A New Life
By
Lucy Appadoo
ALSO BY LUCY APPADOO
Crystal Light at http://www.lucyappadooauthor.com.au
Published by Lucy Appadoo
Copyright© 2015 Lucy Appadoo
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording without either the prior permission in writing from the publisher as expressly permitted by law, or under the terms agreed.
The author’s moral rights have been asserted.
Cover design by Jessica Bell
To my parents, Antonietta and Antonio who inspired me to write this story,
and for their love and support over the years.
Contents
Chapter 1 -Unchartered Territory
Chapter 2 - Broken Boundaries
Chapter 3 - Matrimony
Chapter 4 - Doubts
Chapter 5 - Differing Opinions
Chapter 6 - Close to the Edge
Chapter 7 - Danger Zone
Chapter 8 - New Journey
Chapter9 - A Walk to the Other Side
Chapter 1
Unchartered Territory
Valeria Allegro boarded the Alitalia flight wearing a black shift dress that shaped her slim physique, a matching jacket, and a pair of cheap flat shoes inherited from her mother. Her heart skipped a beat, as she thought about her upcoming journey to Australia. The year was 1965,and Valeria had left her family behind in Piaggine, Italy. Was it her choice? Partly yes, because she wanted to leave the struggle of farm work, and partly no, because she was meeting her future husband Roberto Morandi, whom she had yet to meet. An arranged marriage had been organised by her parents and Roberto’s aunt in Italy. Her lack of proficiency in the English language and lack of job didn’t help matters.
Valeria was ambivalent about marrying a man she’d only exchanged letters with, but was hoping to establish freedom in a new country; a world filled with opportunities and possibilities.
Although, what did an 18 year old know about city life? What did Valeria know about relationships when her father had forbidden her to have one of any kind? It was only proper to have a husband rather than a boyfriend, in her dad’s eyes. Her father had always been strict and domineering, hardly ever listening to what she had to say. She’d never had a voice, and it saddened her to think they weren’t close. He had beaten her several times just to prove he was the boss, and Valeria had developed a hatred towards him because of it. She couldn’t express any anger, as that would propel him further into discipline. How she wished that things could have been different with her and her father.
Her mother and Valeria were close, and her mother was submissive. Valeria’s heart broke, thinking how she’d wished her mother had defended her against her father. It was a blessing that she had taught her domestic and farm-hand skills, and nurtured Valeria.
Valeria was close to her siblings, but she was closest to her oldest sister who had defended her during her father’s anger episodes.
Valeria rested back against her seat and sighed. Drawing a hand through her short auburn waves, she thought about her new life in Melbourne and shuddered slightly with fear. What if it didn’t work out with Roberto? What if he was like her father; demanding and controlling? She cringed at the thought of marriage, and didn’t expect much from the impending marriage as all she really wanted was the independence to start a career in dressmaking. She couldn’t have that independence in Piaggine, but sewing was a passion, which had been taught to her by her mother. She wanted a better life without enduring further poverty as she had in Italy. She only hoped that Roberto would respect her wishes to be her own woman. Her mother had taught her that there was nothing she couldn’t tolerate and nothing she couldn’t conquer.
Valeria had communicated with Roberto via post and had seen photo of him. He seemed friendly enough. It would be a marriage of convenience, a marriage in name only, and she was fine with that. She had no expectations other than freedom and meeting her basic needs for survival. In Italy, she had never had much of a childhood with all her responsibilities on the farm and at home. She never had the chance to have fun or be with friends. It had been all work with little time for much else, and she needed to make a new life for herself. She needed to discover who she was away from her family.
Breaking out of her ponderings, Valeria arrived at Tullamarine Airport and went through customs. The pitter-patter of feet, the indecipherable voices over loud speakers, the array of scents, and the congestion of people caused her anxiety. She had never been in such a hectic space before, having always surrounded herself by nature and landscapes. Valeria felt lost and overwhelmed by the crowds, the hustle and bustle of the airport, and the high-pitched noise. She had never travelled outside her village and wondered how she would manage without her family. The unfamiliar surroundings were almost unnerving, but somewhat exciting too.
Valeria spotted her future husband, Roberto, having recognised him from his photos. As she got closer, she trembled slightly. He was accompanied by a slightly older woman and man. Roberto approached Valeria. His body resisted at first.
“Hi there, Valeria. It’s good to finally meet you. How was your flight?” He kissed her on the cheek.
Valeria’s heart skipped a beat. “Fine, and—aah, nice to finally meet you, Roberto.”
Valeria couldn’t help but notice his vivid green eyes, and his jet black and wavy hair. He had smiling eyes and a muscular build as if he was sporty and fit. He turned towards the woman and man beside him. “This is my sister, Angela and her husband, Marco.”
Valeria noticed Angela wearing a short miniskirt and a loose-fitting blouse. Angela wore her hair in a tight bun that enhanced her sparkling green eyes and expressive face. Valeria thought she looked somewhat serious but attractive. She also knew her mother wouldn’t approve of the miniskirt, but Valeria thought it must be the current trend in Melbourne that year, and she liked the look. She kissed Angela on both cheeks, feeling somewhat awkward amongst strangers. Angela had a reserved smile with a detached air about her.
