COLLAPSE(On Hold)

Chapter 3

Maybe it's because I don't know how to act with another human. All I know is that I wasn't prepared for something like this, so I ran. That's right, I ran. As soon as those six words escaped his lips I turned on my heel and ran straight into my bathroom.

Once the door was locked behind me I sunk to the floor breathing harshly. The sheer presence of this man has me in shambles. Who is he? What is he doing here of all places? Why am I on my bathroom floor acting like this?  I should be out there conversing with this man even though I'm terrified of my rash actions. Seeing as how I acted when he spoke to me there's no doubt I'll probably embarrass myself to an indefinite level. What I do need to do at the moment is relax. 

I inhale deeply then exhale slowly. I mimic the actions a few more times until I've successfully calmed myself. Placing my hand on the sink I rise on shaky legs and unlock the door. I hesitantly make my way down the hallway until I'm back in the room. I notice that the two men have not moved from the spots that I left them in. I guess my flight had them stilling in shock. I'm sure they did not expect that. I wasn't even expecting that! 

I take a few more steps until I'm in front of the beautiful man. I release the breath I had been holding since I returned and shakily stuck my arm out. 

"Ciao G-giovanni sono A-amalia Bassanelli. Mi dispiace. I-I am embarrassed of my actions. Please forgive me," I stutter apologetically. 

"Va bene la mia bellezza. From what I understand I am the first person you have spoken to in twelve years, so please do not feel the need to apologies," he says as he places a chaste kiss on my hand with a soft smile. 

A shiver finds its way up my back. This is an unfamiliar feeling, one that I have never experienced. I smile nervously as he takes a respective step back. He looks to my father expectantly, and I watch as my father nods. 

"Ottimo! Dinner shall we?" he gestures to the table filled with a familiar Italian cuisine.  A four cheese lasagna and a side of spinach salad. Overall a very tasty dinner. 

I took my seat next to my father as the man, also know as Giovanni, sat across from us. It all felt very business like to me. Not that I would actually know what that actually feels like. It's all just an assumption at this point.  

I take a bite, then another, and then another. No one has uttered a word. Not a single word. I can't seem to understand why that is. Just half an hour ago these two men couldn't keep quiet! Now they're like silent mice. Suspicious. I dropped my fork and gave my father a questioning look to which he responded with a nervous smile. Nervous? Why is he nervous? 

"Daddy why is this man here?" I hadn't meant to be harsh but my nerves are on a thin string. I give him an apologetic look but he waves it off. 

"Destra, well Giovanni is here because he needs to be here during our discussion. Quite frankly he plays a large role in all of this," he explains.

"Well," I urge him to go on. 

"Si prega di non essere pazzo," he trails off nervously but with a hint of excitement in his tone. 

"What do you mean? Why would I be mad?" I ask.

Well bella, lets just say once you leave this room you'll never be coming back," Giovanni comments. I look at him confusedly. I'm leaving my room? I'm leaving my room?!