A Chance for Normalcy

CHAPTER 17; at peace

You and Max anxiously look at the clock on the over waiting for the clock to turn 9am. The two of you have been up and ready for the last few hours unable to relax. The clock turns 9am and you hit call on your phone putting it on speaker. A voice answers after a few rings.

"Buongiorno," [good morning] Dimitri voice echoes through the phone.

"Buongiorno," [good morning] you reply.

"sono in prima fila quando sei pronto," [I'm out front when you're ready] Dimitri says and Max looks at you for translation as the line disconnects.

"He says he's out front." You say concealing the gun Max have you into the back of your jeans.

"Then let's go," Max says taking your hand, locking the apartment door as you make your way down to the lobby. As you get closer you see a dark sedan waiting out front. Dimitri rolls the front window down, "entra," [get in]. Max opens the back passenger door for you, and you climb in, Max climbing after you.

"Sono felice di vederti tenere il passo con l'italiano," [I'm glad to see you kept up with Italian] Dimitri says pulling the car away as you and Max do your seatbelts up.

"Yes, my dad made me keep up with Italian and French. Can we please speak English?" You say wanting to make it easier for Max.

"Sure. Get comfortable it'll take a while." Dimitri says and as much as you want to, you can't.

"Have you lived in Monaco all this time?" You ask Dimitri.

"Yes. How are you liking it so far?"

"Good, been busy that's for sure." You say looking over at Max.

"Ah yes, how was Imola?" Dimitri asks looking between the two of you.

"It was good, I loved watching Max race, it's a totally different world."

"You used to love watching them race during the Monaco GP," Dimitri says, and you feel uneasy.

"I went to the Monaco GP as a kid?" You asked confused.

"Your mother and I took you every year. At least the few we were together for." Dimitri says nodding.

"Oh, I don't remember." You say looking out the window.

"You were a baby the first time we went, I really don't expect you too. I have pictures I can show you if you'd like." Dimitri says.

"That would be nice."

The rest of the drive is done in silence, until something starts to feel familiar. You look around at the tree line and feel your heart start to beat faster.

"We're here," Dimitri says turning down a hidden driveway. The laneway is lined with trees, and you can just make out a small cottage hidden at the end. Dimitri parks the car out front of the house, and Max hops out first extending his hand and you move over to get out of his side, taking his hand as you exit the car.

"This feels strangely familiar," you say holding onto Max's hand.

"This is where you were born and raised until your father took you," Dimitri says. "Come, I'll show you around."

You look up at Max who squeezes your hand in re-assurance as the two of you follow Dimitri into the cottage. Walking through the front doors, it's like the memories start slapping you in the face. The familiar scent. The layout. Everything feels familiar.

"This is where she died," you say pointing near the front door. "There was so much blood." You let yourself follow your instincts in the house. "That's the couch I hid behind, when I saw my father come in." You say pointing to the couch. "W-what happened?" You ask looking at Dimitri.