Arriving on the campus, I began to feel a bit of familiarity. Watching all the students pass by me, felt like being at Meadowvale High again. My heart sunk, remembering the times Serene and I would walk around our high school together. Calling ourselves the dynamic duo, we were inseparable. I look around, the campus was beautiful, the architecture of the building was more modern whereas the local town buildings were a little older in appearance. Attending college was an experience Serene was looking so much forward to. 2 years ago, after graduation, I refused to attend at first because it had felt wrong. I felt an immense amount of guilt looking at all my admission letters knowing I got accepted into several schools, but it was difficult to continue on in life without Serene. I had held it off for a few years. It took a lot of hours of serving as a waitress, being an assistant to shitty bosses and wiping down tables to make the money that I needed to get to Sicily. Now that I'm here I have that small ping of guilt again.
After attending my first class, I had killed a bit of time sitting in the quad of the campus. I had started working on an assignment until I felt a tap on my shoulder. "Ciao, up. May I sit with you?". I turn around to meet another young girl. She looked around my age. She smiled. I nodded letting her know I didn't mind. She sets her belongings across from me. She had blonde hair that swept past her shoulder, fair skin, blue eyes and freckles that lightly marked around her upper cheeks. The way she spoke English was almost as if it was her native tongue. "I'm Meredith" she said. I smile at her, "Catalina" I said. We talked quite a bit. She had noticed that I sat by myself and had decided to befriend me. She started about a year ago and had about a year left here at the college. She very sweet. Thankfully, she didn't probe too much into my personal life. She told me about how she transferred from Arkansas and was studying abroad. She was supposed to only stay a semester at a school nearby but had decided to transfer and finish her criminal justice degree here after falling in love with the area. She was kind, had reminded me a bit of Serene, who also had a welcoming and bubbly personality. "How have you liked the area so far?" she asked. "It's completely different from what I'm used to." I admitted. "I felt exactly the same when I first came here, best decision I made though." she said. I agreed with her so far, I had no regrets. "Hey, look I know how you feel. You don't speak the language that well and this is all pretty new to you. I get it. Just know if you need anything, I know we just met and all, but if you ever need help with anything I'm your girl." She said smiling. I liked her, not only was she the first acquaintance I made since arriving. She's been in my shoes. She had asked how I was adjusting and if I knew anyone else yet from the college. I sheepishly admitted that I didn't really know anyone. "Well, if you're interested. No pressure or all. My friends and I are going to a local bar in town and maybe to a club afterwards. One last hurrah before shit hits the fan with all these classes and all." She said. I considered it. I wasn't much of a social person after Serene passed away. It would be good for me to go out and socialize. This was a fresh start after all. "Sure, why not?" I said. She squealed with excitement and told me a bit about her friends who would come along she gave me her number and the address of where we would meet up. I couldn't deny it. I myself, was a bit enthusiastic to get out of my comfort zone. We both agreed to contact each other later.
Upon arriving my apartment, I was mentally and physically drained. Setting my backpack down. I decide to make lunch and take a small nap, setting an alarm for later. Although, my nap felt like 20 minutes I decide to get ready for my first little get together here. Taking a nice hot shower eased my anxiety about tonight. Laying out a few outfits I decide which one I wanted to wear. I pick a simple royal blue bodycon dress that enhanced my curves that I usually prefer to hide. After a bit of hair and makeup, I sighed. My palms began to sweat and I began to second guess my plans. Before I could decide to cancel my plans, Meredith texts me. I go ahead take this as a sign and call a cab to this bar. On the way there, my palms began to sweat. I questioned why I was even nervous. "It's just a night out. Do it. Let Loose" I thought to myself. I tip my driver thanked him and stood with my hand on the door knob. Questioning whether I should go back or open the door. Meredith opens the door, almost knocking me over. "Hey! Saw you through the window. Are you okay?" she asked. I stare at her blankly. "Yeah. Sorry just a bit tired" I lied. She takes me inside and introduces me to her friends Giovanni and Maria. They were locals, so it was cool for them to meet another American. Maria was very petite with tan skin tone and gorgeous light brown eyes. Her long and silky auburn hair cascaded past her shoulders. Giovanni was also a few shades lighter than Maria, he had dark brown eyes and chestnut colored hair. He had an amazingly white smile and had a goofy personality. After a few drinks and already feeling a little buzzed we went to our next destination. Meredith went on and on about how amazing this club was while she drove us there. I sat in the backseat next to Giovanni who he himself was a little more intoxicated and brushing his hand against the outside of my thigh. I placed my purse in between us. Already I was a bit more uncomfortable. Arriving at the club, I was taken a back by