Italian Mess

CHAPTER 4

"Do you have your passports?"

"Tickets? And other needed papers for the travel??"

"The map I bought for you in case you get lost?"

"Did you put locks on your luggage?"

"Did you bring emergency"

"Did you bring Napkins or condoms, in case you need it?"

"Pepper spray?"

"Extra money? ID? Inside your bags?"

"Have you placed tags in your luggage? Be sure to keep an eye on your luggage?"

"The casa's spare keys?"

"The cash in your wallet. Remember not to use much credit, they prefer cash! Withdraw or get a foreign exchange. I' already gave you enough in the envelope but you can message me to wire you up whenever."

"You girls should be careful. Buddy system, you three!"

"Come back whole, and get the farm supervised"

             My parents simultaneously asked and reminded me annoyingly while we were inside the car on our way to the airport. My dad was driving, my mom was in the front seat while I was in the back seat listening to all their homily. Leo didn't want to ride with us cause he was just following behind us. At first, my brother didn't want to come in sending me to the airport but my dad scolded him and threatened to ground him. So he forcefully came and is now on his Ducati.

           I've already taken note of what they were saying right now since they've been telling me that the entire day yesterday and they've been telling me things I already got in my head.

As planned, our families are just going to meet up at the airport to give their farewells. The air condition inside the car sent chills in my bones, making my hair on my nape rise.

I heard a beep from my phone. In a swipe, I looked down to see a message from Aury.

My mom made me an egg sandwich to eat as snacks while waiting to board our flight or something. She made some for you and Elodie as well. Knowing you're always hungry.

I typed a reply.

Your mom knows how big my appetite is.. That's one of the reasons why I love her!

Aury's mom cooks tons of food when I visit their house. Aury doesn't eat much most especially when it comes to salads. I love salads! They might be 3 siblings, but their appetite is just half as mine. Her mom enjoys feeding me though. She gets amused whenever I answer her questions and ask about my parents on how they are and stuff.

I heard another beep and now it was a message coming from Elodie.

My parents are so noisy. They can't stop reminding me about stuff. OMW to the airport as well. See u!

I typed and pressed send.

Same girl! I'm alone in the back seat and they just won't stop. They're making me feel like it's my first time flying out of the country. OMW there too. See u!

It wasn't that traffic on the way to the airport. Good thing when we were almost near the airport, my parents stopped blabbering about things. The view of the airport came in sight with the dusk hovering around the city.  A plane just landed, as its lights were blinking.  I continue to stare out the window, to say goodbye to this city internally. 

When we reached the airport, my mom and I stepped out bringing my bags, and waited for my dad to park the car. My brother followed parking his motorcycle. He came back after 3 minutes. My dad was walking on his way towards us when I heard someone yell my name.

"Soleil!"

I looked back and saw Aury who grinned ear-to-ear who just arrived with her parents. Both her parents walked with her.

A few seconds after, we saw Elodie's car and then smoothly stopped in front of us at the entrance. Her parents were with her and her sister. After discharging all their bags from the car, we slowly walked towards the entrance of the International departure.

My parents hugged and kissed Aury's and Elodie's parents. If this was farewell, this was a reunion for them. 

Aury's mom called out, "Everything all set? Lei, dear, I got an extra sandwich packed for you!"

I smile at her as I hug her for the first and last for tonight. I chuckle as she gave me her warmest embrace, "Thank you!" And proceeded to hug Elodie's parents. 

My mom shrugged, "Oh, Audette, you didn't have to! She already eats more than expected."

Audette Marin replied, "It's nothing to worry about, Sofia. They're growing children. We have to shower them with food,"

This is cute for 3 families trying to send off their daughters to Italy for the rest of the summer for one of the daughters' mission to just watch over and assess a frickin huge farm. You know, It kind of is a bold move? Days ago we just graduated college and we even don't know what the rest of our lives are going to be since we haven't thought about that the moment we graduated. Here we are, at the airport, saying goodbye to our families. A few hours in boarding the plane and 13 hours away from Italy.

This farewell makes me feel like I ain't coming back. But I'm sure as hell coming back! I might be Italian at some percentile, I'm coming home to my family. Rest assured that all the Italy thing will be resolved by me when I get there. 3 months is long but will be short once it comes to an end soon. I'll be free, once and for all.

I even hope I'd be able to date an Italian dude but I kind of doesn't want to? Since Aury is somewhat dating someone who I don't know and never will know since I didn't get it out of her yet. And Elodie having Oliver so I have the choice to date whoever I want,

Seeing that both Elodie and Aury's families were busy hugging their girls, my parents pulled me in for a hug. Except for Leo who hesitated and we all looked at him.

"I thought your Alex was coming?" he asked. Your Alex.

My throat ran dry.

Fucking Alexander.

No information nor confirmation.

Nothing at all.

When he asked, I heard both my friends coughing out so loudly even if they had their backs on me. These girls are burning my ass.

"Since when did you care? And how'd you know I tried to invite him for this?" I was surprised he knows and wow since when did my little brother care?

"I have ears and we both live in the same house. That's all I can say," he said with defeat in his voice.

Is it just me? Or he just tried to make me feel better cause I was leaving? And he always tries to argue no matter how big or small. He never ever waves the flag of defeat. He still didn't bother to hug me and kept his distance. Me and my brother were never physical when it comes to showing how I love him and vice versa. We both do it under jokes, or whatever bonding, sometimes we're too spontaneous as well. He's very hard to observe because sometimes he just looks like he's telling two stories all at once with his facial reactions. But now, I think it's just the usual Leo I know.

In no time, my parents pulled me in a hug. Both of them simultaneously told me their cute farewells. Hell of a drama, I'm coming back! They're making me feel like I'm not going to. 3 months is not that long!

My mom kissed the side of my head and calmly said, "I guess, we've already told you enough about what you're going to do, what you're supposed to do, and everything. Please take note of that."

"I will, mom. If I do forget, I can just call you so stop the reminding thing! You can just check up on me as normal parents do." I chuckled.

Ever since she's given me independence when college started, she doesn't check up on me anymore. When I go out, I don't see her texts that usually flood my phone to give her updates on what is happening and where I am.I think she's annoyed with me, but she's just swamped and has given me enough of her trust. My dad checks up on me though, but it's mainly my mom who does before my dad gets mad. My dad doesn't know stuff yet if he's busy and when my mom isn't able to relay what is happening to me. Though, at the end of the day, all they do is give me advice as to what might've gone wrong.

"Be careful, Lei. I love you" My dad hugged me again and said with sadness in his voice.

"It's time to go and check in now, girls. Bon Voyage, chérie. Ti Amo!" My mom announced to the rest of the families and faced me with her french and Italian words.

As I gathered my things and prepared to walk away... I stopped, faced my parents, and smiled "vi amo mamma e papà,"

(I love you, mom and dad,)

Aury and Elodie said their last goodbyes to their families. As we carried our bags to the scanners, they were yelling goodbye and I love yous. We looked back, yelled it back, and waved as we got in. 

I pause for a moment. I inhale as I touch my necklace, gripping on my luggage. Leo was implying something. My parents felt like they weren't seeing me ever again. We were leaving but my mind was still on Alexander.