Grateful for Language Barriers
Posted on Tue Nov 12th, 2024 @ 8:24am by Lieutenant Adrianna Baciami
1,147 words; about a 6 minute read
Adrianna’s fingers trembled with excitement as she opened the video call. Her mother’s face appeared on the screen, framed by warm, familiar surroundings back home. Before her mother could even say ciao, Adrianna’s words spilled out in a rush.
“Mamma! He remembers! Vance remembers everything!” Her eyes sparkled, and she looked lighter, more alive than she had in months. It was as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders, a burden she’d carried alone for too long.
“Amore mio,” her mother’s face softened with joy, “Vance, the same Vance you’ve always spoken of? He truly remembers?”
Adrianna nodded, practically glowing. “All of it, Mamma– he remembers our promise, the way we met, the plans we made. Tutto! And there’s more– he’s going to be transferring to the Arcadia! We’ll be together, again– Madonna! Finally, and… it feels like a miracle. I haven’t felt this kind of happiness since before everything went wrong.”
Her mother watched her with a knowing smile, clearly moved by Adrianna’s happiness, “I can see it in your eyes, piccola. I knew he’d come back to you. Tell me everything, every last detail!”
Adrianna laughed, touching her necklace– the one half of the pendant that she had carried for a long time, “I feel like I’m dreaming, Mamma. For so long, I tried to be strong, to move forward without him… and now, it’s like the universe is giving us another chance. I’ve never felt so relieved, so– complete.”
Tanina, Adrianna's mother, took a breath. She'd not seen her daughter like this before. Sure, she'd seen Adrianna in love– but this level of happiness was something else. Adrianna had always held back when talking about Vance before– scared of the future with him because of all of the lies. Then, Adrianna had been settled with Jason, but never this happy. “Bella, tell me, is this *the* man.”
Adrianna took a deep breath, the smile on her face softening as she looked at her mother through the screen. “Mamma, you won’t believe this,” she said, her voice filled with awe. “The very first time we met, Vance looked at me and said, ‘You’re going to be my wife one day.’ He didn't know me, but– he just knew.”
Her mother gasped, pressing a hand to her mouth. “He told you that, subito?” she asked, eyes wide with amazement, “must have been l’amore vero– true love indeed!”
Adrianna nodded, the memory bringing warmth to her cheeks, “and he meant it, Mamma. Just before he… before I thought I lost him, he actually proposed. We were going to plan a life together. I'd written my resignation–”
She paused, her voice turning quieter but no less steady, “it’s strange, Mamma. Even though we’re holding off on picking up right where we left off, I know in my heart that Vance is it for me. I don’t want anyone else– non posso. Being with him is the only future I want. I couldn't move forward when I thought he was gone. I always had him in the back of my head.”
Her mother’s expression softened, a gentle understanding in her eyes, “Adrianna, tesoro mio, when it’s real, you just know. I see it in you now, more than ever. You’re meant to be together. Whatever is holding you back– it will fade in time.”
Adrianna’s voice trembled with happiness, “That’s exactly how I feel, Mamma. I don’t know how or when, but I know we’re going to find our way back to each other properly– and this time, nothing will keep us apart– no secrets.”
Adrianna took a deep breath, her face clouding over slightly. “Mamma, there’s something else,” she began, voice dropping, “Jason– Jason didn’t take it well when he found out about Vance.”
Her mother’s eyes narrowed. “Cosa? Adrianna, what do you mean?”
Adrianna waved a hand, trying to reassure her, “I’m fine, Mamma, he's not done anything other than what I told you and he was so upset that I had to get the XO and Security involved to make sure he stayed in line. But when I found out about Vance's memories being back, I bumped into him and absently told him because he questioned why I was so happy. Gawd, it got dark. I’m praying that he and Vance never meet– it could get ugly, and I don’t want any more mess.” She shook her head, still hoping things would settle soon.
Her mother, Tanina, chuckled knowingly, “Oh, cara mia, that’s wishful thinking. Men are idiots. Let me tell you about a time with your father and my ex, Vittorio.” She leaned in closer, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes, “When Dario and I first started dating, Vittorio found out and didn’t take it kindly. He tracked us down at a party and started hurling accusations. Before I knew it, your father was up in arms, defending my honour. Let’s just say it ended with them in a fist fight in the garden and us getting banned from a bar in Como.”
Adrianna’s mouth dropped open, and then she couldn’t help but laugh, “Mamma, you never told me that!”
Tanina shrugged, smiling warmly, “Because your father is a good man, Adrianna. And a good man will fight to keep you by his side or will walk away and pray for your happiness. Just like Dario, Vance would do the same for you, and Jason needs to find the strength to let you go properly.”
Adrianna nodded, feeling more reassured, “You’re right, Mamma. I just hope Jason comes to his senses without pushing anyone’s limits. I don't want to see anyone hurt– especially Vance. I don't want to lose him again.”
Tanina’s face softened with motherly wisdom, “And if not, Vance will handle it. L’amore vero always finds a way.”
Adrianna chuckled, “your new best friend's son has really been amazing with all of this, by the way.”
Tanina grinned, “I will ask her for pointers– your brothers are terrible. I don't care if they are all 20 and 30 now– they are cazzones!”
“Mamma!” Adrianna gasped having never heard her mother swear before.
Tanina waved her off, “I joke. But I will thank her for raising a good boy.”
“Thank you, mamma,” Adrianna smiled and took a deep breath, feeling just amazing.
“With a glow like that– I expect you to get married and to give me grandchildren within the next year,” Tanina had a playful glint in her eyes but sounded deadly serious.
“And this is why I'm grateful that you don't speak standard and he doesn't speak italian. Bye, mamma, I love you. Send my love to papà.”
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