Page 19 of Villa of Secrets

I can’t explain how I feel when the choir sings, except to say my skin tingles. All I want is to fill my lungs and hold an A sharp forever.

Yesterday, they sang O Mio Babbino Caro, and I almost cried with the beauty of it. I stood outside to listen and I’m not exactly sure what happened. I was singing along in my head as I polished the glass, and I closed my eyes for a moment to concentrate on the song. Then, before I could do anything about it, I was holding the last note with every ounce of energy I had. It poured from me, long, even, and powerful. I thought I’d suffocate with the need to breathe in before I got all of the note out.

When I opened my eyes, it seemed everything had come to a halt. Shoppers, walking through the square, stopped to gawp at me. The choir, silent, stared in my direction. I turned to run into the shop and bumped into my father who stood behind me. He appeared astonished.

Everyone thinks I’m mad.

Then, snap! People laughed and clapped, and I loved it. The world sparkled and apart from when the Curly Haired Boy nearly smiled at me, that clapping was the most special moment of my life!

Next time the British bomb us, and we sit in the shelter, I’m going to sing that song. Usually we sing hymns, which is a bit morbid because it’s as if everyone expects to die. The point of being in the shelter is that we’re safe, unless there’s a direct hit, then we are dead.

Chapter 10

Naomi cooked a rabbit casserole and baked a crusty loaf. The cottage filled with the aroma of fresh bread and of the cinnamon, orange, and savoury herbs in the stew. She took a substantial bowl of it and a chunk off the warm brown loaf across the road.

The priest’s eyes lit up. ‘My absolute favourite meal. Thank you, Naomi.’

Bubba, who made a slight improvement each day, also enjoyed the food. Propped by a few cushions, the old lady sat at the table for the first time since her stroke. She managed to feed herself, flashing her crooked smile at Naomi.

‘This is delicious, child.’

‘It should be. I used your recipe.’ Naomi nodded at the bookshelf over the sink.

Naomi had just finished eating when a knock sounded on the door and Marina stuck her head in. ‘Hi. I’ve brought your dishes back, Naomi,’ she said. ‘Grandpa really enjoyed the food. He said you cook every bit as well as Bubba.’

The old lady grinned and dribbled stew down her chin.

Marina was clearly embarrassed, not having seen Bubba since the stroke.

Naomi mopped her grandmother’s face.

‘You look nice,’ Bubba slurred, taking in Marina’s skimpy black shorts and red crop-top. ‘But you forgot to put your dress on.’

‘Bubba!’ Naomi exclaimed. ‘She looks absolutely lovely. That’s what young people wear to party these days.’ She turned to the priest’s granddaughter. ‘Take no notice. You’re as perfect as a top model. Where are you off to?’

Marina grinned and wiggled her hips. ‘Jason and I are going to DJ at an eighties disco in town.’

‘An eighties disco sounds like fun,’ Bubba said. ‘I wouldn’t mind attending that myself. You’d never catch me dancing in my underwear though.’

Naomi had a quick flash of Bubba cavorting in her big pants, knee-highs, and cross-your-heart bra, and she giggled.

Marina’s eyes widened and she took a step towards the door.

Bubba continued. ‘Do many eighty-year-olds go to these discos then? Are there any men there? Would you two give me a lift?’

Marina, clearly horrified, glanced at Naomi. ‘Ah, sorry! It’s booked up, Bubba. Oh, listen, Grandpa’s calling.’ She spun around and flew out of the cottage.

Naomi chuckled. ‘She means eighties music, Bubba, not a disco for eighty-year-olds.’ She paused to let the information sink in. ‘I’ve booked your hair appointment for next Wednesday,’ she said stacking the dishes in the sink. ‘Katarina offered to come to the house, but I said it’ll be nice for us to get out for an hour. Heleny will move her plant pots, so the taxi can get to the door. What do you think?’

‘Thanks,’ Bubba said. ‘I wish I could help you clear up, but I’m very tired.’ Her eyes twinkled. ‘I guess I’ll have to give the disco a miss this week.’

Naomi blinked at her. ‘You devil! You knew exactly what she meant, didn’t you?’

‘Tee-hee, did you catch the look of pure horror on her face?’ Bubba’s shoulders jigged up and down.

Naomi laughed too. ‘Good to see your old sense of humour is back. Doctor Despina’s pleased with your progress too. She’s booking you in for physio at the hospital, now that you’re strong enough to travel.’

With Bubba settled and the dishes washed, Naomi moved to the patio with half a glass of red. The air, still warm after a sunny day, hung motionless in the quiet street. She could hear faint whispers from the shore and knew from its sound, the sea was flat as oil. The deep throaty chug of an old fishing boat meant it was heavily laden, returning to the local harbour where restaurateurs, and chefs, would be waiting to have the pick of the catch.