Big Love • Alcina Dimitrescu

10.

Alcina Dimitrescu POV

I was sat in the Beneviento living room with Donna drinking from a small cup of tea, "So she's not here?"

"No, sorry, she said that she was going to meet someone and that she would take awhile," Donna told me in her soft voice,

"Right. Well, I guess that's good as well because I've been meaning to talk to you about something quite serious,"

"Well, what is it?" Donna asked, showing concern in her quiet voice,

"I have developed feelings, romantic feelings, towards Marlene and I am unsure of what to do," I explained carefully.

I was unusually anxious about talking through my feelings with Donna since she is Marlene's sister, whom she shares everything with. Which I guess is a good decision because surely Marlene would've said something to Donna about her feelings towards me if she had any. It is also a very bad decision because if Marlene does not reciprocate my feelings, Donna will share my secret with Marlene meaning that not only have my hopes of a romantic relationship been shattered but also my hopes of a very good friendship between us both,

"I see," Donna responded shyly, "Well, what is it you're looking for by telling me this Are you looking for me to give you advice or do you want me to give you a hint as to what Marlene's feelings are?"

"A bit of both, if you don't mind Donna," I responded equally as shy. It is very unlike me to become shy when talking with someone, normally I have no problem with speaking my mind and talking the ears off of anyone who is within range. But this is something I've only recently come to terms with myself, I don't quite know how I'll react to the news that I have no chance of ever being with Marlene,

"Well, Marley has never personally told me that she has romantic feelings for you," Donna replied awkwardly, causing my heart to break a little, "But," Donna continued, restoring a tiny bit of hope in me, "I have eyes and I can see how she lights up whenever your name is mentioned in conversation or how she can't seem to draw her attention away from you whenever you are around,"

"So, that means what?"

"That it is a possibility that she has feelings for you, but just never mentioned it to me," Donna went quiet, she seemed sad. I am taking a wild guess at the emotions I can't see on her face due to her vail,

"I'm sure she likes you the way you like her," Angie continued in her shrieking voice. I have had to become quickly used to Angie, whenever I talk to Donna, even on the phone, Angie will take over for Donna, sometimes even mid sentence Donna will just stop talking and Angie will take over for her. It is a very unusual situation for me to be talking to a doll like it is a human with emotions and socialising skills. Marlene has spent the time to explain what Donna's mental stability is like and Angie seems to be the only way she feels comfortable expressing her opinions and her emotions without feeling anxious and sad, I enjoy my conversations with Donna over tea, so if I have to talk through this creepy little doll, so be it,

"So what should I do about it then? Do you think she would feel overwhelmed if I sprung it on her randomly?" I asked I am now getting excited about the fact that someone as beautiful as Marlene could like me back, the last thing I want to do is lay all of my feelings on her all at once and freak her out so much that she runs away from me,

"You have cooks," Angie shrieked, "Put them to good use,"

"Yeah," Donna whispered, "Make her a nice meal and talk to carefully,"

"Yeah, that's a good idea," I can make Marlene her favourite meal and I can ease her into the news, "Yes, that is exactly what I am going to do. I must go and prepare the details."

I stood from my spot on Donna's sofa and walked toward the front door. The whole way back home, I was thinking endlessly about what I could do to make this date so special, our first official date. I will ask on Marlene on a date and hopefully, she will say yes. 

Please Mother Miranda let her say yes.

[Rewritten]