Lily Lawson's Blog: Lily's log, page 11

He remembered this house.

‘Where are we staying? A couple of nights in a hotel is all very well but we need a plan.’

‘I don’t know’ Antonio ran his fingers up Giovanna’s arm.

‘This was your plan. Let’s run away you said. No treats for you till I know there’s a roof over our heads.’

Giovanna pushed Antonio out the door.

***

Antonio was stumped.

Then he remembered this house. It was mostly empty. The farmer that owned it found it too small to be practical now he had five children. He dreamed of selling his modern larger house and moving back in when he retired.

Antonio had done some work for him when he was a student. He’d allowed him to stay sometimes in the busy season, so he was on hand 24/7 to help out. It had been decades but if the house was still there it would be a perfect hideout.

***

Giovanna was in the spa when he returned so he left the keys on the table with a note and went for a swim.

***

When he returned a grateful Giovanna was waiting with a room service menu.

‘Would you like table d'hote or something a la carte?’

She handed him the menu.

‘What’s on the a la carte menu.’

She undid her robe.

‘Let me show you.’

‘Think maybe I need both.’

‘I was hoping you’d say that.’

‘I feel so alive!’

The heat hit Giovanna and Antonio the moment they left the plane.

‘What is this place?’

‘It’s where I met Gabriella. I never expected to come here without her, but I never expected her to cheat on me.’

‘Does that mean you are reconsidering my offer?’

‘Let's not get carried away.’

‘Worth a shot.’

‘Doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy ourselves. Fancy a swim?’

‘I’m not much of a swimmer but I will come.’

***

Giovanna could feel Antonio’s eyes on her and his body in his swimwear made her more determined to snare him.

She recognised drastic action was called for, so she dived headfirst into the pool.

Antonio was almost knocked over by her barrelling towards him underwater.

‘What’s going on?’

‘We are free from all of those pesky Capaldi’s, no-one knows where we are, for the first time in years I feel a weight has lifted, I feel so alive!’

‘They’re your family.’

‘You’re not, and being with you, I mean really being with you, would make this perfect. There are better ways at having fun than swimming and I am very good at them, you won’t be disappointed and I don’t cheat, so you’re safe, it stops working we move on. what do you say? I can maybe make up for some of that neglect you must be suffering from.’

‘No strings might be just what I need.’

‘Rebounding guys back into the world is my speciality. I’m plenty woman and you’re plenty man to keep us both happy for now.’

‘What about…’

‘The past is erased. This is day one.’

‘Till it catches up.’

‘Is that a no?’

‘I never said that.’

Excited, Follow, Moss

Giovanna followed Antonio like an excited puppy. He kicked the moss out of the cracks as he stomped around the yard.

‘I know what would make you feel better, getting your own back on that cheating partner of yours.’

‘I’m not interested.’

Giovanna ran her hand down his arm.

‘Well if you change your mind….’

‘I’ll be sure to let you know.’

***

Gabriella found Antonio on the beach.

‘I’ve been looking for you everywhere.’

‘I’ve been told this is a good place to scream.’

‘Can we talk?’

‘It’s too late for that. Twenty years of cheating on me. How could you?’

‘It’s Mario.’

‘You had a choice. There is such a word as no.’

‘What are you going to do?’

‘I need time alone. Go back to the kids.’

***

Gabriella went back to the barn and together the five walked to the house. Giovanna met them at the door.

‘It’s Mario. He’s dead. Antonio’s calling the police.’

Leroy caught Gabriella before she hit the ground.

‘You should have called me if you knew he was running out of time.’

‘He was dead when we found him.’

‘We?’

‘Me and Antonio.’

‘And? Did he suffer? What?’

‘I know nothing. The doctor’s on his way, he told us to call the police.’

‘He was alone?’

‘When we went in, yes.’

‘Was someone with him when he….?’

‘I don’t know. There was no-one here.’

‘Was it you? or him?’

