Seven Saviours

Seven Saviours (Chapter Two)

Chapter Two: Durante Valentina

I was annoyed. I can't believe my genitori, (parents) were sending me off to yet another private school! But here I was, standing in the busy airport, awaiting my boarding call. The only difference was that this one would be in the United States America. It all started with a silly little letter...

It was a beautiful day, una bella giornata, and I had just come in from playing outside with my friends. I walked into the restoraunt my family, mia famiglia, owned, and was welcomed by the delicious smells of freshly baked bread, pastires, biscotti, pasta and minestrone soup. I sat down at my usual table by the window.

"Good afternoon mio figlio!" Came my fathers strong voice from behind the counter.

"Good afternoon, Padre." I replied My older brother Mario brought me a delicious looking sandwhich and some soup.

"Enjoy, fratelliono." He said with a smile. My brother worked part time in the restoraunt to earn some extra money, so he knew exactly what I liked to eat for lunch.

"Grazie, Mario." I replied. Just as I had started to eat some of the hot soup, Gonzalves the mail carrier ran into the shop.

"Ehh Gonzalves!" Came my fathers loud voice, once more. "Good to see you today! Care to sit and join us for lunch?"

"No, grazie Mr. Valentina. I've got alot of work to do. But, I do have a letter for your son Durante!" came his reply My head shot up.

"Really?" I asked Gonzalves nodded his head and handed me a crisp white envelope from his mail satchel.

"Grazie." I said

"Your welcome, Durante. Have a nice day everyone!" he shouted, and with that he ran out the door to continue his deliveries. My father came and sat down across from me.

"Come on then." he said "Open la lettera!" I quickly tore open the envelope and pulled out the letter.

"Dear Master Durante Valentina.." I began. My brother Mario came and took the letter from me before I had a chance to continue.

"Hey..!" I said. Mario held his hand up to me as he finished scanning the letter.

"Padre." he said "This is not good. Mama must see this." My Padre stood up, took the letter, and after a moment nodded to Mario.

"Indeed Mario. Let's go find Mama in the gardens. Durante, stay here. I will return." and off they went. I was speechless. What could that letter have said that upset my Padre so?

I found out at dinner. It was very silent. The only time anyone spoke was when we said grace, and then once or twice to ask to pass the salt. Finally, I broke the silence.

"Padre, Mario... What did la lettera say that came for me?" They exchanged a quick glance. Mama took a sharp intake of breath. Finally, Padre spoke.

" La lettera" he began "Said that you had been invited to attend a... errmmm... "

"Special." My Mama helped him Padre nodded.

"Yes, a special academy for boys and girls, who are, I believe they said, 'exceptional'." He finished. I was shocked for a moment. I had been to two private schools in Italy already, and I wasnt looking forward to having to go to another one.

"Where is this school? Rome?" I asked. Another glance was shared between my Mama and Padre.

"No, bambino." My Mama said

"Then where?" I asked once more. There was a long, silent pause.

"It is in the United States of America." Mama finished.

So here I am in the airport, waiting for my boarding call. Apparently, six other children, sei altri bambini, would be getting picked up on the same jet as I would be. A young woman walked up to me.

"Are you Master Durante Valentina?" she asked

"Si. Yes I am." I responded

"Wonderful. Please follow me. Your jet has arrived." When I saw the jet, I had only one thought. This was going to be fun.