It's in Our Blood

Prologue III: Giovanna Rose Deluca

14 years ago...

Carina was over pregnancy; she was so uncomfortable. The backaches, having a bladder the size of a pea, heartburn, the list could go on. As time progressed, she continued to stay with her grandmother who insisted she move in for the time being. Theresa was ecstatic to have another grandchild, a great-grandchild and she loved being able to spend time with Carina. It was the best of both worlds; she would have both of her grandbabies under the same roof as her.

Carina was 38 weeks pregnant and was ready to have this baby out of her. She was constantly experiencing backaches, heartburn, fatigue, and the frequent urination.  It was Sunday evening, most of the family had left except for her older cousin Gabriella and her great aunt Stella. They were sitting around the kitchen table playing a game of Scopa.  They sat there sharing the latest family gossip and laughs.

"Nonna! Put that card down you are cheating!" Carina said as they all laughed as Theresa put the card back down. It was something she had done when the kids were younger and still learning the game to see if they would catch on. As kids they thought it was the funniest thing, and even now they still had fun with it.

They had just finished their game, Theresa of course winning.

"Nonna, maybe if you did not cheat, I would have won" Gabriella said since she was right behind Theresa in the score count.

Carina and Stella just laughed even more. No matter how many times they played, Theresa usually won 99 percent of the time, especially against Gabriella so she was convinced there was still something fishy going on.

Carina got up from the table to get the tea pot and went to pour some more tea for everyone. "Gabi you shuffled and dealt the cards, how would she have cheated, we watched her every move." The three of them laughed, Gabi eventually joining in on the laughter. "Oh shit." The three women at the table looked over to her as they saw Carina's hand on her stomach and her other now rested on the counter. "My water broke." The women quickly rose from where they were sitting and immediately got to work, helping her out of the house and getting her to the hospital.

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The loud sound of her baby crying filled the hospital room. Carina had tears running down her face, relieved that she was finally done with the pregnancy, relieved that her baby was good. "Alright mama, meet your baby girl." The nurse placed the 7lb 6oz baby on Carina's chest, with Theresa looking over at her Carina and her newest grandchild in awe.

Giovanna: A gracious gift from God. Carina knew she wasn't too religious, but she had faith it was instilled in her growing up, saying grace before meals, and consecutively going to church during adolescents. She knew motherhood wasn't going to be easy, but she knew her daughter was going to be her biggest blessing in life. And she was right, the moment she laid eyes on her she was hooked.

Carina did not take her eyes off her daughter; she didn't want to. She wanted to take in every detail. She took her index finger and traced her way through her features. "Nonna, I want to introduce you to Giovanna Rose." She said with a smile kissing the top of Giovanna's head. As she carefully transferred her daughter into her grandmothers arms. Tears formed in Theresa's eyes as she remained focused on her first great grandchild. Who she was so happy to be able to be around for.

11 years ago

Giovanna was now 3 years old, and they were still staying with Theresa. Selfishly, Theresa loved having both of them there. Other than Sunday dinner's her house used to be pretty quiet throughout the week, especially when Carina had started university. She understood everyone was busy, but it was harder when Carina had been coming around less. She was used to her coming by almost daily. Now she got to see her on a regular basis, and she now had a new addition.