Monica
What Happened in Italy?
A few days ago, I arrived secretly in my hometown in Tuscany. As soon as I arrived at the airport, my Nonno's staff picked me up immediately. We wasted no time just to get out of that place.
A memory from the past is still lingering in my mind that I couldn't help to stop. My Dad, Helga and Carter whom I left behind in the Philippines. I couldn't even say my proper goodbye. I don't know if I'll ever see them again. I also don't know how long I will stay in Italy.
"Cara, a package has arrived for you." My Nonna visited my room every once in a while to check on me. She always finds me sitting under the window.
What package?
I looked at her and she always gave me a sad look. She also didn't know how to approach me.
"I am not expecting any package, Nonna," I answered sadly.
"It was really unexpected. It was personally delivered for you by your father's man." Her expression is still the same.
Personally, delivered?
My curiosity arose so I stood up and went downstairs without waiting for Nonna to come with me. There I saw Carter holding a small porcelain urn jar. What inside that jar gives me an idea. I think I know what's in there. My pace slowed as I stared at the jar Carter was holding. My knees are shaking and tender. I had no clinging support so I still forced myself to walk straight.
My Nonno and Nonna stood behind Carter while silently sobbing. Carter was intently looking at me with concern and pity. I think I know what's inside that jar.
"Signorina ... it was your father's ashes." He declared.
With those words, the sobs of my grandparents became louder and I could really feel their despair. While I couldn't find words to say and my body seemed to be glued to the ground. I was out of words. I was paralyzed for a sudden moment. I could feel my tears falling down my cheeks but no sobs came out.
I feel like I was orphaned the second time.
"Benedici nostro figlio, Dio." I heard Nonna say. She's asking God to bless my father.
They hugged each other and my Nonno supports Nonna from losing her balance because of crying too much. The nurse is always alert for something that could happen to them so she stayed behind them.
I gathered all the strength I have left and approached Carter. I took a deep breath as I feel myself approaching that jar.
It's my father's ashes. My Papa's last memory.
His promise was burned together with his ashes.
My tears keep on falling until I touched that jar. I felt like it electrified and it flowed all over me. I felt my father once again. I felt him one last time.
My strength collapsed and found myself sitting pitifully while sobbing loudly.
I broke down again. I thought I was fine. I thought I was better. But I was wrong.
My grandparents were unable to cope with that extreme emotion so their blood pressure rose. Thankfully, they're okay now. They have taken their medicine so they are now resting inside their bedroom. I went there earlier to visit them and felt relief that they were getting better.
My father's urn jar stayed in my room for a couple of days. It just stayed on my bedside table while I looked at it. Spacing out most of the time and cried all by myself almost every night. I'm sure my Nonna always hear my sobs but she didn't interrupt me and just let me.
On the fifth day that my Papa arrived, we gave him a proper burial for his cremated remains. The holy priest went into our home to bless the jar and gave my father a proper send-off.
"Nel nome del padre, del figlio, dello spirito santo; amen." Closing remarks of the priest signify the end of the ceremony.
One of Nonno's men drove the priest back to the church. Now that the whole house was quiet again, I locked myself in my room again. I wore a whole black outfit to indicate my mourning period for Papa. I wrapped myself in the comforter while lying on my bed. I cried again as I remembered my bereaved father.
Holding Dad's latest photo, I look at his happy and genuine smile. This photo was taken on my first day in the vineyard after I graduated from High School. Dad was so happy as he hugged my waist and I almost buried my face in his chest. I still remember crying here because of the joy in my heart that I graduated High School. I am not an honor student but my credentials can be lined up with those in the first sections.
"Mi manchi tanto, Papa..." I silently sobbed.
I am regretting those last moments we had wherein I always argue with him about the company. If only I could bring back the time, I would definitely obey you so we can't go into trouble again.
I tried to uplift myself as the days continue to pass by. I entered the University of Pisa with the course of Agriculture under Science and Technology. Even though I am still mourning, I should not neglect my studies. That's one of the things Dad always tells me; 'you can take a break or divert your attention and interest once in a while, but make sure that you do not forget your education. That is as important as your life. '
And yes, I will take it seriously.
I took Agriculture because I wanted to learn more about the business and the company. We still have a vineyard here in Tuscany and half of that property is my Nonno's, the other half is for Francis, obviously. He promised to not touch the mansion here as my grandparents are living there. So he spared half of the vineyard as well.
The first year was pretty much a good start. I learned some things and my knowledge about the business widened. I also didn't waste a day and whenever I was free, I read books about agriculture and wine. I spend most of my time in the school library and my room. Rather than think of mourning, I would just feel sad and lose focus. So I needed to divert my attention.
"Mia nipote? May I come in?" That's Nonno.
"Si, Nonno. Entrare." I said.
I turned off my laptop first and hid the papers I was studying. My door opened so I helped Nonno to enter and sit on the side of my bed.
"What brings you here, Nonno?"
"Nothing, really. I am just wondering, what are you still doing at this hour? You're supposed to be asleep and resting. There is no school tomorrow."
I sat down next to him.
