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.