Diary for Violet (Chapter One: concept draft)

Dear Violet,

 

When you grow older, you will hear the whispers about your Mom. Surely, your classmates will ask you about your father.

 

Why is he missing?

Why did he die so young and brave?

 

And, how come Grandpa Oli and Nana Sue raised me?

Where was my Mother?

 

My Darling (I hate how that word gives me the creeps)...No, you're not my darling, but my baby girl...and the love of my life.

 

I'm writing this diary for you, Violet, because you someday will need to know the truth. Yeah, Grandpa Oli will have spoiled you and will likely avoid discussing your Mother's history in Italy. But, you must...No, you should know...Everything.

 

So, let's begin at the start...

 

My childhood home was Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard. I had graduated from Bristol High School. Had many friends (you should see my Facebook account). Lot's of photos and postings. I really was loved.

 

Or at least, I thought so.

 

Anyway, Dad (sorry Grandpa) purchased me a ticket to fly to Florence, Italy to study for a summer semester in Renaissance Art (that's the old stuff hundreds of years ago by the Masters). That's when my life changed for the worse and better. And believe me, you were the best part!

 

I could still hear Dad hollering up the stairs for me to get ready, while that woman (okay, Suzanne aka Sue) was quizzing me on everything I had packed.

Excuse me!

 

This was my trip. Not yours. And, why are you here in the first place. I didn't need a replacement for my Mom.

 

And, all she talks about is HER days traveling in Europe with her friends (yeah, like that was decades ago). Now, leave me alone!

 

Guess, I shouldn't have been so rough on her. Honestly, she's a wonderful person, and you're so lucky to have her in your life. And, never forget that!

 

Oh, ah...So, Dad is calling my name like the tenth zillionth time down the staircase. I finally got my suitcase packed. While, Sue yelled down for some assistance up here.

 

No, way! If I was finally on my own for three months, I could handle my luggage.

 

Well, not so much...it kinda tumbled down the stairs nearly kitting Dad. All I could remember was his reddened face staring up at me.

 

Sorry... :(

Yes, I'll get in the car now, while Dad heaved my bag in the back of our Mercedes SUV. Thanks, Daddy.

 

He wasn't in the mood.

 

Matter of fact, he had Sue stay home. Apparently, he wanted some father-daughter time alone during our drive to the airport. Down the cul-de-sac was our Parrish, saint Joe's. I'm sure that Grandpa has taken you there already, and don't let the nuns scare you. and yeah, they do look like penguins. They're actually pretty cool.

The next street down was my elementary school with it's red brick and corner marquee declaring summer recess, "Have a happy summer!"

 

God, How I miss those years.

Life was simple and kind.

gentle, and  

protected.

 

our suv's tires squeaked over the wood planks as dad drove the car onto the ferry. We had to travel to the mainland to reach the airport.

 

But, this ferry jaunt made my stomach sick. Not the water. Heck, I was born next to the sea.

 

No, it was what dad told me about Suzanne.

 

"Look," he said, and continued, "it's been six years since mom's passing to cervical cancer. I need to move on. and, sue has been such an important part of my life. blah, blah, blah..."

 

Hearing him ramble on about Suzanne, made me want to puke over the ship's railing.

 

I can still remember the scent of the sea as the east coast wind whipped my blonde hair across my face. And those annoying seagulls flying overhead. They make such a noise!

 

However, nothing compared to an annoying raven.

 

I would soon learn.

 

I remained at the ship's snack bar until we docked. Dad had his usual coffee, while I ate saltine crackers and sipped a coke. It helped settle my stomach.

 

Our drive from the shoreline to the airport was non-existent of chatter. Dad was upset.

 

He had worked hard to make his dental practice attractive to those "one percenters" that dad called the "others" who lived such a lavish lifestyle just blocks away from us. Luckily, he expanded into dental cosmetics, which at first cost him a substantial loan.

 

Heck, within years. it was paid off. Those "one percenters" were lining the waiting room for the newest whitening treatments.

