Page 100 of Good Sisters

He nodded. ‘She say Clara look like my aunt.’

Anna wept as she looked through the photos. She kissed Clara’s picture and stroked her head. I could feel pain shooting through my heart. Here was a grandmother seeing her grandchild for the first time. It reminded me of when Mum first held Clara. I felt a wave of emotion crash over me. I gripped the table to steady myself. I had to stay focused for the conversation ahead.

Around me everyone was crying. Julie and Sophie were wiping their eyes while Marco dabbed his and rubbed his mother’s back. Even Dad was looking misty.

‘Mia nipoté,’ Anna sobbed. Looking up at me she said, ‘Grazie, mia cara.’

I nodded, unable to speak for the raw emotion on her face.

I drank my fourth cup of coffee and then, clearing my throat, said, ‘Marco, we need to talk about logistics.’

‘Logistics?’ He looked confused.

‘Plans, details,’ Dad said. ‘Louise has documents for you to look over.’

‘Ah, sì.’

I opened my briefcase and handed him a folder.

‘In there is a return ticket to Dublin dated for three weeks’ time. I need that time to prepare Clara to meet you. I’ll take photos now and videos to show her where you live and for her to see you and your mother. I will organize a FaceTime inone week when you can talk to Clara. You will need to improve your English. Clara and I will take Italian lessons. I have a tutor lined up. I have written a list of things Clara likes and dislikes. I have also explained that she is different and needs to be handled with care. The documents are in English but I also had them translated into Italian so there is no language barrier. You must understand Clara before you meet her. She is the most precious thing in my life. I will not have her upset. If she decides she doesn’t want to meet you, then this is over. Clara is the one who will decide, not you or me. Is that clear?’

‘I only see Clara if Clara want?’

‘Yes. She has to want to meet you. She’s very … she’s …’

‘I understand. Clara ees fragile.’

‘Yes, she is fragile. But also incredible.’

‘Sì, sì, incredible. Be calm, Louisa. I only do what Clara want. I want her to be happy. No stress.’

‘I will need you to sign some documents.’

‘Why?’

‘Because she needs to protect her daughter and herself,’ Dad said firmly.

‘Louisa, no need for documents. I do what you say. I do what Clara want. I only want to make my daughter happy. I can see you are good mother, protective mother. I understand, but no need for documents.’

‘I’m afraid it’s non-negotiable. You have to sign, Marco. I’m giving you rights to visit and be in her life as long as Clara is happy. It’s a very fair deal that protects Clara.’

‘Okay, okay, I sign.’

Anna tugged Marco’s sleeve and asked him something.

‘Do you ’ave the video of Clara with you?’

‘Yes, lots of videos. I’ve put a few on this USB stick for you, but I can show you some now on my phone.’

I brought up the file of videos I had chosen to show Marco and pressed play. Clara’s face filled the screen. She was singing along to ‘Fernando’.

Anna held her hands to her mouth and shook her head as she cried, ‘Mia sorella Maria.’

Marco explained. ‘Clara is looking like my mother’s sister, Maria.’

‘Can we meet her?’ Julie asked.

He shook his head. ‘She die when she twenty-two, in a car accident.’

---