The whole class stood up, the principal had just entered. His bushy eyebrows covered the white saggy eyelids that covered his two black eyes. His voice was firm. «We welcome a new student in our school. All of you already know her, because she lives in Mosorrofa, but from this year onwards you will have the pleasure to also have her as a classmate, because the nun’s private school, where she attended since she was six years old, has been closed. »
Jessica was standing, composed in her grace like one of those figures that you see in some paintings by Raffaello.
The principal rolled up the sleeves of his jacket and added a desk to the front row: «Sit down here, in between the newcomer and Giuseppe. »
During gym class, the class went out into the small courtyard at the back.
The boys organized a soccer match with an old super-santos soccer ball. The girls were playing volleyball, while the professor was standing on the sidelines smoking one cigarette after another.
Giuseppe, Sidney and Jessica, however, sat alone on a marble bench.
Each of them was ostracized by their peers: Giuseppe because of his intelligence, Sidney because he was a foreigner, Jessica because of her shyness that others mistook for vanity.
And yet, they had not exchanged a word, but suddenly a butterfly settling down next to Jessica, attracted the attention of the boys, who were enchanted by the variety of colors that lit its membranes.
The butterfly flapped its wings, painting a rainbow hanging in the air and, just for a moment, rested on Sidney’s leg, who reached out to touch her, but, frightened, the kaleidoscopic living-work-of-art flew away.
«It is so beautiful» Jessica said.
"Do you know that they only live for a day?" Giuseppe added.
«Once, in New York, I saw a blue colored on ..."
They continued talking all the time, interrupted only by the annoying ringing of the bell.
You cannot choose your family, fate gives you one. Sometimes you're lucky, sometimes you are not, but you cannot help it. But friends are not! You choose them. You can tell fate when it puts in your way people who you do not like, «No thanks, not for me, next one. »
Until, suddenly you meet them and you feel they are the right ones for you. You know for a fact, you feel it in your stomach. It doesn’t take you long to figure it out. All three had heard of the soul shivers, this time to the call of destiny they would have answered: «Yes, thank you, I choose them as friends, as best friends forever. »
After school, Giuseppe quickened his pace.
"Wait, we can go home together, we live close to each other» Sidney shouted from afar
Giuseppe did not answer. He looked scared behind him until a hand in his shoulder stopped his run: «Where were you going? »
«Home. »
«Traditions are respected! We begin the New Year as we finished the last. »
«Please, stop, just leave me alone! » A frightened Giuseppe stammered.
Antonio Dolsuti attended third grade, section B, in middle school. He was repeating it for the second time because he had been expelled for serious disciplinary behaviors. He was fifteen years old. He had a huge size, a scar in his chin and a hint of beard protruded in tufts from his square jaw.
Antonio grabbed Giuseppe by the shirt and forcefully threw him into the dumpster.
Sidney came running and threatened him askance: «Leave him alone! »
Antonio, looking down on him, laughed coarsely: «Have you noticed that compared to me you're just a Chihuahua? »
«I’m not afraid of you. »
Antonio puffed out his chest: «Ok you have guts, I’ll admit it, but let's see if this little dog, besides barking, knows how to bite too. I'll give you a chance. » He assumed a defensive posture.
«If you manage to move me by a single centimeter with a push, I promise I will let your friend alone. »
Sidney did not move, Antonio teased him in dialect:
«C’mon girly-girl, let’s lookie what you does an’ at. »
Antonio continued, cruelly, imitating the sound of a hen. Sidney slowly approached, swung with all his might and punched him in the face. Antonio fell back, losing a lot of blood from the nose.
Sidney leaned down and whispered in his ear: «I do not push, I throw punches. »
Jessica helped Giuseppe to get out of the box, and together with Sidney headed home.
Jessica suggested: «See you in the afternoon at my house? We could watch cartoons together or play in my garden? »
«Yes, but after studying" said Giuseppe, "and after I take a shower," said Sidney with a broad reassuring smile, removing a banana skin that clung from his friend's jeans.
