Seven Years Later-
I had just finished inspecting the new fabric which just arrived from Florence. It was in the new style- much to my taste indeed. Turns out that the good people of Portorosso did secretly desire to wear Italy's best fashion, the kind you'd find in all the major cities; but they never had anyone to bring a sense of metropolitan style to our little town before. Looks like all my refined education was of use after all.
I was just folding the material back up when the back door of the shop opened. Ms. Russo entered with a big basket full of sewing threads and needles. She set it down on the counter next to the fabric and wiped her forehead with the back of her hand.
"That's the last of it, Mrs. Scorfano." "Perfect. Thank you, Maria," I gave her an approving nod. She glanced over all our new inventory, folding her elbow and placing it on her hip. "How many dress orders is that?" "Seven. Though Mrs. Visconti said she'd like a summer gown for her granddaughter. Looks like she'll be going to Rome for the Season," I replied. Maria rolled her eyes dramatically. "Course. Why am I not surprised? You ever miss any of that, Mrs. Scorfano?" My head shook with gentleness. "Can't say I do, Ms. Russo. But we'll add the dress to the list. I'm sure Ercole's mother, of all people, will appreciate it." "You can say that again," the side of Maria's mouth smirked playfully.
It was about this point when the front door opened wide. An old familiar presence made his way inside with a big crate box occupying both of his hands. Smiling, I came out from behind the counter to assist him. "Ah, here's those patterns you wanted," Ricardo, Uncle's and my dear friend, announced. "Oh, thank you. I've been waiting for these," I glanced over the box. He set it down, stretching out his back immediately afterwards. He let out a soft groan. "Who knew dress-making could be more taxing than fishing?" The dear old man asked no one in particular. I laughed. "Well, your help is greatly appreciated. Is this the only box?" "No, there's one more down at the station. I'll go get it after lunch." Speaking of lunch…..
My ears perked up at the ringing of the church bells. A quick check of the town's little clock tower outside confirmed the time. "Eleven thirty- time to go to the dock," I told everyone in the shop. Maria and Ricardo nodded understandingly. The latter waved his hand in a friendly manner. "Off with you then. We'll mind the shop until you get back." "See you after lunch, Mrs. Scorfano," Maria also waved at me. "Thanks. I'll be back this afternoon," I was careful not to let the wooden door slam behind me. I'd had this little city-fashion dress shop for a couple of years now and was still adamant to take care of it.
Lifting the front of my rose pink with white lace trim dress, I half-ran down toward the dock. It was near noon now, around the time my men would be driving their fishing boat in. I had just made it down the hill when I spotted it nearing the shore. The fish was piled high- like always- with three figures surrounding it. Alberto was on one side of the boat and Uncle on the other. On top of the fishy heap was a small boy, my six-year-old son. Alessio waved his arm up excitedly when he too saw me coming up the way. This gigantic grin drew across his little face, a picture-perfect replica of his father's.
"Mama! Mama, look! Look at the fish we caught!" He yelled out. "Well done! Very good job!" I called back, stepping out onto the dock proper. Uncle had just brought the boat in by now. My son slid off the pile of fish, hopped out of the boat, and ran over into my arms. Uncle soon followed, coming up behind Alessio and placing his hand on his small shoulder. He chuckled, gazing down at the boy. "Just like his father; the boy's got fishing in his genes. Ah, he takes after his uncle too a bit," Uncle said, making me- and Alessio of course- smile. He then looked back at me.
"I'll go unload the boat, then I'll start on lunch." "Thank you, Zio," I gave a slight head nod before glancing at my son. "What do you say, Alessio?" "Huh? Oh. Thank you, Zio," he parroted my words, knowing exactly what I wanted to hear. Uncle flashed him a pleasant grin, patted his head, then turned around. By now Alberto had finished securing the boat to the dock. He was just starting to make his way over to me before Alessio skirted around me, heading off the dock and down towards the beach. His little bare feet ran with eagerness as he peered back. "Papa, come on! You said we could go for a swim before lunch!" "I'll be down in a minute! I want to talk to your mother first!" Alberto hollered back, reaching my side by this point.
He looked at me with tender, big eyes, standing there in a casual demeanour. "So, how was your morning? Everything go ok at the shop?" "Oh, yes; everything was fine! We've got seven new dress orders, and my shipment from Florence just arrived. I'll have to write Papa another "thank you" letter for the new patterns." Alberto's head nodded in approval. "Good, good. And this afternoon? Got anything else planned?"
I watched my husband for a moment as this organic, endearing smile blossomed across my lips. "You're making small talk with me, Alberto." His posture flinched a little at this. His eyes shown back at me before he too smiled in the most natural possible way. "Am I? Huh, I guess I am. I just like talking to you." Awe, Alberto! The edges of my smile widened consequently. "I like talking to you too." I enjoy each and every moment we spend together all the more.
Still wearing a rapturous smile, Alberto tenderly took hold of my arm. He pulled me into a soft embrace where we hugged each other for a good minute. For as tight as his arms held me, I swear I held him tighter. I held him…. and I was never, ever able to let go. The gentle, warm summer breeze drifted over us, sending both our hair lightly flaying behind us, our strands intertwining. Alberto's grip grew more secure around my waist, our grins growing on their own accord.
Our little slice of heaven was interrupted by a beloved loud voice. "Come on, Papa! It'll be lunchtime soon!" Little Alessio shouted from the coast; his feet were already in the water. Alberto's arms slowly drew back so he could see the boy. "Coming!" He responded before gazing back my way. "I'll see you at lunch, sweetheart." "See you at lunch. Have a good swim. Be safe," I nodded as we released one another. Alberto ran towards the beach, giving me one last wave and grin. "We will!"
Re-joining Alessio on the coast, he raced into the sea alongside him. I stayed there, letting my hair and dress blow in the wind. My arms hugged myself in a happy manner. I silently watched my son and his father dive into the water, transforming into their sea creature selves- Alberto a deep purple and Alessio a lighter, blue-tinned shade of the same purple. Grinning ear-to-ear, the two dove under the surface and began to swim out into the horizon, jumping up on occasion and laughing wildly. Off they swan into the sun, thoroughly enjoying all that being a creature of the sea had to offer.
The end.