‘How could you ask that?’

‘If I find out one of you killed him, I will kill both of you.’

‘Leroy take your mother in the living room with the others. I will let you know when the doctor comes.’

Leroy led Gabriella into the living room where three silent faces looked at her expectantly.

Picture prompt of holiday destination

It was tempting to run away. Gabriella longed for the island paradise where she met Antonio. They had celebrated their first anniversary there and all the significant ones since. She couldn’t imagine going there without him and as things stood, she couldn’t see them going together again.

Mario needed her. The kids needed her. Even her flipping sister needed her even if she wouldn’t admit it.

Now Mario was sleeping she was walking round the place trying to decide what to do about Antonio.

***

She found the four siblings round a table in the barn where they held events.

‘How did it go with Antonio?’ Maria got her mother a chair.

‘Giovanna told him about me and Mario. They’ve both disappeared.’

‘I’m sorry about my mum.’

‘It’s my own fault, going back and forth. I can’t help thinking if I truly loved Antonio, I wouldn’t have kept cheating on him.’

‘What are you going to do now?’

Leroy gave her a drink.

‘Stay here till everything is finalised. The company has a flat in town I might move in there for a while after that till I decide what to do.’

‘We we’re trying to work out roles, make some kind of plan. The place has been neglected since dad got sick, we need to get it up to speck before the new season kicks in. I know it seems heartless …’ Andre took his mother’s hand

‘No, its best to keep busy, your father will like hearing about your plans.’

‘We’re nearly ready to tell him perhaps we can practice on you. Unless you want to find Antonio and try and sort things with him.’ Maria squeezed her shoulder.

‘Your father doesn’t need a formal presentation.’

‘We need to do this; show him we are up to the job.’

Leroy stood up and straightened his clothes.

Gabriella sipped her drink and sat up in her chair.

‘Ok if that’s what you want, I’m listening.’

By the time she arrived

Giovanna’s plan to charm Antonio suffered a setback. By the time she arrived at the front of the house, having buffed herself to A standard the bench was empty. Through the door she heard what she hoped was tension between him and Gabriella. The noise died down after she heard an inside door close. Antonio was meeting Mario. Giovanna wished she could be a fly on the wall, that trio’s chat she would find most entertaining.

***

The two men shook hands and politely chatted for a while.

‘So, let’s get to it why am I here?’

‘I want to make sure Gabriella is taken care of.’

‘I’m doing just fine in that department, never had any complaints.'

Mario cleared his throat.

‘Gabriella is important to me. I want her to be happy.’

‘Oh she’s plenty happy let me tell you.’

‘I want to make sure you are the right person for her. There has to be a reason you two never got married.’

‘I’m looking at him. She couldn’t leave you.’

‘Couldn’t leave his bed more like.’ Giovanna had come in behind them.

‘Is this true?’

In the face of Antonio’s glare Gabriella nodded.

Mario put his head in his hands.

‘Out!’

‘Now Mario don’t get excited, it’s not a good idea.’

‘Out woman! Do I have to keep telling you? Or shall I make you?’

Mario tossed the covers back.

‘Please Giovanna.’

Gabriella put the covers back over Mario.

‘If you weren’t dying…’

Antonio stormed out, followed by Giovanna.

When she opened the door, she wished

‘Gabriella’ Antonio kissed and hugged her.

‘Why are you here? What happened to it being inappropriate for you to be here?’

‘Your man wants to be meet me.’

‘Mario? Why?’

‘Maybe to give me his blessing to look after the love of his life, maybe to size up the competition, maybe because he knows no-one will refuse a dying man and he wants to max that out. How the hell should I know, I’ve never even met the man.’

‘Looks like that’s going to change.’

‘Yup sure does. You want in on this historic event or you happy for me to fly solo?’

‘I know you’d never hit a dying man but …’

‘You want to check the temperature?’

‘Something like that.’

‘I won’t hurt your precious Mario, it’s just business between you two the rest’s ancient, no need for any greenery here.’

