Calculated Coincidence

Forty Five

ALESSIA AMATO

I stare at the photos on the wall. Mia had to leave for work and I'm left all alone, wondering why there are some photos of me and my coworkers missing.
My phone ringing pulls me away from wondering and I finally pick up a call from my father since God knows how long.

"Hello?"

"Alessia." My father greets. "How are you?" He sounds surprised to hear me and I have to admit that it's also weird to hear his voice after such a while.
However it's not unpleasant, it actually brings a small smile to my face.

"I've been better." I scoff.

"Your mother told me what happened. I'm sorry."

"For what?" I ask, feeling petty and wanting him to admit to his faults.

"I feel like this is all my fault. I'm the one that told him about you." His words are not ones that I expected.

I thought the man would say something along the lines of I'm sorry that I almost made you marry a stranger or something.

"What?"

"When I met Liam I thought he was the perfect man for you and when he suggested proposing to you, I thought this happens una volta ogni morte di papa! We can't miss this opportunity!" Dad explains. "But now I see what an awful thing I've done to you. I'm sorry, Alessia." His voice full of sincere regret.

"It's fine, dad. You only wanted what you thought was best for me."

And he probably did, my dad's always wanted what's best for his family. His impulsive and impatient nature often clashed with that and the results were not always entirely positive but his intentions were always pure.

"I didn't think he'd be a damn liar! I'll rip his tongue out when I see him!" The old man grumbles.

"No need, I'll do it first." My muttered reply causes him to chuckle and I smile in return.

"I think your mother's coming over to see you."

"Okay, thanks for letting me know. Bye, dad."

"Bye, amore. Take care."

A moment after I end the call the doorbell rings. I open, expecting mum but all that greets me is a large bouquet of vibrant sunflowers on the floor. I lean outside the door and search for that sneaky man but there's no one to be seen.

I take the heavy flowers and close the door. Their smell fills my nose and I search for a card because that's so his style. When I find it, I can't help but smile.

I adore you.
- your L. S.

LIAM SMITH

I know I shouldn't but I couldn't help myself. Besides, my love forbid me from spying on her by using the cameras, she didn't mention anything about following her and her mother to the dog park.

Leaning against a tree outside the fence, out of her line of sight, I feel like the old days when we haven't met yet and all I could do before I put my plan to motion, was stalk her. The stunning woman looks gorgeous in her tight, brown top and beige pants. Her hair drapes down her shoulders and her full, pink lips smile but the smile isn't quite right.

From all the way here I can tell her chocolate eyes seem sad. It's ridiculous that I can't overcome this dreadful distance between us and take her into my arms, breathe in her sweet scent, kiss her soft lips.

A dog walks up to Alessia, wagging its tail. The woman notices it and starts petting it, although her brows are furrowed. The dog is larger and its coat is light. Does it remind her of Lessie?

My love rubs her cheek, most likely a tear running down her flawless skin, and that's the answer to my question. Her mother leans towards her, her hand rubbing her daughter's back, probably asking what's wrong. The younger woman laughs it away. Her laugh fake as it can be.

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*author's note*

Una volta ogni morte di papa (Italian) - Italian saying meaning once in a blue moon
Amore (Italian) - Love