Marco wore pleated pants and a check shirt. He had a crew cut and blue eyes with a robust face, giving him a warm, handsome appearance. Valeria kissed him on both cheeks too, and felt flushed. Marco’s smile lit up the area, and he appeared more relaxed and easy-going than Angela.
After picking up her luggage from the baggage claim, they headed towards the car. Roberto and Marco loaded the white Valiant with the luggage and then drove to the exit where Roberto paid the man who sat in a tiny booth. She found it strange to pay a man in a tiny booth as she’d never seen this before, not having travelled outside her village until now. Roberto drove, and Valeria discovered that her new residence was in a suburb called Moonee Ponds. She’d be living with Roberto, Angela and Marco in a house they had bought together. She didn’t mind living with another couple as that meant Roberto would be distracted by others in the house. She wasn’t sure she wanted to be alone with Roberto as she didn’t know yet what she could offer in the marriage.
Valeria said little on the way to her new home, and fidgeted. She was content listening to Angela speak about her upcoming wedding in the week ahead and the plans she had made. Valeria peered through the window of the car, passing by a colossal garden with overhanging trees, a lake, and a couple of large playgrounds. She noticed the women with children who were laughing, interacting, and chasing them around the seagulls that obviously smelled food. She wondered if she’d ever be as carefree as those mothers, as interested in their children as if she didn’t have a care in the world. A yearning for family hit her deeply in the stomach as she thought about her mother, sisters and br
others. She didn’t miss her father that much, and that led to strong feelings of guilt.
Roberto drove into a worn, cracked driveway and stopped. Valeria had read up about Australian homes and noticed it was an old classic brick home with delicate metal lace work, a pitched roof, and bay windows. It looked like a Victoriana style home, featuring a wide front yard covered mostly by a trimmed lawn which had hedges and a rose garden surrounding the inviting home. A lemon tree stood at the side of the house, and the property was massive and well kept. She knew that Roberto was an avid gardener and enjoyed outdoor activities so he must’ve been the one who maintained the garden.
As they strolled indoors, Valeria noticed a statue of Jesus lining the mantel piece, paintings of Jesus and Saint Michael hanging on the wall, and a mauve cotton sofa covered with a handmade crocheted blanket. The house had a warm, cosy feel. She felt somewhat at home with the religious items displayed as her mother normally held rosaries in the evenings before going to bed. She wore crosses around her neck as a sign of being religious in her own way. Her mother believed in angels and the divine, and Valeria recalled how her mother had once told her about finding a book about angels that someone must’ve lost. It described the archangels, Saint Gabriel and Michael, and her mother had drawn strength by praying to them. Valeria grew up believing in the strength of the angels and divine intervention, but she had also realised that the angels allowed free will.
During a tour of the house, Valeria noticed a tall bookshelf containing books about Italy, Australia, and some romantic fiction written in Italian. She knew that Roberto liked to read as he had mentioned it in his letters. There was a large living room with a television, venetian blinds that hid the sunlight, two medium-sized bedrooms, a bathroom, and an outdoor patio. The flooring was complete with plush green carpet, and the high ceilings created an illusion of space.
Roberto and Marco walked out to the back garden while Angela started cooking lunch. Valeria settled her suitcase into her room and started unpacking. She looked at the queen-size bed. Her hands shook with nerves and her mind cluttered with thoughts of adjustment. Then she saw a mattress beside the bed and breathed a sigh of relief. Roberto obviously planned to sleep on the mattress. She sat on the bed with clasped hands and closed her eyes, thinking about her new life. Breaking her out of her reverie, Angela called her out for lunch.
After eating a large plate of homemade lasagne, crumbed chicken, and scalloped potatoes, Valeria felt like she was going to explode. She was grateful for the food as her family back home always had little to eat. Her parents had struggled to feed Valeria, her three sisters and two brothers. As they all sat at the table, Valeria discovered that Angela and Marco had only been married for two years, and were planning to have children in the next couple of years.
The conversation was halted by a knock at the door. Angela rose to answer and Valeria watched as a young bulky man with a mafia look about him, all powerful and widely-built, entered. Roberto rose and grabbed Valeria’s hand. “Hi Luca, this is my bride to be, Valeria, and, aah, Valeria, this is Luca, our neighbour. He’s from the north of Italy, and arrived a year before we did.”
Valeria suddenly felt uncomfortable as she moved forward. “Nice to meet you.” She shook his hand, which lingered.
“Likewise,” he said. Valeria encountered his deep gaze and it unnerved her. She averted her eyes and watched Angela prepare a plate of lunch for Luca. They all sat back down at the kitchen table and Luca devoured his lunch while the others watched. Angela then brought out some fruit and walnuts to munch on.
“So how do you like Melbourne so far?” Luca asked Valeria.
Valeria shrugged. “It seems nice.” His watchful eye seemed to penetrate her soul, continuing to unsettle her.
“Wait till Roberto shows you around, you’ll love it here. As they say, ‘it is the land of opportunity’.”
“So they say,” Valeria said. Her heart couldn’t stop racing.
