Gardens

Alfonsina came to Genoa last night with her brother and in the morning she was still having some difficulties to believe that she was here. After the breakfast she went to the gardens. She smelled the air and closed her eyes. Italy , Genoa.. Oh my god how I missed here , she thought. She started tp walk around the garden , she touched some flowers and smelled them. Then she found her secret place among the trees. It was a place that noone knew expect one person. She lied down the grass below a tree and closed her eyes again. It was like heaven.

Cesare had slept until the sun had reached it's peak, the familiar taste of salt from the heat on his lips as he awoke.
As his sister had slept, he had taken the liberty of bringing another to his bed. She was a pretty blonde thing, a rarity in Italy but common in England. She had done what she was paid for and he had exercised his sport. When they both emerged from a balmy sleep, he had slung his light robe over his broad shoulders and ushered her out of his home - hoping Alfonsina would not notice.
They reached the gates and he said his goodbyes. He walked back to the garden, thankful to be free of the rain.

She heard a noise while her eyes were closed. She just opened her eyes and took a look at around. She saw a man with curly dark hair and she was sure he was Cesare. By looking at his face , Alfonsina could say that he had some more fun night than hers. She giggled by herself hoping he wouldn't hear.

Cesare spotted Alfonsina amongst the trees,"Morning sis."

She grinned.

"Good morning dear brother.. It is obvious."

"What is obvious, sis?"he asked and took a seat beside, adjusting his robe a little.

"That you are having a good morning brother."

She smiled softly and closed his eyes. It was a little windy but the wind was touching her hair and her face so softly that she giggled.

He shrugged with a wry smile and mumbled,"The night was better. What of you - is your morning pleasant?"

She grinned.

"Who was the girl? Did she make you happy?"

Then sighed.

"All my mornings here is pleasant brother.."

He glanced at her and then sighed,"For an hour or so...then I grew bored. She looked like you a little- the blonde hair, the-"he abruptly stopped and cleared his throat.

"Yes I am glad to be back - home."

She smiled warmly. She knew the feeling of it. She was searching Cesare at the every man she looked at. That's why she remained silent about that topic. Then she gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Home is where you are for me."

He forced a smile and held her hand,"And I you."

He lay back in the grass and joked sarcastically,"I still can't believe you left that witch in care of your sons."

She put her head on his chest. His smell was actually home for her. Then she smiled and shook her head.

"She is my lady in waiting Cesare and I trust her. She is really good."

He rolled his eyes,"I hate her,"he muttered,"If you loved me so much you'd get rid of her."

She stepped back and frowned.

"What is that? What do you mean? Do you really measure my love for you with that?"

"Of course not, Alfonsina - but you know what a thorn in my side she is. I would no everything...and anything to guarantee your happiness,"he replied, staring into her eyes.

She sighed.

"You must have loved her so much. That's why it is so painful for you."

Then she looked at him directly.

"If you want my happiness so much.. Stop the rumours about me here. Everyone is talking about that I should get married with one. They say it is ominous for a woman to be alone so long."

He chuckled,"You want me to find you a husband?"

He then paused and added,"It doesn't hurt - I hate her and I want her gone. She would be if it were not for you."

She blushed and looked down.

"I can't be alone forever Cesare.."

I can , she thought but didn't say anything. She knew that she would be married someday because of the politics issues.

"Just try to ignore her. You don't have to be around her all the time."

He rolled his eyes,"To whom then?"

He looked away a little sour at how the conversation had went.

She sighed.

"I don't know. You are my brother , you will find one."

Then she giggled.

"Try to find handsome."

He forced a laugh,"I'll see what I can do."

He rose up and kissed her on the head,"I'll see to it now."

He didn't want her to marry. Somewhere buried in him that not even he was aware of hungered for her to remain his.

She closed her eyes while he was kissing her on the forehead. Why does he always have to leave? she thought. Then she smiled to him.

"I am waiting then dear brother.."

"You can always come to visit me,"he said and lingered for a moment.

As he walked away he called back with a joking grin,"Perhaps knock first though!"