 

I still chuckle at the thought of Dad's receptionist serving them coffee like a Starbuck's barista. Hello, you're getting your teeth whiten. And, You're drinking coffee! What fools.

 

But those fools were actually some of my best friends.

 

There was Julie. She and I have been Best Friends, since Elementary. Her Dad a lawyer. Mom stayed at home like mine. Well, honestly not until Dad was wealthy enough. Mom use to say, "Tending to his books was like gardening to those housewives." Julie was traveling with her parents!!! The thought made me crazy...I would soon learn that she was lucky.

 

Then, there was Sandy. She too was planning on a summer in Europe. Switzerland! The Alps around her and lake Lucerne on her doorstep. Damn, she was fortunate. her parents gave her anything. Yorkshire terrier (check), Prada handbags (check), Gucci glasses (check), Ralph Lauren clothes (check), weekends in the city (check). I sometimes wonderful if she appreciated all that stuff???

 

And, finally my newest friend, Claudette. She was going to be my roommate in Florence. She's from some village South of France. She too was studying the arts. She mentioned that she had met this hottie, Nordic guy from Sweden. Apparently, she liked them blondes like me.

oh, and she had already arrived at our apartment. She mentioned that this elderly couple ran the complex. she told us how "grandparently" they were to the students. so sweet!

 

The grandma figure was named Ernesta, but don't say anything about her lazy right eye. it just stared off in one direction. towards the Center. guess, she didn't have medical.

 

And, the cats. apparently, grandma Ernesta feed all the feral cats (those are the strays) in the neighborhood. Some would stay with her, but most scampered up the fire escape along the building's narrow alley.

 

Claudette said that our room faced the street side, which could be loud during the daytime. But gave us the "perfect" advantage point to seeing the comings and goings of the complex. Everyone rode these mopeds. However, the University was three short blocks away. we would walk. passing the corner grocery store, the butcher market, the florist shop, the cheese emporium (hello) and the many streets lined cafes. I still remember seeing all the couples. it was romantic.

 

It sounded enchanting.

And was perfect for the most part.

Until that one night out, changed everything.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diary for Violet (Concept storyline)

People ask me why I write. 

I was inspired by Paul Gallico drama-infused adventure writing style (who authored The Poseidon Adventure) and Irwin Allen who produced the 1972 Oscar nominated movie.

Honestly, I always wanted to be a Movie Director, but reality hit. And, my life changed for the better. However, I still had this creativity itch to scratch.

Now, that published my first short story on Amazon in February (The Forbidden Clause: Jackpot). My desire to write an action/adventure has taken me to having beta readers review my newest novel, Blast Point. Cross your fingers!

Then, one afternoon while chatting with my neighbor over lunch. We were discussing my stories, when she mentioned an incident that had occurred in Italy.

Hence, Diary for Violet was born in my brain.

 

Here is a sneak peek of my story outline. And that's where you come in. Tell me what you feel about the direction of the story, before I continue a keystroke. Do not proof for grammar mistakes. 
 

 

Diary for Violet

 

Concept Storyline

Amelia (Lia's) reflection of her ordeal in Italy

An emotional memoir of Amelia's (Lia) college diary days when she travels to Florence, Italy to study Renaissance Art for a summer semester. She sees her old red brick elementary school with a sign declaring "Have A Happy Summer" as her father numbingly drives her silently to the airport. She yearns for the younger years when their life was loving and simple. Yes, they lived quite comfortable in the town of Edgartown, which shares the island with famed Martha's Vineyard. Her Father (Dr. Oliver Langtry) is a successful dentist, who constantly supported Lia (with her friends from High Society). Basically, they lived on the fringe of the One Percent. Now, their relationship was fractured since the passing of her Mom from cervical cancer, and her father's dating of a younger wealthy woman, who repeatedly tells Lia "I'm not looking to replace your Mom, so can't we be friends?" Lia honestly doesn't dislike her, but isn't ready for a NEW woman in his life. AND mostly envious of the girlfriend's success (heck, even She traveled to exotic locales herself at a younger age). At the airport, her Father announces that he will marry his girlfriend within the year "and hopes Amelia will fly home to join them." Was he serious?

