Chapter 1
Milan, 1972
"VALENTINA MARTINELLI!" Mr Donati, my balding history teacher screeched for what I could only assume wasn't for the first time since I fell asleep in his dreadfully boring lecture about Napoleon Bonaparte's endless contribution to the French Revolution.
My head snapped up from the reasonably comfortable cushion of textbooks I had assembled to aid my slumber but also prevent Mr Donati from unmasking the deceit in which he thought I was carefully documenting detailed notes from his dreary monologue. I had even wedged a pen between an open textbook that peered over my makeshift cushion to support this deception. My efforts had clearly gone to waste.
My long mane of hair escaped the flimsy band I had used to secure it in a messy bun at the top of my head and flew around me as I woke startled. The class of thirty erupted into tears of laughter at this supposedly highly amusing act. I wanted to glare at them, but even I had to choke back the laughter as I saw my 5'5 history teacher's forehead covered in a film of sweat and face looking like a lobster about to reach boiling point face a mere few inches from my own. Combined with the head to toe corduroy assemble, he looked like a teddy bear. A very angry teddy bear.
I tucked a strand of my loose hair behind my ear as I gave him my very best apologetic smile. It seemed to work wonders on my father whenever he caught me sneaking home from a party during the early hours of the morning.
He glared at me and muttered something about wasteful teenage hooligans but went back to his position at the front of the classroom, face turning a shade lighter than the lobster red. I mentally made a note about never choosing a seat within a five seat radius between the front of the chalkboard.
"Seeing how Miss Martinelli chooses to spend her time sleeping instead of listening in my lessons, one of you can explain the essay to her in your own time," he announced, pointing to the essay title sprawled on the chalkboard. Damn, we had an essay. I winced as I mentally read the title, which looked more like the introduction than a statement. I glanced at Mr Donati who now had a small sly smile stitched across his face. I knew better than throw him a menacing look.
The end of lesson bell erupted with perfect timing signalling it was time to quickly gather my belongings before Mr Donati saw enough sense to properly punish me.
I raced out of the classroom in record time letting my cushion of textbooks fall out of my hands and onto the cold linoleum floor of the hallway; I made sure to wait until I was at the far side of the wall, away from anyone's way. I shoved the books into my bag in a rush, juggling my bag so I was just able to close the zipper.
"Looks like someone's having too many late nights," a smug deep voice said suddenly next to me. I didn't have to look up to know it was, Amadeo Di Mercurio.
I stared straight ahead, biting my lower lip, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks, pondering where this was going to go.
Everything about Amadeo screamed money. From face, voice, body, clothes, hell even name. Well, his name meant God, but the connotations are what counts.
"And whose fault would that be...?" I said innocently, looking up, letting a flirtatious smile dance across my face, feeling a dimple appear on my left cheek. I started to walk away from the spot, only to find him walking at a steady pace next to me.
A small smirk grew on his model worthy face and I grew satisfied at my minuscule accomplishment though it felt like it was worthy of a medal. Amadeo wasn't known for his string of hook-ups, he was very selective and the fact that he had chosen to single me out of the few hundred females at the school made me very happy; especially since he was the only guy I had ever truly had romantic feelings for.
"I'll help you with the Bonaparte essay if you want," he said casually. I held back a snort of derision, expecting him to have been in a similar vegetable state to mine during Mr Donati's class.
"You were paying attention?" I asked, trying to hide my surprise and failing miserably. I winced as soon as the words came out of my mouth. Amadeo glanced at me through the corner of his eye, looking smug. I silently breathed a sigh of relief, glad I hadn't offended him.
"Money doesn't come with good looks, regardless of what one may think," he said, chuckling slightly. I smiled slightly, but didn't laugh.
"Yeah, alright," I said nodding; it would beat the usual parties.
"I'll see you later then," he said smiling once we reached outside.
It was sunny, just warm enough to have a noticeable presence on my skin but not enough to leave me without a coat.
"See you," I mumbled, spending a few seconds too many watching his figure retreating to the shade under a large oak tree where his friends were.
