Serene

Part 2

Intrigued by the old man, she studies the various hallways leading to different sections of the house and continues to investigate one of the many rooms. Upon entry to the room adjacent to the large living area, the space is stuffed with furniture covered in white tarpaulin and a layer of thick dust. A loud coughing and spluttering echoes from the hallway. Her fingers, soft like slate, feel for a golden candle piece that sits deviously on a filthy pine table.
"Giuseppe! Come here you dumb dog-" a voice croaks loudly.
Seeking out the man, she notices the tale of the tiny robust dachshund as he skips round a corner into a dimly lit room.
"What have I told you about wondering off?"
The woman's piercing ocean set eyes peeped round the corner,
"I knew you would come, I have waited for what seems like forever." the man proudly admits, as he sits staring out of a window overlooking a well kept garden fit for a royal.
"Waited.. For me?-"
"Yes my dear Serene, you must have noticed the room? With all of my possessions covered and ready for packing. I am in the process of moving house and I was praying that your presence would grace mine." the old man purrs.
Serene stands in disbelief as to how the old man knows her name. Feeling unbearably vulnerable, she grips the candle piece tighter and glances at her bag next to the door she entered through.

A sprightly shiver was sent through her body, like the unwelcoming passing of a spirit. In that split second, she sprung herself towards the door, grabbing her backpack in one swift motion. Desperately turning and shaking the door handle, the grand door stands firm.
"Serene, I'm not here to hurt you my dear-" his face was calm and reassuring from behind her, but Serene wasn't falling for his charm.
"Do you not remember me? It's Earnest." he adds.
"Why would I be running from your every move if I knew who you were?" Serene replies sarcastically.
"Serene, I need to tell you something and I want you to listen. We have met before, but only when you were very young. I met your parents before they died and they wanted the best life for you."
Earnest swept the contents of a nearby chest of drawers into a black bag and rested them next to the toothpaste tube shape of Giuseppe. He pretended to ignore the now pale face of Serene, as her lips continued to tremble. She contemplated what Earnest was saying and if it was true. The brief seconds that she waited before replying felt like years.
"How did you know my parents? And how long have you been following me?"
Just as Earnest was going to reveal the truth, a loud banging reverberates around the hollow interior. Like a true guard dog, Giovanni unleashes a chorus of barks aimed at the door.
"Quick my dear, hide in here." Earnest points to a small pirate like chest-

Just as the man turned and approached the door to answer the intrusive calls, Serene sprinted past the room that Earnest was first perched and towards a bolted door with two round windows either side. She smashes one of the large stained glass windows that looked to be hundreds of years old and gently eases her backpack under the jagged remains of the window. Standing up, she notices the large outline of the suited men from behind the door.
"Just give up Serene, there's nowhere to hide." a deep voice muffles.
Serene spots a large crowd surfacing on the street, with vibrant colours, waving flags and confetti thrown by children covered in face paint that was struggling to cling to their sweaty faces. The strong aroma of sizzling pizza bases blended with the scent of swirling candy floss and bubbling hot fudge, as the street filled with tourists and local inhabitants. Amongst the heavily tanned bodies and revealing clothing, both in fashion and to avoid overheating, Serene can be spotted blending into the bustling movements of the crowd, as the suited men continue to search for her. A young boy takes Serene's hand and offers her a petal necklace and a vibrant flag to wave. Still aware that she is being stalked, Serene works her way through the crowd and further into the depths of the winding cobbled streets. The street comes to an abrupt end and offers two different routes.


WHICH ROUTE DOES SHE TAKE? 

Route A leads to- A large Italian cathedral with a large amount of tourists taking photos outside.

Route B leads to- A museum filled with historic Italian artefacts.

VOTE ON MY INSTAGRAM POLL TO DECIDE!