Under The Tartosan Sun
Table of contents: [ Spoiler ] Since this story has grown so much bigger than I ever imagined I feel like its time to borrow a page from some of my favorite SimLit writers and offer you a syn...
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Chapter Twenty Five
As a boy growing up on the family vineyard in the hills overlooking Tartosa, Matteo Rossi was always surrounded by loved ones. His parents, Davide and Francesca, his nonna Vittoria, and his spiritual twin, his sister Allegra. If there was anyone who truly understood him, it was Allegra. With the family's villa a fair distance away from Tartosa, it was common for Allegra and Matteo to hang around together. They were closer than most brothers and sisters because of that isolation. But the biggest factor was how much Matteo made over his little sister. She in turn thought he was the greatest. As they grew older and transportation into the town easier to come by, they maintained their bond in spite of having new groups of friends to hang out with.
But then, shortly after graduation from secondary school, Matteo changed. He still loved his family dearly, but he started running with a different crowd. Guys that were only interest in where the next party was, or scoping out the next one night stand, who revel in the worst aspects of male behavior. It broke his parents hearts, and his little sister's too. Up to this point in his life he'd been the good son, the good guy, but inside he was grappling with insecurities. His 'friends', like Leonardo Ricci, would hang out with him, but then make him the butt of jokes about being gay because he wasn't exactly like them. He openly respected women and saw them as equals and not objects put here for his use. His parents made sure of that as part of his upbringing, but it also stemmed from his closeness with his sister. They were heartbroken, but it reached a point where finally his mother and sister both felt there was nothing left to do but cut him loose. Leave him to learn from his mistakes and hope he came to his senses and remembered everything he'd learned from his upbringing.
https://i.imgur.com/WIFkOJT.png
Time passed, Matteo came back from the brink thanks in no small part to Danielle for befriending him. Then for introducing him to Liberty, his true salvation. He reached out to his family to start mending fences which they were eager to do. He was filled with deep regret for his choices during those years, and like a portion of the male population, his pride had taken a lot of abuse. That drew Allegra to visit him in person during a break from her schedule with the Windenburg Opera.
https://i.imgur.com/U8jvSBO.png
"Liberty, this is my sister I have been telling you about, Allegra. Allegra meet the angel who save me from myself, Liberty."
"Matteo, non hai reso giustizia a questa donna con la tua descrizione. La mia nuova sorella è la donna più bella del mondo!"
https://i.imgur.com/jQ7LGaM.png
After picking up a serving of Matteo's wonderful carbonara, Allegra paused to admire the view, "I love Windenburg, and I love performing with the opera there, but seeing the sunset here reminds how much I miss Tartosa."
https://i.imgur.com/x9w7W6O.png
The following day, after his daily relaxation time in the jacuzzi, Matteo walked right into Allegra's trap. The ladies had been enjoying a game of chess with Liberty positioned on the far side of the board where she could watch Matteo.
"He just got out of the jacuzzi", Liberty said, "and he always towels off over by the aquarium and then comes in through the kitchen." Allegra fixed her eyes on Liberty's and whispered, "This will get heated and sound ugly, but trust me, I know what I'm doing. His ego is going to take a beating, but he's had plenty of time to do this the easy way. It's his own fault."
https://i.imgur.com/T1EJNJh.png
"Matteo! Dear brother, Liberty and I were just discussing your very romantic proposal" Allegra said with an almost acidic sweetness.
https://i.imgur.com/u2qGAHg.png
"Yes it was. I had a lot of help from Liberty's friends in setting it up. We chose La Cucina Toscana. I know you remember that romantic little ristorante that mom and dad took us to so often growing up" Matteo said without realizing he'd sprung Allegra's trap and he was about catch holy from her.
"Oh yes, mom and dad, speaking of which...why have you not gone to see them in person since you found your way back?" was Allegra's venom soaked question.
https://i.imgur.com/m1Zvs6F.png
Matteo's face instantly froze in the universal look of a deer in the headlights. Allegra had the upper hand and she wasn't about to let him get a word in until she was good and ready. She was in full blown tirade mode and the Simtalian began to flow...
https://i.imgur.com/IO6y9Jg.png
Do you have any idea how much it hurt your mother when you turned your back on us? Did you hear her cry herself to sleep most nights?"
