"Levati di mezzo. guarda dove stai andando!" yelled a biker to Mars as she walked the busy streets of Bologna, Italy. She only rolled her eyes and kept her fast pace as she was trying to get to her grandparents house. Mars had gone to the local market to pick up her favorite summer in Italy, essential, cherry wine. Although it wasn't Mars' first summer in Italy, she never took time to explore the city. She didn't mind though, she was perfectly fine with the company of her nonna and nonno.
Today was Friday night and Mars was ready for her regular routine that consisted of a warm bath, her favorite records from fleetwood mac in the background, and a glass of cherry wine in her left hand. She couldn't wait to get home.
When Mars had finally arrived at her grandparents house, she was greeted with her grandma Gigi's loud, but sweet voice.
"Mars! I've been thinking you've been cooped up in this house for too long. Go explore the city." yelled her nonna. "Nonna please, I just went out. I haven't been cooped up." Mars said, rolling her eyes as she walked towards the kitchen to unpack some other items from the market. Her nonna only followed behind her and continued "You know what I mean. Enough you are going to go to a friend of mine's backyard party. It'll be fun! You are young and you are in Italy for the summer, loosen up. Go find a summer love."
Mars was quick to open her mouth to protest but her nonna was quicker to cut her off. "No buts you are going. And dress nice, maybe you'll meet someone." Mars knew she needed to enjoy her summer somehow. She was 21 and had been watching that 70s show reruns all summer so far. With that in mind she thought what the hell might as well. As she began to walk to her room when she heard her nonna's lovely voice again "And bring that cherry wine. God knows you'll need it." Mars laughed and continued the walk to her room.
It was 8:35 pm and Mars had just gotten done getting ready. Staring at herself in the mirror pleased with the way she looked she whispered to herself "I already need a drink" as she pulled her short yellow dress down.
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She put natural makeup on and let her messy hair fall to her shoulders. She did some finishing touches and slipped on her shoes. Finally, she grabbed her backpack that carried her charger and phone, a sweater, and her bottle of cherry wine. Once her nonna gave her the address of her friend's house she quickly said her goodbyes and was out of the house.
The entire taxi ride to the event Mars began to regret her impulsive decision to agree to this.
Why do I put myself in these situations. I am such an awkward person I don't know how to talk to random people. She thought to herself.
Nearing the house she gathered her things and paid the driver. While she stepped out of the car she could already smell the stench of cigarettes and heard the loud sound of music. "Great" she whispered as she walked towards the front of the house and knocked on the door. "Benvenuto! Vieni, entra! I'm Maria." said the short italian lady she assumed was her nonna Gigi's friend. "You must be Gigi's granddaughter. So beautiful you are. Please join us out back." She said to Mars while guiding her to her gorgeous backyard. Before Mars could turn around and thank the sweet lady she was already gone. "What the fuck am I supposed to do now." Mars said to herself as she walked towards what looked like an empty table more towards the back of the party.
