As they continued to discuss this new approach to Rosalie’s issues, and to their relationship, they both felt a sense of relief. Now they had something to work with, the “proverbial” light at the end of the tunnel. Together they agreed that they would explore their relationship from beginning to end, to include all those friends and relatives they’ve associated with over the years, as a start to this new chapter in their lives, in hopes of finding answers, solutions and a positive outcome. So they walked over to the sofa, sat back in each other’s arms to enjoy some peace and calm, then settled on watching a pleasant movie on the Family Channel this evening as a simple break from their day of turmoil. Franco and Rosalie needed to rest their weary souls and mend their shattered hearts amidst all the chaos…but no sooner did they switch the channel, the doorbell rang. They both jumped up very disappointed that “their” moment of peace had been disturbed, as Franco went downstairs to answer the door. Within minutes he returned with Maria following behind. Maria, sensing she may have interrupted something, told Rosalie and Franco she wasn’t planning on staying. She just wanted to check in on them and let them know that she would be heading to Europe for a few days on a business trip to look at a new line of clothing for the department store she works for and just didn’t want to leave town without seeing them personally to say good-bye. Maria reminded them that she is only a phone call away if they needed her. So after they all made small-talk for a few minutes, Maria kissed Rosalie on the cheek and gave a great big hug to Franco - a little too big for Rosalie’s liking, but Rosalie dismissed it. After all, Maria is Maria; a little flirty, but also her very best friend. Rosalie was embarrassed at herself for even reading too much into that hug.
Before Maria left, she promised to bring back some samples of both men’s and women’s fashions for them to try. Franco and Rosalie smiled at that. They loved European fashion. They both appreciatively thanked Maria for stopping by and wished her a safe trip, as Franco showed her out. Before settling back into their seats on the sofa to pick up where they left off, Rosalie took the phone off the hook while Franco ran downstairs to lock the house up for the night. They then removed their shoes and nestled back into each other’s arms ready to enjoy a light and easy family movie, as they originally planned, along with some welcomed alone time.
CHAPTER FOUR – A VISIT WITH MILLIE
…It was morning. The alarm clock went off as usual waking Rosalie from a deep sleep. Franco was already up, minutes before the alarm sounded. He would just lay in bed each morning, anticipating its ring, never having to rely on it to wake him up. Once it sounded, Franco was ready to greet the day. Rosalie, on the other hand, preferred to turn over, put the blanket over her head, and attempt to find her way back into the dream she was abruptly woken up from.
Franco sat up in bed, swiftly and aimlessly moving his bare feet across the wooden floor, as he did every morning, hoping to find his slippers. It was the same ritual; however, his slippers were never in the same place. This was an early morning challenge for Franco. Once he found them, he’d quickly slip them on his feet and make his way into the kitchen and put up a fresh pot of Espresso.
…Franco sipped his coffee ever so slowly, savoring every bit of it, as he gazed out into the backyard from the kitchen window, watching the birds fly by, while counting the windows that already had lights on from the neighboring houses. Yes, morning has settled, and Franco felt good to know that he wasn’t the only one up and about at this time. He knew Rosalie would join him shortly. She couldn’t resist the tantalizing aromas of espresso - and sure enough, he heard her voice…“Franco!” Rosalie called out. She had caught him dozing off at the kitchen table. Franco jumped up with bulging red eyes, fighting to cover the fact that he had fallen asleep at the table. They both looked at each other and laughed. Rosalie laughed in amusement and Franco laughed in embarrassment. He knew Rosalie had found him dozing with his mouth wide open and a bit of saliva seeping down from one corner of his lip. Still giggling in amusement, Rosalie approached Franco, sat in his lap, and wiped the saliva from his mouth with a napkin. She gave him a “good morning” kiss on his cheek, then ran her bare foot up and down his pajama-clad legs. Franco gently placed his hand on her knee, kissed her on the forehead, then squeezed her tightly with both hands, holding her close to his body. They stayed that way for a minute or two, relishing in their sensuous moment…Franco then gazed up at the clock on the wall and soon realized that if he didn’t get into the shower, he’d be late for work. So he lightly jabbed Rosalie on her waist, hinting to her that it was time for her to leave his lap. Duty calls. Rosalie jumped to her feet and made her way over to the stove, pouring herself a cup of fresh espresso. She informed Franco that she planned on visiting with Millie today.
