The Devil's doll

Chapter 11

Cecilia
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The air in Campania was crisp, yet warm with a familiar scent that immediately pulled me into the past. It was strange to think that so much time had passed since I last felt this kind of peace. The morning sunlight played on the surface of buildings, casting shadows that danced across the narrow streets. I had always loved that about Campania-how even the simplest things, like the way light hits the old stones, felt like poetry.

I spent the night at the hotel, too excited to really sleep. The balcony provided a perfect view of the city, and for a moment, I felt at home again. But home is a tricky word. Was it this place or the people? For me its very strange because usually I travel without Mattheo. Im still confused what the hell was going on that mad Mattheo so angry and reacted such a harsh way on me. Not only that he insisted to go immediately to dad's place after I landed. I didnt. But I pushed the thoughts aside. Tomorrow, I would see Alessia.

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Morning arrived faster than I expected, and before I knew it, I was in front of Alessia's door. I rang the bell, waiting with anticipation. The door creaked open, and there she was-my best friend, my sister in every sense except blood. Her expression went from annoyed to stunned, her mouth hanging open like she'd seen a ghost. Her phone slipped from her hand, clattering onto the floor. I couldn't help but laugh.

I lunged forward, wrapping her in the biggest hug, not caring if I squeezed the life out of her.
"Lesiii! I've missed you so much!" I felt her arms slowly close around me, and the initial shock in her eyes softened into joy.

"Mom...I will...call you later. Bye!" She hangs up the phone.

"Celia! What the hell? Why didn't you tell me you were coming?!" she exclaimed, pulling away just enough to see my face. Her kisses came one after another, her excitement clear despite the awkward smile she wore.

"I wanted to surprise you," I laughed. "Although, I don't think you were expecting visitors." My eyes catching sight of someone who definitely didn't belong there. A guy, shirtless and scrambling to find his shirt. Alessia quickly turned, glaring at him with a look that could kill.

"He was just about to leave." she muttered, her tone pointed. He hurriedly slipped on his shirt, gave a weak smile, and disappeared out the door. I see not only my brother has picked up this habit also her. How toxic were to each other.

Once the coast was clear, we burst out laughing. "You're too much, Lesi," I teased. "No wonder you were so distracted when I rang the bell."

"Shut up," she giggled, swatting my arm. We collapsed onto her couch, picking up right where we left off all those months ago, as if no time had passed. We talked about everything about how much we missed each other, how her life had been, and what it felt like being back in Italy.

Eventually, our conversation turned to my birthday. Alessia's face lit up, and she bounced on the couch, nearly spilling her drink. "Your birthday's in two days, isn't it? Oh my god, my baby's turning 21! This is going to be epic."

I nodded, grinning. "I completely lost track of the date. I've been so out of it with studies and... everything." I trailed off, but Alessia, always the energy source in our friendship, wasn't about to let my mood dip.

"No, no, no, we're not getting all sad on your birthday week! You're turning 21, Celia! I'm taking you to a nightclub for the first time. We're going to dance all night, have the best drinks, and make this the best birthday you've ever had!" She practically jumped out of her seat, her excitement infectious.

I couldn't help but smile at her. If Mattheo finds out that I got out clubbing...the next thing I know its my funeral.

"Only if you promise we'll be home by sunrise," I joked, though a part of me was actually looking forward to the night out. Alessia always knew how to pull me out of my head, and I was glad to be back with her, even if the next few days were going to be wild.

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