Arranged: A Future Decided

It's Going To Take Some Time This Time

May 21st, 2018. Pulchritudo, Italy

Eva sat on her bed feeling sick to her stomach. She hated this day so so much. She looked around her dark room. The normal sunshine that shined in during the morning was inked out by heavy curtains as well as the closed shutters. Eva drew in a deep breath before standing up and dragging herself into her closet. She walked past all of her other clothes that were hung up and reached for a black clothing bag. Eva picked it up and laid it on the ottoman that was behind her. She carefully unzipped the bag and drew out the elegant mourning dress. 

Undoing her pajamas she pulled on nude stockings before slipping on the dress. Eva then crossed to the floor-length mirror before reaching for her black cloche hat and pulling it on. She then grabbed her black velvet flats and black gloves before heading for the door. She headed downstairs through the halls, her flats making a tapping noise on the cobblestone floors and stairs. She stopped by the breakfast nook and glanced in. 

Her father was sitting there wearing his black suit and looking somberly into his cup of espresso. Just like the rest of the estate, the curtains were drawn in this room and all servants had been given the melancholy day off. That was partly because the whole house was in mourning and didn't want to be bothered. 

"I-I'm going to go visit her. I'll be back in an hour or so," Eva said as she focused on putting on her gloves. 

Her father didn't say anything which didn't surprise Eva. She then wound through the halls until she made it outside. She then started the walk down the path into the woods. In there was the graveyard and old monastery that was only used for family funerals. Once she caught sight of the desolate stone building her pace quickened. When she reached the gate to the graveyard she held her breath before entering. 

She looked around at the numerous angels, obelisks, and headstones. Regardless of when the owner died the monument looked almost new. They had a small team of maybe eight people that managed the graveyard and crypt below. Despite the eerie beauty of the graves, Eva's eyes immediately spotted the marble statue of a weeping angel that stood next to a bay laurel. She loved and hated that statue. The way the angel perfectly captured her own emotions angered her. 

How dare it think it knows the agony, the heartache, the dolor. Without even knowing that she had moved, Eva found herself in front of the taunting angel. Her gaze fell down the statue, to the inscription on its pedestal.

Editta Juliet D'Abruzzio

Oct. 15th, 1964-May 21st, 2014

A loving wife, mother, and friend. Your life was stolen too soon, but may you light our way to heaven.  

Eva ran her fingertips over the inscribed letters. She smiled slightly as she traced the vines carved into the marble. 

"Hi, mama," Eva whispered as she leaned her shoulder against the statue, "I'm getting married soon, to Nikolai just as you decided."

She stopped taking in a deep breath of the fresh sea air, tinted with the smell of laurel. She thought back to her mother taking her on walks through her gardens, and the smell of laurel, viburnum, lilac, and rose would waft through the evening air taking her back to an old memory.

"Look, mi Eva," Said Editta as she picked up the little girl.

The girl looked around before pointing to a bright orange flower, "Nome?"

"Angel's Trumpet," Editta replied as she plucked one of the flowers and tucked it behind Eva's ear.

"E quello?" Eva asked as she pointed to another flower farther down.