ARROW - 59. Chapter 59

The flight home was routine for us but not Carmella. I could tell she was tense all the way. I have never heard the sound of relief as I did when we landed at JFK. Colin’s mom and dad would meet us. I never saw anyone with such a relief on their face as we deplaned as Carmella’s. I think if she was a younger woman, she would haver kissed the ground.

We cleared customs and went to pick up our luggage, one final check post and we were heading for John and Mary.

Colin introduced his mom and dad to Carmella. I translated for Carmella while Colin explained to his parents that Carmella didn’t understand English. Mary asked questions and I played interpreter.

Driving up to the club, I wonder what Carmella would think. The gate leading into the club had a sign over the arch mantel stating Colin’s Hell in Latin. I don’t think Colin knew what it said.

Dad pulled up in front, Colin got out and opened the back door for his mom and Carmella to get out. I slid over and followed Carmella. I told John to drive around the back and will meet him in the kitchen.

Walking up to the front door, I pointed the printing above the door to Carmella. She laughed, I had to tell Colin what the Latin words meant.

Walking into the club, I watched Carmella. She touched the arch and smiled. Then Colin showed her the mural. Mom went to the kitchen where Marcel was still cleaning up from lunch.

Mom coming back from the kitchen, “I’ve asked Marcel to make a light lunch and coffee.”

“Is he making the food or reheating left overs from lunch.”

“I think he is reheating leftovers and making a fresh pot of coffee.”

I walked over to where Colin and Carmella where looking at the mural. “Armand, you paint this?”

“Yes, it is our trip to Europe. Every picture is a memento of our trip.” I said all of that in Italian. I wonder what she will think of the village.

Mom called us for a late lunch. I went in the kitchen and invited Marcel to join us. I wasn’t sure if Marcel spoke Italian or if Carmella spoke French. I watched bemused as they somehow seemed to communicate.

When we had finished eating, Colin and I helped Marcel clean up. “Marcel, just put the leftovers in the fridge. We’ll eat them tomorrow and Wednesday.”

Mom and Dad left, but not before Dad told Colin he’ll pick him up in the morning. Holiday over for Colin. We showed Carmella our apartment and her bedroom. She said she was tired and would like to go to bed. I knew it was a long day for her plus the excitement of the wedding, she would be tired.

I suggested to Colin since he will be going to work in the morning, maybe we should turn in as well. “I want to check the gardens first.” I suspected he really wanted some alone time.

“OK, I’m going to turn in.” I thought he wanted to go to the roof alone, I was wrong. He took me by my hand and literally pulled me to the roof.

“No matter where I go, this represents home to me. For some reason it is special. I feel relaxed here, I feel loved here and the best part is when you are here with me.”

We sat there for an hour, not speaking, sitting close holding hands. The flower pots were all in bloom and the scent just added to the evening. Looking into Colin’s eyes, I could not only sense his love but I could see it as well. If I could only capture that look this evening on canvas, I would hang it in our bedroom. Each night, I could look at it and sense the love laying next to me.