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.’