older but my last name remembered her about me. She told us they were trying to find a home to a little baby boy. Camilla wanted to see him, so we went for a quick visit. When we held you it was like we were destined to meet him.