Carnevale (#Wattys2015)

Chapter 2

Sofia, Cinzia and Angelique stepped away from the food stall and made their way over to the jewellery stand.

"Good day, Miss Borriello and Miss Rizzo, May I ask who your lovely acquaintance is? And what may I help you with today?" Sir Maspero was an old confidante of Sofia's father from when he and her mother had prepared opera shows.

"Good evening to you, sir, I'm Cinzia, Sofia's cousin." Cinzia smiled delicately at the stall owner, who pointed at a few items of jewellery for her.

Sofia directed her gaze to a beautiful, exquisite necklace that was swirls of silver, set with sapphires, into the shape of a five petalled flower.

"How much for this one?" Sofia asked quietly. Sir Maspero looked at the necklace and answered,

"For you, and as a favour to your father, only $50." (I don't know 18th century currency, so I'm just going to use a $ symbol.) Sofia stared at her father's old friend, before she pulled out her purse and handed over the money, speechlessly to Sir Maspero.

At the other end of the stall, Cinzia and Angelique were discussing what items to buy.

"Get that one, the red will bring out the blues and greens in your eyes, just enough to make them bolder! Also, Cinzia, next week, Sofia and I would like to take you dress and mask shopping for the masquerade ball that my family is hosting. We are both determined to be the most stunning girls at the get together." Angelique stated, oblivious to the stares that the surrounding shoppers were giving her. Cinzia smirked at the girl's outrightness. Cinzia had come to realise that when you first met Angelique, she could seem conceited, but if you got into a proper conversation with her, the girl was actually very nice and well-mannered.

"How about this one for you, Angie? The diamonds and emeralds will pull out the grey of your eyes and accentuate the blonde of your hair." Cinzia pointed out a small, dainty gold chain that had a cross studded with tiny white and green jewels.

"I was wrong! You aren't completely hopeless when it comes to fashion!!" Angelique grinned slyly at Cinzia, who smirked in response and turned around. She pulled out a note to pay for her designated necklace. Sir Maspero put his hands up in a 'no' signal and shook his head.

"No, no, it is a gift from me, Welcome to Venice, Cinzia! May you find fortune where you least expect to." The kind stand owner handed a stunned Cinzia back her money, along with her new piece of jewellery. Angelique smiled at Cinzia's expression, bought her necklace, waved goodbye to Sir Maspero and pulled Sofia and a still shocked Cinzia away from the jewellery stall.

"Sorry, girls! That's the end of todays adventure! It's getting late and Anna will be getting worried and I'm sure Maria will be too!" Angelique smiled at the pair infront of her, "I need to be getting home. I'll see the two of you in a few days!" The blonde waved goodbye and walked off in the opposite direction.

Sofia and Cinzia arrived back at the Boriello's residence after catching a gondola. Maria appeared when Sofia knocked on the door.

"Oh, good! You two have been out for hours!! Luckily, you're just in time for dinner!" The house keeper let the pair inside and led them through into the dining room, where Pietro, Nico and Pascal were already seated. Unlike other houses, the Boriello's had no problem with their servants dining with them at meals. Maria waited until Cinzia and Sofia had sat down and Pascal had finished his discussion with Cinzia's uncle, before serving up risotto.

Cinzia dug her fork into the pile of creamy rice and placed it in her mouth, savouring the flavours of mushroom and tomato, which complimented each other perfectly.

"This is amazing, Maria!!" Cinzia said, grinning at the brilliance of the housekeep's cooking skills. Maria smiled at the girl,

"Thank you, darling, I'm glad you like it!"

Cinzia finished her meal and waited patiently for everyone else to finish, sitting in silence, slightly awkwardly. Sofia pushed her empty bowl away and pulled her fingers into her palm, telling Cinzia to follow. The girl walked up the stairs, down a corridor and into a room which had two beds, located at different ends of the spacious room. Cinzia spotted her well-loved suitcase sitting at the end of the bed below the window. She pulled the zip open and began to sort through skirts', blouses and dresses. She unpacked a few of them and placed them neatly into the chest of drawers beside her allocated bed.

She changed into some nightclothes and got into bed, smiling gently at Sofia before stretching her mouth into a huge yawn, covering her mouth with her hand. Sofia grinned at her before flicking off the lamp and getting into bed, pulling across the thin curtain as she did so. Cinzia lay down and was asleep within minutes of placing her head on the soft, cushiony pillow.

*AN: I'm soooo sorry that this is such a short chapter! The next one will be a lot longer, I promise! Please comment, vote and all that stuff ;) I will also generally do a follow back and read and vote for a story of yours if you vote for mine!
Love you all,
~howling-wolf~