The Secrets We Share

Party #2

We had finally reached home after receiving a lift from Gio and were now sat down at the dinner table with Angelica but no Mr Moretti or Leo.

I assumed this was a natural occurrence, them being absent from dinner, especially Leo; But suddenly, Angelica got up from the table and marched straight into the kitchen were me and Gia heard her angrily complaining, in Italian, to someone on the phone, I believe.

We both looked at each other, as the complaining kept going, whilst getting gradually louder and Gia finally whispered, "this happens a lot, by the way. My mamma getting frustrated at pappa because he always promises to finally come home for dinner and then calls her saying, he can't make it".

I felt this sudden, pang of guilt for Gia and Angelica. I know I don't actually understand their home situation so I can't comment on it but I know all too well how it feels to have an absent father; I couldn't even tell you the last time I spoke or heard from my lame, excuse of a dad.

Angelica not soon after came charging into the room and sat back down in her chair again. I could feel the fumes radiating from her body, she was very pissed off. "I'm sorry Aliyna, it seems Alessio can't make it to dinner tonight but he apologised and has promised to introduce himself properly at breakfast".

She smiled at me but I could tell she was furious at him still and I could understand, considering she was so excited to show us the meal she prepared all by herself, without the help of their chefs.

I looked at her and returned her smile. "It's okay Angelica, I'm just excited to try this meal you've cooked for us, Thank you". She was now beaming at us, before returning back to her graceful voice and saying, "you're more than welcome. let's do a toast".

Angelica raised her wine glass whilst me and Gia raised our glasses. "To many more meals in the future, without me burning down the kitchen in the process". We all laughed and raised our glasses to that, before tucking into the food.

I will say, it was some of the most rancid food I'd ever eaten but there was something about it that made it feel yummy, in a weird way. Probably because of the love and hard-work I knew Angelica put into it for me.

Around an hour later we'd all finished eating and gossiping about things I had no real idea about and yet still enjoyed myself. And now I was helping their staff clean the dishes, even though they insisted I didn't have to but it's what I used to do at home, so it felt wrong not to help out.

Surprisingly, Gia came out and assisted me in any way she could because she funnily hadn't ever cleaned a dish before. Therefore, I assigned her drying duty, I made it clear all she had to do was use the teal towel to dry the plates.

Thankfully, she managed and we were done in no time. We rushed upstairs, after seeing the time and decided to start getting ready. After showering, I went back into my room grabbed an outfit and then headed back into Gia's' room. However when I went in, I noticed that she had not moved an inch from her bed.

"Gia are you feeling okay, how come you haven't moved", I wondered over to her and placed my hand on her forehead because she looked quite flushed, so I assumed it might be the start of a fever.

However when I felt her forehead, her temperature seemed, perfectly fine. You see as my mums a nurse, I know these things since she's taught me and my sisters from young, the basics. "You seem okay, is there something else bothering you". I tried to look her in the eyes but she kept avoiding my gaze. I thought that may be her way of saying she needed a bit of space, so I went to leave the room quietly but she stopped me before I had the chance.

"Aliyna wait, don't go", she finally looked at me but she seemed as though she was gonna cry. I wanted to understand the problem so I approached her carefully before seating myself next to her, "Gia are you okay, it's okay if you're not. Whatever it is, I'm sure we can sort it together, if you wanted my help". I smiled at her, whilst also wiping her tears with the long- sleeved shirt I was going to wear.