Page 41 of Ciao Bella
“It seems a logical place for them to have hidden something,” said Faith. “I’m almost afraid to find out what.”
“Same,” said Grace. Adele nodded, listening to the men laugh about their ‘car day’ experience.
“I wonder if we should tell them,” said Adele.
“No,” said Grace. “Look at them. They’re like little boys having so much fun. I don’t want to ruin this for them. I haven’t ever seen Ghost this relaxed, enjoying himself like he has the last few days.”
“I agree,” said Faith. “We keep it between us girls for now.”
“Keep what between you girls?” asked Ivan.
“Nothing,” laughed Faith. “We’re just planning a little surprise for you all the last day.”
“Honey, you don’t have to do that,” smiled Ian. “This whole trip has been so much more than we expected. It’s been wonderful!” Faith smiled at her husband and then grinned at the other women.
“Trust me. We need to do this.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
“Do you think the girls are acting weird?” asked Ghost, staring at his wife and the others whispering.
“Nah,” said Tailor. “I think they had fun today, enjoying some girl time just like we enjoyed some guy time. I think it’s been a great vacation all the way around, and I, for one, vote for one every year.”
“Same,” nodded Trak. Not one man jumped hearing the voice from behind them. He smiled at them all. “Proof that you’re all wound too tight when we’re back home. Well done, students.”
“Fuck you,” laughed Nine. “Tailor is right. This has been beyond anything I thought it would be. I’ve loved every damn thing about what we’ve done. The sights, the towns, the people, the food. Outstanding!”
“It’s funny,” said Gaspar. “We’ve all been to Italy throughout our careers, or most of us. Yet we never took the time to see the things we’ve seen the last few days. There’s so much of the world that we’ve seen but only from the window of a Humvee or plane or tank. We’ve missed out on so much beauty.”
“Maybe the pond and Mama are giving us another gift,” said Gabe. “Maybe we’ll have a chance to visit all those places again in peace.”
Miller and Gaspar stared at their brother, his soft-spoken, soothing voice rolling over them like hot chocolate.
“Are you ever going to tell us?” asked Gaspar. “You were always the good one about going to catechism and paying attention at mass, but I don’t think that has anything to do with this, does it?”
“There’s no big secret here, Gaspar. I’m alive, I’m well, I’m still your brother.”
“Gabriel carried messages from God to earth,” said Trak. They all turned to stare at the man, wondering how he knew so much. “He is mentioned in the Bible, throughout Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and other places. If I recall, he was a trumpeter. Do you play the trumpet, Gabe?” His expression was so serious, Gabe shook his head, swallowing.
“I do not.”
“Even Muslims believed that Gabriel transmitted information from God to the prophets. He is an extremely important angel. One that we all need in our lives.” Gabe’s eyes teared up as he stared at Trak. He’d never said so much to the man in all their years of knowing one another. Trak stood, walking toward Gabe, and gripped his shoulders. They were about the same size and height.
“I particularly liked the da Vinci painting,Annunciation. Gabriel was beautiful and brave, and he gave me peace.” Trak leaned toward Gabe’s ear, whispering something, then kissed his cheek as he turned and walked toward his wife.
“What the fuck?” muttered Miller.
“Gabe? What did he say?” asked Gaspar.
“He said I was the right choice.”
“The right choice for what?” frowned Jean. “Gabe, are you alright? Are you healthy?”
“Y-yes. I think so. I mean, I am. I promised Pops I wouldn’t say anything to anyone,” said Gabe. “Please don’t make me break that promise. It means so much to me.”
“Brother, we would never ask you to break a promise to your father,” said Wilson. “We are all unique, special men, Gabe. But you’ve always been different. In my eyes anyway, you and Jean were always the quiet, studious, serious brothers. Whatever your father has chosen you for, he chose right.”
“Thank you,” nodded Gabe.