Heartbeat

S E V E N

《Sat. Aug. 6, 2016》

The welcoming cold of the nearing November slightly nipped at my skin that Sunday as I stood in front of my grandmother's house knocking at the door. When I heard it getting unlocked, unconsciously, my lips pulled up into a smile, I should come and visit her more often. However, instead of my Nonna's kind face, I saw Bella's beautiful face in front of me.

My smile vanished, and soon I heard her voice, "Mr. Valdez what are you doing here?"

I looked around me, is this her house? No! I remember Nonna's house very well.

"I'm here to visit my grandmother, what are you doing here?"

"Dear Belle, who is at the door?" Nonna's frail voice reached my ears, then she appeared next to Bella.

When she saw me she clapped her hands together, and smiled enthusiastically. "Nonna," I said wrapping my arms around her, as she hugged tightly nearly suffocating me.

"I missed you my child, why haven't you been visiting your Nonna, eh, perché?"

"Nonna you know how busy sometimes I get, but I promise to visit you more often."

"You better! And tell your father the same, oh next time bring Leo with you, I missed this sunshine."

"I will Nonna." I turned my head to Bella, but I found her smiling with vibrancy and happiness at grandma. When she sensed my gaze, she turned towards me, however her luminous smile quivered as she held my eyes. It bothered me, her fading smile bothered me. Deep inside I found myself yearning for that smile to be directed towards me and not someone else.

"Come in Marcello," grandma ushered me in.

My curiosity had gotten the best of me when I asked, "What are you doing here Isabella," but Nonna was quick to butt in, "You know each other dear?"

"Yes Sally, I work for him, and to answer your question sir, I'm here hanging out with Sally."

Seeing my confused expression Nonna said, "Marcello! Don't tell you've forgotten, I told you about Belle before, we met 5 years ago in the hospital."

"Oh yea.., now I remember," I don't.

"How are you then Nonna, I hope you're taking your medicines regularly."

"I am my child."

"Your condition hasn't worsened, right?"

"I'm absolutely fine, please quit worrying, let's go inside the kitchen and eat," she led us, but then Bella excused herself.

"It's alright Sally, I'll leave you to catch up with your grandson, see you later."

"None sense, Belle, you stay with us."

"No, its fine really, James will be home soon and we're going out tonight, so I need to get ready."

The mention of her boyfriend irritated me, and then of course grandma had to say, "Oh right, we can't keep him waiting now can we." She then winked Bella who blushed.

"Bye Sally."

"Cello, why don't drive Belle back home?"

Bella and I looked at grandma then back at one another, "No need Sally, I can take a cab."

"Now why would you do that when you can have a free chauffeur, you go with Marcello."

Nonna gave me a look that said, 'you better do as I say', so I could only nod my head. I know enough not to disagree with Nonna.

"Let's go then Ms. Samuels. I'll be back Nonna wait for me."

"Of course I will."

On the way of this very silent drive Bella spoke, "Mr. Valdez, can I ask you a question?"

"Is it going to bother me?"

She shrugged, "Maybe a little."

I sighed, "Ask away."

"Why don't you visit your grandma more often?"

"Why does this concern you?"

She looked at me weirdly, then said, "Because I care about Sally, a lot, and I hate seeing her sad because you don't visit her enough."

"You seem to forget that I run a whole damn company, Ms. Samuels."

"No sir I didn't forget, but I'm sure you have a few hours to spare every week."

"No, not even a bloody second."

"Why! If you want some time you know you can make it."

"Look Bella I appreciate your concern, but stay out of this. It's family matter."

"Well, Sally is family to me, okay?! You have no idea how horrible it is to feel neglected and lonely, especially by your own family," I glanced briefly at her, for a moment she was about to cry, but then she masked that away, and supplied, "That's what you and your father make her feel.

I knew she's right. Every word she said was pronouncing my thoughts, but for the sake of my dignity I couldn't back down.

"You just said she's family to you, and you seem to visit her often. Why can't that be enough?"

"Because she needs her own family!" though my eyes were on the road I heard her voice crack, from peripheral vision I could see her twisting her fingers together. "Not... not a girl she met at the hospital and was fond of." Even though her voice was a sad whisper, it reached my ears and compelled me to look at her whilst driving.

"I'll see what I'll do."

"Unbelievable! You're such a heartless person."

"Watch your words and stop meddling with our lives."

"Park the car."

I looked around the place it wasn't the address she gave me. "I don't think your house is here."

"Yeah, and I said park the car."

I did as she asked -more like demanded. "Thanks for the ride." She then yanked the door open and left it open.

"Usually people shut the door on their way out." However, Bella didn't give me two heeds and continued walking. Once I saw her getting I the cab, I turned around and made my way back to Nonna's.

What a crazy girl.

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