Two Tickets

Written for http://weeklyprompts.com/2023/09/16/weekly-prompts-weekend-challenge-nearby/

Mariette’s family didn’t live nearby.

Orvieto, her home once. Yet she had lived in England more than she the home she was born in. Alessandra meant well. To repair the broken bridge of old arguments wasn’t something she could do alone. Yet, she couldn’t travel with her.

There were two tickets – Bella wanted to see her. That wasn’t the impression she got when her Mama was ill. If she walked into a room; did she not walk back out again. As teenagers, they were so close. Now they could be living in the same village and there would still be a gap between them.

‘Mum, why didn’t you go?’ George asked again.

‘I cannot be ashamed of falling in love, or having you. Papa, he will never forgive me. Your Aunty Bella, it isn’t fair to bring up an old feud.’

‘Alessandra said, Zia Bella wanted you to go.’

‘Did she, or was she only saying that? The last time I went, you were old enough to see what was happening.’

Mariette leant against the railing, watching the bus travel past the stop. She never got used to the rain – not really. She pulled her umbrella up, listening to the pitter patter of rain. Drip, drip, drip, it was never ending. Yet, leaving wasn’t an option. Jack would always be part of Slough, just as her papa would be part of Orvieto.

‘You were upset, I could see that.’

‘It is why I didn’t want Alessandra to go, but she wouldn’t listen.’

‘Mum, if I wanted to go . . . ‘

‘I wouldn’t stop you love, but it isn’t going to be easy. Not for Alessandra, especially not for you. Papa, he will never forgive me, my dishonour.’ The bus came to a halt, spraying water over her wellington boots. She saw the look of shock on her son’s face. Perhaps dishonour was the wrong word. Making the choice to leave home, marry Jack, wasn’t a regret.

George stepped away from the bus, as she found her seat.

‘