Salzburg Stories

Part 2: Chapter 4

The darkness surrounded the scrawny silhouette of Tomas. His breath frosted in the damp winter air. Lite snow fell around his head and melted on the warm ground. It was odd for it to be so cold in Italy but he wasn't bothered by it. Tomas had lived in Alaska until just last September when he turned sixteen and his parents paid for him to go on a trip around Europe. Honestly what Tomas really wanted was a new car or snowmobile but he felt bad for even thinking that. It's not to say he hasn't enjoyed the trip so far though.

Tomas finished off his smoke in the alley, a habit he is currently working on breaking, and strolled back to the Hotel he was staying in. Tom had wanted his brother Alan to join him on the trip but work got in the way. It's not like the crab boats will sink without one fisherman right?

"Hey Andrea." Tomas greeted the old desk lady in the lobby.

"Good evening." She smiled at him "Such a nice young boy."

Tomas was about 5'10 and had bright green eyes that could freeze your blood with the right gaze. His blonde hair made him stand out even more as it was nearly white and took a shoulder length at the bangs. A pair of wire frame glasses sat upon his face outlining his eyes even more.

"Have you thought about my offer?" A sly voice pierced the air.

"Ah, Stina. Yeah I've considered it and the answer is no." Tomas pet the girl on the head and kept walking.

"Aw come on Tomas! I won't get in the way and I will pay for all my own food and everything I swear!" She begged.

"Look Stina, I will give you one week to prove that you won't be a hindrance. Okay?"

"Oh my god! Yes sir boss man!" Stina saluted Tomas and began to walk beside him.

"I'm only doing this because I think you will be fun to have along."

"Mm hmm."

Stina's full name is actually Alastina Cattus. An orphan who Tomas was kind enough to let stay with him in the hotel until he left. Only fourteen year's old and all alone. She's very skinny and has a cat like disposition. Everything from her curiosity about everything to her body movement screams feline. Her long black hair and grey eyes are the first thing you notice but soon after you realize that she is missing half of one ear which she lost when she was mugged at age twelve.

"How are you going to pay for your stuff? You don't have any money." Tomas punched her in the shoulder.

"Well." She thought about it for a bit. "I can do work for you and you can pay me." She smiled.

"Cute."

"I mean like cooking, cleaning and laundry." She said.

"Alright, if you do all that then you can come with me." Tomas hid a smile. He was actually really happy she wanted to come, she was the first person he had really liked since he left Alaska.

"Yay!"

The two of them walked back to the room making jokes at each other and pushing in retaliation.

...

Once again Tomas awoke to the chilled air flowing through his room. He had no window to prevent the wind from tiptoeing in through the empty frame and seep into his skin. Stina had slept in the bathtub which was converted into a nest of blankets and pillows. Today was the last day of Tomas's stop in Turin and his next stop is Milan itself, the last major Italian city before Austria.

"Looks like it's time to say goodbye to Turin." Tomas muttered to himself.

"I can't wait to get going!" Stina jumped up onto the bed and sat on her knees.