Lia adores the seduction of Florence and Italy for that manner. Just being away from her Father and girlfriend with no parental welfare. Claudette is humming the "Alouette" nursery rhyme, when Lia first meets Claudette in their street view apartment. Claudette videotapes Lia at various points in Florence (to be used later...like "Daddy, I miss you. Having a wonderful time. Wish I could stay longer"). Lia privately falls in love with her Art Studies Professor Dario Savio. Soon, the two are secretly having all-night coffee chats, which turns into wine drinking. Lia was always a light-weight drinker, and fumbles back to her apartment shared with Claudette (from South of France). Claudette is concerned about Lia's affair with Professor Savio, and begs her to join the "other" students of the apartment complex for an evening out. "Like people are own age!" Claudette retorts as Lia dresses, "And for God sake, wear something seductive!" Lia looks back to see Claudette texting "someone she should meet."

Unfortunately, their outing to the hottest nightclub turns into a horrible nightmare when Lia is drugged and date-raped (by a blonde-haired Nordic male). Lia has no recollection of the event. Upon returning to their shared apartment, and elder grandmother figure (who runs the building's maintenance with her husband Aldo) consoles Lia, "Everything will be fine, my darling American." Lia's greatest fear is her father's repercussion. Grandma Ernesta (who has exotropia--lazy eye look--where one eye has been blind due to pupil deviated inward) takes Lia to her cat infested apartment, where Ernesta informs Lia that, "you should go home, now!" Lia is baffled by Ernesta's outburst.

Lia is distraught by her emotions of Professor Savio learning the incident and confronting her father what had happened to her. "See, you should have never left Edgartown" her Father would scorn. Lia continues with her studies and socializing with the other students (like nothing happened). Even, Claudette (who has a gossipy mouth) does not know her condition. Weeks go by, when Lia become sick (morning sickness). Lia seeks comfort from the Grandma Ernesta, who suggest an abortion. "It's quick and simple. That should end your problems. Enough said." Grandma Ernesta states directly.

Conflicted with her shaken Catholic faith and surrounded by leering eye Italians, Lia decided to have the baby. The Grandma Ernesta is lukewarm to the idea, but goes along with Lia's wishes. Soon, Lia tells Professor Savio that she's pregnant. Secretly wishing that Dario would marry her on the spot. Instead, Dario pushes her out of his apartment, while stating, "You no good American whore." Yes, they had sex, but Dario always used protection. Professor Savio was not going to lose his job over an American student's carelessness.

Now with Lia beginning to show her pregnancy, "I just love the food, here." excuse is no longer valid with Claudette. Lia must leave, but where? Grandma Ernesta has a suggestion. A remote village far away from the city. Where those girls go to hide their pregnancies. Life will become wonderful again as promised by Grandma Ernesta. Life is simple in the countryside. The perfect place high away from it all. You should see the views.

Lia is quietly transported by Grandpa Aldo and Maurizio (the Head Gypsy responsible for the American girl slave trade) to a mountainous dangerous cliff hanging Monastery (Picco del Corvi, which means "Raven's Peak") in the Northwest region of Italy. Lia become carsick during the steep journey up the mountain. Lia notices warning signs as the auto approaches the Monastery. There she meets with midwife Dorotea (who will befriend her) and teenage "simple minded"  athletic compact frame Nico (who falls in love with the pregnant American). During a walkabout there the Monastery, Lia opens a door (with a bandana on the knob--signaling it's a dangerous point beyond) and nearly falls to her death from a crumbling foothold ledge, when Nico rescues her.

