Maia

15

Word Count:1850

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MAIA'S POV

As Alessandro and I savoured our ice cream, he began to ask me a series of small but thoughtful questions—ones that made me feel at ease. When he inquired about my favourite pastimes, I gave him a small smile and shared my love for reading. Nothing felt quite as enjoyable as getting lost in a good book.

Intrigued by my passion, Alessandro suggested we visit a quaint little bookstore he knew about on the outskirts of town. Eager for the adventure, I agreed. As we drove along the winding roads, the scenery transformed from busy streets to peaceful country lanes lined with trees.

Arriving at the bookstore, I was immediately enchanted by its charm. The weathered sign above the door read "The Cozy Nook," and the scent of old paper wafted through the air. Inside, the warmth of the wood-panelled walls and the soft golden light created a welcoming atmosphere. An elderly woman, with silver hair pulled back into a bun, greeted us with a friendly smile. She was busily arranging books on the shelves alongside her husband, who was engrossed in a paperback. A plump ginger cat lounged lazily on the counter, occasionally blinking at us with sleepy eyes.

I wandered through the aisles, eager to discover new stories that awaited me. Alessandro walked closely behind me, and while his presence had initially filled me with unease when we first met, it now offered a comforting reassurance. I could feel the steady rhythm of his footsteps, a silent promise that I was not alone. The tension that once surrounded him had faded, transforming into a protective aura. With each passing moment, I found myself more at ease in his company, grateful for the unspoken support he provided as we moved through the aisle.

"Choose any book you like," he said, a relaxed expression appeared on his face as he laced his fingers behind his back. I began to look through the rows of newer titles, hoping to spot the specific book I had been reading earlier in the school's library. Unfortunately, it remained unattainable. However, my disappointment quickly faded as I discovered a selection of equally captivating volumes—books on the mystical world of Fae, tales of fierce dragons, and enchanting romances that promised adventure and passion.

Alessandro, noticing the growing stack of books in my hands, graciously offered to carry them for me. I was thankful, as the weight of the books had started to fatigue my arms, each one feeling heavier as I continued to browse.

After what felt like hours of browsing through the aisles of the bookstore, Al and I emerged with stacks of books piled high in both of our hands. The last of the sunlight filtered through the large windows, casting a warm glow on our faces as we walked towards his car.

After carefully placing the stack of books in the back seat of the car, we finally set off for home. As we drove, I realized that this was the first time I had felt comfortable enough to call this place 'home.' A sense of warmth washed over me as I gazed out the window and I smiled softly, feeling a budding sense of belonging.

Alessandro, focused on the road ahead, glancing at me occasionally, with what looked to be a smile? "I arranged for Giovanni to pick up a phone for you," he said, his voice steady as he navigated the winding country roads leading back to the city centre. "So the next time you feel sick or unsafe, you can call me or one of your brothers," he continued, his tone serious. I nodded as the peaceful countryside gave way to the bustling city.

"Thank you," I whispered softly, my gaze drifting back to the window. This time, I focused intently on the side mirror, where a sleek black car approached us, accelerating rapidly.

Suddenly, without warning, I felt a slight jolt as we were nudged forward, the force catching me off guard and drawing my attention back inside the car. The world outside blurred momentarily, and my heart raced as I tried to comprehend what had just happened.