I quickly turned the opposite direction, walking to the picnic table where my friends chose to reside. I was met by friendly greetings as I slid in next to my best friend, Leonardo Drago. He instinctively put his arm around me shoulders, letting me lay my head against his broad shoulder.
"You broke the news to your parents yet?" I murmured, loud enough for his ears only. I felt him stiffen around me and I immediately felt bad for bringing up the subject.
Leo was brought up in a strict catholic family, abiding by all rules, with no exception. They wouldn't take lightly to news that their middle son was homosexual. Religion aside, the idea wasn't even fully accepted by society. Personally I thought any objection was ridiculous. Love is love, regardless of gender. But I didn't think people would think the same, especially since racism was still understandable.
"Not yet," he mumbled sighing. I shot him a sympathetic smile, looking upwards. Anyone passing by would think we were in a relationship, I wouldn't mind being mistaken for his girlfriend. I'd met his parents; it wasn't something I'd want to experience again.
"Has anyone seen my notebook?" said a very stressed out Teresa, her blond curls spilling out of the grey hat that covered her ears.
"The red one?" Gabriela asked. Teresa nodded, fixing her hat straight, looking hopeful.
"I remember you had it during lunch... if that helps...?" Gabriela started. Teresa swore violently before collapsing onto her boyfriend Rico, who began rocking her to and fro in attempt to sooth her.
"I drafted out the last of my university statements in there, I've got deadlines to meet!" she wailed as Rico did his best to calm her down, murmuring reassuring things in her ear.
"Please don't start on university applications," pleaded Roseta. I could only grumble in agreement.
I had applied for an acting course in Florence. It was the only thing I had applied for. I had no professional experience, though my grades were decent, they were nowhere near the grades they had coming in. I knew I didn't really have much of a chance, but acting was the only thing I ever imagined doing with my life.
If I didn't get in. Well, I hadn't really considered the consequences.
"Did you get all of that?" Amadeo asked as I scribbled down the last of his spoken words.
"Yes, thank you," I said, breathing out a sigh of relief as I dropped the pen onto the table, caressing my aching hand.
"Anytime," he said smirking, I thought back a blush. "Are you ready to leave?" I nodded, finishing the last of my coffee, picking up my books and putting them in my bag before putting on my coat. He held open the door as we walked out into the now cold air; I missed the warmth of the small coffee shop already.
We made small talk as he walked me back home, walking close enough that our arms brushed together. It wasn't soon before we reached the front of my house.
"I'll see you tomorrow then," he said, with a hint of awkwardness. It brought a smile to my face, seeing the normal composure slowly crumble.
"See you tomorrow," I replied, still smiling as I turned my back on him and walked towards the front of the house. I could distantly hear him sighing which only made me blush harder.
"Valentina, where have you been?" my mother called from the kitchen as I stepped over the threshold, closing the door firmly behind me.
"I was catching up with some school work," I said as I entered the warm kitchen to see my mother hovering over numerous saucepans. She nodded briskly, tendrils of hair escaping the braid at the nape of her neck.
"Want any help with that?" I asked, leaning against the frame of the door.
"With your previous culinary experience, I think not," she said snorting in derision. I smiled at her honesty, secretly glad that I didn't have to help. "I'll call you when dinner is done," she said, dismissing me.
I nodded in reply and made my way to the stairs, only to stop at the crumpled pieces of paper at the foot of the steps. Curious, I bent down to smooth them down the best I could.
"Mama," I called out. "Where's papa?"
"Work where else," she replied irritably. I noticed a hint of anger in her voice but I swept it off as her usual attitude with me and my questions.
I read over the letter once more, shrugging, before crumpling it back into a small ball and leaving it back where I found out and tried to forget that it ever existed.
It's certainly been a while since an update, I apologise if I've kept anyone waiting. I don't know when or if I'll be updating again, but I will whenever I have time. I've got a pretty clear idea of where the strory's going, I just need some spare time.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter, please review with your thoughts, I'd love to hear what people think!