MARISA SANTI
DANCING TO HAPPINESS
A NOVEL
Translated by: Loredana Meleo
Publisher: Tektime
This novel is a work of fiction. All the characters and the events described are the result of the authors imagination. Any similarity to living or dead persons and facts is totally fortuitous.
Dedicated to my beloved daughters and to those who still have the courage to make their dreams come true...
Theres an end to every storm. Once all the trees have been uprooted, once all the houses have been ripped apart, the wind will hush, the clouds will part, the rain will stop, the sky will clear in an instant. But only then, in those quiet moments after the storm, do we learn who was strong enough to survive it.
Taken by Greys Anatomy
I
Its a beautiful Friday with a very clear sky, you could not help but to remain with closed eyes and nose up to inebriate yourself with that crisp air. Infrequently, in the middle of July, the city offered something different from the mugginess. We had to take advantage of it.
We are all gathered on the terrace for lunch when the awkward silence is interrupted by Alex: <<Hey Isabel, you still have not told us the date of your next competition!>>
I look at Alex giving a hint of a smile; I would prefer not think about the competition on this wonderful day.
<<I know few days left and I have not yet said anything, but for the moment I dont know the exact time... There were problems with the organization of the event so theyre leaving everything to the last minute. As soon as they will tell it to me, I will explain everything in detail to you. You know I could never do without bearing your presence and that of the others who cheer for me>>, I wink and smile.
I return to enjoy the wonderful day even though I should train instead of staying here and relaxing. In the last few days I really worked hard. It may well be legitimate to laze and spend free time enjoying my friends company! I would like to do something different. I feel strange for days now; I am a little out of sorts without knowing why. I feel like Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde!
I should consider myself a fortunate young woman. I live in Turin, city I love, and I have loving parents who run a boarding house for university students which allows me to make friends with peers and to exchange experiences with them. I participate in many competitions in order to increase my experience and to develop my determination with new challenges but above all because I love to give my best to accumulate confidence and to prove myself that, if I want, I can!
During the week I go to the university, help my parents to manage the boarding house and some nights I allow myself a little fun going out with my friends or my boyfriend Max. Sometimes I think my life is a little tiring because I always have to find the time and the energy to conciliate everything and for exercises and dance school. Above all its tiring when I approach the competitions, more the event approaches and more my competitiveness grows and with it the anxiety of not being up to it. I dont like to lose and even be second. I think I am a perfectionist but all this gratifies me and I believe it pleases my parents too. Its a way to pay them back for all the sacrifices they have done and continue doing to help me realize my dreams. My existence is very calm: I have parents who love me, we are well fixed financially, I have many friends and a boyfriend who fills me with attention and who many envy me. So why do not I feel satisfied? I feel as if my life is missing a piece to complete a puzzle.
I have to do something to distract myself from this useless and dangerous melancholy and I want to involve my friends too. I have to work hard to contrive a way to escape this routine!
Well, I got an idea: Its been months since Frances, my mothers best friend, spurs me to go visit her.
While we are all still at the table I propose: <<Folks, what about going on a trip to the seaside this weekend?>>
Alex and Vanessa stay amazed by my proposal looking at me as if there was someone else with my appearance before them; both know that in this period I dedicate myself only to gym and university. Usually, when an exam or a competition approaches I dont even go out for an aperitif or a beer at the pub.
<<Are you really sure you want to waste two whole days without trainings and pirouettes?>> Vanessa asked, still puzzled and incredulous to my request. I nod with an expression amused by the faces that they all have at this time; their expression is astonished as if a ghost has appeared in front of them.
The kids confront each other to decide whether to accept or not my proposal depending upon their commitments. They look quite ambushed but also euphoric for the pleasant newness. Sun, sea, friends and revelry. Finally they stop looking at me as if I was just out of the insane asylum and give me their verdict.
<<Yes, for me its fine>> Rebecca says enthusiastic.
<<And you?>> I ask the others.
<<Well all come>> they answer, singing in chorus.
And then I would be the strange one! Alex, Vanessa, Rebecca, Victor, Lara, Rossana, Matthew, Claire and Mark have for years been the tenants of the boarding house, we have connected so much that we behave as if we are all brothers and sisters: we are a big family, united by a deep friendship.