Nico takes Lia to the Upper Water Tower (which supplies the Monastery up the mountain peak. There is a secondary water tower atop the Monastery as well). There Nico and Lia "chat" and Nico sings a French lullaby to Lia's tummy ("Alouette" a popular French Canadian: children's song about plucking the feathers from a lark). Lia questions Nico's childhood (wondering if Nico was abducted), when he states, Grandma Ernesta told me that my parents had abandoned me at their footstep. She's the only Mom I know. Aldo has raised me to be a man, to fight. I know they love me. We are family. We protect each other. Lia questions Nico's so-called parents welfare, which causes him to storm back to the Monastery.

The neglected Monastery's foundation is slowly falling to the forest below. Lia is sheltered in this maze of a former Monastery along with a few "other" girls. However slowly, Lia soon learns the true generosity of these people (that she is being forcibly kept in seclusion). It all hits home, when Lia is told that her unborn baby girl (Violet) will be sold to a wealthy Russian couple, then Lia will be sold into the sex trade in Saudi Arabia. The Saudis bidders prefer fertile girls, and Lia's beach blonde American looks makes her a "Valuable." (a comment Nico hears unrevealed, from Grandma Ernesta). Grandma Ernesta has Aldo forcible bring a local doctor to exam Lia, We wouldn't want anything going wrong, darling. The Doctor suggests bed rest due to her condition for the remainder of her pregnancy.

During her capture, Lia meets various abducted foreign students (mostly Americans). One rainy night a botched escape injuries a couple of the captured girls, while one is killed and rolled off the ledge. Dropping into the forest three hundred feet below the village, only to be eaten by the flock of ravens (that nest atop the Monastery's water tower) and wolf pack below (per Grandma Ernesta's orders), which sends chills down Aldo's spine. What happened to the woman I loved? Nico alerts Lia that Grandma Ernesta has other plans for her and her baby, but Lia is in no position to try to flee her capturers. Nico ask Lia for forgiveness. Soon, Lia deliveries her baby girl, Violet. However, there were complications, of which Dorotea accidentally infects Lia unknowingly.

A surprise visitor (Claudette) comes to Lia. Surely, her Father (Oliver) would be scared if he hadn't heard from his daughter in such a while. Then Claudette informs Lia that she has been penning digital postcards to her Father/Suzanne. You see, you left your computer on still signed-in to Facebook and your private email. So, with a little flare, I took the liberty of creating your extended semester studies. And had you make-up with your new stepmom. Yes, you're Daddy is married soon. Too bad, you couldn't attend. Your Father enjoyed those video clips I had made earlier when you first arrived. There's no cell or computer service in the Monastery location {Grandma Ernesta does carry a walkie-talkie, which does work...her way of contacting Claudette}

Professor Dario enters Lia's private room, where she is nursing newborn Violet. What are you doing here. You threw me out like the trash. Get out of here. Lia confronts Professor Dario with all the angry she has bottled-up inside. Professor Dario simply gets a cold compress wetted cloth for Lia's forehead. Dario begins to calm her down, then removes his dress shirt revealing his hairy pale chest. Soon, Claudette joins Professor Dario on the visit, and helps him wash out the black hair color.  Suddenly, Lia begins to notice the black color dribbling down his chest. Now, it's clear that Professor Dario is NOT Italian, but an Austrian imposter who did impregnate Lia to create the perfect blonde-hair blue-eyed baby.

Dario was the "Nordic blonde" who had raped her. Those Russians can be very picky. Grandma Ernesta with Maurizio joins Dario's backside as they laugh at the native Lia, when Grandma Ernesta says, "Say your farewells to your baby. Tomorrow your life begins anew in the Desert." Teenage Nico (overhearing the scene) confides with midwife Dorotea to help them (Lia w/baby & Nico) getaway. Nico's idea is to take a train from Turin (a neighboring city some 30mins away to Lausanne, Switzerland (which is 3hrs away).