CHAPTER 4
«Would you like something to drink or eat? »
«Coffee, please» said Sidney, staring at that high and blond woman with a delicate face and a soft voice.
«Here you are! »
«Thank you! » Said the man looking into her clear and fierce eyes.
«Do you need anything else? » Asked the woman, politely, reciprocating his gaze.
Sidney turned his wrist and looked at his digital watch, it read half past eleven p.m.: "How long until New York?"
The woman ran a hand through her flowing golden hair, which fell like a caress on her breast that was pressing against a white blouse, buttoned up to the collar. «About seven hours. »
«Then give me a glass of water, I have to push down a sleeping pill. »
«But you just had a coffee» she exclaimed in surprise.
«Honey, I come from Italy, the coffee that you serve here, for me is chamomile. »
Sidney took the glass and gave the beautiful hostess with warm cold eyes, a wide smile.
«Please, could you wake me up when we land? »
The woman blinked with a captivating grin of her thin red lips, whispering soothingly:
«Alright, I wish you a very pleasant night! »
Sidney swallowed the pill and went to look out the window. The dark of the night reconciling the flow of his thoughts. "After all these years I will see Giuseppe and Jessica again. Who knows how they have changed! It was a shame not being able to be there for the New Year's celebration, I feel that 2013 will be a fantastic year for me. At last I will see New York again, the city where I was born and raised. "
The sleeping pill began to make effect, his eyelids became heavy, had confused thoughts, before sinking into a sleep populated by pleasant memories of his childhood and his father, who he had not seen for almost twenty years now.
He dreamt of his loved New York.
He dreamed of the blossoming streets of Central Park, where his father took him every Sunday, whether it was cold to skate at Wollman Rink, or if it was hot to yield to the warmth of the sun lying on the green grass of lake Turtle Pond;
He dreamed that his father, as usual, picked him up and made him sit on his powerful and broad shoulders.
How he was happy there! He felt important, tall, touching and disheveling the curly hair of his beloved father. Raising his arm, he could touch the lower leaves of the ginkgo threes, which tickled his fingers.
How the squirrels looked so close when they quickly scampered from branch to branch. How hot the sun was up there! But his favorite place, what he and his father called their special place, was in the Conservatory Water area: the bronze statue of "Alice in Wonderland."
Sidney loved to play with that statue. He used to climb on the mushrooms. He used to hug Alice. He climbed on the Mad Hatter and hid behind the White Rabbit.
Alice was his heroine, her favorite fairy tale that his father, with powerful and reassuring voice, told him every night before sleeping.
He dreamed of John Terlini’s Bakeshop. The shelves of the display case were full with candy with shiny covers and donuts with multicolored glazes. From the ceiling, there were hanging plates that were rotating and filled with all kinds of chocolate desserts.
He always convinced his father to walk in and as the man filled his mouth with
a red velvet cupcake, Sidney stuffed himself with fruit donuts.
He dreamed that his father said softly: «My son, it is time to go home; otherwise your mother will worry. »
«Dad I'm tired, please take me home in your arms! »
The man scolded him: "Are you not a little big, little man? » But at the same time he reached out his hands to him and for a moment, he held him in his iron arms and Sidney could relax, resting his face on his shoulder and, with half-open eyes, dozing up all the way to home.
He dreamed of climbing the steps of the entrance stairs of his home in Manhattan, on the sixty-sixth street.
He dreamed of his mother and his father arguing. He dreamed of his mother leaving the house, violently slamming the door, screaming her eyes wide open with: «I'll make you pay! I’m going back to Italy and you'll never see your son again. You're a fucking bastard. »
Sidney woke up all of the sudden and looked out the window. Just enough time to realize that the sun was reddening and he went back to sleep.
He dreamed of Christmas in New York, where this holiday has the magic of a fairy tale.
