The drive home
947 Words
The convoy of black cars moved smoothly through the city streets, the tinted windows keeping the outside world at a distance. Inside the lead car, Caterina sat between Lucia and Elena, her hands clasped tightly in her lap as if she were afraid they might disappear.
“Girls… how have you been all these years?” Caterina asked, her voice soft and trembling with emotion. “Were you safe? Did anyone take care of you properly?”
Lucia kept her gaze fixed on the window and gave only a small nod. She said nothing.
Elena, however, turned to face Caterina and answered quietly.
“Yes… we’ve been good. We had each other, and the orphanage took care of us the best they could.”
Valentina sat across from them, arms folded, her lips pressed into a thin line. She was clearly displeased but kept her mouth shut, staring out her own window.
When the cars finally pulled into the grand driveway of the Moretti estate, Caterina stepped out first. She turned and extended her hand toward the girls.
“Come on, my dears,” she said gently. “Step out. You’re home now.”
Giorgio was already walking ahead, gesturing toward the massive double doors.
“Come in, girls,” he urged. “There’s no need to stand out here.”
Just as Elena and Lucia were about to follow him inside, the front door opened and Elisa stepped out, still in her maid’s uniform. The moment she saw Elena standing there — the exact mirror image of herself — both girls froze.
Elisa’s eyes widened in pure shock.
“Yo… you… you’re me?!” she stammered, pointing a shaky finger.
Elena stared back, equally stunned.
“You’re also me,” she whispered.
Caterina stepped forward quickly, placing a gentle hand on each girl’s shoulder.
“Yes,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “You two are identical. You are siblings — twins, actually. Elisa, this is your sister Elena. Elena, this is your sister Elisa.”
Elena stood speechless, her heart pounding. Before she could find words, Elisa let out a small, disbelieving laugh and rushed forward, wrapping her arms tightly around Elena.
“I can’t believe this,” Elisa whispered, hugging her fiercely. “I’ve always felt like something was missing… and now I know it was you. I’m so happy to meet you, sister.”
Elena smiled warmly and hugged her back just as tightly, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes.
“I feel the same,” she said softly. “It’s like I’ve known you my whole life without even knowing it. I’m really glad to meet you, Elisa.”
The embrace was warm and genuine, the kind of instant connection that needed no explanation.
But the sweet moment was shattered almost immediately.
Valentina strode forward, grabbed Elisa by the shoulder, and yanked her away roughly. She shoved her own designer handbag into Elisa’s hands.
“I hope you made what I asked you to make earlier,” Valentina snapped.
Elisa nodded quickly, a small smile still lingering on her face from the hug.
“Yes, I did—”
Valentina cut her off with a scoff.
“Why are you smiling so sheepishly? Is it the first time you’re meeting a human being?”
Elisa’s smile died instantly. She lowered her head.
Elena’s eyes narrowed. She stepped forward without thinking.
“Why are you giving her your bag to carry?” Elena asked sharply. “Don’t you have hands?”
Valentina turned to her with a cold glare.
“I don’t think this should be any of your business.”
Elena frowned.
“It is my business because she’s my sister.”
Lucia, who had been quiet the entire time, finally spoke up, her voice calm but firm.
“Even I don’t get why she has to carry your bag. Because clearly you have hands.”
Valentina spun toward Lucia, eyes flashing with anger.
“You’re defending them? I’m your twin sister! You’re supposed to be defending me!”
Lucia let out a small giggle, the sound surprisingly light.
“I don’t defend injustice. Besides, I don’t even know you. Why would I defend you? The first time I saw you, you made a scene in the place where I worked. And now finding out we’re siblings feels stupid to me. The information is of no use, honestly.”
Valentina’s face turned red with fury. She opened her mouth to snap back, but Caterina quickly stepped between them, taking the handbag from Elisa’s hands herself.
“Now, girls, don’t fight,” Caterina said, forcing a smile. “Valentina is a little spoiled — that’s the problem. Let’s not start off like this.”
Lucia scoffed lightly.
“Okay.”
Caterina clapped her hands once, trying to ease the tension.
“Come on, everyone. Let’s go inside. I’ll show you to your rooms.”
All of them walked into the mansion. Valentina trailed behind, throwing sharp, dagger-like glares at Elisa the entire way. Elena noticed but said nothing; she simply kept walking beside her new sister.
The moment they stepped inside, Elena and Lucia both paused. The entrance hall was breathtaking — marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and artwork that probably cost more than the entire orphanage.
Valentina smirked as she watched their wide-eyed expressions.
“I bet you’ve never stepped into a place like this in your life.”
Elena and Lucia ignored her completely.
Caterina smiled warmly and gestured down the grand hallway.
“Girls, let me take you to your rooms. You’ll have everything you need new clothes, anything you want. This is your home now.”
- Writer
