Down the memory lane

Chapter 1

Angioletta Piero was a stunning , naive young girl, doted on by not just her family but friends and other residents of the town- bella ragazza. She was the mayor Mr. Antonio Piero's youngest daughter. From the moment she was born, she had been the light of everyone's eyes not just because of her beauty but because of her innocence and purity. There had never been a moment when she had wished for something that had not been fulfilled. Today was her seventeenth birthday and Mr Antonio had thrown her a lavish party inviting the whole town.

She was running down the corridor with heels in her hands, her long purple dress trailing after her, when she bumped into Nero, her forehead slamming in his shoulder blade.

"Ouch! Watch where you're going," She mumbled, rubbing her forehead with tears already pooling in her eyes.

"You are not going to cry again. Are you?" Nero teased her. She glared at him; her large, honey colored eyes brimmed with water.

"Oh come on Angie, don't be a cry baby. You are turning sixteen today and you still act like a 10 year old. Heck, even a 10 year old is more emotionally stable than you are." He drawled, badgering her, his black eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Stop it, Nero," Angioletta replied haughtily, her hands balled up in fists. "I know you're trying to tease me."

"Aw is my dear sissy getting angry? I feel so scared" He mocked her.

"Cut it out, Nero! You know she's a fun-killer. She won't understand your sense of humor." Sylvia came out of her room joining Nero.

"I'll tell daddy if you two keep annoying me."

"Ok ok sorry!" Sylvia said, hugging Angioletta, stroking her knee-length, shiny russet colored hair.

"I don't like being teased" Angioletta said her voice muffled.

Nero hugged both of her sisters and kissed Angioletta on her forehead.

"I promise I will try not to do it again. Now give us a smile"

Angioletta smiled with tears still shining in her eyes. She looked so beautiful at that moment, with her glowing translucent skin, rose bud lips and a thin, naturally contoured nose. Both of her siblings looked at her, feeling an ocean of love for her in their hearts.

"Come, let's go outside. Daddy was looking for you" Sylvia tugged her towards the door.

"Wait wait let me put on my shoes."

Angioletta bent down to put her heels on and slipped her feet into them. She was trying to tie the strap but these things were always difficult for her.

"I'll get that for you. Sixteen and can't even do her shoes" Nero bent down to tie her strap, teasing her again.

"See, you are doing it again." Angioletta pouted.

"My apologies missy" Nero laughed as he straightened up.

The three of them, hand in hand, headed outside.

***

Out in the yard of Piero's Manor, a large crowd of people had gathered in formal dresses, chattering among themselves, waiting for Angioletta. As she emerged at the door, the crowd fell silent. They all looked at her, admiring her beauty and grace. As she took as a step forward, a male voice sang in a loudspeaker.

"Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you"

The crowd joined

"Happy birthday dear Letta

Happy birthday to you"

She searched for the source of the voice and found him, perched on a table, beaming and waving at her. Andrew was a plain young man with black hair, brown gentle eyes and ruby lips. At first sight, there was nothing attractive about him. But if looked closely, one could observe how his eyes reached out to the next person, how his features had a very soft edge to them. He was a 5 feet 11 inches tall British with an athletic body. His family had moved to the town when he was a baby. He and Angioletta were childhood friends.

She ran towards him. Before she could reach him, she spotted her parents, standing a few feet away from him. She gestured him to wait and turned towards her parents, hugging them both together. They both kissed her cheeks.

"Oh mommy! Oh daddy! Thank you so much. I love the party"

"We are glad you like it dear." Her dad replied, smiling at her.

"you're dad was afraid her spoiled little princess would not like it" Her mom teased.

"Oh no mommy! I absolutely love it. I am going to Andy, I'll be with you in a minute"

She pecked them both on their cheeks.

"Darling, a lady should never run off to a boy so tactlessly. I just told you that yesterday. You two are not kids anymore," Her mother said disapprovingly.

"But mom! " she stomped her white cat heels on the ground and pouted. "Daddy?" she looked at her father with pleading eyes, silently asking him to help her.

"Salvatora! She's just a kid. They've been friends since she was 4. Don't be a spoilsport and let her enjoy her birthday."

Mrs. Antonio crossed her arms and remained silent.

"I'll be back, mom." Angioletta kissed her mother's cheek happily and ran off to Andrew.

"Hi letta! Happy birthday!" Andrew said smiling as she got near him.

She threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly.

"Thank you so much Andy! I'm glad you could make it."

"And miss your birthday? I love my life too much to do that amigo"

He said hugging her back and released her too soon. Or so she felt.

"And my gift? Where's my gift?" she quirkly tried to look over his shoulder and behind his back, then crossed her arms, pouting. "You didn't forget it this time, did you?" She eyed him suspiciously.

He chuckled, patting the chest pocket of his black coat, "I have it right here. But I'll give it to you only after you've cut the cake."

"You know I hate to wait. I don't want it if you are not going to give it to me, now," she vexed

"Alright angry bird! Give me your hand."

He took out a thin rectangular box from his pocket and opened it. A beautiful bracelet nestled in the velvet. He took it out, grabbed her hand and fastened it around her wrist in one swift motion.

"it is so beautiful, Andy!" She hugged him again and muttered her thanks.

That's when she saw him, standing apart from the rest of the crowd. one look at him and she knew he was different. He shone brighter than anyone else in the party. He was the most handsome guy she had ever laid eyes on. He was talking into his cellphone, oblivious to the numerous awestruck gazes sent his way. As if feeling her eyes on him, he looked up at her.

Her heart beat went ablaze.