Page 258 of Vita Mia

“Bonjour Madame Battaglia,” the governess of the girl’s school greeted her. “Welcome.”

“Hi, nice to meet you again,” Mirabella shook her hand.

The woman smiled.

Mirabella looked at Nico and frowned. “Where’s Eve?”

“She’s gone on a girl’s trip. We weren’t aware of your visit.”

“Gone? How could she be gone? I called her last week and told her we were coming. I spoke to her last night. She knew that I would arrive today and I wanted to talk to her.”

The Governess looked to her assistant. She talked in French with a flushed face of embarrassment. “There must be some misunderstanding. Eve volunteered two days ago for this trip. They left for the Loire Valley and aren’t expected to return for a week.”

“Week? Nico!”

“Forgive us,” Nico said. “There is definitely a mix-up. Can we get the information on where they are staying? We can visit her there.”

“I’m afraid not. School rules. We can have her returned tomorrow to school. You can visit her then?”

Mirabella shook her head in disbelief. She walked away unsure of what to do or say.

“Let me speak with her mother. Thank you, Governess,” Nico said.

The woman left the room. Mirabella sat in the chair. “What is going on with her Nico? You’re close to her. She rarely comes home, and now she does this?”

“She’s got a life here Mirabella. She doesn’t know the truth about Gio. Children are rebellious at this age.”

“Something is wrong. Have them bring her back. I want to speak with her. I need to know why she is rejecting her family.”

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The Next Day

“MUM!” EVE SAID AS SHErushed over to Mirabella. They were in the school chancellor’s office. She hugged Eve and felt such relief to be able to do so. She hadn’t seen her in six months and her daughter was blooming before her eyes. Eve’s hair had turned a golden honey brown from the sun. Her blue eyes were as vibrant as her smile. She was beautiful. She grinned at her mother and hugged her twice before she broke free and threw herself at Nico. He lifted her up into his arms and gave her a bear hug that made her laugh. The Chancellor excused herself.

“Why did you leave? You knew I was coming Eve?”

“I’m sorry, but the trip was in the land of the Castles. I’ve been dying to go.” Eve pranced away. “Why are you here Nico? You aren’t due for a visit for another two months. Something wrong? Mom are you well? Taking your meds?” Eve asked.

“Nico leave us...”

“No. He can stay,” Eve said defiantly. Mirabella frowned. Nico bowed his head in respect to Mirabella and left. Eve sat in the chair and glared at her mother.

“I came to see you because there is something you should know. Something I want to share with you.”

“There’s something you should know,” Eve said.

Mirabella paused.

“What is it?”

“I’m not coming home for the summer. I have a friend who has a Chateau that her parents’ vacation in and we’re going to stay there. I plan to also visit Nice...”

“You’re twelve! You don’t give me orders.”

“I know what you’re trying to do.”

“What?”

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