The Beginning

CHIARA* (Age 10)

The sun cast a warm orange glow around the trees that swayed in a beautiful harmony that was never present in Prania where I've lived all my life. I bounced in my seat in excitement, everything was fascinating. It seemed like the birds sang more beautifully, the trees were greener and looked friendlier, the land was colourful, the houses we passed earlier were built different but very beautiful, everything was new and i wanted to see more.

"Papa, can we live here? I love it here!!", i exclaimed to my father who was driving . He smiled and looked at me through the rear view mirror, "Don't worry princess, we would visit often", he turned to my mama who was dozing off beside him and his eyes lit up with a smile. They are really in love and they agreed to share their genes with me, i got Mama's long brunette hair and her pretty forest green eyes, and i got Papa's nose, and height. Everyone says i am quite tall for a 10 year old and that is all thanks to Papa. From what I've heard people say, my face is a mixture of both of them, oval face, forest green eyes, a cute button nose and heart shaped lips. Yes, i am pretty, everyone tells me that and i have the most loving parents in the world.

We have been living in Prania, Italy all my life, but a week ago, Papa and Mama kept having hushed conversations until they finally announced that we would be travelling to Combia to visit his friend. He bought chocolates and I've been snacking on them even before I sat in the car.

"Look princess, we are here", Papa turned to me slightly and motioned for me to look ahead, i sat up straighter but the road already came to an end .... how did that happen? Then the car turned and i gasped.

As we drove up to the house, I couldn't believe my eyes! It was like a castle! The walls were super tall and chocolate brown, with a black roof that shone so much it looked like a weird, black candy. I wouldn't eat that.

Papa woke mama up and some strange men came to get our things.

When we went inside, I felt like I was in one of my princess cartoons, The floors were made of shiny marble, and there were sparkly chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. It was so pretty!

There were strange and wonderful things everywhere I looked. I saw a big fish tank with colorful fish swimming around, and a statue of a lion that looked like it was about to roar..... aren't they scared of the statue? What if the Lion moves?

A huge man and woman came out and Papa said they are my Uncle Antonio and Aunt Lily, i wonder why i have never met them. While the adults got distracted talking, i slipped away to explore the castle, maybe i could find real candies somewhere?.

I walked around and admired everything i saw, the house was very big and had different turns that offered new pretty things to see but i should go back now. I turned around and realized I didn't know the way back, i tried retracing my steps but it seemed i only went deeper into the maze that this house is, realizing my situation, I start crying, Papa must be so worried. I sat down on the marble floor in defeat and bowed my head, what if the Lion statue comes for me? Will i die?

"What are you doing here?", a strange voice said...the voice was yummy, like warm chocolate ,and I raised my head slowly only to be met with thighs.... thick thighs that filled the trousers, The boy ....or man wore a plain black Tee that was filled out well on his body. He is so huge, he could be a mountain. His jaw is set as he looks down at me with an unreadable expression. His eyes are dark and beautiful and he has pointed nose, he is handsome.

"I got lost...i can't find mama.... and Papa", i sniffled continually and he kneels before me, he lifts a muscled hand and brushes the hair from my face then tilts my head up, our black and green eyes clash and i felt something in my chest.... what did I just feel?

"Hmmm, beautiful", he tilts my head left and right slowly, " What's your name kid?"

"Chiara LaRosa.... my Papa calls me princess", more tears can to my eyes as i remembered how worried my parents must be.

"How old are you", his hand leaves my chin and gently tugs on my lower lip before he let's go.

"I'm 10.... can you take me to my Papa and Mama please"

As if not hearing me, his eyes looks far away as if in thought, " 10 year's old....you are young but then my dear Chiara, Ti attenderò, tesoro mio, e quando sarai mia, ti prenderò tutta, anima e corpo, e ti farò mia, completamente e per sempre".

I haven't learnt Italian well so I don't understand what he says but before i can ask, he straightens, grabs my arm gently and tugs me up from the floor.

"Let's go find your Mama and Papa".

He hoists me onto his shoulder and proceeds towards a door i didn't see earlier.