47. Quality Time (2)

The day Arianna had been waiting for had finally arrived. The little girl celebrated her fifth birthday. Arianna looked beautiful in the little mermaid costume she wanted. The Little Mermaid-themed birthday celebration was magical and full of joy. Every corner of the room was decorated with alluring sea touches and iconic characters from the underwater world. The decorations were dominated by sea colors, such as sea blue, sea green, and coral, making the room look fresh and creating a cool and refreshing atmosphere, like being at the bottom of the sea. Of course, this made Arianna very happy. "Mama, I love the fish-shaped balloons, jellyfish, and colorful starfish decorating the ceiling." Arianna's eyes were wide with wonder at the birthday decorations she had dreamed of. Several large balloons with Ariel, the mermaid, and other characters from the Little Mermaid also greeted guests at the entrance. On the back wall, there was a backdrop depicting a beautiful sea view. "Hello Arianna, happy birthday. Wish you all the best." Some of the children from the orphanage who were present also congratulated the girl, making her feel happy. "Arianna, can we play over there?" asked Arianna's friend, pointing to the mesmerizing view of the coral reef, complete with artificial fish swimming. "Of course you can play over there, I'll join you." "Gina, please keep an eye on Arianna, I'll take a quick look around to make sure everything is ready and we can get the party started." Stellina gave the order. "Yes, ma'am." Gina immediately did as Stellina instructed. Yes, ma'am." Gina immediately did as Stellina instructed. Diego was seen in the corner of the room taking a call from someone. He waved to Stellina when he saw that she was looking for him. Stellina simply gave the code that everything was fine. Stellina arrived at the main party table which was decorated with blue or sea-green fabric, and shell jewelry, fake starfish, and pearls glittering around it. The seating and tableware are chosen with a Little Mermaid design. "This is really amazing, Stellina, you managed to bring the sea and all of it here. Thank you for everything." Diego suddenly appeared next to Stellina who was admiring the decorations just as Arianna had wanted. "Of course I will do everything to make Arianna happy. You know I've loved her since the first time we met." Diego caught the sincerity behind Stellina's words. His heart sank as he remembered how selfish he had been in separating Stellina from her family. "It won't take long," he soothed. Diego straightened his suit. All the guests had come dressed as characters from the Little Mermaid. From the main character Arianna the mermaid Ariel, to Sebastian the crab, and Flounder the magical fish, they would all be making appearances at the celebration. The master of ceremonies soon kicked off the festivities. The man in the cute fish costume soon introduced Arianna, and the sound of cheering children filled the room. "Now we're going to have some fun by searching for hidden treasures!" The children welcomed it enthusiastically. Guided by several people from the event organizer, they played treasure hunt. The children's faces lit up as they had a lot of fun. Various food and drinks were served with an underwater touch. Cupcakes decorated with starfish, coral cakes, and blue jellies resembling seawater will be a favorite among other choices of dishes. "Mama, the cupcake is so cute, it's blue, I love it!" Arianna shouted with excitement. Stellina immediately took one cupcake and gave it to Arianna. With a face full of joy, Arianna thanked her and rejoined her friends. After two hours of playing happily and enjoying delicious food, it was time for the party to end. "This is for you," said Arianna, handing a goodie bag to her friends from the orphanage. "Thank you, Arianna, you are so lucky to have full parents and lots of love. May you live a long life." "Thank you, Clara, I'm so glad to know you." Arianna replied with a happy look on her face. Today she also made new friends, one of whom was Clara. Arianna handed out one goodie bag after another, which contained small Little Mermaid-inspired gifts. The goodie bags also contain small sea toys, stickers, or fake jewelry that will be a sweet memento of this celebration. Time and time again, Arianna's Little Mermaid-themed fifth birthday has been a celebration full of happiness, magic, and imagination. Everyone feels like they are immersed in the enchantment of the underwater world and celebrates special moments together with great joy. As the day wore on, Arianna began to look sleepy and Diego decided to take her home. Sure enough, when he entered the car Arianna's head was limp. The little girl had fallen asleep in the back seat. "She's a girl, very happy today," said Stellina as she glanced into the rearview mirror to see the little angel sleeping peacefully. "She's a girl who's never had a party this good," Diego muttered, making Stellina turn to him. "Why? Doesn't she deserve a big birthday party like the one we just gave her?" Diego was silent, the man just rubbed his face. "Her mom did throw her a party, but it was just plain boring." "Oh, sorry, I didn't realize that." Stellina regretted her words. "It doesn't matter. I really appreciate what you did for my daughter." Diego only replied briefly. If his memory returned to Vellina, the man was speechless. The three of them had just arrived home. When the car stopped and Arianna woke up, Diego picked her up and laid her down in her room. Just as Diego and Stellina were about to retire to their room, Arianna arrived and demanded her reward. Apparently the girl woke up again because she felt she hadn't received the gift from her parents. "Why didn't papa and mama give me a present? My friend Erina got a present from her family first." Arianna's innocent face looked adorable with her pouting lips. The little girl had been waiting for the gift that her mom and dad would give her, but until the party ended she didn't get anything and that made her sad. "Honey why are you pouting so much, look pretty, mama has prepared a gift for you. You can find it among the unopened gifts." Diego tried to explain to his little daughter. "Papa, that's not the gift Arianna wants." Arianna approached Stellina and sat on her lap. "So what do you want, dear?" Diego gently stroked his daughter's hair. Sometimes there was a pang in Diego's chest when he remembered how Arianna had been separated from her mother. But Stellina's love restored all