"I have to learn Simtalian if it kills me" Liberty thought. She was trying really hard not to smile or laugh. "Why do men always insist in doing things the hard way? It must have something to do with testosterone poisoning" Liberty thought, continuing her inner monologue.
https://i.imgur.com/94kdTpa.png
Allegra was at a full boil now. She continued her onslaught, still not ready to let Matteo regain his balance. "Every night at dinner she sat there looking at the spot right across the table from her where you always were! Every night I watched tears roll down her face as she looked at that spot and wondered what had happened to you! Now, when her heart is full of joy that her little Matteo is ok and back from the darkness, you stomp on it all over again because you won't come around so she can see you, and hug you, and tell you face to face how much she loves you!
https://i.imgur.com/ebZHf10.png
The last sentence hit home hard and Allegra could see it in Matteo's eyes. So she relented a bit and allowed Matteo to start gathering himself. She paused knowing he was nearly ready to speak and then allowed him the opening to save himself or shoot himself in the foot. He chose the later.
"Allegra, that's not fair, I've been busy with work and spending time with Liberty as we build our relationship" he offered weakly. Allegra couldn't believe her brother would offer up such a lame excuse and she couldn't hide her disbelief and exasperation. The pause and his speaking broke the spell and she realized she had been raging at him in their native Simtalian.
https://i.imgur.com/53qVmMq.png
"You didn't just give me that sorry excuse, you couldn't possibly be dumb enough to expect that to make everything ok! Your problem is your stubborn male pride! The most fragile object in the universe is a man's ego."
As a boy growing up on the family vineyard in the hills overlooking Tartosa, Matteo Rossi was always surrounded by loved ones. His parents, Davide and Francesca, his nonna Vittoria, and his spiritual twin, his sister Allegra. If there was anyone who truly understood him, it was Allegra. With the family's villa a fair distance away from Tartosa, it was common for Allegra and Matteo to hang around together. They were closer than most brothers and sisters because of that isolation. But the biggest factor was how much Matteo made over his little sister. She in turn thought he was the greatest. As they grew older and transportation into the town easier to come by, they maintained their bond in spite of having new groups of friends to hang out with.
But then, shortly after graduation from secondary school, Matteo changed. He still loved his family dearly, but he started running with a different crowd. Guys that were only interest in where the next party was, or scoping out the next one night stand, who revel in the worst aspects of male behavior. It broke his parents hearts, and his little sister's too. Up to this point in his life he'd been the good son, the good guy, but inside he was grappling with insecurities. His 'friends', like Leonardo Ricci, would hang out with him, but then make him the butt of jokes about being gay because he wasn't exactly like them. He openly respected women and saw them as equals and not objects put here for his use. His parents made sure of that as part of his upbringing, but it also stemmed from his closeness with his sister. They were heartbroken, but it reached a point where finally his mother and sister both felt there was nothing left to do but cut him loose. Leave him to learn from his mistakes and hope he came to his senses and remembered everything he'd learned from his upbringing.
https://i.imgur.com/WIFkOJT.png
Time passed, Matteo came back from the brink thanks in no small part to Danielle for befriending him. Then for introducing him to Liberty, his true salvation. He reached out to his family to start mending fences which they were eager to do. He was filled with deep regret for his choices during those years, and like a portion of the male population, his pride had taken a lot of abuse. That drew Allegra to visit him in person during a break from her schedule with the Windenburg Opera.
https://i.imgur.com/U8jvSBO.png
Spoiler
"Allegra! I’ve really missed you! Look at you, all grown up. And even more stylish than before."https://i.imgur.com/L4ASMmd.png
"Thank you Matteo. It is wonderful to finally have you back, and to feel like we're a family again."https://i.imgur.com/r1pRLAr.png
"Not to lower the mood or anything, but I thought you said you'd be coming to visit for a couple of days", Matteo asked quizzically while glancing over Allegra's shoulder.
Allegra, following his gaze replied, "Oh, the luggage? I decided for once to try traveling light and only packing the absolute essentials."
"I guess I wasn't hearing things. A minute or so before you knocked I could have sworn I heard a man swearing in Simtalian."
“Yes. That was the taxi driver. He wanted his simoleons after pulling the bags out of the taxi. I told him when the luggage was on the porch he’d get paid. I did make it worth his while.”
“That’s my sister, just as fiery as mom.”
“Of course. That’s the what you get when mix estrogen and D’Angelo blood..”
https://i.imgur.com/syixO0y.png
"Are you going to stand there like a man shaped lump, or are you going to introduce me to your fiancé?"
"Right this way. I've already warned her about you."
"You what? What have you told that lovely woman about me, Matteo Rossi!..."
