Free Armored by S. W. Frank Page B

understand.”
    “Okay Maria,” Selange replied as she inched toward the door to make an escape.
    “Go,” Maria chuckled. She gestured Selange out just as a horn sounded. “Amelda is impatient. Sophie has reared very rude adults.”
    Selange gave a thin smile. She loved Maria. It was good to see her happy with Bruno.  A daughter-in-law did not want to disappoint the lady who taught her so much about being a loving mother. Sometimes she prayed, yes, at night when she lay in Alfonzo’s arms, she asked her mother in heaven to keep her family safe, including Maria. She had a nightmare last night, but she hadn’t told Alfonzo because she didn’t want him to worry –but.
    “Selange, are you alright mija?”
    The aquiline eyes colored in pine and earth tones sparkled. “I’m good. I love you.”
    “Love you mas, now go and have fun. Do not worry about the children. Too bad Anita did not come, but I suppose she will have a quiet house in which to enjoy her novellas.”
    Selange laughed and gave Maria a quick kiss before scurrying to the vehicle where Amelda sat barking at her assistant from her cell. Selange used the opportunity to contact Teresa, it was a little after midnight in the U.S. but she could not wait .
    Teresa answered, she sounded wide awake. “Hello?”
    “Hi Teresa, how are you?”
    “Selange, ah chica, it’s good to hear your voice. The family is actin’ all fucked up to me since Domingo died.”
    “I’m sorry to hear that Teresa. I really am.”
    “Girl, I don’t know, I don’t know.”
    Selange heard despair. “Teresa, Maria said you’ve been a little depressed.”
    “Hell yeah. I mean, my life sucks right now.”
    “Do you need anything Teresa?”
    “I just wish I had someone I could confide in. There’s something I need to get off my chest. Too bad you’re out there because it’ll be nice if we could talk.”
    Amelda was texting again.
    Selange sighed. “There’s nobody Teresa?”
    “Girl, no. People gossip too much and even my friends are questionable.”
    “That’s too bad.”
    “Can you visit soon; maybe we can have a drink or something?”
    Amelda’s fashion show was important but Teresa was, too. Selange frowned. Maybe she could fly to New York after the event. They could talk over dinner tomorrow and then she’d high tail it back to Italy before Alfonzo caught wind of her transgression. The school was closed on Monday for some vague teacher’s conference.  Maria wouldn’t mind her missing the outing for a good cause, after-all she’d practically thrust her in this role as family counselor.
    Ugh, despite everything Teresa hadn’t meant to hurt anyone. Selange empathized because she’d been there and the result was devastating as well. Guilt can suffocate a person. Regardless of Teresa’s terrible decision, that action shouldn’t cancel out every good deed Teresa’s done. Selange believed in forgiveness. Besides, when Teresa was asked to help rescue Darren, she was there without hesitation. Before that she provided comfort during Freddie’s murderous rampage when Alfonzo had to leave the house. Teresa required a friend, and if anyone should understand, it would be Selange.
    Selange inhaled deeply. “I’ll be there tomorrow and we’ll talk, okay?”
    “You sure?”
    “Yeah, I’ll see you soon.”
    “Alright see you tomorrow.”
    “Bye.”
    After the call, Selange contacted Maria. “I’m going to check on Teresa when I leave the show. I’ll be back no later than Monday.”
     
     
     
     
     
    ***
     
     
     
     
     
    The biggest names in the fashion industry were visible in Milan for the spring-summer couture presentation; Valli, Brondolini, YSL, Lagerfield, Bedin, Gucci, House of Worth and hundreds of others, were represented on this day, Amelda’s House of Fashion among them.
    The models on the cat walk turned and strut with professional flair. They carried handbags of crocodile that accented the flowing garments that Amelda gained popularity for.