The Fates

Part L: Still in One Piece

Beige buildings towered before the road the Maserati was parked in front of. Two evenly spaced columns with long, similarly shaded arches running across a manicured green lawn and challenged by round canopied trees. I could imagine soldiers hurrying in the archways and cannons and arrows hurtling towards from the windows.

Aro opened my door; "This is the Citadelle Nuova."

Momentarily forgetting him, I marvelled at the sun-bleached stone of the former Italian fortress, a true testament to the passage of time.

"Woah," I said.

"Wait until we enter."

There was the we again.

He and I passed a vendor's tripe sandwiches and seafood kebabs. There were separate food stands within the park for beverages. On the far end was the ladies room, I know because I begged him to go. I really did need to go but I tried to slink away somehow and then I discovered he was not too far away.

He possessively clung to me, like a leech.

"This monument was first constructed during the first period of Florentien rule. And it was the first fortress able to withhold cannon fire!"

I scowled at his arm draped over me but the history of this place was great.

"It came into the ownership of the Scotto clan in 1798, after Grand Duke Leopold sold it. It was used for public shows in the 30s, so it was now packed with peasants."

I didn't like how he said peasants. Was his family always rich? He surely acted like it.

"My family started living in Volterra during the Florentine rule and they acquired the old castle we now live in."

I don't know why he told me that. I felt a chill in my back.

Of course, rich boy.

Aro's hand clutched my shoulder too hard and I hissed. He smiled apologetically.

"I do apologise I let my mind wander."

He let go me as if I were rabid and would infect him.

It was then my stomach growled simultaneously I felt dizzy and parched. I dropped down where I stood and tried to focus on one spot.

Aro returned to me he had dawdled to the left closer to the fountain, five feet away.

"Are you ill? Your lips are dry and white as my skin," he laughed.

I breathed hard.

"You...you really are not well."

His face went from joy to wide eyed panic. He touched my arm. His hand was cold; he was stupid to throw his jacket. At least this weakness had numbed the feeling of ice in my lower limbs.

I haven't eaten since ten.

The sky was orange and violet. I was sure it would soon be seven p.m. His eyes were big. He left me there then came back with the tripe sandwich I had been eyeing and still water.

If I was still in my senses, I would have thrown it in the trash but I wolfed down the food and gulped down the water.

I felt less lucid and more awake. That helped me feel the cold and the prick of my feet, still cut. I frowned.

"Take me home." I demanded.

Aro frowned. But there was no dragging out this experience. I think he realised. He drove a little faster, taking me home. But he still never gave up on talking. He was the type who liked serenading others with his unmasculine voice. It was throaty and fair.it made me feel more masculine. I bet I even had more chest hairs than this guy. He was too pretty.