As the autumn leaves started to fall Kimberley knew her dreams of happiness where now just that.
Summer had gone and along with that her future had dramatically changed, just like the seasons.
She felt cold, the light in her life was now gone. What could the future be for her now without her beloved Marius?
Plans had been made for a spring wedding and Kimberley’s life was full of hope and promise.
Sadly this was not going to be. Marius was now bedridden with a spinal injury and the prospect of him ever walking again after the car accident was remote. He had a feeding tube and was unable to talk. It broke Kimberley’s heart to see him this way. She could also see the pain in Marius’ eyes, he was suffering and all he really wanted to do was go to sleep.
Marius was on his way to pick Kimberley up from work, there was a lot of fog around and as he rounded a bend near Kimberley’s work a car swerved across the centre line and hit him. The occupants of the other car were killed and the scene was one of total devastation.
Kimberley rushed to the hospital to be by Marius’ side; at first the doctors were unsure they could save him.
After waiting for four hours Kimberley got the news Marius was out of surgery and was now in Intensive Care.
After two weeks Marius was transferred to a spinal unit and Kimberley spent every possible moment she could with him. After visiting him she would go home exhausted and cry herself to sleep. This was not the life they planned together. How could life be so cruel she wondered?
After almost three months in the spinal unit Marius peacefully passed away. He never spoke but was able to squeeze Kimberley’s hand. He had a bad chest infection and due to being immobile was not able to it fight off.
Kimberley was in a state of shock. Her life had been turned upside down in a few months; the thought of facing the future without Marius was almost overwhelming.
**
Three months after Marius’ funeral Kimberley decided to leave England and head to Italy for a new beginning. Staying put was not an option without Marius. Kimberley’s family were sad to see her leave but understood she needed to. Her parents Katie and Grant said they would come and visit her once she was settled.
It was Kimberley’s first time to Italy. She was overawed at the stunning beauty of Rome, with all its amazing history, colourful people and warm hospitality. While staying in Rome, Kimberley met up with an English girl called Charmaine, they were around the same age and had lots in common so decided they would travel together for a bit.
After leaving Rome they headed to Venice. For the first time in a very long time Kimberley felt happy, she enjoyed the compliments from the handsome Italian men and just generally felt more like her usual self. Venice was stunning with its Grand Canal and St Mark’s Square. The cafes were fun and the shops were filled with wonderful merchandise.
From Venice the pair travelled by train to Florence where they stayed for a couple of weeks. There was so much to see and do, and jumping on the tourist bus was an easy way for the girls to get around. They loved the buzz of Florence and all it had to offer. Kimberley even managed to buy herself some nice designer clothes and a couple of handbags. Charmaine loved to buy shoes.
**
Next stop was a small walled town called Lucca, in Tuscany. It was an enchanting little town and immediately both girls felt at home and comfortable there. The weather was warm and they loved going for an evening stroll to buy a gelato or a glass of wine.
After being in Lucca three weeks the girls realized they would need to get jobs soon in order to be able to stay on in Italy. They started asking around in cafés to see if there was any work going. Charmaine managed to get a waitressing job, but Kimberley still needed to find something. After almost giving up Kimberley saw a job advertised outside the Teatro in Piazza Napoleone. The Theatre was looking for someone to run the ticketing office. Kimberley rushed in and asked for an application form. A week later she had an interview and got the job. The only prerequisite was she needed to brush up on her Italian.
Kimberley was excited and the girls rented a small one bedroom apartment near the piazza. Life was starting to feel better and Kimberley enjoyed meeting different people through the theatre. Some evenings Kimberley would stay on at work and go and watch an opera. She had never been all that keen on opera while living in England but coming to Italy she was warming to it. Charmaine was not really into it but occasionally went along with her friend.
**
Six months later Charmaine decided to return to England, Kimberley was naturally disappointed but understood. She decided to stay on she was enjoying living in Lucca and was starting to make friends through the Teatro. Some evenings a number of the cast would go out for late dinner or for a drink and would Kimberley to join them. Her new friends were warm and friendly and started inviting Kimberley home for dinner. Life was getting better day by day. Kimberley’s thoughts often turned to Marius and she wondered what he would think of what she was doing now. Her new life was quite removed from the life she thought she would have with him.
**
In September the Festival of Lights would be held. It was a massive religious celebration all the town went to. A group of Kimberley’s new friends invited her to share the event with them. They all dressed up warm and went out into the piazza with candles, it was a moving and surreal experience for Kimberley and as she stared into her candle flame her thoughts were of Marius.
One of the guys in the group called Giorgio noticed and remarked on how sad she looked. Kimberley explained she was thinking of her fiancée who died some months ago.
Giorgio gave her a hug and stood with Kimberley while the procession went past. Kimberley felt comfort from having someone close.
After the procession the group went out for drinks. Giorgio went and got Kimberley a glass of wine and sat down beside her. Kimberley felt relaxed. Giorgio was very nice and he loved to tease her about her English accent.
