Im at home the next day after work, planning out my cookies and cupcakes. The party is in 4 days, on saturday.

Alaia invited me to the party, i said that i didn't want her to invite but then she said something that shocked me,

"im not inviting you because i have to, i want you to be there, youre refreshing amongst all the girls who try too hard. I cant go to a party without my best friend you know" she had said.

I dont know how she knew exactly why i was declining her invitation. I didn't want her to feel like she had to invite me just because i know there is a party.

We also added eachother on socials, we've texted back and forth since last night too. Her family was right, we are pretty similar, like clothes and stuff, also personality wise. But she seems bubbly and bright, while im a little dull id say. eh.

Once im done brainstorming, i decide to eat and then go to bed. Its nice having someone to talk to outside of work, i honestly didn't think i ever would after i came here.

~

I spend the rest of the week at work and also making little fondant alcohol bottles at home. The day before, I stayed at the bakery till 10 and baked all the cookies and cupcakes so they can cool over night. By the time i got done i was so exhausted. I lock up the bakery, since im the last one out. Its 11 pm and im just ready to go to bed now.

As Im walking down the street, i notice someone behind me. I furrow my eyebrows. I take a turn that I usually wouldnt and the man does the same, abruptly. Shit he's following me. I quicken my pace, my heart beating rapidly in my chest. Oh no.

The man walks faster and his heavy footsteps echo through the empty street. My apartment building comes into view so i start to walk faster.

"Vieni dolcezza, ti mostrerò un buon momento" his gruff voice sounds making goosebumps rise on my skin. I wish i didn't understand italiano.

(Come on sweet bottom, ill show you a good time)

I spot a man opening the front door with his key and i quickly called,

"zio! tienimi la porta!" i call, as if i know him, ive only passed him a few times in the hall, he's my neighbor very sweet. He looks up confused but understands the look on my face then looks behind me.

(hold the door for me)

"Ah, eccoti, entra" he calls, eyeing the man behind me whose steps come to a slow.

(there you are, come in)

I quickly walk in and he shuts the door locking it. I let out a shaky sigh, my eyes watering.

"stai bene tesoro?" he asks in a gentle, fatherly tone.

(you okay sweety?)

I look up at him, on the verge of breaking down and nod.

"Sì, grazie, thankyou so much" i whisper. He nods patting my cheek and escorts me to my apartment. Once im inside, i lock my door and re check it 100 times before going to my bedroom and breaking down crying. I dont realise when i fell asleep.

~

I jolt awake and look around. He's not here. He's not here.

I take a few deep breaths trying to calm myself down. I shake my head and look at the time. 5 am.

I decide to get up and get dressed since i need to go to the bakery around six, so i can finish up, deliver and come back and change for the party. Maybe take a nap if i have time.

I dress in a half sleeve pink crop top and some shorts. I put in some gold hoops and put my hair up in a claw clip.

Dressing up like my pinterest board makes me happy, improves my mood. I smile sadly at mom's pendant and leave for work. I decide to call an uber since i really dont wanna re-live last night. Female driver so i can feel safe.

When i reach, i start on the icing and decorating, hoping to be done by 4, if not sooner.

~

Its 2pm. I am all done. My morning wasn't pleasant but my day is looking up. Im proud of my self. Everything looks good and i only messed up one cookie, which i got to eat so it really wasn't that bad.

Andrea, the driver that does deliveries for aunty came by with the van and loaded everything up. I hailed a cab and had them follow the van to the club that apparently Andrea and his partner know all about, so does all of Sicily, but me? i found out yesterday when Laia told me.

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