Laura knocked on the door of her flat, Deanna wasn't expecting her. That day classes had been cancelled and she took the opportunity to tidy up and do some cleaning; otherwise she wouldn't be back until late in the afternoon. This was supposed to be her last year and she was supposed to finish her degree with Harry; she would have to wait a little longer.
- Sorry to bother you today -
- Not at all, Laura, come in... It's a bit messy because I did a bit of cleaning...
- Thank you. I've come on a mission -
- A mission? -
-Yes, my brother-in-law gave me his credit card and today we're both going shopping -
- I guess the family reunion is already planned?
- Yes, it is.
- Well, I'll do my best -
- Really, Deanna, I don't know how to thank you for what you're doing. I know you didn't get a good impression of Daniel the other night and you'll have to postpone your studies for us. But you don't know what it means to me - And she put both hands on her belly.
- I'm more than happy to help you, don't be silly. That little bean growing inside you will have the best parents in the world and will grow up happy. That's all that matters -
- And he'll have a wonderful aunt -
- Who's going to spoil him to no end -
- Let's go spend Daniel's money, we have to find the perfect outfit -
- Well, let me change first -
In her life Deanna had never set foot in a shop like that. The cheapest dress was equivalent to three months of her salary - were there people who spent that much on a single garment? She felt reluctant to buy such things, not only did she need new clothes, but also shoes and bags and a visit to the salon, according to Laura.
So that was how they were used to living; Laura would just swipe the credit card and they would walk out of one shop and into another. Not only that, but they spent a lot of time trying on models and choosing colours. Already her head was beginning to ache. It was a totally alien world for her.
Her life had always been simple. Her mother and grandmother had raised her practically in the small restaurant they ran, among pots and pans and condiments. She had a normal childhood, playing with her friends after school until late in the park. An ordinary adolescence, among friends and trips to the cinema. She had worked in the restaurant since she was 16 and had her first love at 17.
Suddenly she was immersed in a whole new world and she wasn't sure if she could enjoy it. None of the things Laura was excited about held the slightest interest for her. Her only passion had always been singing and all she wanted to do was to sing in a renowned theatre until she could talk no more. Nor did she seek fame or fortune, when she sang she felt an energy she couldn't describe, she was happy, she was free.
- I think this colour goes really well with your hair tone - I have no idea what you're talking about, Laura, but you're the expert - Laura laughed.
- Well, then leave everything in my hands. Even Harry won't be able to recognise you -
Her teachers were surprised when she auditioned for the entrance exam. No one could understand how from that slim body could come a voice with such power that reached the highest notes without losing warmth. She was definitely destined for a bright future.
Her time on stage changed radically, she was no longer the usual smiling and optimistic Deanna. She became an eye-catching presence, her demeanour mutated and her face expressed a passion that reached everyone who was watching her. She put all her soul into every performance.
- I look like my great aunt with this on... and she's dead -
- You're exaggerating, it looks great on you... but maybe it's not your style -
- Are we going to take much longer? -
- We can't go back until you find the perfect outfit to impress everyone... although I think you've already impressed Daniel -
- Your brother-in-law is the most impassive man I know -
- He's a great person, just a little... -
- Unflattering? -
- Formal, I'd say -
Deanna hadn't really expected Daniel to be so attractive in person. She'd gotten the idea that he'd be a different man, but he didn't look his 40s, he didn't look any younger either. It was as if he was at the right time of life. There was barely any grey at the temples and he expressed himself more with his eyes than with words. He had a formal appearance, as Laura said, but at the same time he gave the impression that he was totally attainable.
If it wasn't for his brusque way of saying things and his attempts to impose his will, she could understand why he was considered a good catch. Deanna sensed something else, but she didn't dare mention it to Laura; maybe it was just her idea, but Daniel seemed to carry a great sadness inside him. She knew his story from Harry, surely that was why.
- Oh, yes, that's the one for you.
- Are you sure? -
- Of course! How do you feel about it? -
- Like a Prima Donna -
- So this is -
- Thank heavens! Can we go now? I'm hungry -
- Sure, we'll get something to eat and then we'll get the rest of the stuff -
Internally, Deanna swore to herself that she would kill Harry when she got her hands on him.
While they were shopping. Harry had gone to visit his brother at the office. He had to get Daniel to tone down the intensity of his treatment of Deanna. He knew she wouldn't back down, but he didn't want her to be the target of his brother's complicated temper either.
But Susan was with him at the time, trying to figure out if what their mother had told her was true. In the end, Harry decided to come clean.
-I have two brothers who escaped from an insane asylum... They're crazy...' Susan says.
- Come on, Susan, you know very well that we have no other choice and all because of that family rule and my friend was the only one who could say yes to us -
- She must love you very much to have agreed to this without asking for anything in return -
- She's just great. That's why I'm asking you, Daniel, please try to be less strict, okay? -
- That woman is combative and has an answer for everything, why don't you ask her to be more docile? -
- Brother, we are putting her in a difficult situation and she didn't have to accept; she just wants to help us -
- He's right, Harry. Treat her well, Daniel -
- You make me feel like I'm some kind of heartless monster -
- Of course not... you're just a little standoffish sometimes and very, very, very, very dismissive when you mean to be -
- Of course I'm not -
- Of course you are, Dan,' Susan told him.
With Susan's support in this whole charade they had a better chance of making it more believable. Although she still couldn't understand how Daniel had agreed so easily, she was sure that her older brother would never go along with something like this. But if he had a nephew on the way, it was all too easy. Anyway, there had to be another factor involved. She would find out when she finally met Deanna.