The Problem

CHAPTER 34

LAURA

As we are eating, my grandmother talks about what she has planned for us today. Charlie and I keep making eye contact and giggling like children. I don't know what it is, but all morning we have found things to be amusing. Once we finish eating, we get into my grandfathers Defender, with my grandmas map and grocery list. She tells us to head to the town and buy the stuff on there as well as look around the city. We get the satnav on then Charlie starts the drive, in the process we have Lana Del Ray playing on the speakers as I stare at the culture.

Tuscany is so beautiful.

"So are we going to talk about last night?"

I look at her with a smirk then touch her thigh as if it's a piece of gold, "Depends. Will this talk disappoint me?"

She chuckles, "It may not...how did you feel last night?"

"I felt rejuvenated."

Charlie bursts out into laughter, "Rejuvenated? I have never had someone say that to me."

"Okay stop reminding me of the girls from your past, when you have me here in the present."

"Yes I do baby. I also have this beauty," she says while rubbing my stomach with her free hand. "When's the next scan?"

"It should have been Friday but I've rescheduled it for Monday. So at least we aren't jet lagged by then."

For the next twenty minutes we drive hand in hand to the city, then navigate where to park. Today Charlie is wearing a khaki Ralph Lauren short sleeved shirt with cream shorts and Birkenstocks. She has her sunglasses on and her hair down, I love how long it has gotten. I'm wearing a cream maxi dress, with a khaki bag and matching sunglasses. Why not dress similar, plus it's very hot today.

Walking into the first store, it's like a thrift shop with some nice dresses hanging by the window. Charlie walks to the mens section and checks through some of the shirts. Half way through a small petite girl walks up to her and she has huge boobs which may pop out of the short dress she is wearing. I can't hear the conversation but Charlie smiles then points at me. The girl then nods and walks away to the till.

When we are finished browsing in this store, we then go to pay. The girl from earlier doesn't stop staring at Charlie. Then she tells us the price. Charlie speaks to her in Italian, which causes the girl to blush and to apologise to me which I'm confused by.

Leaving the store, I drag Charlie to the side. "What did you say to her?"

"Just that you're my wife. So she apologised for flirting," she says nonchalantly then walks away to another store.

"Charlie!"

CHARLIE

After getting some ice cream and carrying about a million bags including her grandmothers shopping, we then head back to the car. Laura grabs her kindle and starts reading while I drive us back. We've got the windows open, allowing the fresh air to hit us. The scenery is incredible here and the homes look's phenomenal. I would buy one just so I could escape to here as much as I want.

"Oh I love this song!" Laura chimes then puts the speaker to a louder volume.

It's Peggy Gou - It Goes Like.

She starts bopping her head to the music then sings, "I can't explain, I got a feeling that I just...I can't erase!!" Singing along with her, we enjoy the rest of the ride with music and wind in our hair.

Eventually parking up at her grandparents home, we grab the bags and bring them in. Her grandmother, Aubrey, is sat by the garden and she's planting. Laura walks that direction as I put the final bags inside. Her grandfather, Rupert, walks in and helps me with the bags. He's a small man, quite old but you can see the life in him.

"So. When are you both getting married? We are getting quite old now and I want to be able to see my favourite grandchild walking down the aisle."

I choke on my water, "Um I'll discuss that with her."

He laughs, "You better do kiddo. Now let's go and have a drink while they are in the garden." He guides me to the living room where he grabs a bottle of single malt scotch. He pours me some, then we begin to drink. I notice straight away that it's stronger than ever. I cough from the initial taste. "Can I ask you something?"

I nod, "Go ahead."

"How was life while living with your uniqueness?"

"My uniqueness?"

He looks down, "Yep. Uniqueness"

Ohh.

"It was hard," wrong choice of words, "at first...but then I learnt to embrace that I'm different. Some may say it's abnormal but it's boring being normal."

He nods with agreement, "Yes exactly that. We are all special in different ways...Now drink up."

Thank the lord almighty that this conversation is finished.

Laura and her grandmother then walk back inside with Laura wearing a small yellow flower behind her ear. It's such a heartwarming smile. She's just so perfect.

"I think these two need to go on a walk," Aubrey mumbles to Rupert.

I finish my drink then walk out not before saying thank you to them both. Once we head outside, we walk down a path and just follow it. There are so many beautiful houses with such amazing colours. The air just smells of fresh pastries and farm life as there's a local bakers just near by. A man then walks past us with a horse and milk jugs. This place is filled with modern day technology but still holds its original beauty. Almost as if I'm in a world which enjoys life a lot more than a phone.

"Your grandad asked me when we are going to get married."

She laughs, "We would have to start dating first."

"Well, Laura Reed. Would you like to be my girlfriend?"

She stops and stares at me with a raised brow, "Seriously?"

"Yeah. Why not? We've been playing cat and mouse for too long." I place a kiss on her lips, savouring the moment as we start to watch the sun set. The sky is a beautiful purple with orange tints.

"Why not?" She mumbles while blushing.

My phone pings, it's another message from David.

We need to talk. It's important. Call me when you can - D