"I just warned her you are a force of nature."
"Oh, un uomo divertente!" Allegra said with a smirk
(Oh, a funny man)
"Come in Allegra and let me introduce you to Liberty"
"Thank you Matteo. It is wonderful to finally have you back, and to feel like we're a family again."https://i.imgur.com/r1pRLAr.png
"Not to lower the mood or anything, but I thought you said you'd be coming to visit for a couple of days", Matteo asked quizzically while glancing over Allegra's shoulder.
Allegra, following his gaze replied, "Oh, the luggage? I decided for once to try traveling light and only packing the absolute essentials."
"I guess I wasn't hearing things. A minute or so before you knocked I could have sworn I heard a man swearing in Simtalian."
“Yes. That was the taxi driver. He wanted his simoleons after pulling the bags out of the taxi. I told him when the luggage was on the porch he’d get paid. I did make it worth his while.”
“That’s my sister, just as fiery as mom.”
“Of course. That’s the what you get when mix estrogen and D’Angelo blood..”
https://i.imgur.com/syixO0y.png
"Are you going to stand there like a man shaped lump, or are you going to introduce me to your fiancé?"
"Right this way. I've already warned her about you."
"You what? What have you told that lovely woman about me, Matteo Rossi!..."
"I just warned her you are a force of nature."
"Oh, un uomo divertente!" Allegra said with a smirk
(Oh, a funny man)
"Come in Allegra and let me introduce you to Liberty"
"Liberty, this is my sister I have been telling you about, Allegra. Allegra meet the angel who save me from myself, Liberty."
"Matteo, non hai reso giustizia a questa donna con la tua descrizione. La mia nuova sorella è la donna più bella del mondo!"
Spoiler
Matteo, you did not do this woman justice with your description. My new sister is the loveliest woman in the world.
https://i.imgur.com/jQ7LGaM.png
Spoiler
"Ummm, Matteo, babe, I have no idea what she just said, but I think I like it."
"She called you the loveliest woman in the world. I warned you, when Allegra gets excited she slips back into Simtalian. She really is fluent in Simlish." Matteo said.
"I can speak for myself thank you very much dear brother. Why did you say warned, that's what I want to know? I asked you this outside, what sorts things have you told her about me?" Allegra replied, fixing Matteo with a gaze that pinned him to his spot and left him feeling sheepish.
"Uhhh...."
"Stick with 'uhh' before you dig yourself a deeper hole, Matteo." Allegra said playfully before turning to Liberty, "Men! You know how they are."
"I like her a lot!" Liberty exclaimed.
https://i.imgur.com/qDyW6aw.png
"She called you the loveliest woman in the world. I warned you, when Allegra gets excited she slips back into Simtalian. She really is fluent in Simlish." Matteo said.
"I can speak for myself thank you very much dear brother. Why did you say warned, that's what I want to know? I asked you this outside, what sorts things have you told her about me?" Allegra replied, fixing Matteo with a gaze that pinned him to his spot and left him feeling sheepish.
"Uhhh...."
"Stick with 'uhh' before you dig yourself a deeper hole, Matteo." Allegra said playfully before turning to Liberty, "Men! You know how they are."
"I like her a lot!" Liberty exclaimed.
https://i.imgur.com/qDyW6aw.png
After picking up a serving of Matteo's wonderful carbonara, Allegra paused to admire the view, "I love Windenburg, and I love performing with the opera there, but seeing the sunset here reminds how much I miss Tartosa."
https://i.imgur.com/x9w7W6O.png
Spoiler
Allegra spent that evening, and late into the night reminiscing with Matteo, and getting to know Liberty. The vino flowed. There was, in the tradition of Tartosa, no shortage of decadent dishes on which to dine. Calories are always something to worry about tomorrow. The night was for seeking and enjoying, la dolce vita, the sweet life. And there was, as always, the lovely views of the Tartosan coast, and the Simiterranean sea.
https://i.imgur.com/iNn7vl7.png
Allegra set about making Liberty feel a part of the Rossi family. Neither woman had a sister growing up and they were really bonding with each other and forming their own sisterhood. Before she headed back to Windenburg, Allegra wanted to take Liberty on a girl's day out. Just the two of them, and some female friend time. Allegra had another item on her to do list and it is was a mission from their mother. It seems Matteo has been in contact with his parents since he got his life back together, but it has only been by texts and phone calls. Allegra and Liberty discussed the situation for some time after Matteo went to bed.