Gabriella turned her back on him and took a deep breath. When she opened the door, she wished this wasn’t happening. She’d never imagined her two lovers in the same room, ok well not like this, maybe in some erotic dream fantasy. She knew after her lecturers to Mario on faithfulness she was a hypocrite. She just hoped Mario’s mouth and current need to be honest didn’t wreck her relationship with Antonio.

The view from her window ...

Giovanna stood in her room, the view from her window had barely changed in the intervening years since she had last stayed here.

Everything else had. Her daughter had brought a joy into her life, but she knew she wasn’t the mother her sister was.

The only man she’s ever loved was on his deathbed, having met their daughter. She wondered how life would have turned out for Lucy if she had known Mario and her siblings. Gabriella had the life she had dreamt of and threw it away because of some minor indiscretion.

Mario told Giovanna his marriage was broken beyond repair, and she had ceased her chance. She knew he only succumbed to her charms because she was Gabriella’s twin. Gabriella was the love of Mario’s life but by the time she knew it was useless she was pregnant. She’d been well paid to stay away but actually her broken heart wouldn’t allow her to return.

There had been fly by nights of all shapes and sizes but non measured up.

Giovanna decided to head back to the house and tell them she would be gone as soon as it was over. She wanted to stay for Lucy, to support her through her father’s death and funeral. She couldn’t let her down this time. Something told her if she did, she would lose Lucy for good.

***

Outside the house Antonio saw two Gabriella’s heading for him from opposite directions.

Giovanna snuck past and went to find Andre.

‘Who is that delicious specimen on the front porch?’

‘That’s mum’s partner Antonio, he just flew in today.’

‘I must go introduce myself.’

SUPPRESS FISH COOL use these three words prompt

‘So, let’s fish you out of there then.’ Lucy arrived at the top of the well. ‘You, ok?’

‘There’s a bit water here so my feet are wet and the wind’s a bit cool coming down the hole.’

‘I brought your jacket I saw it when I went to tell Andre what’s happened. He’s with my mum, I left them to it, good luck to him.’

‘Everything ok?’

‘I had to supress a laugh when he told me she’d been fighting with your mum, they’re a bit old for fisticuffs.’

‘Is my mum ok?’

‘Yes, she’s with Maria, seems they had to be separated like naughty children.’ Lucy shrugged.

‘Now here’s your ladder. I will secure it at this end but take your time.’

‘I will. What you going to secure it to?’

‘I brought your dad’s 4x4. I figured I might need it.’

‘He’s your dad too.’

‘I’m still dealing with all that, it hasn’t really sunk in, now concentrate. We need you in one piece.’

Leroy climbed up the ladder.

***

‘Thanks for getting me out of there.’

‘Here’s your jacket, put it on and I’ll drive you back, mum can check you over, she’s a first aider so she’s at least some use in that department.’

‘I’m fine.’

‘Please let her check, it would make me feel better and she needs something to do that isn’t causing trouble.’

‘Ok.’

‘Then you can talk to your dad. I will let you off the hook with the three of us till tomorrow.'

'I have to talk to Dad today?’

Lucy held him by the shoulders.

‘Leroy face facts, we don’t know how long he has, so yes today.’

‘Ok little sister.’

‘I like you calling me that big brother. I’ll get my mum. You get changed.’

‘Yes ma’am.’ Leroy saluted and went to his room.

Picture Prompt - Lake

By the time Andre and Maria reached the house Gabriella and Giovanna were squaring up outside.

Giovanna went to punch Gabriella who deflected it.

She tried to kick her legs from under her, but Gabriella jumped out of the way.

Giovanna lunged her full body at Gabriella who knocked her to the ground.

‘Mum stop it.’ Maria ran and pushed Gabriella away from her aunt’s prone body.

‘Let me at her.’ Giovanna scrambled to her feet. Andre stepped in and held her.

