“Possibly.”
“Fabiana?” Mira lifted and sat back against her pillows. Giovanni snored louder. Eve stirred slightly on Giovanni’s chest but they both remained asleep. Fabiana smiled at her and pointed toward the door. Mira watched as she walked out of the room the hem of her dress picking up an unfelt wind that lifted the chiffon fabric around her legs. Easing out of bed gently, Mira tightened the robe she slept in and crept out of the room. The cool hallway was shrouded in shadows. She felt no fear. She felt hope, the hope and wish of actually being with her friend once again. She walked down the stairs cautiously. She came around the wall and found Fabiana standing in front of the fireplace that had dimmed considerably. Her best friend hugged herself while staring into the flames. Next to the fireplace was a bare tree, minus all the trimmings. Mira remembered she hadn’t asked Giovanni to trim it. She’d have to remind herself to do so in the morning.
“Fire.” Fabiana said softly.
A chill went through Mira as her gaze shifted to the flickering amber and orange flames in the brick hearth. “It’s not hot, Mira. Fire, is not hot. At its core it’s cold, so cold it burns. Isn’t it strange that it would be? Guess you would have to know, to know.” Fabiana tossed her hair back over her shoulder and smiled. “You’re a mommy.”
Mira burst into tears and rushed to her. Fabiana hugged her tightly and cried too. They stood in front of the fireplace locked in an embrace that comforted them both. Neither wanting to speak or let go, they held onto each other for several long moments.
Mira found her voice through her sobs. “I’ve missed you so much. I’ve needed you.”
“Oh I’ve missed you too sweetie. I was never far from you. Never.” She squeezed her.
“How is this possible?”
“The most wonderful thing about life is the unexpected. That little princess up there is definitely unexpected, huh?” Fabiana said taking her hand. She led Mira to the sofa seat.
Mira sat down and couldn’t take her eyes off her. She was so solid and real to her now. She even smelled her perfume. “There are so many things I want to say to you. So many things I want to tell you.”
Fabiana held firmly to her hand.
“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry for everything,” Mira said.
“There you go assuming this is your fault. What happened to me was an unfortunate horrible accident, nothing more. It was all part of the ultimate plan. The one that’s destined for us all.”
Mira dropped her head, her hair hung over in her face. She lived with the image of Fabiana dying before her eyes for so long. She’d found it hard to let go. “I just wish you were here.”
“You don’t need me anymore.”
Mira’s head lifted. “How can you say that? I’m not strong enough for all of this!”
Fabiana laughed. “Really? Take a step back and look at what you’ve survived, who you’ve become. You are much stronger without me. You have a family. They need you. Like I needed you.”
“You protected me,” Mira said.
“We protected each other. Two orphaned girls in the big city. We were family. Now you have one of your own.”
“Kei lied to me. You lied to me. Giovanni keeps secrets from me. I think Catalina has done something to Franco, and I have a baby to worry about. I’m in over my head.”
Fabiana chuckled. “Can’t disagree with you, but I know you can handle him.”
“Giovanni?” Mira asked.
“Giovanni,” Fabiana said.
“I love him.”
“And that will be enough. Because you’re right. Something’s coming. It’ll tear you all apart if you aren’t strong. You can be strong.”
Mira frowned. “What’s coming?”