Carnevale (#Wattys2015)

Chapter 6

Cinzia sat bolt upright, shaken out of her slumber immediately. She swung her feet out of the bed and grabbed the cloak leaning over the back of the chair. She tugged it over her shoulders, scrabbling under the bed for her suitcase, pulling it out and throwing her clothes in it. She cast a rueful look at Sofia, muttered a 'sorry' as she stumbled blindly out of the bedroom and down the stairs. She tiptoed her way across the foyer, past the dining room, to the front door. She frantically pulled at the door knob, her sweaty palms sliding off of the cold metal. Her nails found purchase in one of the grooves and twisted the handle, yanking the door open without hesitation. She shivered as her bare feet hit the damp cobblestones and she hurried down the path.

"Oh God, Father!" She sobbed. Hurrying down a side alley, she made her way towards the docks. Her cheeks wet with cold tears, Cinzia broke into a run, her vision blurred.

At the end of the dock, a small ship sat, its cabin lit up with a lantern. She could see the captain sitting down, a pipe in one hand. She continued running until she arrived in front of the boat, where she slowed and placed her feet firmly on the deck. The captain looked up and nodded, starting up the boat as she nodded back.

Standing on the polished wooden deck, Cinzia turned her head to watch as the lights of Venice grew smaller. How easy it would be to ask the captain to turn around, to simply return back to my family, she thought to herself. Cinzia shook her head sharply, knocking the wishful thoughts out of her mind. No, I can't, I have to talk to him once more, she would've wanted me to.

The captain looked at her concernedly, no doubt alarmed by the emotions sweeping lightning fast across her hardened features.

"Miss, I can turn around if you so wish?" He asked tentatively.

"No, we mustn't go back, not now. Even if I change my mind, keep going." The captain seemed hesitant to agree to her words but nodded after a moment's thoughts.

The boat made its way steadily away from Venice, the city lights blinking slowly out as Cinzia drifted further away from the town she had come to call home.

When the last of the peaceful lights faded and the soft glow of the town dimmed, Cinzia turned her sorrowful eyes to the weathered suitcase at her feet. She pulled a long coat out of it and tugged it around her shoulders.

***

After two hours of staring guiltily into the midnight blue of the ocean made visible only by the lantern hanging above Cinzia's head, she sat down on her suitcase and rested her cheek against the side of the boat. Several minutes later her brain shut down and she slipped out of consciousness, her forehead jolting uncomfortably against the solid wood of the boat.

***

Bright orange rays bloomed over the horizon as Cinzia blinked open bleary eyes. She turned her head to the left and was greeted with the welcome sight of Ancona, the small seaside town from where she had departed for Venice.

"We should arrive in little over an hour." The captain announced. Cinzia nodded and for the next hour, proceeded to watch the small town approach.

Twelve or so minutes before they docked, Cinzia pulled the heavy, thick coat off her shoulders and placed it in her suitcase, replacing the winter jacket for a long sleeved dress which she pulled over her night robes. She shoved her feet into a worn-out pair of thick-soled black flats. She then patiently waited for the stout, yet exceptionally kind captain to dock the boat at the landing of Ancona.

***

Five minutes of walking down roughly cobbled streets and narrow lanes found Cinzia stopping in front of a small shoemakers. She pushed the door open and nodded a greeting to the owner Mr Arconato, whom she had met upon her first arrival in Ancona/ departure for Venice.

For seven and a half minutes, Cinzia fiddled with the rubies on her necklace, rubbing her fingers across the grooves and bumps. A horse drawn carriage pulled up outside the shoemakers and Cinzia said farewell to the owner, promising yes, she will most certainly make a point to stop in next time she found herself in town.

The carriage was tidy and neat, but not so fancy that everyone turned and stared as it passed through the streets.

The dark haired girl nervously adjusted her layered skirts and stepped into the carriage.

"Firenze, please." She told the driver, using the name only locals used for Florence. The driver nodded and flicked the reins, sending supple leather rippling. The two horses trot off down the cobbles, their metal shoes clacking in sync against the worn stone.

With each step the horses took away from the seaside town, Cinzia could feel the weight on her shoulders being lightened. She leant back in her seat, her body moving up and down as the carriage wheels caught on loose stones. Her body grew gradually accustomed to the rocking motion and she tilted over the edge into oblivion.

*AN: Hello everyone!! I'm sorry this chapter is so short, its more or less just a filler chapter. There won't be anymore than 12 chapters in this book, 10 at least. I'm sorry if this had 'published' itself earlier, my iPad wattpad glitches, and must've published this by accident.

As I'm well sure you all know by now, I love anyone and everyone who votes comments or follows

Until next time,

~howling-wolf~