"I am just reviewing some notes. Preparing for the final exam next week." I lied.
"Studying is good, but you should know when to take a rest." He's just like Papa.
"I will, Nonno. I just have to finish some things, then I'll take a rest."
My answer. I could see him looking at me. Happy but mixed with sadness. He reached out my hand and caress the side of my cheek.
"You have your father's perseverance," said Nonno.
I smiled.
"I am remembering him in you. You have so much in common."
I smiled again. What similarities could that be?
"Tell me, Nonno. What are those?"
"You got his wit, his patience, his strength and even his view of things. He's not satisfied with just being okay, he wants to be better. And I think that's right; why would you settle for less if you know to yourself that you can be more? Why would you stay in between if you can still run beyond the ordinary? ... your father's wisdom inspired me to be a better man, for your nonna, for you and this family." My grandfather's litany.
I just cried as he described the habits I got from Dad. And in the words he left out, I remember him saying it to me as well. His words of wisdom always wake me up to reality.
"There's nothing wrong with what you are doing, cara. I know why you took Agriculture. I know the reason why you are staying up late past your bedtime ... I know what you are planning to do." He added.
"I want to return the honour of this family, Nonno," I said.
"And I will not stop you. As the head of this family, I will give you my support," he tapped my hand softly. "... as the head of the family, I am worthless-"
"No no no, don't say that, per favore." I blurted.
"-I can't be as strong as your father. I am too weak to protect our legacy. And I am such a fool for believing and trusting other people in our business." He added.
"What are you talking about, Nonno?"
Why does he seem to blame himself for what is happening now? Why does he say it is his fault?
"The one reason why we are here in this situation is probably that I trusted everyone. They showed so much interest in our company that they want it by themselves. When I still managed the Carluccio's, before your father; I always accepted their wanting partnership with us. I want Carluccio's to expand not just in Italy, but in the whole world." He said.
Now it made sense.
"Who is it? Who are they? Why do they want Carluccio's so much?" I asked so many questions that I didn't even know if Nonno can answer.
"I don't know... I don't know, cara." It's a sad realization.
I couldn't stop the guessing in the back of my mind. Since I was young, I am attending seminars, meetings, and parties with Papa about the business. I always wanted to be involved. Of all the people I met before, I was examining who might have an interest in taking the company from us. They may just be around. They may be close to us. But who could it be? Even I don't know who to blame.
"I wanted you out of this mess, cara. I wanted to protect you also like your father. But how can I restore the honour of this family? A weakling like me cannot do anything without my walking stick." Nonno said. We laughed shortly at the last sentence he mentioned.
His weak and soulful eyes looked straight at me, "you are my only hope. That's why I need you, mia nipote. I'm so sorry if I pushed you into this mess I have started. I'm so sorry." He caresses my cheek.
"Nonno-" I held his hand that has been occupying my cheek, "-you don't have to apologize. We are family, and we will help each other. We got each other's back, right? Per favore, don't worry about anything. I will bring back Carluccio's, I know I can. So cheer up now, we don't want Nonna to know about this." The tears that had escaped his eyes fell on his cheeks. I wipe that with my thumb.
I don't stop learning until I understand something. I made sure I wouldn't be left out of class. I always attempt to ace every examination. My report card says it all. The second-year had passed and I met new friends. We went out most of the time; beach vacation, clubbing, yacht tour, and more. Everything that we can do in Italia.
"Andiamo ragazza! Sarà la notte migliore, lo giuro."
They wanted me to come to the newly opened bar in the city. The last time I went to a bar, I was wasted. Drunk and very much unoriented of what happened the night after. Luckily, I was with my Nonno's bodyguard because that was my first time.
"I don't think I can. Do you remember the last time?" I said.
"Why worry about getting drunk? That was the fun we are seeking for!" They laughed.
"Non so se mio Nonno starà bene," besides, Nonno don't want me to put myself in a mess.
"Oh, spare me of that! Andiamo! I have my driver on standby!" My wild Italian friend said.
After a few minutes of persistence, I finally agreed. I ran away from the mansion and I did not tell them where I was going. I didn't even bring a bodyguard because it's an all-girls night out, and they won't like it.
They parked the car two meters away from the main gate of the house. When I got out, I ran it into the car.
"Are you ready, girls? Turn off your phones and let's have some fun tonight!"
It's a limousine car so we have lots of space. We were already drinking wine in the car. To set the mood, they said. Loud music and loud laughter filled the inside of the car. I'm pretty sure the driver wouldn't mind because this section is tinted and soundproof.
"Drink more, Monica!"
"No! We are not yet at the bar!" My voice gets louder because the loud music goes along with it.
"Don't be such a child! Leave everything behind and just enjoy yourself!" She said half-shouting.
They forced me to agree with them again so I swallowed a glass of wine that they poured into my glass.
A few more minutes passed and we finally arrived at what they say is the newly opened bar. Because of its grand opening so there are many people immediately.
"Free drinks for ladies after eleven? We are so lucky!"
They jump and can't wait to get inside. We showed the bouncer our national ID and after checking it, he returned it to us. When we got inside, dancing people immediately greeted us. This bar is nice compared to any other bar we've been to. Aside from the newly opened, there are also plenty of drinks on offer.