Allegra already knew that Liberty had gotten directions from Francesca and had gone out on her own to meet her future in-laws on several occasions. Liberty had explained that she had been trying to get Matteo to come along, but she sensed he was troubled by the thought. The three women knew exactly what the problem was, stubbornness and male pride. Francesca and Allegra had talked about this before she left Windenburg. Allegra assured her mother she knew exactly how to handle her brother, all she needed was an opening. During their conversation on the veranda, Allegra let Liberty in on her plan. She also cautioned Liberty that things were going to get heated. Matteo is a sweet and wonderful man, but like most men, hardheaded.
"Trust me and go with me on this" Allegra said between sips of her Soft Shadow, "I'll get him out there tomorrow to see our mother and father. And besides which you'll learn a thing or two about how to work him and get him to do things he needs to do, but doesn't want to."
"So how do we do this..."
https://i.imgur.com/5hHb9k7.png
https://i.imgur.com/iNn7vl7.png
Allegra set about making Liberty feel a part of the Rossi family. Neither woman had a sister growing up and they were really bonding with each other and forming their own sisterhood. Before she headed back to Windenburg, Allegra wanted to take Liberty on a girl's day out. Just the two of them, and some female friend time. Allegra had another item on her to do list and it is was a mission from their mother. It seems Matteo has been in contact with his parents since he got his life back together, but it has only been by texts and phone calls. Allegra and Liberty discussed the situation for some time after Matteo went to bed.
Allegra already knew that Liberty had gotten directions from Francesca and had gone out on her own to meet her future in-laws on several occasions. Liberty had explained that she had been trying to get Matteo to come along, but she sensed he was troubled by the thought. The three women knew exactly what the problem was, stubbornness and male pride. Francesca and Allegra had talked about this before she left Windenburg. Allegra assured her mother she knew exactly how to handle her brother, all she needed was an opening. During their conversation on the veranda, Allegra let Liberty in on her plan. She also cautioned Liberty that things were going to get heated. Matteo is a sweet and wonderful man, but like most men, hardheaded.
"Trust me and go with me on this" Allegra said between sips of her Soft Shadow, "I'll get him out there tomorrow to see our mother and father. And besides which you'll learn a thing or two about how to work him and get him to do things he needs to do, but doesn't want to."
"So how do we do this..."
https://i.imgur.com/5hHb9k7.png
The following day, after his daily relaxation time in the jacuzzi, Matteo walked right into Allegra's trap. The ladies had been enjoying a game of chess with Liberty positioned on the far side of the board where she could watch Matteo.
"He just got out of the jacuzzi", Liberty said, "and he always towels off over by the aquarium and then comes in through the kitchen." Allegra fixed her eyes on Liberty's and whispered, "This will get heated and sound ugly, but trust me, I know what I'm doing. His ego is going to take a beating, but he's had plenty of time to do this the easy way. It's his own fault."
https://i.imgur.com/T1EJNJh.png
"Matteo! Dear brother, Liberty and I were just discussing your very romantic proposal" Allegra said with an almost acidic sweetness.
https://i.imgur.com/u2qGAHg.png
"Yes it was. I had a lot of help from Liberty's friends in setting it up. We chose La Cucina Toscana. I know you remember that romantic little ristorante that mom and dad took us to so often growing up" Matteo said without realizing he'd sprung Allegra's trap and he was about catch holy
"Oh yes, mom and dad, speaking of which...why have you not gone to see them in person since you found your way back?" was Allegra's venom soaked question.
https://i.imgur.com/m1Zvs6F.png
Matteo's face instantly froze in the universal look of a deer in the headlights. Allegra had the upper hand and she wasn't about to let him get a word in until she was good and ready. She was in full blown tirade mode and the Simtalian began to flow...
https://i.imgur.com/IO6y9Jg.png
Do you have any idea how much it hurt your mother when you turned your back on us? Did you hear her cry herself to sleep most nights?"
Spoiler
"Hai idea di quanto abbia ferito tua madre quando ci hai voltato le spalle? L'hai sentita piangere fino a farla addormentare quasi tutte le notti?"
"I have to learn Simtalian if it kills me" Liberty thought. She was trying really hard not to smile or laugh. "Why do men always insist in doing things the hard way? It must have something to do with testosterone poisoning" Liberty thought, continuing her inner monologue.
https://i.imgur.com/94kdTpa.png
Allegra was at a full boil now. She continued her onslaught, still not ready to let Matteo regain his balance. "Every night at dinner she sat there looking at the spot right across the table from her where you always were! Every night I watched tears roll down her face as she looked at that spot and wondered what had happened to you! Now, when her heart is full of joy that her little Matteo is ok and back from the darkness, you stomp on it all over again because you won't come around so she can see you, and hug you, and tell you face to face how much she loves you!
