Eros (Athens series #1)

Chapter 2: Venice Italy.

'Lottie wake up' waking me from my sleepy haze Uncle victor shook me. 'You're here. Now The suitcase is lodged in the back with all the necessities you will need. A man with the name Falcon will be driving you to the address and helping you, please whatever you do be careful and check in with me at every stop. I love you like my own and I cannot bare the thought—'

'Uncle, I'll be fine trust me. I'm a grown woman. Thank you so much for everything—I never would have made it this far without you.' I kissed his cheek lightly and pulled him into a hug.

Uncle Victor then turned to me and looked me straight in the eyes, 'Anything for you Lottie, anything. Now you must hurry your flight will be here any second. Goodbye sweet Charlotte, may you have an incredible journey. Keep in touch.' And with a final nod at his words, I was off.

I hastily grabbed my bags and ran through the terminal straight to the check in point and then headed to the security screening so I would be allowed through to my flight which leaves in no less than 15 minutes. After being cleared, I walked through to the terminal waiting for my flight to be called. As I sat down I noticed that weren't many people around. Which was strange in a way as I always thought airports would be extremely busy like those in movies.

A loud ding vibrated through the speakers to alert that there was an incoming flight announcement.

A robotic voice of a lady rang through immediately two seconds later,'PASSENGERS OF FLIGHT 7158 TO VENICE, ITALY PLEASE BOARD NOW. I REPEAT FLIGHT 7158 PASSENGERS PLEASE BE BOARDING IMMEDIATELY.'

This was my cue, I walked through the gate where my plane was located only to have been stopped twice for ticket and identification confirmation by security. When I got up i dragged my small suitcase with me and put it above my seat in the bag storage compartment. I was able to take this on board as it was very small and weighed what a backpack would probably weigh if I had one. I was seated alone. The flight was very quiet, totally not what I was expecting for my first flight. Before the plane began to take off we adjusted our seatbelt for safety measures and then we were up. I silently looked through my phone. I can't believe I was two steps away from finding my family. My real family. A mum, dad and siblings! Thoughts of what possibly could happen began to overwhelm me. I felt myself getting teary. Wiping under my eyes to clear myself from any droplets before they would fall, I decided to close my eyes and get some sleep. I have a big day ahead of me.

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Hours later

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I had slept through the rest of the flight. Leaving then plane made me giddy. I was so excited but afraid to find my family. Anxiousness was spreading through me like a swarm of bees. What if they don't like me? What if they have replaced me? So many what if's and too little time. I immediately went through security again to make my way out of the terminal. When I stepped out it was hectic. So many people everywhere, swarming in conversation and rushing to get to their flights. Families saying goodbye and reuniting with one another. It sent an ache through my chest. Will I ever have that? I thought as I watched the reunited family hug one another. As I was walking out I saw a man dressed in black from head to toe with a sign looking straight at me. I walked closer towards him, to see my name inscribed on the sign.

'Excuse me sir, are you Falcon?' I looked at the man who had a very hesitant look on his face.

'Yes. You must be Miss Charlotte. Come with me please, I must take you to your destination immediately. Here, please call Master Victor and let him know that your arrival was safe and that we are going now. Also please follow me to the car while doing so.' Falcon handed me his phone and began to walk while carrying my baggage and made sure that I was following him like he said to. I dialled Uncle Victors number and awaited for his answer.

'Hola.'

'Uncle it's me, Charlotte.'

'Am I to assume you are safe and that everything is well since you are calling me from Falcon's phone?'

'Yes everything is fine.'

'Good. I have arranged for him to take you to your family immediately. Please be careful Lottie.'

'Thank you Uncle, I promise I will be. Do you think grandfather and grandmother know that i've left?' I couldn't help but look from left to right suspiciously to see if anyone was watching or listening in. I could only imagine what their reaction would be like if they found out what I have done. I had just left without telling anyone leaving any trace that I have left the country. Normally i would have felt guilty for leaving without telling them. But this was different. I was tired of living a lie and I was going to stop living the life they want me to.

'Honestly, yes. They know and they are going to probably send someone here for me now to see if I have anything to do with it. The chances of them knowing that you're going to your family are very faint though, they probably think someone has taken you captive or that you're partying. God knows what would be running through their mind especially because you're someone of your age. But you're not a kid anymore and I support you in every decision you make. Just please, be careful. I have to go someones here. Call me when you reach the mansion.'

'You too uncle, I don't know what I would do if anything happened to you. I will call you soon. Ciao.' With that I hung up

'Are you ready to go Miss Charlotte?' I nodded at Falcon and stepped into the cars passenger seat, handing his phone back to him.

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I had slept through the whole ride which was about two hours. You would think that I wouldn't be tired after a ten hour flight, but I was. I was here in Venice, Italy. I had been awoken by the vehicle not moving anymore. Anxiousness corse through me when I woke up and realised that we were parked opposite of the mansion that my family lived in. I was starting to feel the oncoming effects of an anxiety attack kick in and thats when I knew what I had to do. It was either now or never.

'This is your home.' Falcon interrupted my thought trail of determination. As I turned to look at him, he was already out the door grabbing my luggage and opening my door for me to step out of. Stepping out of this car made it all too surreal. Especially once my feet hit the concrete floor. 'Are you ready Miss Charlotte?' I turned my attention away from the magnificent large house to Falcons face.

'Yes. Thank you so much for your help, but I want—I need to do this on my own from here.' His face looked very surprised at my proposal.

'Miss Char—'

'No, please. I am very gracious that you have helped me and escorted me this far. But I know you are only here because my Uncle Victor ordered it. So please, head on home.'

'Are you sure?' Falcon looked at me with another hesitant facial expression. I only nodded in response. 'Very Well. Be safe Miss Charlotte.'

I stepped off the pavement and made my way to the two large metal gates that fenced the mansion in. With every step I took my heart began to pound faster. This is it, at last. I made my final steps towards the property to press the speaker so the gates would open. But before I could even press the button, I felt someone grab me from behind and put a cloth over my mouth and nose, instantly cutting off all possible oxygenation. It was then when darkness was about to grasp me that I realised what was happening. I was being chloroformed.