<<So its settled, were going to leave late in the afternoon!>> I exclaim happily.
After lunch, we soon get ready to leave.
In the meantime, I take my mobile phone and call Max and Roberta, my best friend, to invite them too. Roberta accepts immediately but unfortunately Max is forced to pass up reluctantly because of work commitments. Im sorry he cant be with us, I wont see him for two days.
I close my bag and hasten to join the others in the living room.
<<We are all here, only you were missing and to discover our destination! Weve got everything, now would you mind telling us where were going?!>> Claire asks more and more intrigued.
<<To the sea! Oh... Maybe you would like to know the place too... To Alassio in Liguria. Theres a dear friend of my mother who is waiting for us with open arms! She is always happy to have guests, especially if they are nice boys and girls. She always asks me to go visit her because she feels a little lonely and she would like that I bring some friends with me. She has a very big house with a lot of rooms. Have I clarified your ideas or do you still think that were going towards the most mysterious unknown?>> I ask making fun of them. <<Come on, lets go!>>
<<Tell us whats your friends name at least!!!>> Roberta exclaimed.
<<Her name is Frances and shes a very sweet and nice woman. Ah... Maybe you fear she may be the evil witch of Hansel and Gretel, dont you? Who knows, maybe I have made arrangements with her and todays lunch may be a way to fatten and prepare you all for her magic oven...>>
Finally they have stopped bombarding me with useless questions and have decided to head for the parking. We pack up our cars and then we leave.
I decide to get in the car with Robbie who, worried about having to face the highway, asks me to use my car and to drive, as always.
<<Robbie, you have to overcame this absurd fear of driving on the highway. For this time I go along with you but on the way back youre going to drive!>> I tell her reproachfully.
<<You know I havent the knack...everybody is not like you, Miss-do-it-all! Youll drive on the way back too!>>, she replies, ducking out of the responsibility towards herself to overcame her fear.
<<Okay.>> I answer snorting.
We turn on the radio, turn up the volume to maximum and put aside the bickering. Im incessantly happy in her company: she always succeed in making me laugh, I forget all my bad moods and the time flies with her.
Finally, after three hours driving and several delays due to traffic, we arrive to Alassio. Along the way we scattered. Fortunately I gave them the address before leaving and the satellite navigation systems always, or almost always, do their job well.
We meet again before the entrance of Frances villa. I ring the bell several times until, finally, the gate opens and we see the butler Marius who welcomes us.
<<Miss Isabel, what a pleasure to see you again! Please kids, come in. Madam awaits you.>>
<<You are awful! You had already advised her of our arrival! You made me believe the whole way that we had to show up at her house without a notice like boors...>> Roberta tells me quite nervous.
<<Yeah!>> I reply kidding her, aware of her shyness. Somehow I had to avenge myself for only making me freak out on the highway behind traffic queues and crazy people heedless of traffic laws.
I have always been playful and lively so she is enough accustomed to endure an ingenuous joke at her expense. She will get over it and will learn to be less naive. Luckily they love me in spite of my tongue a little poisonous and my sarcasm and however we all have a great sense of humour; its difficult that we are easily offended.
Frances awaits us at the entrance with a wonderful smile: <<Come in, kids. Youre welcome! Isabels friends are my friends too.>> she says, making us settle in.
Everyone is amazed entering this wonderful house. She has good taste and she loves art. Her dwelling looks like a museum: she has travelled much before her husbands death and from every journey they have brought home some souvenirs. She is a classy woman and I think that she is one of the most fascinating and intelligent woman I have ever met and, in spite of everything, she knows how to put everyone at ease without posing as many hoity-toity women in high places do. Just the thought of the existence of certain people, it makes me sick.
<<Isabel, what a pleasure to have you here! When your mother has told me that you would have stayed two days, she has filled my heart with joy. Now Lucia will show you your rooms.>>
<<Thank you very much, Frances. You are always very generous. You missed me much. You havent come visit us for a long time! How are your daughters? Are they always in England?>>
<<They are fine and they always tell me to greet you! Let me hug you, Isabel.>> She throw her arms around my neck and caresses me as only a mother can do. I love this woman, she is like a second mother for me. Who knows if Robbie and I will continue being so much friends as my mother and Frances. I really hope so!