‘Let’s get you inside.’ Andre dragged Giovanna in the house.

‘You need a walk to calm down.’ Maria pushed Gabriella away from the house.

‘I don’t want to calm down.’

‘And I don’t want you to put Lucy’s mum in hospital there’s enough going on already.’

Gabriella sighed.

‘Where are we going?’

‘To the lake. It’s where I eat my lunch sometimes when I want some peace.’

‘I used to do that.’

***

‘We should have brought supplies.’

‘If I can trust you to stay here and behave I will go and get some.’

Gabriella laughed.

‘Not my finest hour.’

‘No mum but I do understand.’ Maria touched Gabriella’s arm. ‘You still can’t beat your sister up.’

‘She used to beat me up back when we were kids.’

‘Really?’ Maria paused her sandwich halfway to her mouth.

‘Just play fighting but she always won. She always won everything.’

‘Apart from Dad.’

Maria swigged her water.

‘Yes, apart from your father. It was kind of inevitable she’d want him too.’

‘He could have resisted.’

‘Your father could never resist any woman who threw herself at him. That was why we broke up.’

‘You kept going back.’

‘I couldn’t resist him.’ Gabriella sipped her water. ‘Antonio is a wonderful man, and I should be happy, and I am but he’s not your father.’

Gabriella took a bite of her sandwich.

‘I didn’t know you knew ...’

‘That you shared a bed every time you came back? We all knew. All kids want their parents together. While you were here you were. We didn’t think about what happened when you weren’t.’

‘Is that why none of you would come to Italy? Seeing me with Antonio would have broken that for you?’

Maria finished her sandwich.

‘What about the women your father had?’

‘They never stuck around long and most of them didn’t come here so we didn’t really think about it.’

‘In time maybe you can all come to Italy and meet Antonio.’

‘Maybe.’

***

When they got back to the house there was a man sitting on the porch.

‘Is that?’

‘Yes, that’s Antonio.’

We have to talk - prompt "Where does a child hide in a small town like this?"

Lucy fumbled her phone out of her pocket and was surprised to see Leroy’s name on the screen.

‘Lucy, can you hear me?’

‘Just about, where are you?’

‘I fell down a well, I can’t get out, can you come and help?’

Lucy couldn’t speak for laughing.

‘Ok I know it’s hilarious.’

‘I have three conditions.’

‘Three!’

‘I don’t have to help you. If you weren’t so damn stubborn…’

‘Ok what do you want?’

‘You need to talk to your dad, properly about all this, he’s running out of time.'

‘I know Maria has been nagging me.’

‘So…’

‘Ok, I know you’re both right. Next?’

‘All four of us need to sit down and sort out how this is going to work. Mario wants some kind of reassurance.’

‘And he asked you?’

‘I wasn’t avoiding things.’

‘Ok, Maria has been nagging about that too.’

‘Wise woman your sister.’

‘I suspect both of my sisters are wise. You said three.’

‘You’ll have to tell me where you are, this is a huge place and I’m only starting to find my way around.’

Leroy laughed.

‘So, your big brother is useful for something even down this well.’

‘Oh, I think my big brother knows his stuff. I’ll bring a rope ladder I saw one in a barn somewhere.’

‘I’ll text you my walking route.’

***

Lucy followed Leroy’s route on her phone.

The last time she had been alone in a place like this was a few years ago in Italy. When the locals heard a child was missing, they turned out in force.

They had a meeting to coordinate the search. The co-ordinator opened with the question ‘Where does a child hide in a small town like this?’ and everyone chipped in ideas.

It was Lucy that suggested the forest knowing how drawn to it she had been from a young age. It reminded her of the forest in her mother’s stories, it was likely where Giovanna got her inspiration.

She found the child unharmed and unaware of the panic she’d caused and taken her back to her grateful mother.

This was a bigger forest and a bigger human, neither of which she knew very well. At least this time the person had told her where they were although she suspected the family worry might be about the same level.