Italian Liaisons

Something’s Wrong Melina’s hands trembled nervously as she went through her usual morning routine. That was because the couple she’d been staying with—her friend’s aunt and uncle—were going on vacation for a couple of weeks. This meant that if her mother couldn’t wire money to her fast enough, she’d be staying in a hostel instead of a motel. The thought of staying in a hostel chilled her. To her, it was no more than a fancy state of homelessness. Once it came time to head to the university, Melina did her best to appear as if everything was alright, but she could sense that Ari could tell something was wrong. Ari didn’t say anything to her right away. Instead, she cast a concerned eye her way every now and then while she worked at the computer. Melina was struggling to open a bottle of water when Ari was making her way through the rows of desks, observing her students closely—perhaps on the lookout for cheaters. When she passed by Melina, she took the bottle and opened it for her. Melina gave her a quick smile of appreciation. Ari nodded and gazed at her intently for a split second before continuing down the next aisle of desks. A half hour later, Melina rose from her seat and approached Ari’s desk. She took a tissue from the box on the corner of the desk and blew her nose as Ari asked in Italian if everything was okay. Melina nodded quickly, though she knew Ari didn’t believe it. She threw the wad of tissue paper into the basket and went back to the computer. She sensed Ari’s eyes upon her back as she walked. She dared a casual glance in her direction when she sat back down. Yup, she was watching her. A few minutes later, the teacher made a quick call on the wall phone behind her desk. Melina had no idea what it was about, though she suspected she might have something to do with it. When the afternoon break finally arrived, Ari tutored Melina for a few minutes as she usually did. Melina didn’t do as well, due to how preoccupied she was, and Ari was quick to notice it too. Ari was just about to say something to her when another student came in and spoke too hastily for Melina to understand with what little Italian she’d learned so far. Whatever it was they were saying, it was obviously urgent. And Ari didn’t seem too thrilled with the timing of the interruption. Seeing that their time was up anyway—and not wanting to burden Ari with her problems should she get another chance to question her—Melina began to gather her belongings and stuff them inside her tote bag. Ari glanced back and forth between her and the person she was talking to as she rose from her chair. Ari and the student apparently finished their discussion and followed close behind her into the hallway. Melina saw Brooke, a heavyset blond woman who also spoke English, walking briskly toward them. She glanced back at Ari, who looked past her at Brooke, then motioned in Melina’s direction. Brooke stopped right in front of her, and as big as she was, there was no way Melina could get around her. “What’s up, honey?” “Huh?” Melina simply said as Ari closed in from behind. “Well, Ari was a little concerned about you and thought you might feel more comfortable having someone to talk to who spoke English in case you need help with something.” Melina looked at Ari, then back at Brooke. And then she burst into tears. “What’s the matter?” Ari asked in Italian, placing a concerned hand on her shoulder. Melina then spilled out the story of why she thought she might soon end up in a “glorified” state of homelessness, while Brooke translated to Ari. “I think my mom can transfer the money to me in time,” Melina finished through teary eyes, “but there are no guarantees.” After Brooke interpreted that too, Ari said, “Oh, don’t worry! I’ll take you if you don’t get the money before they leave for their vacation. You should’ve told me about this up front. Then you wouldn’t have had to fret this long.” Melina, who didn’t need to know much Italian to understand what Ari was saying, was suddenly as dizzy with relief as she was grateful. So much so that she even threw her arms around the lovely teacher and hugged her fiercely. “Grazie, grazie, grazie!” Ari and Brooke laughed heartily, pleased by Melina’s change in mood. Melina was even more pleased by the way Ari hugged her in return and ran her hands up and down her back. She liked her touch immensely. As it would turn out, however, Melina received the money she needed to stay at a motel later that night—something she would come to have mixed emotions about. She was glad she wouldn’t have to stay in a hostel or impose on Ari. But she also really liked the idea of staying with the sexy Italian teacher she was growing quite fond of.