A New Life Read Online Free Page B

donkey on her own. After an hour's travel, she ended up at her older sister's house; the pain felt like a razor in her foot. Her sister found her and called the doctor nearby who quickly visited the house. He gave Valeria a tetanus shot and said, “You were so close to dying, Valeria. It's lucky you came to see me right now—we need to fight this infection in your foot. You're a very lucky girl."
                  Valeria thought that if her father had genuinely cared about her safety that day, he would've taken her to the doctor himself. Instead, she fended for herself. If it wasn't for her sister, she could've easily died.
                  Breaking out of her thoughts, Roberto introduced her to some of his friends and she kissed them on both cheeks, as was customary. When Luca came up to them, she noticed that Roberto greeted him with some reservation, but when he wanted to greet Valeria, Roberto stopped him. He seemed to look at Luca suspiciously, and drew closer to Valeria by putting his arm around her shoulder. She felt subtly protected by him.
              “Why don't you bring the car around, Luca. We'll meet you there in a few minutes.”
    Valeria noticed Luca's eyes darken and his lips pursed. He nodded, turning towards Valeria with a brief sinister look in his eyes, then headed for the car park at the rear of the church.
                  Roberto and Valeria eventually left in Roberto's white Valiant with Luca driving them back home. Valeria sat awkwardly in the car, lifting her dress which had filled up part of Roberto's space. She noticed Luca staring at her in the rear view mirror so she shifted her gaze and watched the traffic. She was in awe of the shifting crowds and the wide open spaces and roads, quite different to her own village. She had also never viewed such a spectacular church with all those stained glass windows, that wide-open space, and such an array of candles. She'd only ever visited a much smaller church in her village. She realised how poor and lonely she felt. Everyone here seemed wealthier, more educated, and lived in an open and natural, but populated space. She'd need to adapt to the city with its dense population and vast roads.
                  Roberto turned to her. “So how are you feeling?”
                  Valeria shrugged. “It all seems so unreal.” She shifted awkwardly in the seat.
                  “That's natural.”He paused. “So I guess tonight—aah— we'll be together.” Roberto watched her curiously as if he could see right through her.
    Valeria froze. How could she manage that? She looked away and didn't respond. Valeria wasn't ready for anything sexual to happen.
                  When she turned back towards him, she couldn't decide exactly what she felt for him. She liked him and realised there were many layers to his personality.
                  She noticed Luca staring at her in the mirror again. He held an expression of contained anger and composure while driving. Valeria felt chilled and hugged her body tight.
                  When they finally reached the house, Luca went to his house next door to grab some chairs for the prospective guests. Valeria and Roberto entered the house. She walked to her bedroom while Roberto fixed himself a drink in the kitchen. She changed into a black lace sleeveless dress that she had bought especially for the post-wedding party, and took one last look in the mirror. She put on long, white silk gloves adorned with cream beading that went up to her elbows. She breathed a sigh of relief that part of the day was over, but she was still nervous about later tonight. She left the room and greeted the guests who had just arrived, and then helped Angela serve an early dinner on a buffet table. The table was filled with tortellini bolognaise, baked garlic-seasoned chicken, arancini balls, salad with feta cheese, prosciutto