Accidentally On Purpose

c i n q u e

➴ Emilia ➶

I slid the button to answer the call. 'Ciao, Papà.' I greeted my father with as much enthusiasm as I could've mustered. I missed him terribly. He was currently on a cruise.

'Ah, mia figlia.' – ah, my daughter – his gravelly voice responded. 'Mi manca la tua voce, e voi, naturalmente.'

I miss your voice, and you of course, he said. I cracked a smile. My dad always knows how to coax one out of me.

'Mi manchi troppo, Papà.' I replied.

I miss you too, dad. [A/N: This is the translation!]

'Come ci si sente ad essere a casa?' he queried.

How does it feel to be home?

'Strano. Sono passati cinque anni , dopo tutto.' I said wistfully, twirling a piece of my hair.

Strange, it has been five years, after all.

'Capisco.'

I understand.

We talked about a few random things for a while, before I noticed Ace waving at me from our table. Our food had arrived.

'Devo andare , Papà. Ti amo.' I breathed.

I have to go, dad. I love you.

'Io ti amo mio caro.'

I love you, my dear.

'Prenditi cura di te!' Take care of yourself, he reminded me, before I hang up and stole another glance at the sun retreating beneath the crystalesque waves; I dashed shamelessly toward my dinner.

Ace left me to finish dinner by myself.

'You'll be fine, Princesa.' he said with an eye roll, before he hurriedly left La Grotta, for an unknown reason.

I'd be lying if I told you that I wasn't peeved, because I definitely was. But, I didn't need that petty excuse of a man anyways. I could dine by myself. I'd probably find dinner more enjoyable without his stupid remarks. Valentina shot me an apologetic and knowing look when she came upstairs and saw his retreating figure, he placed his hand on her shoulder and told her something, before he bounded down the stairs.

And indeed, I enjoyed dinner without him. The risotto was mind blowing. After I devoured my dinner I tapped away on my phone for a little bit, when I felt a tap on my shoulder. Valentina had returned.

'Dessert?' she inquired, holding out a menu surely filled with mouthwatering, sweet treats.

I don't want to take advantage of Ace's money...

'It's on me.' Valentina offered, noticing my reluctance. 'To make up for my brother's abruptness.'

I tapped my chin in thought. 'Okay.' I relented, taking the menu from her. I wasn't about to turn dessert down. My mother would surely be displeased if I did. 'Thanks, Valentina.'