He dreamed of the big tree that was lit at the Rockefeller Center, of the big stores like Tiffany's and Bloomingdale's with their adorned windows, the ice rink in Central Park full of people with smiling faces and with their voice overwhelmed with joy.
He dreamed of a Santa Claus, in front of the toy store Fao Schwarz toys on Fifth Avenue, who caressing his face told him, «This year you will receive many gifts, you've been a good boy. »
Sidney woke up again and realized that someone was caressing his face in real life. «Wake up sir, we have arrived, sir wake up! » With difficulty, he managed to fully open his eyes and saw the blurred figure of the hostess. He rubbed his eyes and the woman’s slender waist and pronounced chest became clear.
She stretched her lips into a warm smile: «I'm sorry I disturbed you, but we have arrived in New York, it's time to deplane. »
Sidney thanked her, freed himself of the seat belt, stretched his numb limbs and walked through the narrow corridor.
When he arrived at the exit, the hostess said the usual phrase:
«We hope that you had a good flight. We wish you a pleasant stay in New York and we hope that you choose again our airline for your future trips! »
Sidney stopped, turned to her, approached her for as much as he could and whispered: «Beautiful flight» giving her a light caress on the snowy cheek and winking at her.
The woman, with a discreet wave of her hand, slipped a note into the pocket of the man's jacket, returning the wink.
As he descended the stairs, Sidney peeked at the note: "Hotel Crowne Plaza! Tonight! I'll wait for you in the hall!" And a smile appeared in his handsome face, lit by two large green eyes, shining because of the lively interest.
As soon as he stepped inside the JFK airport, Sidney felt overwhelmed by a feeling of melancholy. He took a deep breath and said in a low voice with half-open eyes:
«New York, my beloved New York, how I've missed you! »
The immigration police officer was a young, tall man with the jovial and ruddy face because of his good health. "Where are you coming from?"
«Reggio Calabria, Italy! »
The agent's tone was firm and professional, «What is the purpose of your trip? »
«Holidays, I’m coming to visit some old friends! »
«For how long will you stay in New York? »
«It depends on Jessica! » Sidney thought, but he only said:
«A couple of weeks! »
«Welcome to the United States! »
Sidney's mouth curled into a sneer: «Welcome back! » then he proudly said: «I was born and raised in New York! »
The agent's voice went from resolute to kind: «Welcome back! »
CHAPTER 5
During lunch Giuseppe told his mother that morning's adventure:
«... And in the end Sidney defended me from that overbearing Antonio. »
«I see you're happy my love» she said, gently passing a hand through his hair.
«Very much so! » said the boy, beginning to quickly clear the table.
«What's the hurry? »
«Today it's my turn to wash the dishes, but I want to finish early. In the afternoon Sidney and I have to go to Jessica Recosi’s home. »
"He has friends and, what is more, they are his age" thought Margherita, feeling happy and opening her heart to Jessica and Sidney, and then she said with excitement:
«Go then, I'll take care of the kitchen and remember that you are free to invite them here any time you want. »
That afternoon Mosorrofa was shining with light: fringes of clouds floating ethereal and diaphanous, unable to cover the bright patches of sun hitting the houses, fields and people, warming them with heat.
Giuseppe rang the bell and after a while a tall, distinguished man opened the door.
It was Riccardo Recosi, Jessica’s father. His pale eyes, so similar to those of his daughter, were enhanced by a light blue cashmere sweater. The pink color of his face reflected an air of well-being.
«Hello boy, welcome! My daughter and Sidney are playing outside, I'll take you there. »
They walked to the back of the house, and arrived to a vast arable garden, like a farm, full of loads of fruit trees, colorful flowers and stables with animals.
The Recosi family was the richest in town. Jessica's parents were both only children of wealthy families, from which they had inherited. In addition to the substantial money funds, the ownership of the big house, with adjoining farm, Richard held the profession of notary, while his wife Cristina took care of three children: Jessica, and the twins Thomas and William who were three years old.
