Him & I | Elio + Oliver

THREE | Fireworks

Wednesday, July 4th 2018

17:50

To bring a bit of American celebration to Italy, the Perlmans decided to host a 4th of July dinner in honor of Oliver. Although Elio's dad is half American, they have never celebrated Independence Day. They're not big on holidays. Other than Hanukkah. They've started celebrating Christmas two years ago, despite being Jewish. Originally a Christian celebration, Christmas turned into a more commercial holiday rather than religious.

Around six o'clock, Mafalda pulled the bell, warning everyone that dinner was ready. Elio had been warned to dress up a little for the occasion so he wore a black shirt with red hearts all over. A lot would call it a feminine piece but Elio liked it. He needs to get back in track with fashion and stop wearing those ugly 'dad' polos.

As he descended the stairs, he almost bumped into Oliver who was arriving from Mr. Perlman's office. He apologized but Oliver shook it off with a chuckle, letting Elio pass in front of him. 

Outside, the whole dinning area had been decorated with red, blue and white ribbons and balloons, going perfectly with all the American themed food who was displayed on the table. Mafalda reluctantly put aside her traditional Italian receipts for the night and cooked an array of American classics...with an Italian twist. 

Annella was helping Mafalda set all the food on the table, a glass of red wine in her left hand when the two boys stepped outside, a confused frown forming on Oliver's face. 

''What do you think? How's our attempt at Fourth of July?'' Mr. Perlman asked, coming from behind Oliver. ''I know it can't replace America but, we tried.'' 

''You did all of for me?'' Oliver asked, pointing to his chest. ''You didn't have to do that for me, Pro., this is too much-'' 

Annella shook her head, interrupting Oliver with a hand on his forearm. ''It's a pleasure, Oliver. We want you to feel at home. Just, sit down.''

''Wow, this is- I have no words.'' 

''Mom even forced us to wear red for the occasion,'' Elio added before taking a seat between Oliver and his mom. 

Oliver smiled, only now noticing Annella's red dress and Mr. Perlman's red polo. Even Mafalda had joined to the part with her red apron. ''Well, now I feel a bit like a black sheep with my green shirt.'' 

.

22:37

Once the sun was completely down, Mr. Perlman, with Oliver's help, pulled out the fireworks from their box, placing them carefully on the grass. They didn't have a lot - try finding fireworks in Cream, it's almost a mission impossible - but, it was enough for a small show. 

Marzia and Chiara joined to the festivities around nine o'clock, passing by to invite Elio and Oliver to a party at Matteo's but decided to stay and skip the party when Annella told the girls they had fireworks. 

''I haven't seen fireworks since I was seven at Disneyland.''

Elio snickered, shaking his head as he took a sip of his red sangria - an American classic. ''Still can't believe you went to Disneyland. Everyone know Disney World is the real deal.'' 

Marzia elbowed him. ''Shut up!'' 

Elio laughed and she stole his glass, drinking the remaining of his drink. ''Hey! I was planning to finish that.''

''You should've came at the restaurent this weekend. I was disappointed when Oliver showed up alone,'' the brunette said as she swirled around the last drops of sangria. ''Mom and dad were at a friend's wedding anniversary so Chiara brought Oliver home and I heard them fuck until two.''