Italian, so that I could sort out what they were talking about.
«Senor Luciano Soriano?» one of the police officers asked in Italian.
«Yes,» Luciano answered.
«We have several questions to ask you. First of all,» he took out the very earrings, «do they belong to you?»
Luciano didn’t say anything.
«Senor Luciano,» the other one said, «do you understand that you’ll get in jail anyway? The European Union law says that everyone who steals must be liable for it.»
Perhaps, the police had just come to the hall.
Domenico intervened in the examination:
«This lady,» he pointed at my Mum, «knows that senor Luciano has stolen them.»
«How does she know?» the first officer asked and then turned to Mum. «Could you, please, explain to us how you came at it?» he asked her in English.
«It’s not a fact,» Mum started, «but only a suggestion. Look – how can a porter, a sixteen-year-old boy, buy these earrings, precious-gemmed ones, with his salary?»
«Indeed,» Domenico agreed, «I wonder how a boy can obtain such a thing.»
«It’s simple,» Mum added. «And when he gives them to a thirteen-year-old girl…»
«It’s strange,» the second police officer caught up. «If he’s her boyfriend, he must buy only affordable gifts.»
Suddenly, a middle-aged man flew in the hall.
«Here he is!» he exclaimed in Italian. «This thief!»
«What thief?» the first police officer became curious. «Isn’t it him?» he pointed at Luciano.
The man stared at the boy.
«Exactly!» he exclaimed. «How have you found him? I’ve been searching for him around the whole quarter!»
«I’m sorry,» Mum said in English, «do you speak English? Who are you?»
«Of course, I can! I’m an owner of a jewelry shop!»
Mum and me looked at each other.
«A jewelry shop?» the second policeman asked. «Interesting, interesting.» He started writing all the details down in his notebook.
«And when did you see this boy?» the first one asked the owner.
«Three days ago!» he exclaimed. «He’s stolen a pair of earrings from me!»
«Bah!» Domenico said. «Aren’t they the ones?» he showed the earrings he had in his hands to the man.
«Absolutely!»
«Luciano,» Domenico asked, «how could you?»
«I’m sorry,» Luciano started speaking. «I’m really sorry. I just wanted to make a present for Roxy. She deserves the best of the best,» he looked at me. «But I didn’t have money. I’m sorry, Roxy…»
The boy looked down.
«Indeed!» the shop owner started shouting in English. «That’s what you study at school, ah? For a girl, you must buy things that are not too expensive for your pocketbook!»
I wonder who called the police…
«My boy,» the man went on speaking, «no matter what the motive is, you must absolutely be in charge for your actions according to the law anyway!»
«Please,» I begged in Italian, «let Luciano go!»
«Roxy!» Mum took me up short. «Don’t poke around in other people’s business!»
«No, no,» Luciano said, «it’s only my fault! I admit it!»
«I’m sorry,» Mum said, «but may I ask who called the police?»
«It’s me,» Domenico said. «I’m afraid I didn’t understand anything in this situation, so I decided it’d be better for me to clear everything up.»
«You may go now,» the first police officer said to Mum and me in English. «Thank you very much, and have a nice day! Ciao!»
We went out as fast as we could.
«It would be just our luck to get in trouble,» Mum said when we were in the street. «I told you that you must stay away from him!»
I didn’t say anything.
«You’re so naïve, Roxy! You’re a child!» Mum went on. «Although you’re a wunderkind, you’re still a kid, and you’re so naïve!»
Mum always wears glasses. She’s got short fair hair and green eyes.
«And I’m saying it not because I want to blame you for something. I want to save you from a very big mistake.»
«I know, Mummy.»
When we got back to the hotel, Domenico said Luciano was placed under two week’s house arrest, because he himself had admitted his guilt, but the jewelry shop owner had been insisting on Luciano’s being arrested.
«I wanted to marry him, Mummy!» I cried when we entered our room.
Unexpectedly for me, Mum began to laugh.
«Roxy, I repeat once again – you’re still a child! I understand all your feelings perfectly – but he’s not for you.»
14 August 2012
The day of our departure. It was a pity for me to leave Sicily. But what else did I have to do? In two weeks, I’ll become a part of a big University community. It’s more than just great, taking into account the fact that you’re only turning fourteen!
I need to prepare a speech, because the Head of the University has personally asked me to make it.
To be honest, I’ve got only fond memories of Italy, despite everything that has happened to us so far.
Therefore, when our plane took off, I whispered to the land remaining below us: «Grazie, Italia! Ti amo!3»
2 September 2012
Fourteen years old today! I feel like an adult. Although I have four years left before I turn eighteen…
17 September 2012
Today, it’s my convocation ceremony. I’ve made a speech. It wasn’t that long, for the people not to become tired. However, it’s not short either. One hundred words approximately. One hundred and thirty-three words sharply. To tell the truth, I tried to make my speech as friendly (and comprehensible!) as possible.
Now, I’m ready to walk through these doors.
The Head personally met me and asked to proceed to the stage, from where I was to deliver my speech.
I began speaking:
«Hello, everyone! I am happy to see all of you here, within the walls of London University! I’m here with you, although – imagine! – I turned fourteen just yesterday! But I feel like an adult despite my age! I am really happy to study here with you, hoping to make a lot of friends in London University! For each of you, dear students, dear freshmen, this is a moment that you will remember for a long time. Therefore, let me be one of the first, along with the President, to greet and congratulate you as you embark on this amazing adventure. You all have worked hard to get here; but it’s also your parents, grandparents, your other family members, and teachers, who have supported you on your road here. So, I wish you good luck! Thank you!»
Everyone present applauded me.
I am very happy to have entered this exact university because it was located in London.
The