I just needed a moment.
A place where I could gather my thoughts.
I needed to think.
Moving throughout the house, I walked into the kitchen to find Illyria and Nicoletta skimming through magazines. When they spotted me, Illyria smiled. “Hi, Layla. Want to look at bridal magazines with us. We are trying to find the perfect dress for your wedding.”
“No, thank you. Whatever you decide I am sure I will like it. I was going to walk around the garden for a bit.”
“It’s getting rather late, dear. Do you think it’s wise? You don’t want to catch a cold.”
“I brought a sweater. I will be fine.”
Nicoletta smiled, then added, “Make sure Marko and Enzo are with you.”
“I don’t want to bother them. I’ll just be in the garden.” I said, slipping out the back door before she could say anything more.
Walking quickly down the stone path, I sighed in relief as I entered the garden.
Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath.
Peace and quiet.
Finally, at last.
Opening my eyes, I continued through the garden, taking my time as the sun started to set. It was a chilly night, and I was thankful I remembered to bring my sweater. The cold was different from Tennessee. Though living in the mountains did get cold, it didn’t compare to the damp chill prevalent in the windy city.
I had heard stories of the winters here and how cold it could really get. It snowed in Tennessee but nothing like Chicago. I couldn’t wait to see the first snowfall. I always loved winter. Everything was blanketed in a fresh layer of white snow. So clean, beautiful, and serene.
I loved the quietness of the snow.
Sometimes when I was little, I would wrap up in a quilt my momma made me and sit out on the front porch and just watch the snowfall. I could hear the ice crystals hitting the ground if I listened carefully. There was a quiet peace watching the snowfall, something I missed dearly.
Spotting a gazebo up ahead, I walked over and took a seat.
I really liked this garden. It was nothing like the garden on the island, but this place also had its charms. The greenery was vibrant, and the full trees gave me a feeling of protection the island didn’t have.
There were many flowers and plants I didn’t recognize, and one day I would investigate them. I loved gardens, and if they just happened to be secluded and cut off from the reality of life, even better.
A garden represented an escape for me. I could wander and explore, enjoying the peace and tranquility of my surroundings. There were no bad guys, no death threats, only happiness and peace.
Since returning to Chicago, I tried to stop my mind from returning to the horrors of the last few years, but nothing worked. I couldn’t concentrate. I couldn’t help Gio. I couldn’t do anything. I felt paralyzed. Lost within my own mind, reliving each horrible thing over and over again.
“Thought I’d find you out here.”
Looking over my shoulder, I spotted Gio walking towards me carrying a blanket. “It’s getting cold,mia Amore.”
“I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not,” he said, sitting next to me as he opened the blanket and wrapped it around me. “You haven’t been fine since before Vegas. I thought the island would help, but it didn’t. What’s going on in that brilliant mind of yours?”
“Everything is happening so fast.”
“Are you having second thoughts?”
I grinned, “Always.”
“I see, and what can I do to alleviate your fears?”