Page 39 of The Singing Trees
Annalisa could too. She put down the paints and approached her, taking her hand. “You’re such a beautiful person. And I think that artist inside of you is coming out, isn’t she?”
A smile played on Emma’s mouth.
She proved to be very talkative over the next two hours, seemingly more interested in chatting than in a painting lesson. That was fine, though.
While layering an imperfect circle with shades of brown, Emma whispered, “What’s wrong with Nonna today? She seems kind of sad. Or quiet.”
“Nothing to do with you,orThomas,” Annalisa assured her. “My grandfather passed away six years ago tomorrow, so she’s struggling. She’s been wearing black for a week.”
Still working the brush around the circle, Emma said, “This is exactly why I’m never getting married. Who wants to go through that?”
“You sound like me,” Annalisa said.
“Seriously. All I need is my brother. He’s the only one who cares...and you, I guess.”
“Yes, me.Andyour mom,” Annalisa added, uncomfortable with the responsibility Emma had put on her.
“Yeah, I guess that’s true. Outside of them, though...there is only you. I don’t have any other friends.”
As Emma kept talking, Annalisa could vividly remember the agony of being so alone. She didn’t want that for Emma...but was she ready to let the girl count on her so completely?
The wind chimes rang louder in a strong gust of spring air that came rushing up the steps. Was Celia Mancuso up there listening to her thoughts? If so, was she urging her daughter to quit worrying so much?
When Thomas returned, he did as he always did and sat with Nonna as Emma and Annalisa finished up. To Annalisa’s surprise and delight, Nonna invited both of them to dinner, which felt like a positive vote for Thomas and Annalisa to stick together—even if it was oh so subtle.
Though Nonna rarely sat for a meal, she did take time to enjoy the company of Thomas and Emma over a giant dish of manicotti. Nonna even laughed when Emma and Annalisa lightly poked fun at Thomas for his love of hockey and his blue-picket-fence dreams. He took it all so well, and Annalisa wondered if Nonna was seeing how wonderful hetruly was, a guy who was simply happy to be alive. What better person to have in your life?
When the siblings had gone, Annalisa helped Nonna clean the dishes.
“Nonna,” she said, covering the pasta dish with plastic. They’d eat the rest for days. “I think I’d like it if he came to Portland.”
Her grandmother gave a brief chuckle as she started on the dishes. “I never could have guessed.”
Annalisa put the dish in the fridge and then leaned against the counter to face her grandmother. “I know you think he’s a bad idea, but I’m falling in love, and I can’t imagine leaving him. Is this how you felt when you met Nonno?”
Nonna looked like she had a lot to say but conceded with, “It was a long time ago, but I’m sure.”
Annalisa reached for a rag to wipe the counters. They were a team that had cleaned this kitchen together nearly every day for two years. “I feel so torn,” she said, gathering crumbs into her hand, “like something isn’t letting me fall for him all the way, but I know he’s supposed to be in my life. I’m just afraid. What if we go to Portland together and it doesn’t work out? He would have given up everything for me. What if he gets in the way of my career? I can’t have that. And I can’t bear to think of how Emma would take the news.”
Nonna scrubbed a plate. “They are valid questions. And this is why I’ve been hesitant.”
“He’s a good man, though.”
Nonna acquiesced. “You could certainly do worse, but what will loving him cost you? And what will it cost him and Emma?”
“So you don’t think it’s a good idea?” She desperately wished Nonna would urge her on, to let go of her worries and chase this love coming alive in her heart.
Nonna set down a plate and stared out the window toward the sky. “I can’t know God’s plan, and I’m afraid this choice is up to you,nipotina.” She frowned and gave a quick shake of the head. “Yes, I worry—just as you do. But I won’t be the one who breaks you two apart or tells you that it’s a bad idea to let him follow you to Portland.”
Annalisa didn’t like her grandmother’s answer. “What would you do if you were in my shoes? Just end it and move on?”
Nonna resumed her chore, cleaning the next dish. Finally, she said, “No. This is a decision between you, your heart, and God. And this is a part of growing up. I can’t tell you what to do, but I will support your decision.”
Annalisa stopped. “You will?”
Nonna gave a firm nod. “Your parents and I have raised you to the best of our abilities, and I’m very proud of the woman you’re becoming. Whatever you decide will be the right decision.”
Annalisa set down her rag and hugged her grandmother from the side. “That means so much to me. Thank you.”
