The English Lesson (The Greek Village Collection Book 11) by Sara Alexi Read Free Book Online

sitting.
    But look at Zephyria now! A new dress every few weeks, her house all tight against the weather and the insects. Double glazing to keep out the heat and the hum of the village. Insulation in the roof to keep the chill out in the winter. Air conditioning in the bedroom to make it possible to sleep in the summer. She lives like a queen since her husband’s death. And does she miss him? Not one jot. How easy her life must be.
    'Thank you, Alyssia. You have always been a considerate girl, but I will go to the bank and take money out. How is young Apostolis? Tell me he does not look like his pappou?'
    The two of them dissolve into laughter and continue to chat about nothing in particular for another half an hour or so. But a small part of Toula’s mind is pondering over Apostolis' health. He is getting thinner. Maybe he won't be around too many more years. It would be a mercy if she had some life left to live after he has gone.

Juliet
     
    The following day, Michelle chooses to come into town with Juliet and as they cross the road, Juliet is reminded of the letter that Michelle had dropped.
    'You made a very neat job of avoiding my question yesterday.'
    'Which question?' Michelle has a pair of shoes in her hand that she is taking in to be mended. Juliet regrets not bringing hers. It is better to do these things before the weather turns cooler and the cobbler has a sudden influx of winter shoes.
    'That letter?' Juliet prompts.
    'Ah.' It is a sound that suggests she is not going to say any more.
    'Michelle?'
    'What?'
    'Oh come on. It was from him, wasn't it?' Juliet has an interest not only for Michelle’s sake but for young Dino, too. He was just another boy from the village until he fell for her friend. Now Juliet cares for him too.
    'Maybe,' Michelle says.
    'Do you really expect me not to care or be interested?' Juliet adopts a teasing tone but she cannot keep the edge out of her voice. Michelle can be so frustrating at times. Does she think her life will not be affected if they become a couple?
    They turn onto Toula’s street. The café is empty and they choose the chairs with the most shade. Michelle puts her shoes on the table and then immediately changes her mind and puts them on the floor, sweeping the dust they leave behind onto the floor with her forearm.
    'So, what does he say?' Juliet presses.
    Michelle sits back and takes the letter from her bag.
    'I’m not sure you are going to approve.'
    'Tell me.' She braces herself. She wishes nothing more than for her friend to find happiness and companionship, or even love. This wish for her wellbeing will be enough to cover her feelings, to hide her sadness at possibly being left on her own over the winters.
    'Okay.' Michelle pulls out the leaves of thin paper from the envelope. They look well-worn already.
    'I just want it to be known,' Michelle provides an introduction with steady eye contact, 'that I have not been in touch with him since he left last autumn. I have given him a chance to realise he is too young to be with me, that he needs to find his own life. I kept my side of the deal.'
    'That was a deal you made with yourself, Michelle. No one else put pressure on you.' Juliet has no problem returning her stare.
    A pair of legs by her side breaks her concentration.
    'Two frappes, one metrio and one glyko, please.' Michelle mixes the Greek words in with the English to the waiter, who nods and goes inside. Juliet encourages Michelle to read by touching the pages. Michelle is looking after the waiter.
    'You know he stares at you?'
    'Read,' Juliet commands.
    'Just saying. He’s nice looking, our age.'
    'Michelle!’
    'Okay, okay. Dear Michelle.' Michelle clears her throat and moves her chair nearer to Juliet, leaning in towards her, holding the papers closer to her eyes and speaking in hushed tones. She looks up as a man walks past, talking to himself, or rather into a telephone earpiece. He passes unaware of them both and Michelle continues.
    'I have tried very