Falling for The Mafia's Capo

Chapter 1

Clutching to the armrest of my seat, I finally open my eyes and dared to look out the window. This is your chance to put it all behind. I thought to myself. 

Living in a small town was something I was accustomed to. Where you knew everyone there were three bus stops and everyone went to the same school, the local diner and shopping mall are the only spots of entertainment. Life in this town was quiet and quaint. My hometown was my life, my first kiss, first date, first time I broke a bone, all my memories laid in the town of Meadowvale. I grew up expecting to take over my father's antique business one day, I was going to lay my own roots there and raise a family and all. It was all planned out. What wasn't planned out was losing my best friend. Serene and I had everything planned out from our weddings to our own home interiors. We always joked that one day we would sit out on a patio with our husbands, sipping tea watching our kids chase each other in the back yard. Everything was perfect. Everything was set in place. When I thought nothing can go wrong I didn't expect what would have happened to the one person who knew everything about me. 

Waiting at my lockers on that day I had an odd feeling that struck my chest. Not seeing Serene at school felt peculiar. I shrugged it off, sending her a text to ask if she was okay. Occasionally she would get sick and not come to class. It was nothing out of the ordinary for her. To this day, I wish I had said something. I wish I would have spoken up. Maybe if I did, she would be alive and the police would've found her sooner. The one stain in Meadowvale's perfectly clean history was the murder of my best friend. Losing her, I felt that I couldn't remain here. Meadowvale itself wasn't the same. No longer could I see our favorite bench, our booth at the diner or our favorite café and think that my life would continue fine without her here. She was the sister I never had. Now that she was gone, it all felt foreign to me. Meadowvale wasn't home anymore. After graduating, denying my parents request to stay, I left that town and never looked back. I found a small room for a decent price, saving up what I could for a decent college education. My roommate at the time, Alice, had brought up studying abroad. Then I realized it was my chance, to get as far as I could. As soon as my savings account had totaled up to a decent amount to start, I found a college in a Sicilian town that accepted me into their class of that fall semester. Here I am, 2 and half years later. Sitting in an airplane 30,000 feet in the air for the first time ever, afraid to leave it all behind. A small hint of regret, but this was my chance to find who I was and where I belonged in the world. " All passengers please remain seated, we will be landing in about 15 minutes." The flight attendant had announced on the intercom. Overcoming my fear of heights, I snuck a peek on the beautiful scene outside. The coast was beautifully populated with homes of different colors and sizes. The crystal blue water waves beckoned the people who stood on shore happily playing and sunbathing. I exhaled. A huge weight releasing off my chest.

Upon landing, a taxi cab waited. The kind driver welcomed me to Sicily asking me if it was my first time visiting and how long I planned to stay. I uninterestingly answered his questions as I looked outside the windows. The clean warm air brushed against my cheeks, a sultry but fresh scent filled my nostrils. This place was unbelievably different from Meadowvale. The sun shone brightly here and for once since Serena's death I felt hope.

I arrived in the small apartment I was renting and met with the property owner. He assured if I needed anything to ask away. He had shown me around my complex and recommended a few shops, cafes and restaurants that were highly liked by many. Setting my bags down, I begin to unpack and find a designated spot for all my belongings. Once finishing, I exhale deeply and sunk into my bed closing my eyes for the day. As much as I wanted to explore the area, jetlag hit me hard and my body yearned for rest.

Waking up I had been exposed to the warm rays of sunlight escaping through the cracks between my drapes on my window. I get up from the comfort of my own bed and open my window feeling the amazing warmth I had loved since I first landed. As I showered, my body ached, begging for more sleep but my heart wanted to explore today. Classes didn't start for a few more days, I would take my time to adjust to the area and make it home for myself.

Closing my apartment door behind me, reality sunk in deeply. This was definitely not Meadowdale. My heart raced, not sure from excitement or nervousness. Remembering some of the places my landlord had recommended. I make my way to a café which wasn't too close, but I enjoyed the walk. Stepping in I was greeted by an older woman who appeared to be in her early 40's. Her hair was dark brown almost black in color, dark brown eyes and light olive skin tone. She smiled at me and said "Ciao benvenuto!" Her warm personality shone through her tone in her voice. Sheepishly I say "Ciao". She smiled and asked, "First time in Sicily?" I smiled back and asked "What gave it away?" I asked. She smirked "I know Americans when I see them." I chuckled. Grinning she shakes my hand. "My name is Paola".I smiled as I shook her hand back and told her. "My name is Catalina". She welcomed me to Sicily and spoke a bit more to me of her small cafe. She had owned this cafe with her husband who passed away 7 years ago. My heart broke hearing her story. I resonated her own experience of losing someone you love. Hearing her story gave me a glimmer of hope that it gets better in a way. She recommended a few menu options to me that I would choose as my first meal in my new home. "What brings you so far from America?" She asked. Swallowing my food, my stomach sinks. I lost half of myself and I needed a new start from what I called home. I thought to myself. Tapping my fork lightly around my plate and avoiding eye contact I tell her a fabricated story of traveling around Europe and whatnot. I told her for the time being I was going to study at the local college. "Good thing you're taking initiative. You seem to be a strong young woman. You remind me of my own daughter. She is almost finished with her studies in New York" she says smiling with pride. After a bit more discussion I thanked her for her time, paid for meal and moved on for the day to to buy some supplies for my apartment. I needed a lot, cooking supplies, home decor, school supplies etc. I enjoyed my first day here, eager to get to know the area more. This place was welcoming and I felt a small glimmer of hope. 

**A/N Thank you guys for taking time to read the first chapter of my new story. I hope to make you guys entertained with this story. I do hope you choose to read on. I regularly check for any of your comments and questions.**