However, Mother Nature has a different plan. It has been raining for days. Slowly eroding the village's foundation soil from the mountain. Aldo gets swept up in saving Lia's baby and herself by joining forces against his vile wife, Ernesta. Their midnight escape is dangerous, as the rescue group begins to vacate the Monastery. Aldo has hidden his car outside the road of Picco del Corvi's towering brick walls. Nico with Dorotea takes Lia slowly through the maze of buildings as they exit, which leads them to the roofline above the fortress-like Monastery. The alarming ravens begin to call (alerting Maurizio and Claudette), while the group scurries on the tile slippery roof. Claudette climbs to the roof, where she confronts Lia and the rescue party. (Nico, Grandma would be ashamed of you. Betraying your own family). Lia begs for her newborn child and her to be free. As the storm continues, Lia and Claudette get in a shoving match until Claudette is rammed against the Monastery water tower by Nico. Claudette shouts to Nico, Why are you hurting your own sister? Don't you recognize me? We were traveling from Canada, when Maurizio took us from our parents. He said "they had died in an accident". We cried all night as Grandma Ernesta calmed us. What has happened to us? But it's too late as there's an eerie gurgling sound at the weakened water tower mounting. Then, it abruptly collapses, sending Claudette over the roof and down the cliff.

Next, the group takes Aldo's rickety wooden ladder down the roof to the Main Gate...makes for a suspense as each of the three climbs down the sixteen foot brick entrance. Lia is noticing rockslides are occurring frequently, and begins to panic for her baby's future.

 When all four adults are safely seated in his hidden auto with newborn Violet resting in Lia's embrace that the Main Gate opens with Grandma Ernesta, Professor Dario and Maurizio's Gypsy warriors armed for battle with Nico and Aldo for Lia and her newborn baby (Violet). Aldo is badly wounded by Maurizio (you traitor), and spats to his wife from the ground, "Who are you?" While Nico is rounded-up with Dorotea left inside the auto with Lia/baby. There is a major thunderbolt that strikes the Monastery's wind vane (which has a Raven atop it's mounting instead of a Rooster) to break from its mounting and collapse to the ground below at the Main Gate.

 Dorotea must retrieve the keys from Aldo, while Maurizio stands guard.

The heavy rains continue

Mudslides begin, which loosens the Monastery's foundation.

Abruptly two-thirds of the Monastery crumbs below the cliff. The Monastery water tower's weight plunges the building.

All are in shock witnessing the disaster before them, while Grandma Ernesta continues her battle to obtain baby, Violet. Baby Violet is worth one million to Grandma Ernesta. Grandma Ernesta attacks Lia and captures baby Violet.

Nico and Professor Dario fight amidst the muddy landslide until finally Nico grabs Professor Dario's hand to help pull him over the crumbling ground. Only to have Dario release his hand, sending Nico over the cliff to his death.

Aldo (in his last breath) stabs his wife, Ernesta, with the broken wind vane. This causes Lia to rescue her baby as she fights Professor Dario with all her might until he lunges at Lia, but slips in the mud and begins sliding down the ground to the cliff, where Dario screams to help. Lia holding her baby walks cautiously to the cliff side before she stomps on Dario's gripping hands. Which causes Professor Dario to lose his grip and slide down below the cliff. Dario grabs at the piece of metal foundation as he tries to again climb the mountainside.

Dorotea guns the engine as Lia hops inside the auto well Dorotea jerks the auto in reverse causing it to hit Maurizio (which in turns causes him to fall over the cliff...however he is still clinging to the mountainside when the Upper Water Tower burst {too much water} and a wave of water, debris and mud pours down directly to the former Monastery foundation and over the cliff...causing Dario to loose his grip and fall to his death) then Dorotea guns the auto forward as the singular curving mountain road disappears from behind them. All Dorotea sees in the rearview mirror a disappearing road to the cliff with the water cascading down the mountain.

Lia rocks her baby, stating, "It's alright, it's alright."

Ending: baby Violet is now starting to walk inside Oliver's Edgartown home, where Lia is residing with his new bride (all is better). Amelia writes this story, so her baby will understand what her Mother did for her survival against the Italian Gypsies. She is loved very, very much. Lia tells baby Violet that her Daddy, Nico, tried to rescue them, but was lost during his heroic efforts. Lia hums  "Alouette" to Violet, while she kisses her baby girl with tearfully eyes.