Inizio (COMPLETED)

34. On My Way

"We've just landed at Fiorentino Baia Airport," said the captain over the speakers. He continued to babble about luggage and making our way through the door.

I got up and pulled my large backpack out of the overhead compartment. A few eyes stared at me because I'd blatantly ignored the whole purpose of my sling. I tried desperately to ignore the stinging in my shoulder. My backpack held the basics: 6 bottles of water, a few Uline surgical masks, gloves, a change of clothes, and chap stick. The latter was a last minute thing I'd remembered as soon as I saw the weather planned for Italy.

The airport was bustling with foreigners and natives. I didn't have any luggage considering I'd left in a hurry. I'd contemplated Francesca's words— only shortly. Then, as I stormed out the house I found myself at Marcos house, grabbing the few things I hadn't packed and one clean and pressed ensemble for him. He deserves a change of clothes after all I'd inadvertently put him through.

My face was met with the blazing heat of the Italy sunlight. I threw my shades on and looked around.

Shit.

I'd forgotten to rent a car. I looked around at the signs, only to remember that they were in Italian. The car symbol next to one of the signs told me to head straight and make a left. The man at the desk looked me over.

"Posso aiutarla, signora," he asked. (Translation: May I help you, ma'am?) I was too busy looking at the menu of cars to ask him what he'd said. I felt his gaze on me.

"Umm... is that one available," I asked pointing to the Black Dodge Challenger.

"Oh, you speak English," he said slowly. I sent him a nod. "Pardon my English. For how long will you keep the car."

Hm. How long would it take to find Marco? At least three days have gone by already. I need to find him in less time or else it's obvious to assume that...

"Two days," I said. He put his hand out. "ID, per favore." (Translation: please) I pulled out my wallet from the side pocket of my backpack and handed him my ID. He typed something in and grimaced.

"Sorry, but I cannot let you take a car," he said as he slid my ID over the counter to me. A look of perplexity overtook my face.

"And why is that," I asked.

"The Fiorentino's must have.. banned you." The last part was barely audible.

"What makes you say that? Maybe you just typed in my name wrong," I started. He shook his head and turned the screen to face me. A large "denied" was plastered across my picture.

Francesca is becoming a pain in the ass. I mean what the actual.. ugh!

"Listen, I just need a car. Maybe," I pulled out a fresh 100 and passed it over to him. He didn't budge.

"No bribery. I could lose my job... or worse." He looked up at the camera behind him. I didn't want to put him in any danger so I conceded.

"Okay.. grazie," I mumbled. He gave me a small smile and nodded. I walked out into the busy street again. A car pulled out the garage of the car rental and an idea sprang into my head. I looked around making sure no one was looking and snuck over to the gate. With one last look behind me, I was prepared to climb over.