He had a warm, friendly face and black curly hair. He told Kimberley he was an opera singer and his family lived in Bagni di Lucca which was up in the hills behind Lucca. Kimberley told Giorgio she had visited the area with her friend Charmaine, before she left to go back to England.
Giorgio went on to say his parents had a small café and served the best spaghetti in town. “I must try it next time I am up that way,” said Kimberley, giving Giorgio a smile.
“I will take you Bella,” replied Giorgio. Kimberley nodded her thanks.
**
Kimberley loved her job at the Teatro. It was something new and exciting, a world she had never experienced before. She got to meet all sorts of interesting people and actually started to really enjoy listening to opera.
Often she would go out with Giorgio and some of the opera cast for late supper. Kimberley was becoming quite fond of Giorgio and she wished she had more time to get to know him properly. Giorgio was kept quite busy organizing and rehearsing but he always made time to pop into the office to say hello to Kimberley.
Christmas was getting closer and the Teatro was going to close in January for a month after its Christmas season. Kimberley was thinking of popping over to the UK to see her family, she missed them and it was some time since she had seen them.
Over a glass of wine one evening Kimberley told Giorgio of her plans to go over to the UK while the Teatro was closed. “That is good Bella, I am sure your parents would really like to have you home for a bit, I have never found the time to go to the UK but would love to one day,” Giorgio said.
Kimberley thought for a bit then blurted out, “Would you like to come with me?” immediately feeling embarrassed.
“Sure, but would that be ok with your family? They do not know me at all,” replied Giorgio.
Kimberley went on to tell Giorgio she had told her parents about her new friends at the Teatro and assured him it would be fine.
“Bellissimo,” said Giorgio as he charged his glass.
Kimberley smiled – she knew she would have to explain they were just friends to her parents, and make sure they understood the situation before they arrived.
**
The Christmas season at the Teatro was magical. Lucca looked stunning with its Christmas lights. Piazza Napoleone looked really pretty with all the lights sparkling in the trees. Soft snow had fallen and it was like living in a Christmas wonderland Kimberley thought.
Everywhere you went in Lucca there was music and carols were being sung on many corners, and piazzas. Kimberley felt so moved it brought her to tears.
Giorgio took Kimberley for a special late dinner on Christmas Eve. He was very sweet with her and during dinner he put his hand into his pocket and handed Kimberley a gift.
“For you Bella, I hope it makes you happy,” said Giorgio as he handed the gift to Kimberley.
“Oh my goodness, these are stunning!” replied Kimberley as she leant over to give Giorgio a kiss, “can I put them on now?”
Giorgio nodded and looked happy to see how much Kimberley liked the earings he chose for her.
“I have your gift at my apartment and I was going to give it to you tomorrow,” Kimberley said excitedly.
“Of course, thank you – and remember I am taking you to my parent’s house for Christmas day,” replied Giorgio. “The earrings sparkle just like your pretty blue eyes,” he added.
Kimberley blushed as she touched her earrings.
**
Christmas Day was wonderful. Giorgio came from a large family and his grandparents were there, along with a sister and two brothers, and a niece and nephew.
Everyone was so welcoming and Kimberley felt totally at ease. They ate wonderful food, they sang and drank and danced. It was the best Christmas Kimberley had had for many years.
Kimberley loved dancing with Giorgio; he swept her around the floor and even made her learn the tarantella.
Kimberley felt so comfortable with Giorgio. Her feelings for him were getting stronger and she felt he cared for her a lot – not that he had said in so many words.
A couple of days after Christmas Giorgio and Kimberley caught a flight from Pisa to London. Kimberley was excited to see her family.
Giorgio held her hand on the flight and gave her a little peck on the cheek as the flight took off.
Kimberley’s parents were excited to see their daughter at the airport and soon made Giorgio feel comfortable and part of the family. Kimberley’s mother whispered to her daughter how handsome Giorgio was. Kimberley told her mother to hush, as she felt embarrassed.
During their three weeks in London Kimberley took Giorgio around all the sights. They had a wonderful time, visiting Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, The London Eye, and of course attending a concert at the Albert Hall. Giorgio’s eyes were on a swivel taking in all the sights.
Each day brought them closer and closer, Kimberley felt it was time to tell Giorgio more about Marius. He looked sad and hugged her tight and made her feel at ease. Kimberley was glad she told Giorgio all about her fiancé and what happened to him. To enable herself to move on and complete the healing process she needed to.
After some thought the couple decided to go and pay Marius a visit at the cemetery. It was time for Kimberley to say her goodbyes. Tears were shed and Giorgio was there to support her.
**
Upon their return to Lucca they never mentioned Marius again. Kimberley had her treasured memories and they would always remain close to her, but now it was time to let go and move on with her new life.
A month after they returned from the UK Giorgio asked Kimberley to move in with him. At first she was a little hesitant but in the end her heart ruled her head and she moved in.
The couple grew ever closer and closer, Kimberley enjoyed the Italian lifestyle. She knew she could love again and she knew Giorgio would take care of her. They were not going to rush into marriage, it would happen when they both felt the time was right.
They had a wonderful future to look forward to and Kimberley finally felt truly happy again.
By Kay Rayner. Read more here.