“And I was thinking. Do you think she’d like to stay in touch with me?”
Knowing I had to be careful with her tender heart, I answered, “We’d have to talk to her about that. I’m sure she will be very busy. What did you have in mind?”
She scooted until she was sitting up, her hands gesturing up and down as she spoke, reminding me of Vicky.
“So, I was thinking we could write letters to each other. I could keep her updated on school and my new friends, the things I build. And she could tell me all about Rome. What do ya think?”
Smiling, I said, “I think it’s a great idea, but let’s get some sleep. Whatever she decides, I don’t want you to be disappointed, okay?”
“Okay.” She slid down under the covers, looking so small in my big bed, bringing back memories of her doing that when she was younger after Katy had left. I’d protect her with everything in me, but I couldn’t help loving the idea that she and Vicky could stay in touch.
Vicky was waiting outside the café when we arrived. She hurried toward us, her eyes red-rimmed. MJ ran to meet her halfway, already crying again. Vicky couldn’t hide her own tears as they embraced in a tight hug when she crouched down to catch her.
“I’m so sorry, MJ. So, so sorry. You know I’d never hurt you for anything in the world, right? Can you forgive me?” she was begging as she kissed her cheeks and wiped MJ’s tears when she set her on the ground.
MJ nodded, not able to speak right away. “I, I know, Vicky. You’d never do that. I’m just going to miss you so much.”
Relieved, Vicky visibly relaxed as they spoke, customers dodging them near the front door. “You are myfavoriteperson I’ve metin California.You and your dad. Thank you for letting me be your friend,” she said, dabbing under her eyes with a ready tissue.
“I’m glad you said that, because Daddy said it was okay to ask you if we can write to one another.”
Vicky looked up at me as I rubbed MJ’s back in circles and nodded, making a smile grow on Vicky’s face.
“I’d love that, MJ. So much. I’ll leave my address with your dad once I know where I’ll be,” she answered, standing up and taking MJ’s hand with a sniffle.
“Are you not staying in Rome?” I asked, taking MJ’s other hand as we all walked inside the café.
“Well, the job Elena hired me for is in Tuscany, so I might stay with my best friend Ren. And once I’m back in Rome, I told Mama and Enzo I’d like to move out.”
My eyebrows lifted, and I smiled. “Betthatwent over well with him.”
She laughed and answered, “He’ll get used to it. It’s time I start asserting my independence. We actually had a great conversation the other night.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
MJ gasped as she noticed a large potted tree with colorful ribbons hanging from every branch.
“Whatisthat?” she asked, wide-eyed and excited.
“Oh, that’s what I wanted to show you,” Vicky replied with an equally excited voice. They walked over to it, with MJ gently touching the ribbons as I followed.
Vicky explained to her the importance of the tree, mentioning that there was a Turkish tradition of having a wishing tree for people’s prayers and wishes.
“So, I thought we could do that together before I go. What do you think?” she asked MJ.
“Yes! I already know what I’m wishing and praying for,” she answered, her eyes twinkling.
We watched her pick a pink ribbon with blue polka dots from the nearby basket, and with her eyes closed tight and her mouth moving, she said “amen” before tying it to an open branch.
When I did the same thing, Vicky was staring at me when I opened my eyes. “I have wishes, too,” I whispered. Her expressive eyes widened as she smiled.
“Vicky, aren’tyougoing to wish for something?” MJ asked.
“I already did before you got here,” she answered, not meeting myeyes and blushing furiously. I had to clasp my hands together to stop myself from pulling her into my arms.
“Oh, you’re back. Making another wish? Bet you’ve made about a dozen or more so far,” an older woman with a thick accent said. Then, looking at MJ and me, she added, “Ah, I see.” She smiled widely at Vicky, who blushed even redder as the woman walked away.
We talked and laughed, all of us trying to stay cheerful as we ate. MJ and Vicky took a few silly-faced pictures together after we finished breakfast. Those would be printed and hidden for just me. Checking my watch, I realized it was time to let her go. Just thinking about it twisted my stomach in knots. But I knew I had to keep it together for both their sakes.
