His unexpected mate [the green coven series]

GOODBYES.1

ALICE POV

"Mommy darling, are you ready? People are already there! Go get your stuff done and hurry!" my mom yelled up the staircase.

"Coming!" I lied. I’m always super on time, but not this time, though.

I lost track while packing my oversized suitcase, consumed by thoughts of my future. Excitement and impatience swirled within me simultaneously. Just a couple of weeks ago, I received the most incredible birthday present (even though my birthday isn't until a couple of weeks from now, it feels like a gift already)! I've been accepted to Wildwood College in Whispering Pines, Georgia, United States of America! And to top it all off, it's the same college my grandmother attended nearly 100 years ago. My mom's side of the family is Italian, but my dad comes from Florida. Granny lived in Tampa (she passed away a couple of months ago), and her mom was one of the first female students to graduate from that college.

Last summer, when I went to Tampa, she proudly showed me some pictures and gave me her sterling silver necklace with a bright green pendant gemstone. Since she passed away, I've worn it daily like a lucky charm. Each time I reach it with my fingers, Granny’s memories flash before me, her words echo in my mind even if I never get them completely: "In our family, women have always been destined for greater things; this necklace will help you through it."

However, I know it won't all be easy peasy. Being far away from my country, my family, and my friends, all on my own... It should scare me, but strangely, it doesn't. This is my chance to reshape my destiny.

My parents run a restaurant in a quaint village in the Tuscan countryside, and I was supposed to join their team after high school. Start as a waitress or a maître d', learn the ropes, and eventually take the helm in 10-15 years. Our restaurant, "Souls and Herbs," has been in my mom's family since the 1500s, nestled here in Lamporecchio, next to the Montalbano National Park.

But the truth is, I don't want any part of it. I can't voice it aloud because Mom and Dad would be devastated, but I've been dictated to about my future since day one of my life. I've had enough.

Everyone in my family believes I'm heading to the USA for an international cuisine and marketing academy. The only way to gain their blessing was to lie to them, a small white lie. The real truth? I aspire to be more than that. I have a passion for science, and I dream of becoming a scientist. Of course, nobody knows this except for my best friend Ilaria. I'll go to Georgia and pursue my studies, focusing on biology and chemistry—a dream come true! I'll figure out what to tell them afterward, but time will surely help me find a solution. Besides, maybe my younger brother will be more willing to take my place in the restaurant than I ever could, who knows?

"ALICE! Move your ass down! NOW!" another yell shook me from my thoughts, and I chuckled.

"Okay, 5 more minutes, almost done!" She is going to kill me for sure.

Still contemplating the next steps to take, I managed to fix my long brown waves and apply just a touch of makeup. For my farewell party, I aimed for a natural look. A bit of mascara to accentuate my lashes and some lip gloss is all I need. With my hair styled and makeup settled, I’m ready to go.

I slipped into a long green dress with a deep cleavage and an open back, pairing it with black stilettos to complete my ensemble, which is not much my style but Mom insisted, and I didn’t want to ruin her happiness. The dress flowed gracefully around me as I moved, unexpectedly! Now my only worry is not to fall in my heels; I’m much more of a Converse type. With a final glance in the mirror, I giggle at myself. Let the show begin; it’s time to embrace the unknown and embark on this new chapter of my life.

"About time you showed up," Ilaria said with a grin. "You look stunning though! This dress makes your eyes pop! Did you do it to make Marco regret what he's lost?" she teased while giving me a wink.

"Of course not, Mom forced me,” I replied, mocking Mom. “Everybody needs to see how beautiful my little girl is!” I rolled my eyes to emphasize my actual annoyed mood. I was wondering if to have a small farewell dinner, only with my closest group and family, but since there will not be any 18th birthday party for me, it turned out to be huge and filled with people I barely know.

"Well, she’s right, you know? Plus, Marco will have a heart attack. Kill two birds with one stone," she laughed loudly, attracting more gazes than necessary and making me scoff.

Seriously, I don’t want to think about him anymore. We'd been together throughout high school, and after the final exams, I found him in the locker room with Amelia, that... girl, making out. He made the choice to cheat on me, and now he has to face the consequences. You know?

As I moved among the other guests, exchanging cheers and gratitude, I couldn’t shake the feeling of Marco's eyes burning into the back of my head. As if he’s attempting to pierce my soul and cement himself within it. No chance, boy! He's wearing black jeans and a blue shirt, matching his piercing blue eyes and enhancing his chiselled physique, unfortunately paired with his immense ego and arrogance. There was a time when I felt lost in his gaze, secure in his embrace. But all of it turned out to be a waste of time.

Thankfully, I held onto my self; I never gave him my V-card, even though he relentlessly pressured me for it. My family isn't particularly religious, but my parents instilled in me the importance of sharing that intimacy with the right person, and he was definitely not the right one. My only hope now is that he leaves soon and never reappears in my life. Just go away.

"Hey, bella, don't you want to say hi to your boyfriend?" he called out, his voice cutting through the crowd and the soft piano music.

"Hell no! You douchebag, you're not my boyfriend anymore! And why are you even here?" I spat, turning my head to face him.

"You invited me, remember?" he answered, casually taking my wrist, trying to hug me with enthusiasm, too much for my tastes and the situation.

"Before finding out who you really are” I added trying to keep myself from his disgusting touch “un coglione” (asshole in Italian).

"I just couldn't miss the opportunity to apologize and get my goodbye kiss," he continued, pinning me against a wall and trying to kiss me on the cheek, as if his attitude still has any effect on me other than making me gag.

"Are you kidding? 'Cause it's not fun!" I spat, barely holding my anger and pushing him abruptly away. "You know, during our so-called relationship, I thought I loved you, and that I was loved in return. Hell, how wrong was I! But I've learned my lesson, and I'll never let you back into my life. So, once again, please, leave this place."

“You’ll regret it bella, you will always be mine, no matter how far you go, you’ll come back to me. Sooner or later babe,” he threatened ominously with gritted teeth, storming out of the building while a shiver runs through my back.

Good, a threat from an asshole, just what I need to close that f*****g chapter of my existence. Truth be told, I was a bit overwhelmed by his attitude, but luckily, there were a multitude of lovely people surrounding me. My brother Paolo was a bit far away and didn’t see or listen to anything, and Ilaria would never allow my mood to sour.

After the crazy confrontation, the dinner proceeded smoothly. We savoured Mom's famous vegetarian homemade lasagna, a recipe she guarded closely, followed by succulent beef with mixed vegetables as the main course. Then, Paolo took charge of the music, and soon, laughter and dancing filled the air. Despite a tinge of sadness lingering in my heart, I felt a profound sense of freedom and happiness, buoyed by Ilaria's unwavering presence by my side. She had always been my constant companion since childhood; I was the grumpy one, and she, the sunny ray of light. We danced carelessly for hours, sipping prosecco, laughing and enjoying our last night together.

As midnight approached, all the lights dimmed, and Mom emerged from the kitchen carrying a magnificent naked cake—cinnamon and white chocolate, my absolute favourite! A wave of emotion washed over me; I would miss her dearly, miss these cherished moments. Embracing Paolo tightly, I ceremoniously cut the cake with him and popped open a bottle of champagne, a toast signaling the end of this unforgettable evening.

Once all our friends had departed, I retreated to my room, where sleep enveloped me swiftly, carrying me into the realm of dreams, thoughts of the future awaiting me as dawn approached.