the scene. Lots of people were dancing, drinking and enjoying themselves. The atmosphere was uplifting. The music was so loud that I barely heard Meredith when she told us she was going to buy us some drinks. The club was definitely a hotspot, the place was packed. The dark floor already occupied with dancers and those who sat on silver chrome tables were drinking and conversing. The VIP loft up was filled with what I was guessing was individuals of elite status sipping their drinks slowly whispering in each other's ears while looking down on the rest of us. Meredith returned with drinks, I happily took a few shots to calm my nerves. We danced, laughing and cheering. I felt elated. I haven't let loose like this in a while. The DJ kept the crowd entertained, the club was full of life that night. Meredith and Maria left to what I assume was go to the bathroom, leaving me with Giovanni. He was cheering loudly dancing, getting a little too close to me. He throws himself onto me trying to kiss the nape of my neck, groping onto my backside. Feeling disgusted, I reject his advances by shoving him away from me. A bit dizzy and way too drunk. I walk away to side exit. I felt a strong grip on my shoulder that pushed me to face them. Giovanni was visibly upset. "Isn't this what you American bitches like? What? I'm no good?" he said. Grabbing to the side of my dress. Already drunk my balance was off, I shove him with a bit more force. Bolting for the emergency exit on the side. I open the door to enter a dim lit alley. My feet ached and I decided to remove my heels. Giovanni burst through the door, angry and yelling in Italian which I assumed was some sort of crude remarks. He makes his way toward me and I yell him to go away. I chuck one of my heels in his direction which strikes him in the shoulder. Which makes things worse fearing at this point for my safety I'm unsure what to do. I dug my hand in my purse searching for a small can of mace I had carried for protection. The exit doors wing open hitting the brick wall with a loud bang. Suddenly, out of nowhere a group of 3 men also exit through the back door. Speaking in Italian, one of the men barks at the other 2 who in turn grab Giovanni and take him back around back. In shock, full of adrenaline and extremely drunk. I stuttered and thanked the man in front of me. He looks at me as almost as if he's sizing me up. He grabs my hand which was trembling. "Did he hurt you?" he asks. Still silent and in shock I shook my head. "Come inside, let me get you some water." I nodded. Not knowing who he was, but he did just save me. As much as I hated being a damsel in distress, I was thankful but my cheeks grew warm stinging of embarrassment.
He takes me into an office. The office was humongous with a high ceiling and a dark window which overlooked the clubbers below which I assume could not see us. The man gestures me to the chair in front of the large oak desk. My head was pounding already and I felt my cheeks grow even warmer. I felt like a child meeting the principal. This man's presence commanded authority and I obeyed. I sit down, and he sat on the large black leather chair behind his desk placing a glass full of water in front of me. In this lighting I can see him more clearly. He was tall, muscular and well built. His skin was a bronze with an olive undertone his dark jet black hair was styled as a side part pompadour. He stared at me with those beautiful green eyes asking me, "What is your name?". I stared at him blankly. "Um it's... Catalina" I said hesitantly. My heart was still racing after my encounter with Giovanni. He looked at me with concern. His brows furrowed and his jaw locked as he muttered something in Italian. "Miss, I formally want to apologize for this happening to you. I am the owner of the club and we don't allow that type of behavior in this establishment. I assure you he will be taken care of. Would you like me to call you a ride?" he said with sincerity. Now that I was thinking, I most definitely would probably need to avoid Meredith tonight after what happened with Giovanni. I rather not make her feel bad in any way.It wasn't her fault her friend was a douche. I fidget with my hands wondering how I would go home. "Mr..?" I began to ask. "Armando" he corrected me "Armando, I appreciate the offer but I'm sure I can call a cab" I say while attempting to turn on my phone which had died. Shit just my fucking luck. "I insist. One of my men may drive you home." He calls out in Italian waving one of his employees to come in. He speaks out in Italian and his employee nods. I get up grabbing my handbag. "Thank you, Armando." I say looking down out of embarrassment. He gently grabs my right hand gently giving it a peck. "May we meet again Catalina" he stares at me directly into my eyes which gave me shivers down my skin. He smiles and gestures to the door. Leaving his office my chest finally began to fill with air and a weight fell off my shoulders.
**A/N Hey guys! Depending how many views/comments these two chapter receive I might continue the story! Let me know if you guys want the next chapter from Armando's POV***
Updated media: Unfortunately I do not know the name of the woman. The photo was used as stock but those who love to see muses. She is my muse for Catalina!

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Falling for The Mafia's Capo
RomanceIn a whirlwind of loss, sadness and a desire to restart her life after the murder of her best friend, Catalina moves away from her small hometown to the captivating and beautiful country of Sicily. Losing the person she had shared her whole life t...