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I see the pictures on the wall of two people who were once part of this. A man who must be my cousin’s father, my uncle if you like. He bears a strong resemblance to Killian and Don Vieri himself, and as my gaze slides across to the woman, my heart leaps as I stare into the eyes of my mother for the first time.
I stand and move across to the painting and face her. Her eyes appear to stare at me, and it makes me shiver.
They are so cold, like ice, and I detect no warmth there at all.
Serena comes and stands beside me and links her arm in mine and whispers, “You may look like her, Laura, but you are nothing like her inside.”
“How do you know?” I whisper, fearful that the same madness lives within me.
“Because it takes two people to make another person and you may resemble her in looks, but from what I understand, you have none of her personality. I’m guessing that comes from your father’s side.”
I wince at that and say sadly, “It could be anyone. It’s hard to deal with.”
She tightens her hold and says in a low whisper, “I can’t change what happened but I’ll happily help you find out, if you want to, that is.”
Something flickers in my heart. It’s a low flame that turned to embers when I learned of my beginning. Her words cause it to light again, life from destruction, another chance to burn.
I nod and turn to face the room and smile.
“Thank you. Despite everything, I’m happy I came. To meet you all and discover where my roots lie.”
I look across at my grandparents and smile apologetically. “I’m sorry for shouting. I lost my manners back there.”
My grandmother steps toward me with a soft smile and as she takes me in her arms, she whispers, “All that matters is that you are here now. Give us a chance, Laura. Learn about your family and understand we will always be part of you, whether you choose to accept us or not.”
Don Vieri says rather gruffly, “It is settled. We spend the week as a family and answer any questions Laura has. Serena, show Laura to her room and Killian. It’s best if you show Mr. Remington to his.”
As I catch his eye, he growls, “On the other side of the house.”
Serena giggles and as the men leave, she whispers, “He’s old-fashioned. They both are. I can show you how to?—”
“Serena!” my grandmother says sharply and raises her eyes. “You will show nothing but friendship. Do not corrupt her before she’s even unpacked.”
Serena winks and nods toward the door.
“Let’s go. This week should be fun.”
We leave the oppressive den and head off along a light-filled hallway and into a huge entrance, where a grand staircase sweeps upward toward a galleried landing. All around me are beautiful paintings and flowers and despite its size, the house feels warm and cozy.
“You’ll love it here, Laura.” Serena says as she walks beside me.
“It’s an escape from reality and the safest place on earth, and you will have a room here for as long as you live. This is just as much a part of you as it is the rest of us.”
“It doesn’t seem real.” I say in hushed awe as I stare around at a place I never imagined I’d ever visit.
She says sadly, “I wish things had been different. It’s as if we have all missed out on many memories. How I longed for a sister growing up. Someone who was just like me. It was hard being the only girl in a family of bastards.”
I stare at her in astonishment. “I was lonely too. I always wanted a sister or even a brother. At least you had two of them.”
“Who made my life a misery.”
She rolls her eyes. “Don’t get me wrong, they love me, too hard as it happens, but it wasn’t the same as having another female to talk to.”
She sighs. “I know a lot about loneliness, Laura, but that has changed because now I have you.”
We reach a door and as she opens it, I gasp in delight at the pretty white room that is filled with light, overlooking an orange grove.
“This is beautiful.”