Millie was the elderly lady who lived a few doors down, who was also a trusted family friend for many years. She and Rosalie’s mom were exceptionally close. After both Rosalie’s parents passed, Millie became a true confidant to Rosalie. She was up in age and it was important that Rosalie check on her now and then. Rosalie felt terrible that she hadn’t been doing that as often as she’d like, but Rosalie became so lost in her own problems of late that it became almost impossible for her to focus on someone else. That had to stop though, because Millie was too important and she deserved better. No matter what, Rosalie had to find a way to make time for Millie. After telling this to Franco, he agreed. He was so happy to hear that Rosalie planned to make that visit today. Franco felt a visit with Millie would get Rosalie out of the house and allow her to concentrate on something other than the voices she claims to hear. He encouraged Rosalie to visit with Millie more often. It would be good for Rosalie. Rosalie smiled, knowing Franco was truly happy about it. She too felt that this would be a first step in trying to get past her fears while lending a helping hand to Millie at the same time. Rosalie needed to get out of the house more often, and visiting Millie was like having her own mother around. So as Franco walked towards the bathroom and into the shower, Rosalie sat on the sofa enjoying the rest of her espresso, thinking about making that overdue visit to Millie today.
Millie had lost her husband some years back and her only daughter had moved down to North Carolina with her husband and two teenage daughters, since her husband’s job had relocated down south. Millie did not want to move down there with them since she loved living up north here in Brooklyn, New York. She cherished the memories she made here with her husband. She loved that the stores, her church and all of her doctors were in walking distance and she did not want to give that up either. Besides, all of Millie’s friends were here, those that were still alive anyway. She did miss her grandchildren terribly, but her daughter and her family would come up to visit every Christmas and sometimes during the summer months. Somehow that wasn’t enough for Millie and Rosalie sensed this; so Rosalie found a way to solve that problem. She convinced Millie to purchase a laptop computer some time ago and taught her how to use e-mail so that she could stay in touch with her family. At first Millie was reluctant. She felt she was too old for all this new technology. She told Rosalie that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Rosalie insisted otherwise, and together they went to a local electronics store and purchased the laptop. Now Millie not only uses e-mail to stay in touch with her family but she has also mastered online shopping, and has become a pro at both.
…Franco, pleasantly interrupting Rosalie’s thoughts with his presence, came into the living room looking handsome and hot in his work shirt and jeans. He gently kissed Rosalie’s lips as he rushed towards the door hoping to make it to work on time. Franco hated to be late for anything, especially work. Rosalie watched his every step. She loved his sexy strut and the smell of his “woodsy-fragrant” cologne. It mesmerized her…then Franco quickly turned back, winked at Rosalie, and said, “Give my love to Millie.” Rosalie responded, “I surely will. Millie will be happy to hear that. She thinks you’re wonderful Franco…I do too. Love you. Have a great day and be safe please.” Franco was alrea
dy half-way down the stairs when he yelled back, “Love you too Rosalie!”
Rosalie ran off to the bedroom and quickly rummaged through her closet, looking for something to wear so she could race out and visit with Millie. She settled on a pair of dark blue jeans and a plum-colored sweatshirt. After a quick shower, Rosalie threw on her clothes and slipped her feet into a pair of black leather ankle boots while racing around the house silly trying to find something special to bring over to Millie. She then ran to the fridge and grabbed an unopened tin of mixed nuts to take over to her, so as not to visit empty-handed. After all, she thought to herself, what kind of a person goes anywhere empty-handed, “especially not an Italian girl like me.” Rosalie chuckled at that thought, while putting on her denim jacket and searching for her house keys, her cell phone, a pack of breath mints, and her small denim tote. Once she got herself together, off she went with the tin of nuts under one arm and her tote hanging from the other.
…And there was Millie, a few doors down, sweeping the sidewalk as usual. Millie’s gray hair sparkled in the morning light and her pale face, creased with age, still showed remnants of the beautiful young woman she once was. Rosalie studied her from a short distance, taking notice of the pink paisley housedress she was wearing – the one that belonged to Rosalie’s mom, the one Rosalie had given to Millie after her mother passed away, the one that brought a nostalgic smile to Rosalie’s face. Rosalie was so happy to see Millie wearing that dress since Millie and Rosalie’s mom were the best of friends. Rosalie giggled as she gazed down at Millie’s feet, admiring her choice of a brand-named sneaker that was more suited for a younger person of course, yet just so perfect for Millie. She just looked so cute this morning. Millie had a youthfulness about her that just made her so easy to relate to and so easy for Rosalie to talk to.