Spoiler
"Ogni sera a cena sedeva lì a guardare il punto proprio di fronte a lei, dove eri sempre! Ogni notte guardavo le lacrime rigarle il viso mentre guardava quel punto e mi chiedevo cosa ti fosse successo! Ora, quando il suo cuore è pieno di gioia per il fatto che il suo piccolo Matteo stia bene e sia tornato dall'oscurità, lo calpesti di nuovo perché non verrai in giro così lei può vederti, e abbracciarti, e dirti faccia a affronta quanto ti ama!"
https://i.imgur.com/ebZHf10.png
The last sentence hit home hard and Allegra could see it in Matteo's eyes. So she relented a bit and allowed Matteo to start gathering himself. She paused knowing he was nearly ready to speak and then allowed him the opening to save himself or shoot himself in the foot. He chose the later.
"Allegra, that's not fair, I've been busy with work and spending time with Liberty as we build our relationship" he offered weakly. Allegra couldn't believe her brother would offer up such a lame excuse and she couldn't hide her disbelief and exasperation. The pause and his speaking broke the spell and she realized she had been raging at him in their native Simtalian.
https://i.imgur.com/53qVmMq.png
"You didn't just give me that sorry excuse, you couldn't possibly be dumb enough to expect that to make everything ok! Your problem is your stubborn male pride! The most fragile object in the universe is a man's ego."
Spoiler
"There we are. I knew at some point you were going to bring out the feminist diatribe about male egos and pride, yada yada yada."
https://i.imgur.com/ye5XgWV.png
"I love you to death Matteo, but you really stepped in it now" Liberty said under her breath, as Allegra moved in for the kill.
https://i.imgur.com/kbBXR4n.png
"How dare you try to turn this around and try to make me into the villain" Allegra said, her anger building again, "I'm not the one that turned my back on the family to run around with that pathetic little worm Leonardo Ricci. And now you give me excuses that sound like they came right from his mouth. Have you really changed are was that all an act?"
"Allegra, that is taking it too far" said Liberty as she was no longer able to remain a bystander. "You and I both know that isn't the case and it's hitting below the belt. I've been right there with you the whole way, but not that. I think you know you were in the wrong there, and I think you've made your point.
https://i.imgur.com/6MmJrpW.png
Matteo, you really do need to go see your parents. I've been out there myself to see them, and talk to them, and I know you have nothing to fear. They are not going to throw your past in your face. All they want is to see their son, and tell him how much they love him and to welcome him back. Tomorrow, all three of us are going up there, and we are going to put this to rest."
https://i.imgur.com/0vJceCG.png
"You're right Liberty. I'm sorry Matteo, I got carried away. Can you forgive me?"
"I never could stay mad at you for long. And you still know how to get through to me. Thank you for the wake up call."
https://i.imgur.com/y0xkmuO.png
https://i.imgur.com/ye5XgWV.png
"I love you to death Matteo, but you really stepped in it now" Liberty said under her breath, as Allegra moved in for the kill.
https://i.imgur.com/kbBXR4n.png
"How dare you try to turn this around and try to make me into the villain" Allegra said, her anger building again, "I'm not the one that turned my back on the family to run around with that pathetic little worm Leonardo Ricci. And now you give me excuses that sound like they came right from his mouth. Have you really changed are was that all an act?"
"Allegra, that is taking it too far" said Liberty as she was no longer able to remain a bystander. "You and I both know that isn't the case and it's hitting below the belt. I've been right there with you the whole way, but not that. I think you know you were in the wrong there, and I think you've made your point.
https://i.imgur.com/6MmJrpW.png
Matteo, you really do need to go see your parents. I've been out there myself to see them, and talk to them, and I know you have nothing to fear. They are not going to throw your past in your face. All they want is to see their son, and tell him how much they love him and to welcome him back. Tomorrow, all three of us are going up there, and we are going to put this to rest."
https://i.imgur.com/0vJceCG.png
"You're right Liberty. I'm sorry Matteo, I got carried away. Can you forgive me?"
"I never could stay mad at you for long. And you still know how to get through to me. Thank you for the wake up call."
https://i.imgur.com/y0xkmuO.png
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