the happiness Arianna had lost. "Papa, do you still remember what you promised me?" asked Arianna, looking closely at her father. "Which promise? Tell me." "The promise that you would take me on a vacation to Rome." "Oh yeah? Did papa ever make you a promise, dear? I seem to have forgotten." Diego pretended to have forgotten his promise. Of course, he still remembered his promise to take Arianna and Stellina on a vacation to Rome. "If you've forgotten, there's a recording." With a triumphant smile, Stellina played the audio recording of Diego promising them a vacation to Rome. "Are you listening now? I've played his voice, he must have remembered it by now." Diego was surprised because he hadn't expected Stellina to record their conversation. Stellina pretended not to see Diego, who turned to her for an explanation. Arianna, if we make a promise to someone, we should keep that promise. From now on, be careful what you promise." Stellina was deliberately advising Arianna as well as insinuating Diego. Arianna nodded her head slowly." Okay mama. Papa will definitely keep his promise, right?" Arianna whined. This time Diego was surrounded by the two women he loved. It was always like this. If Arianna and Stellina ganged up on him he was helpless. Especially seeing the satisfied smile on Stellina's face, it made Diego feel guilty. "Well now that you've remembered that promise, of course you'll keep it. Thanks mom for reminding me," Diego said in a sarcastic tone that sounded funny to Stellina. Arianna and Stellina finally did a hand toast to celebrate their victory. "Yes mom, we're going to Rome soon!" Arianna shouted happily. "I can't wait to get there too, honey." Stellina was so excited about their planned vacation to Rome. Diego couldn't help but shake his head at how Stellina and Arianna always got along. But what made him most happy was when they united to get his attention. "Okay, now that papa has remembered his promise, I'm going to bed, mama." "Do you want mommy to take you to your room, dear?" "No, mama. I can do it myself. All my friends are learning to do it themselves too. At school we learn to do everything ourselves." "Well that's really wonderful news. Look, your little princess is learning to be a wonderful girl. Come give me a hug, honey." Stellina hugged Arianna tightly who immediately rewarded her with a peck on the cheek. "Only mommy gets a goodnight hug?" Diego sounded jealous of their intimacy. "Of course I'll kiss you too papa." Arianna quickly hugged her father. Diego also landed a warm kiss on his daughter's head. He was happy that Arianna was growing up in Stellina's warm and loving care. Good night mom and dad." Arianna waved her hand and slowly walked out of Diego's room. After Arianna returned to her room, Stellina quickly turned off the lights and laid down on the bed. "After arriving in Rome I will not allow you to meet your family." Diego said with emphasis, and Stellina understood what he meant and didn't want to contradict him. "Yes, I understand, don't worry about it." Stellina was silent, now she was looking for a way to see her family even from a distance. "Listen to me carefully Stellina, for whatever reason you can't see them." Diego's tone had lowered this time, but it still sent a thrill through Stellina's chest. "Of course I won't see them. Diego you have to believe me I won't see them, but I will only see them in secret because I miss them. Do I have your permission?" Stellina asked. Diego was silent. He had not intended to prevent Stellina from meeting her family. But it was simply not possible at the moment. Stellina had to stay by his side as they had agreed. "I'm sorry Diego, I didn't mean to be disobedient, but I really miss them." Diego heard Stellina's voice tremble. He could understand that Stellina missed her family very much. But for the sake of the plan he had made, no one could mess it up. In the stillness of the night in their room, Diego secretly heard Stellina sobbing. Stellina tried to hide it at first, but as time went on it became louder and louder, even though she didn't mean to. Stellina understood the consequences of her actions. Obeying Diego's orders was like cutting her own wounds. It hurt and stung when she had to resist the urge to see her family. "Okay, you can see them. I repeat, only from a distance, not in person." This time Diego emphasized his words to signal Stellina not to argue with him again. "Of course, thank you Diego for giving me permission. I really appreciate it." Stellina's voice sounded sincere, causing Diego to feel another pang of guilt. Diego knew what it was like to be separated from the people he cared about. Even his little daughter had to be separated from her biological mother, this time Diego did not deny that for a moment he felt like the cruelest person. Shouldn't the world be populated by strong people? Diego's mind justified his actions. The next day Arianna woke up with a beaming face. Today they would begin their journey to Rome. On the way to the airport, Arianna continued to ask many questions. Without getting bored and tired, Stellina answered them. They landed at Naples Airport, and were immediately treated to a beautiful view of the Bay of Naples and the mountains surrounding the area. It was still early in the morning but the activity at the airport never died. "Mama, can I get ice cream here?" asked Arianna while they were waiting for their luggage. "Sure honey, after we get the suitcases, we'll look for ice cream for you." Stellina needn't have worried because the magnificent airport also features retail shops, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors come and go as they please. After getting the suitcases, Diego took Arianna into his arms, but she refused. "Papa, I want to ride the troly!" Arianna cried out in delight, remembering when Stellina had taken her to the supermarket and put her on the troly. "It's a troly to carry our suitcases, darling." Diego tried to explain. "You can ride, darling. Papa, isn't this better than you carrying her? The exit is quite far from here, so I don't think this is a bad idea." Stellina winked, leaving Diego speechless. He always lost and chose to go along with Arianna's wishes, who always had Stellina's support. "Alright then you can get on the troly little girl, make good friends with these suitcases." Arianna laughed happily at her father's words that sounded funny to her ears. When she looked at Stellina, her mom just nodded her head and laughed widely. Sometimes Diego was just that funny.