Valentina POV
I woke up late today, stayed up all night reading. Three months from now I will be graduating college and that thought alone keeps me awake at night. I need good grades because that could earn me a scholarship, plus it would ease the burden of tuition fee on my Aunt.
It's already two years since I got out of juvenile detention, though the weight of those years still lingered. My momma made it clear she didn't want me anymore, so I live with my aunt now.
Her apartment was in a different part of the city. This place is totally different from my former neighborhood. There are wider roads , and many high rise buildings. My aunt is a nurse who works in a very reputable hospital.
"Val! Come down for breakfast! or you'll be late for school!" my aunt shouted from the kitchen, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"I'm coming!" I replied, closing my book immediately.
I rushed into the bathroom and got ready. My aunt was busy in the kitchen when I went downstairs. I walked into the sitting room and switched on the TV. Something to feed my eyes while I wait for breakfast to get ready.
Today news was talking about Vincenzo Moretti. The name sounded familiar. My friend Elsie, she always talking about him like he was some kind of celebrity.
He is the CEO of the Moretti Group, and they owned different businesses across the country. Not that it was any of my business. Still, from the magazines I have seen, I could tell he was very handsome. Honestly, he looked like every girl's dream.
I turn off the TV. That kind of life is far different from mine.
I was about leaving the sitting room when I noticed a paper on the coffee table. I picked it up and the first words my eyes caught made my heart skip a bit.
"Notice of deficiency "
Before I could read more, my aunt snatched it from my hands.
"How many times have I told you not to go through people thing's?" she scolded. "Go to the dining room, eat your food, and go to school."
I nodded quietly and went to eat. Just then, I saw Elsie through the glass door. She was waiting outside for me.
I grabbed my bag. "Bye, Aunt!"
"Bye, sweetie," she replied.
The moment I stepped outside, Elsie jumped at me. "Boo!"
I laughed. "You're crazy!"
On our way to school, I told her about the tax notice and how scared I was about it.
"Val, relax," Elsie said. "Everything will be fine."
"Do you think I should get a job?" I asked quietly.
She sighed. "You worry too much."
We were about to cross the road when we saw an elderly woman standing by herself. She looked a little lost.
We then walked up to her.
"Ma'am, are you looking for someone?" I asked.
"Oh dear," she said kindly, "someone directed me here. They said there's a nice pastry store across the street."
"Oh, we're heading that way," I said. "We can take you."
Her face brightened. "You girls are Angels"
We carefully helped her across the street and into the pastry store. The smell of fresh bread, vanilla and coffee filled the air. We helped her sit down, and a waiter quickly brought the menu.
"Ma'am, we'll take our leave now" Elsie said politely, "we're already late for school."
"Oh my," she said warmly, "I wanted you girls to sit and have coffee with me."
I smiled. "Maybe another time."
"Do you know your way back?" I asked.
"Yes, I shared my location to my driver. He'll be here soon" she replied. Then she smiled at us. "I didn't get your names."
"My name is Val, and this is my friend Elsie."
"A pleasure to meet you, girls. You can call me Granny Paula… or Nonna."
We smiled.
"Goodbye, ma'am. Maybe we'll see you again."
And with that, we hurried off to school, not knowing that this simple act of kindness might mean more than we ever imagined.