Aces & Spades

Disappear

Isabella:

The golden rays of the sun, beaming through the windows, blind me temporarily. I turn my head to face the other direction, reaching my hand out to feel Massimo's.

But he isn't here.

I jolt awake, my memory beginning to refresh yesterday's events.

Massimo hasn't been home since last night. His phone is off and no one can reach him.

I try to call him again but as usual, it goes straight to voicemail. I take a deep breath, trying to compose myself as I get up to go to the bathroom. I splash the icy water onto my face, noticing the sickly paleness of my skin contrasting to the dark bags under my eyes.

I don't attempt to cover anything up, I just throw on a pair of shorts with a tank top, and head towards the kitchen. I spot Luca, pacing up and down, focused on what the man behind the phone is telling him.

"Yes, well we haven't seen or heard of him since last night." He says, chewing on his knuckle.

I took a seat beside the kitchen table, fiddling with my fingers until his conversation started to end.

"We would have to search the area. Send more men from the warehouse." Luca demands as I feel myself shrink into my seat.

Where is he?

Massimo:

I pry open my eyes to the river of blue above me.

I sit up from my position, noticing that I'm in a field of green. Magnolia, daffodils and daisies sprouted unevenly across the ground.

But, there was only one thing that caught my eye.

A girl.

A girl in a white dress.

Her wavy brown hair cascaded down her shoulders, reaching the curve of her waist.

Her hands were clasped behind her back, until she reached down to pick one of the many flowers, sliding it through her hair.

A red rose.

I hoist myself up, ambling towards her.

"Where am I?" I ask her but she doesn't reply. She walks forwards.

"Where am I?" I ask again, louder this time, but she continues to walk away from me.

I try to catch up with her but she's always a step ahead.

She's always too far away.

Isabella:

"We have to start looking now!" I say, frustrated at how long we've been wasting time.

"Isabella, let's wait for all the men to get here so we can direct them to where we should start the search." Luca tries to calm me down but I can't.

I grab my cell phone and head towards the door, Luca trailing behind me.

"Where are you going?" He asks.

"To look for him myself."

"Isabella, I can't let you do that. I need you to stay at home in case he comes back-"

"He's not coming back Luca! If he wanted to, he would've come last night." I feel hot, angry tears threaten my eyes, but now is not the time.

"Massimo would want me to take care of you. I can't let you go out there by yourself."

"Then come with me."

He looks at me with a torn expression. "Let me call the men." He says

I reach for the door as he dials the number. He motions with his finger for me to wait, but my growing impatience starts to take over. I bolt out of the door, starting my search by going to yesterday's spot.

I follow the second set of stone steps around the house, down to the beach. The clear waves were creating minuscule ripples along the sand, but I don't bother to take in the beauty of it all. I'm just here to find Massimo.

I spot a group of people, all wearing matching black tee shirts, tearing down the set up from last night.

"Hey!" I shout, treading harshly on the hot sand as I got closer. They all stop and face me.

"What are you doing?" I ask.

"We're here to take down Mr Giordani's order." One of them speaks whilst the rest shuffle to remove the table and chairs.

"Don't touch it."

"I'm sorry Miss but-"

"I said don't touch it!" I shout. I feel someone grab onto my arm, pulling me back.

"Okay Isabella you need to calm down." Luca says before turning to face the group. "Can you take it down later?" He asks them calmly, walking towards the main man.

They have a brief conversation before the group backs away and leaves.

I take a deep breath, moving towards the gazebo. Yesterday's memories flood back, the same feelings coarse through me. It seemed as if every overwhelming event had piled up and thrown itself at me all at once.

I hear Lucas footsteps shuffling behind me.

"We should start to get a move on." He says and I just follow him up the beach.

"What direction did he drive off to?" He asks and I point.

"Up that way."

He takes out his phone, sending out a few messages before going onto a map.

"There isn't much out there as far as I can tell. A few towns but that's all." He says.

"Why don't we check out the towns, see if anyone has seen him." I suggest.

"I'll get the car, you can wait here." He says before jogging back.

I grab my phone out of my purse, dialing Massimo's number one more time. But, it sends me straight to his voicemail. This time, I decided to leave a message.

"Massimo, It's me, Isabella. Please call me back we're all worried sick. I didn't know that the news would affect you so much. If I'd have known-" I stop, starting to choke up on my lines. "I would've never told you. I love you please call me." I whisper the last few lines before ending the call.

I hear the engine of Luca's sports car rev through the street. He pulls up beside me and hastily, I get in.

"The first town is a little over a mile away. It would've been better for you to stay home-"

"No. I need to find him." I cut him off harshly, feeling a little sorry for my attitude towards him.

Luca just nods his head, giving me a weak smile before re-starting the engine, heading off towards town.

Ciao my loves I hope you are all well!

I hope everyone is enjoying it so far, there are going to be many more twists and surprises coming up soon. So, stay tuned.

I love you all, stay safe! xxx