We then continued walking to the dining table. Bella was still bringing all the dishes to the table. Once everything was brought, I sat the 2 mothers. It was only proper as I made the children with the 2 of them. Tassos held the chair for Marco. Marco seemed to like the small gesture. Bella rolled her eyes, but kept quiet. Bianca was nearly trembling with how nervous she was. I said grace and then we began the meal. Bella and Bianca had nothing to say about Tassos and Marco. Bianca was able to talk on and on about her son, Carlo. That was easy for her to do. Carlo was straight. "I want the best for you, my son. I'll always be here and I'll always love you." she said at the end of her speech. She also turned to Rocco and Marco and her cheer died down. "I am sure you will both find happiness as well." I said "Well said. We all want the best for you 3. No matter what road you take." Bella rolled her eyes and took another swig of her wine. I offered to pour more for her. If Bella could keep her mouth shut and just drink, that would do us all just fine. "No. I have had quite enough of all this." she snapped.
Looking at Tassos she said "I've seen you come to the studio for lessons with the boys from the beginning. You are a decent dancer." Tassos smiled and said "Thank you so much, Ms. Risi. I know it means a lot coming from you." She had a mocking smile on her face. I could see where this was going. "No, I just speak the truth. You're a couple of years older than Marco too, right." she said. So did Bianca from the way she stiffened up, her eyes locked on her own plate. Tassos nodded his head. "About 3 years." he said. Her smile widened. "I'll never understand how a sweet, nice looking boy can be so perverted as to be attracted to a younger boy's ass." she said. We all went silent. Everything was ruined now. I could at least rescue Bianca. "Bianca, you've been staring at your plate for awhile now. You must be tired after all the cooking you 2 did." Her head snapped up to me. Knowing what I was doing, she nodded her head furiously. "Yes! I think I should go to bed too." she agreed. "Escort your mother downstairs, Carlo." I said. He was quick to get up. "Rocco. Marco. Hug your aunt good night."
Rocco was closer than Marco was. He hugged her very tightly. He clearly wanted her in his life. Bianca hugged him back. "Don't worry, Rocco. I'm just tired, not dying. I'll see you all tomorrow in the morning." she said. Rocco looked her in the eyes and said "I love you." Her eyes widened. I guess she got what he meant by that. Her arms wrapped around him. "I love you too, Rocco. Never forget that." Rocco slowly sat down and looked down at his plate. Marco approached warily. He was already hurt from what Bella said. "Do you even want a hug from me? I hug Tassos all the time." Bianca flinched, but quickly held her arms out. "Of course I want a hug from you. You are my nephew." she said awkwardly. He just crossed his arms. "Why did you flinch then!?" he asked her. "Marco. I said hug your aunt, not question her." I said firmly. Marco gave her a quick hug. He barely touched her before trying to move away, but Bianca caught his arm. "I love you all." she said very firmly. Marco gasped. It had way more conviction than even I thought possible. Bianca then looked tired for real. Carlo took her arm.
Carlo