“Luca, are you still okay to drive Valeria to the church?” Angela asked.
“No problem,” Luca said.
“Good. Now, the wedding will be at St Monica’s Church and then we’ll have some food back here. You are coming back home, aren’t you?”Angela asked.
Valeria felt disheartened and uneasy about this strange man being her driver. There was something about him, but then again, she didn’t know the man and couldn’t judge.
Luca stared at Valeria. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” He turned to Roberto. “Roberto, mate, you got yourself a fine-looking woman.”
Valeria noticed him blushing. “Thanks,” Roberto replied.
She found out that Luca worked as an electrician which showed in his rough, worn hands. They were hands that needed a touch of moisturiser.
Valeria felt her face flush and she noticed Roberto staring at her with a warm smile. What was he thinking, she thought? Valeria didn’t want Roberto getting any new ideas about their prospective marriage. She wasn’t sure that he wouldn’t hurt her just as her father had. How could she trust him when she didn’t know him? Yet, her parents knew his family, didn’t they? Otherwise, they wouldn’t have sent her to Melbourne.
Angela walked back into the kitchen and brought out panettone and minute cups of espresso coffee. Valeria had never drunk coffee. It was seen as a luxury by her parents, and they’d never been able to afford it.
When Valeria brought the cup to her lips, it was bitter and tasteless. She forced it down anyway, not wanting to be rude. It was important for Valeria to make the right impression. She tasted the panettone, and enjoyed it. She remembered her mother making it and its deliciousness when steaming hot. The homemade version was just that tiny bit tastier than this one. It made her feel slightly homesick.
After lunch, Luca left and Valeria found her breath again. The way he had stared at her brought chills to her spine, and she wondered what his intentions were.
As Angela was washing the dishes and the men gathered outside, she turned to Valeria.
“Are you okay? You look shaken up for some reason.”
Valeria felt her hands shake slightly, taking a deep breath. “I’m fine.”
“Luca seems to like you.”
Valeria watched Angela closely, wiping the dishes thoroughly. “He doesn’t even know me, but you guys seem close.”
“He doesn’t have much of a family. His mother left him when he was just a little kid. I think he was about 8 at the time. He says he still remembers her.”
Valeria was curious. “And his father?”
“He said his father was pretty controlling and critical. He was always finding ways to get his approval. I think now he’s quite ill in Italy, but Luca doesn’t seem to care that much.”
“And he doesn’t have any other family?”
Angela turned the tap off and wiped her hands. “No, which is why he sticks with us. We’re his family now.”
Valeria felt slightly nauseous. Did she want him to be part of the family? Would she always feel uncomfortable in his presence? She broke out of her reverie when Angela spoke.
“Come to think of it. You look a lot like his mum.”
Valeria turned to her abruptly. “What?”
“Well, he showed us a photo of her. A photo he’d found in his father’s room, which he then stole. She looks a lot like you, with the auburn hair and the pretty features.”
Valeria was numb. What could she say to that? She didn’t want to be a ghost of his past, but now that Angela mentioned it, it would somehow haunt her. He might be comparing her to his mother, and she didn’t want that.
Chapter 2
Broken Boundaries
Two days later, Angela and Valeria arranged some tulips for the church. She also tried on her wedding dress from a friend of Angela’s who made wedding dresses. She was grateful that Angela’s friend had used her ideas for the design. She had been unable to afford making the wedding dress back home but had always brimmed with designs. As a result of her ideas, she had made casual
clothes for her family with the use of cheap fabrics and a weathered, rusty sewing machine.
Her wedding dress needed some slight adjustments but would be finalised by the following Saturday. It was made of organza and tulle with sequins around the waist and chest. The sleeves were three-quarter length with layers of frills from the waist down, flowing outwards, and almost hoop-like.
It was important to Valeria that she was looked upon by others as attractive and presentable on her wedding day. Her mother had brought her up to believe that others’ opinions of her were important and Valeria didn’t like others gossiping behind her back. She wanted to make a good impression, and being seen as strong and beautiful was a cultural belief and the way she had been brought up. The Italians she knew back home didn’t like any sort of scandal and always worried about other people’s opinions of them.
Valeria kept busy tending the back garden, tidying up the house, and cooking dinner for Roberto, Angela and Marco as they all had their own jobs. Roberto and Marco worked installing sewerage pipes, and Angela was a machine operator. Valeria had only completed five years of primary school education in Italy, and was then forced to help out her family on the farm as they needed the extra hands. She had little education but was well-trained in sewing, cooking, cleaning, and doing impeccable farm work. However she hoped that her skills as a gifted seamstress would allow her to set up her own dressmaking business; a dream she wanted to turn into a reality. With her limited education and no English speaking skills, she was worried about finding suitable work in Melbourne. As she was a gifted seamstress, she knew that setting up her own dressmaking business would fulfil a passion of hers.
On her third day in Melbourne, Valeria responded to the doorbell. She swung open the door and drew back when she saw Luca beaming. “Just came by to see if you needed anything.”
Valeria cringed, noticing a red metallic tool box in his hand. “No, I’m fine, thanks.” She was about to close the door when Luca had charged in like a bull.
A New Life Page 1