We have spent the evening joyfully even if we were all very tired because of the drive. After supper the boys and girls have finally relaxed and have overcome the awkwardness. I had forgotten that Lucia was really a talented cook. She prepared a divinely tasty dish of spaghetti with seafood and sea-bass en papillote with salad, all accompanied with excellent white wine.
<<Isabel, you are right: Mrs Frances is really a very nice and youthful woman. Chatting with her is amusing.>> Rebecca tells me enthusiastically.
Absorbed and fascinated by Frances interesting stories, we didnt realize that the time was passing. Its very late now and we are starting to be sleepy.
Victor is the first one to fall in Sandmans arms. <<Good night everyone>> he says while he tries to hold back a yawn.
Little by little all the others do the same and go to their rooms. Robbie and I stay and chat some more with Frances. I would never get tired of listening her talk. Who knows how much my mother and she had fun when they were young! I can well imagine them breaking hearts and getting on my maternal grandmothers nerves. She is very harsh and I dare not think how many times she will have scolded her daughter for her exuberance. Luckily shes not like that with me. Maybe getting old, you become more tolerant and patient.
<<Isabel, youre worried about something, arent you? You know, nothing can escape me. Youre like a daughter to me and you cant pull the wool over my eyes...>> she scrutinizes me waiting for my answer.
I look downward on the floor not to meet her inquiring eyes. But she doesnt give up and perseveres: <<I can see that youre frayed, even though you want to conceal everything behind your smile. Your eyes are the mirror of your soul and they tell me that theres something wrong!>>
<<No, Im just a little tired lately. So I decided to take a break from training otherwise I would arrive to the day of the competition powerless and exhausted.>> I answer off the top of my head before she investigates too deeply. I dont even know what to say, why Im feeling so melancholy is a mystery to me too.
<<Its true, sometimes its good to have a little detachment from everyday life. But I continue doubting that you arent the usual cheerful girl ever. Whatever it is, you know you can count on me. You did well to come here. In this way you have a change of scenery. Now just rest and scoot off to bed!>> Frances exclaims approaching and kissing me on the forehead.
<<Its really a pleasure to meet you Roberta. Im glad that our Isabel has a friend like you. She desired a sister a lot and she has acquired her with you. Keep an eye on this little rascal.>>
Frances kisses also Robbie on the forehead and we head for our bedrooms.
I sink my head in the soft pillow and before falling asleep I send a text message to Max:
Good night, I miss you! Kisses
He answers me immediately:
I miss you too. Remember to be a good girl and dont get too close to other guys when youre at the beach. Good night!
I smile and finally fall asleep.
The weekend goes on in a big way: sun, sea, beach games, junk food, disco and a lot of light heartedness I really needed!!! It has been all too short and Turin with its monotony awaits us.
<<Thanks for the hospitality, Frances. We all had a great time. These boys and girls already love you! Ill miss you. Please, come visit us soon.>> I hug the wonderful woman who has allowed us to spend a terrific weekend and we leave. Of course Im the designated driver but the truth is that I dont mind so much after all. When the road is free-flowing and I have music to keep me company, I feel like the mistress of the world. Meanwhile Robbie fell asleep. I wont wake her thus I can lose myself in my thoughts without arousing indiscreet questions.
Back home we all head for our rooms. We have to rest and prepare psychologically ourselves for the beginning of a new week of hard work.
II
The alarm goes off and I jump from the bed watching the time with sleepy eyes. Damn! Its already time to get up! Its only Wednesday and I feel tired as if it was already Friday, wearing the weight of a week . I snort, stretch myself on the bed and try to gather my strength to face another long day. Summer is not long over and the city has resumed its rhythm: people running after public transport, drivers who insult each other to the car horn and students of all ages with a backpack and with the indolence that can be seen from their expressions, just like me today. Sooner or later I want to take a day off and lounge in bed all day making me only cradle by idleness.