"I heard that the bartender is from the Philippines. He knows a lot of mixes and tricks. We must try it!"
I don't want to be called a killjoy so I followed everything they wanted. I drank, I danced, and I get acquainted with other people on the dancefloor. Since we have free drinks, we took advantage of it. We lost track of time and we seemed to be enjoying the night. We split up to give ourselves the full enjoyment we deserve.
"You're new here," the man I've been speaking to asked me.
"This is a newly opened place. So yeah! I am new here!" I laughed.
"No, I mean... you're new in this city."
"Yeah, you're right. I'm from Florence." I continued to dance.
"Really? I knew a lot of people there. From which family?" He asked.
I'm still not used to people asking what my last name is or what family I come from. It's a kind of big deal for others when they heard my family's name.
"I am a Carluccio," I simply answered.
He stopped dancing but he was not surprised. Instead, he plastered a big smile on his lips.
"A Carluccio- as in the biggest wine distributor all over Europe?"
My family is well-known business owner in the industry. But he's wrong, we're not just popular in Europe. Thanks to my father, we are now global.
"Yeah," I just answered.
That's when I saw the real expression on his face.
"Praise the God, Almighty! I am now in front of a Carluccio! It is an honour." He jabbered loudly.
I feel ashamed of what he is doing now. He is hysterically calling my name and pointing me out from the crowd.
"Woah!" They all cheered.
Until the people beat me; shaking hands, hugging, talking and greeting. I don't like this kind of attention so I run my feet away from the sea of people. While smiling and talking to them, my walk backed up just so I could get out in the center.
"Yeah right... thank you!"
I said last before I could finally get rid of them. I let out a deep sigh when I finally managed to escape.
I caught up with the man I had talked to earlier at the counter and ordered his wine.
"You left me there," I said. I was not mad.
"Oh sorry, I just thought that maybe they want to talk to you too." He drinks after.
We had our conversation again and we created our own world while talking about business and winery. We had so many similarities, especially since we shared an interest in wines. The conversation goes on and on until I realized that I became comfortable around him. I forget about my friends that brought me here and they are nowhere to be found. Not that I care about it, I could just call a cab to take me home instead. And that's why I didn't drink much today. I just don't want to repeat my ill and wasted behaviour when I was drunk.
"Are you looking for someone?" He asked when he noticed that I was roaming my eyes to the sea of people dancing.
"I am just looking for my friends that I came with earlier," I said unattendedly.
"Do you have your driver with you?" Is he going to offer me a ride?
"Unfortunately, no. I just escaped tonight." I said.
"Oh, I see that a young Carluccio is a rebel." He teased. That's where he gets my full attention.
"No, I'm not!" I defended myself.
I am not a rebel, I just don't want my friends to think that I am a killjoy.
"Come on, I'll take you to your home." He offered.
"Really? But it's almost thirty minutes away from here."
"That's no problem with me. I can even drive an hour for you."
"Oh come on, spare me with flowering words. I need to go home also because my Nonno just woke up the whole casa to find me."
I got a text from him asking where am I right now.
It was a frightening message, actually.
"Let's get out of here, then. We have to hit the road." He stood up beside the high chair.
"But my friends-"
"They can take care of themselves,"
Fine.
I agreed for him to take me home. As soon as we find his car, we hit the road. I could imagine my grandfather in rage with everyone while my grandmother helps to calm him down. I'll be dead when I get home, for sure.
We had arrived in Florence and were on our way to Casa Carluccio. We had no neighbours and the road to get there were the pine trees and the hectare land of our grapes farm.
I was nervous as I got out of the car. I heard my Nonno's cry from here.
"Thanks for the ride, Paris," I said quickly before I ran closer to our gate.
"No one will sleep until you find my granddaughter!" Nonno exclaimed to everyone.
I took a deep breath as I watched all the servants in search of me. I was just stunned as I thought about how I would deal with my grandfather.
"Go on, they are looking for you." Paris noticed that too and now he was standing behind me.
I no longer hesitated to even ring the doorbell. When that sounded they all looked at me. Concerned faces greet me. My grandfather and grandmother noticed the stop of his staff so they also faced my direction.
"My granddaughter has been found! Quick! Let her enter!" Command it to our security guard.
The main gate opened but I did not enter immediately. They approached me and hugged me tightly.
"I thought we lost you too. You got us so worried, cara." Grandma sobs.
"I don't know how to live my life if you will be dead also," Nonno exaggerated.
"I'm fine, Nonno, Nonna." The only thing I can say.
They let go of my hug and they noticed the man behind me.
"Oh! This is Paris Marchetti. We just met." Introducing him to them.
I saw the curvature of my Nonno's lip as I introduced the two of them to each other.
"It's so nice to meet you, young Marchetti." They shook hands except for Nonna, Paris kissed her hand instead. "Thank you for coming with my granddaughter. We are so worried that we cannot find her in her room earlier. I thought we lost her." Nonno said.
They couldn't invite him into the house because it was getting late. It was almost three in the morning so he left.