“What has you driving so far to see us today?” Alceu asks as he caresses my thigh lightly.
“I wanted to see my daughter,” my father replies evenly. “We haven’t seen or spoken to her in over a week, and we were becoming worried.”
My spine stiffens at his words. Bullshit.
“But now you have seen that she is fine. Happy even, don’t you think?” The tone of Alceu’s voice has changed. My reaction to my father’s words has put him on edge.
“Yes, but now it is time for her to return to her home, her rightful place, and the marriage she has promised to be part of.” My father leans forward as he speaks.
I feel the moment Alceu loses his patience with this conversation. He stands, placing me gently on my feet, one hand holding tightly to my hip.
“Understand this,” he says slowly and clearly. “Giulia is home, in her rightful place, at my side. She is fulfilling her promise to God to be part of our marriage. ’Til death do us part. I suggest you remember that.”
Alceu is a scary man. What makes him terrifying is not the fact that he’s powerful or that he is a physically capable man. No, what makes people quake is the fact that he’s utterly calm while he threatens your life.
“Yes, yes,” my mother interjects, no doubt earning herself a beating at the hands of my father when they get home. “Giulia is absolutely glowing. Marriage suits her so well.”
She smiles at me and then at Alceu, but it doesn’t reach her eyes.
“Thank you, Mother.” I smile at her in return as Rosa enters with a tray of drinks.
Alceu returns to his seat, pulling me back down into his lap. Silence descends on us as everyone sips at the peach iced tea that Rosa has prepared.
“If you are satisfied that Giulia is okay, we must cut this visit short. We weren't expecting guests today and already have plans for the evening.” Alceu is the first to speak.
“Are you throwing us out?” my father asks.
“No,” Alceu replies. “But we cannot break our plans.”
My father’s eyes spark with interest, clearly trying to gather information. But Alceu isn’t stupid and knows my father isn’t to be trusted. Instead of waiting for him to speak, I interject.
“Perhaps Andrea would like to visit over the weekend? She can stay in the guest room, and we can go horse riding?”
It’s a terrible thing to do because I know she loves horses, but I need to get her away from my father before she gets married off to Salvador in my place. I will remind Alceu of our arrangement as soon as my parents leave.
“Yes.” Andrea claps her hands. “I would love to visit.”
My father’s face turns a molten red as he tries to get a leash on his rage. He won’t lay a finger on my sister, too afraid he might damage the merchandise he intends to sell off one day soon.
“Then it is arranged.” Alceu smirks. “I will have a car pick up Andrea on Friday, and she can spend the weekend with her sister. But for now, we must take our leave. Frederico will see you out.”
Alceu doesn’t wait for a response, as usual, as he strides out of the room, carrying me in his arms.