The Don

Penne Pasta✠

The Don

Alice

Giovanni's cologne was filling up my lungs, his jumper giving off such a strong aroma; It was almost suffocating. He had just gotten up saying he was going to get me something, but even though he's gone, his scent is still surrounding me. I won't lie, it intimidates me because it's as though he's still sat beside me. I liked him, he seemed nice, but the scene in the alley still haunted on my mind; He could crush me with those muscles of his in a sweet second. 

Though the jumper was warming, I was still shivering. Somehow the coldness was still having its hold over my body, I wanted rid of it; there was something so deathly about the iciness of the breeze, reminding me of my new and unfortunate events. In times like this I just felt so helpless and defeated as I already knew I wasn't going to survive this illness that has imbedded itself into my blood. 

I had become so lost in my thoughts that I hadn't even noticed Giovanni sitting back down beside me, gently placing a tray on the table. "Alice. You okay?" His deep, masculine voice echoed through my ears, alerting me. "Mhm." I hummed almost silently. My eyes scanned the grey tray and its belongings: A plate containing penne pasta on the right side of it, layered in a chunky red sauce; Some peas and sweetcorn on the other, a funny looking colour on them showing they were canned; A transparent liquid in a small scratched metal cup; Silver set of cutlery beside the plate. 

My eyes made there way to the intimidating man next to me on the bench, before I took them away quickly after giving him a quick smile and a Thankyou. I took a deep breath, picking up the fork and positioning it in my hand, readying myself for the first proper meal in a while. My hands were shaky from the cold that was still making its way under my skin, freezing the temple that was my body. A chilling shiver ran through me as I picked up the first piece of penne pasta, scooping some of the sauce up on top of it. 

Flavours exploded in my mouth from the food; In no way was this restaurant worthy, but after not having a full and proper meal after so long of being empty, it was fabulous. My appetite had practically disappeared the past few months and this was bringing some of it back; I had forgotten just how good simple things like pasta were. 

"So, Alice, what do you like? Any hobbies?" Giovanni asked, prodding himself into my personal life, even though there isn't much of a life I live. "Um, there isn't much I can say about myself." I shook my head slightly, dismissing the possibility of any hobbies; Hobbies took a lot of effort and most things cost money and I had no one to pay for those things. A frown took over his lips, his eyes showing obvious pity for me.

 "Not a single thing you like?" The man's eyebrow raised in curiosity, trying to get something out of me. A huff escaped my lips as I thought deeply, not much was really popping into my mind. "I do like flowers, anything do to with scenery and stuff; It's all really pretty."  I could already feel the small dazed smile on my face and a twinkle in my eyes from talking about it. 

It was true, I did quite like flowers and views; The smells, the sights; It was all just so perfect and it made me feel just so free whenever I was in a nice place.

Half of the plate was gone and my belly was bursting of fullness, my stomach completely and utterly full of the starchy food. I took a sip of the water, my skeletal bruised fingers wrapping around the cold, metal cup. I let out a sigh in defeat and placed the fork down, a small clink of the metal making contact with the plate. "You done?" It wasn't much of a question, I had already put both the knife and fork on the plate, atop of the remaining food. 

"What about you?" I asked, my voice wavering from my slight shyness, he still scared me. "I like volunteering, I'm here 4 days a week helping out." I kept looking at him, giving him look as to tell him to carry on talking. "I spend most of my time as a doctor though, helping others is sort of a passion of mine." I could only just beam at his words; No matter how bad that scene was in the alley, Giovanni seemed like a genuinely nice guy with a love for aiding others.

.

We just talked and talked until dusk had faded into night and stars raided the black sky. The air had a new air of chilliness to it, a threateningly cold December breeze manoeuvring through the icy atmosphere. I was shaking like nothing before, iciness feeling up my bones. 

"I better go and find somewhere to sleep tonight." I announced, making Giovanni perk up in curiosity, "You're not staying here?" He only seemed confused by my words, his brows connecting together in the middle, wrinkles running in lines along his forehead. My Blonde locks flew around me as I shook my head, giving the man my answer. "I'd rather not risk it." I said, looking about at the adults swarming the tables and beds about the shelter; I knew the streets weren't any safer, but that way I could hide myself away from any unwanted eyes. 

"Okay then. Please be safe, Alice." I turned from him, his navy jumper still enclosed around my body as I stepped through the doorway, out of the warmth and into the icy night. I shook violently as goosebumps arose along my limbs, Saying it was freezing cold would be the understatement of the century. This was pure winter weather. 

So I walked off into the night, trembling from anxiety swirling in my full stomach and the wind blowing itself down my back, through the loose clothes attached to my body.

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Thankyou for reading. I know I haven't updated in like a month but it has been getting bad for me lately. I know it's not an excuse for not writing, but I just haven't had lots of time and motivation to actually sit down and write something, so hopefully this will do until next time. Please do comment and I hope you enjoyed it.

~A.V.✫*ﾟ·ﾟ。.☆.*。