…“Good morning Millie,” Rosalie said with a smile. Millie looked up from the pile of leaves gathered on the ground in front of her and responded, “Oh, hello dear. How are you this morning Rosalie? So good to see you.” Rosalie handed Millie the tin of nuts and said, “Here Millie. These are for you.” Millie accepted them so graciously with a grandmotherly-smile that warmed Rosalie’s heart. Rosalie then politely requested that Millie step back a bit while she picked up the small plastic shovel Millie had rested against her tree, and bent down to pick up the pile of leaves still gathered at Millie’s feet. Rosalie took the broom from Millie’s hands and continued to sweep up what was left of that pile and placed those leaves into Millie’s garbage pail. Millie yelled out, “Rosalie dear! I can do that! Please don’t dirty yourself up, you look so pretty.” Rosalie gave Millie a kiss on the cheek and told her not to worry, she is so happy to help her. With that, they walked arm in arm up the six steps of Millie’s front stoop and sat on the white bench on Millie’s porch. Rosalie told Millie that she was so glad to take this time to visit with her this morning. Millie grabbed Rosalie’s hand and said, “It’s about time my dear. I was beginning to think you forgot about me. After all, we only live a few doors apart from each other.” Rosalie apologized to Millie and said she could never forget about her, that she’s been meaning to drop by to visit but was so wrapped up in her writing and other personal things.
Millie looked into Rosalie’s eyes and asked, “What’s bothering you dear? You can’t fool an old lady like me. You’re like a daughter to me. Your mother would want me to look after you, you know that. So tell me what’s bothering you dear. You aren’t having trouble with Franco now, are you?” Rosalie responded, “Oh no Millie, nothing like that. Franco and I are just fine. He sends his love.” Millie smiled and said, “He’s a dear boy. I’m glad you’re not having any problems in that department. If you were, well that boy would have to answer to old Millie here.” Rosalie laughed and assured Millie everything is fine with Franco. Millie then grabbed Rosalie’s hand again and told Rosalie that her words say one thing but her eyes say another. She invited Rosalie into the house for tea and conversation.
…as they sat at Millie’s old-fashioned formica table, quaintly positioned in the corner of her small kitchen, next to the backyard window, Rosalie fell deeper in thought. She asked herself - should I confide in Millie and tell her what’s been going on with the voices I’ve been hearing? Should I tell her about the visit from the psychic, Ms. Jacqueline Price? What would she think if I told her about the warning from my parents?…Rosalie was unsure of how Millie might react to all of this. Millie was truly easy to talk with and was a great substitute for her deceased mom, but she was still “old-school”. This might be too out there for Millie to comprehend…yet Rosalie really needed to talk to someone who might understand her as a mother would. Only Millie could do that. Rosalie stayed silent for a few more moments, still lost in her thoughts, as her eyes slowly moved about Millie’s apartment.
Millie called out Rosalie’s name and asked, “Are you daydreaming dear?” Rosalie embarrassingly replied, “Oh no Millie. I’m so sorry. I was just admiring your house. I haven’t been here for awhile.” Rosalie remarked about how she loved those beautiful antique lamp shades with the beige tassels hanging from the bottom rim, along with the red-flowered wallpaper in Millie’s living room. It all brought back happy memories from the times she would visit Millie in the past. Everything remained the same and felt so comforting to look at. Millie still had her old black sewing machine too, resting up against the wall near her television set. That television set was really old. It was the kind they used to make which was set inside a wooden furniture frame that would sit anywhere on the floor against a wall. It was just like the one Rosalie’s parents had in their house for many years…then Rosalie looked past the living room, straight into Millie’s bedroom, from her seat in the kitchen. There it was. The home-made altar that Rosalie remembered seeing when she was a child visiting Millie with her mother.
It was just a plain old wooden table that stood maybe three-feet high and four feet across, with a white crocheted tablecloth covering the top and hanging off the edges. There stood Millie’s beautiful statues of the Blessed Virgin, the Lord Jesus, St. Jude, Mother Cabrini, who Millie often prayed to, and the most wonderful Pietà. They were all so life-like. They each had to be a foot or a foot and a half tall. Rosalie was in awe seeing that Millie still placed burning candles around the statues, as she always did. Rosalie asked Millie if she still prayed daily at her altar. Millie proudly smiled and nodded in the affirmative, stating that this small shrine fills her home with peace, love and the spirit of God. Rosalie smiled right back at Millie. She always loved that altar since she was a child…then after a short moment of silence, Rosalie continued to eye the apartment amazed to see that Millie still had the old-fashioned ironing board that folded down right out of the kitchen wall. At this point, her roving eyes were everywhere; up and down and back and forth, with no specific focus – just everywhere. Rosalie chuckled and said to Millie, “I noticed you still have your sofa and Queen Anne chairs covered in plastic.” Millie chuckled too, and replied, “Of course dear. How do you think we oldtimers keep our furniture looking so good for so very long. If we didn’t do this, you youngsters would never have the privilege of enjoying these antiques once we’re gone.” Rosalie responded with a giggle, “I never thought of it that way Millie, but you’re exactly right. I cherish the antiques left behind from my parents. They all have a story to tell.” Then they both happily sipped their teas, cherishing this special time together. Rosalie felt so safe and secure sitting with Millie and her surroundings.
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