Page 249 of Vita Mia

“I didn’t disappear,” Mirabella sighed. “I took Mia to Sorrento for a few days.”

“Sorrento? Why?”

“To visit Melanzana. It’s ours again. Did you know?”

“There’s nothing left to it. Right?”

“It needs to be rebuilt. Believe it or not villa Rosso is still standing. And the stables are there. I wanted to see it again.”

“But why mum? That place has so many bad memories for us.”

“It has some good memories too. Never mind. I don’t need to check in every five minutes with your uncle and aunt. I’m not a prisoner out here.”

Eve sighed.

The silence stretched for a moment on the phone before her daughter spoke. “Maybe I should come home for a short visit. Nico is coming to see me next week. I can take my exams early and come back with him.”

Mirabella bit down on her bottom lip. Her last emotional breakdown was a hundred and thirteen days ago. The staff found her in the blue gardens yanking out roses with her hands. She thought she lost her wedding ring. Of course, the whole incident was blown out of proportion. Catalina arrived with doctors. She was forced to bed. MiaBella taken from her while doctors prodded her with questions. After Giovanni’s death she was diagnosed as suffering from PTSD. It was the biggest joke she’d ever heard. They all suffered some form of PTSD. She was much stronger than the family believed. Or at least she told herself she was.

“I’d like for you to come visit, but don’t mess up your exam schedule out of concern for me. I’ll see you soon for summer break. Okay?”

“Call me if you need me? When do Gino and Gianni return?” Eve asked.

“I’m thinking of pulling the boys out of school early. Gianni is fighting more and more and the Bishops have threatened to expel him. I don’t know why he has a temper. He’s just a baby.”

“Baby? He’s nine.”

“I know. He has a temper like your father,” Mirabella said. “My sweet boys, I should have never put them in school. I found a better option near me in Mondello. I’ve talked to Domi about bringing them home permanently. He says it will be too much for me to handle. Can you believe that? They are my sons. He doesn’t get to have a say! You could come home too. Stay with us. Help me raise your brothers.”

Eve went silent.

“Think about it baby. I’m better now. I promise. I’m sorry for my mistakes before. It’s all in the past. I’m stronger than this, thing, depression or whatever. I should have never sent you away.”

“You didn’t send us away. And we’re okay Mum. I like it here. I want to stay. But I agree. I think it would be good if the twins were closer to you. I’ll speak to Zio Domi to have him hire some extra help for you.”

Mirabella wiped a tear.

“Eve? You know I love you. With all my heart.”

“I know. France is an adventure for me. I’m really happy here, mum. Really.”

“Okay baby. When does Nico arrive?”

“Tuesday. I got special plans for us. A tour of some famous places. It’ll be so cool. I’ll take pictures and send them to your email. Do you check it?”

“I can’t deal with that computer. Gives me a headache,” Mirabella said.

Eve laughed. “Try harder.”

“Have fun at school and study hard, call me soon.”

“I will. Let me talk to Mia.”

“Mia, Eve wants to say hello.”

MiaBella pushed her chair out from the table and came over to accept the cordless phone with both hands. “Ciao Evie!It’s me Mia!” MiaBella grinned. “Si, si, si,” MiaBella nodded “I take care of mummy.Si.I miss you too Evie. Come home.Si.I will. I promise.Ti amo Evie. Si.”

Mirabella took the phone. “Study and send me your grade report. Promise?”

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