𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐑'𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐄 || sodapop curtis

004 | venice, italy

❝When it's time for you to leave town and venture out, don't let fear have you looking back at what your leaving behind.❞

I AWOKE EARLY the morning of December tenth, the day I was leaving for Venice, Italy. I closed my eyes, imagining what it would be like to ride on a train to Italy- all the beauty. Just as I rolled out of bed, my mother called me downstairs for breakfast.

"I made your favorite since your leaving today." My mother said placing a plate of pancakes with syrup drizzled over them and a plop of whipped cream.
"Thank you so much mom."
"Anything for you." She said planting a kiss on my head.

I ate my food as I thought more about just where I was about to go. I have never traveled as much as I would like too, considering how expensive it is. I wasn't too excited about the whole masquerade, but I was excited to see Italy.

"So, how are you feeling about your big day?"
"I'm quite excited." I say.
"I'm so glad to hear that. And just think, you could be the Prince of Italy's new lover!"
"Oh mom-"
"C'mon, Fran. Your beautiful." I blushed slightly at her comment.

•••

I cleaned myself up, getting read to leave for the train station. I stared at myself in the bathroom mirror as I pulled my hair back into a ponytail. I stepped back into my room, gathering my suitcase.

"Fran, are you ready?" My mother called.
"Yes mother, I'll be right down!" I said as I rolled my suitcase out of my doorway. Downstairs, my mother was all ready to go. She even looked a bit adorn herself.

"Well, let's get going." She said leading me out the door. I followed her, climbing into the passenger seat of our car.
"Are you nervous, Francesca?"
"A bit." Actually, I was super nervous. I clung onto every moment of the drive, not wanting to get out of the car.

•••

"Were here." My mother said. It had only seemed like seconds since we'd left.
"Alright, let's go." I said. I popped the trunk open, taking my suitcase with me.

I was pretty nervous, almost tripping over my own two feet. I was just nervous that my looks wouldn't even compare to the other girls; maybe I was just overthinking.

"Well," my mother started as we arrived at my stop. "This is it." She said with a small smile. I knew she was going to miss me- considering I was all she had left after my dad died.
"I'm gonna miss you mom."
"I'm going to miss you too, honey." She said kissing me on the head. "Promise you'll stay safe and have a good time?"
"Promise." I said.

As I walked on the train, a butler took my suitcase and told me to take a seat. I felt like I didn't belong- everything looked so expensive- The velvet seats and matching curtains. The train left the station, and there was a bit of an older woman with a snack cart coming my way.

"Would you like anything to eat, sweetheart?"
"Yes please- I'll have some pretzels." I said, and she handed me a bag of pretzels.

I stared out the window, admiring the scenery. I had barely been out of my city- and this was amazing. I looked around, realizing that all of the other girls on board were normal girls just like me, I wasn't expecting this.

•••

I must've fallen asleep, because when I awoke, the train was stopped and people were starting to exit the train. I fumbled out of my seat onto my feet, grabbing my luggage before stepping off the train.

I looked around, not being able to help but looking at the beautiful vines that hung above my head, green with color. I felt so alive here- like I was meant to be here.

"Hello, my name is Harlow. You must be Francesca?" Said a girl coming up to me- she couldn't have been more than 25.
"Hello- yes that's me." I said.
"Great! I will be your guide."
"Where are we off too first?"
"Your hotel- where you will be staying."
"Perfect."