Mazzarò Palace

As I stepped foot off the plane, I automatically knew that my plan was starting. No more time for error, second thinking, or even re-trying. It had to work, or months of planning, thinking, and preparing would all be for nothing. I stepped to the bottom of the plane’s stairs, my long brown hair and my hazel eyes looking gold from the sunlight that was beating on my skin. The amber sun was slowly setting with each minute passing, with little hints of pink and lavender in the sky. As I snapped back to reality, I remembered that there was no time for sightseeing, so I approached the airport doors and was met with a blast of cool air, which felt crisp.

I went straight to the baggage claim, and I got through security because no time could be wasted; I needed everything to go right so I could be on time.

“What brings you to Italia?” An Italian girl behind me asked as I looked over my shoulder.

“Vacation, I’ve been caught up in work for a while now and just needed a break,” I responded.

“Well, I have a friend that does tours if you want the full experien-”

“Sorry, but I just really have to get to my resort.” I cut her off.

“Wait, are you going to the Mazzarò Palace?” She asked.

“Yes?”

“Oh, come with me then! We girls should travel together in this area!”

I grabbed hold of my bag as the girl grasped my wrist and pulled me out of the airport. The sun was blurring my vision, I waited until it cleared, and I saw a Ferrari and her handing me the keys.

“You want me to drive this car?”

“It’s my car. My name is Isabella, just in case you were wondering.”

“Well, that’s because I didn’t ask.”

“I just wanted to tell you anyway.”

“Oh, sorry, my name is Amelia,” I replied.

I then looked away from Isabella and gazed at the car, the Rossa Corsa paint shimmering in the afternoon sun, and the air around it feeling charged.

“Come on, let’s go!” I yelled, running to the car.

“Wait, you can drive standard, right?”

“Absolutely,” I answered without hesitation.

I pressed the start button, and the engine ignited with a sharp, metallic bark. I put us into gear, put on my glasses, and we were already cruising.

“Mazzarò Palace is about 30 minutes away; we can talk to pass the time if you want.”

“NO, I mean, I just want to savour this ride.”

As the scorching red Ferrari glided down the coast, the airport was slowly disappearing, and the resort was coming into view.

“Here it is!” Isabella squealed.

I slammed the gear down, the car’s growl echoing off the pavement, and the air blowing over our heads went to a halt. I took off my glasses, and my jaw dropped to the ground as I looked around and saw all of the sports cars and real gold statues.

“Isn’t it like…?”

“Something I’ve never seen before. Yeah.” I interrupted Isabella.

I opened the door, and the click of the car door when I pulled the handle sent shivers down my spine. I looked to my right and saw a group of people, all wearing gold necklaces, shining brightly in the afternoon sun. I then looked to my left and saw a security guard, waiting for something to happen. Then I looked at the entrance, its tiled walls shining brightly in its glory.

“Come on!” Isabella squealed excitedly.

I pressed the lock button on the keys, the car beeping in response, then I tossed the keys to Isabella.

“Catch!” I shouted happily.

Isabella caught the keys and pulled me to the check-in.

“Wait, what about the bags?” I questioned.

“Oh, sorry, I forgot some people don’t live here or are here all the time,” Isabella answered.

“But what about…”

“The workers get your bags and bring them to your room for you.” She interrupted.

The check-in was uneventful, just a standard hotel check-in. By the time I was in my room, I had already said bye to Isabella and told her that we would meet for brunch the next day. As I lay in bed, I slowly closed my eyes and dozed off.

“What is that soun…”

(Alarms Blaring)

“Lasciare immediatamente l’edificio: questo non è un test.”

“Why do we have to leave the building?” I asked myself.

I had just woken up, but I automatically knew something was wrong. I jumped right out of bed and ran into the hallway, white lights flashing in every direction. I looked out the window, and what I saw made me jump out of my skin: firetrucks, ambulances, and police cars everywhere.

I ran out of the hallway and into the elevator, clicking the ground floor button repeatedly