«There they are, over there, they're walking the horse, go with them, I’ll go back home» Mr. Recosi said, with a voice with a powerful tone, but with the gentle manners.
Giuseppe walked over to his friends.
The garden was shining of spring: joyous bees buzzed among the primroses, a fine dew shone like silver on the spiders' webs that adorned the tree branches. Olive trees and oaks stood like majestic and peaceful living creatures. Large clumps of lilacs were dotted along the trail.
The three boys greeted each other with affection.
«How beautiful, what's his name? » asked Giuseppe, keeping himself at a distance from the horse.
Despite being a hybrid between a pony and a thoroughbred, the animal's tonnage was impressive. His mantle was black, with white spots in the front, with a thick mane and a tail that moved elegantly.
Jessica caressed the muzzle and the animal replied licking his hand.
«Her name is Lady Oscar. »
«You are beautiful dressed as an amazon! » said Giuseppe, unable to keep in mind those words.
Immediately, after having spoken, because of the shame he shielded his face with one hand.
«Thanks, but I'm dressed as a cowgirl» the girl said in a mocking tone, to defuse the embarrassment of her friend.
Jessica was wearing a long red jacket, tight pants and her favorite boots: leather, black arabesque, with two big studs.
«I'm going to settle Lady Oscar in the barn, she is tired. Be right back. » With a deft movement she mounted the horse. «Call me Calamity Jess. » With the thumb and index finger she pretended to aim two guns to the boys. She closed her right eye, took aim and yelled:
«Bang! Bang! You’re dead. Calamity Jess never missed» and holding embraced the powerful neck of her mare, they walked away.
The two boys stayed in the game and, miming being hit, they threw themselves on the fresh grass.
Awaiting Jessica’s return, they laid down watching the clouds that sailed in the sky, imagining different shapes and similarities for each of them.
After a while Sidney suddenly shouted, holding his breath: «Look there! »
A hawk was flying elegantly in the sky. Suddenly he made a strong appeal, like a battle cry, then he darted into the short grass b
eaten which still was short and then it disappeared into the delicate green leaves, showing his bald head for a short second.
There was a muffled squeak and immediately after the hawk flew, pointing to the blue sky with a mole writhing with despair among its pincer claws.
Giuseppe looked at him entranced. It was his favorite animal, he loved liberty and loyalty.
«Did you know that the hawk does not follow any route? It flies whenever and wherever it wants, but at the same time, it is one of the few animals that once it has chosen its partner, it stays with her forever» he said with emphasis and enthusiasm.
«The same woman for a lifetime! What a rip-off! » Said Sidney.
«It would be the best thing in the world» said Giuseppe, looking at Jessica who was running back to them.
Giuseppe picked up a flower and handed it to the girl. She brushed her hair and pinned it on her ear. The blue petals of the flower looked faded next to the turquoise of her eyes.
«It's a forget-me-not» Giuseppe sighed.
«I never will » she replied with a smile.
That smile had something special! It did not come from the mouth but from the depth of her pure heart, and then it extended to her entire face; her eyes lit up and her lips widened showing white teeth. Hers was a gift that was more unique than rare, that only people with a special soul have: she smiled and the people who were next to her felt overwhelmed with joy, serenity and hope.
The gynecologist brought her to this world, always told his patients about the day when Jessica saw the light: «Believe me, I had never seen anything like it in all my long career, I took out the little girl and she gave me a big smile, then she made a sound like a silvery laugh, and like that, instead of shouts and cries, she freed her lungs. »
Suddenly, Sidney began to run, overcame a driveway where the primroses that had just hatched were entangling around each other. He arrived to a gentle slope where the high green grass was swaying like a stormy sea, and with a clever leap he jumper over a small iron net.
«What are you doing? That is my neighbor’s land! If he sees you, you're in trouble! » She, worried, yelled to her friend.
The Eternal Moment Page 2
