Giorni in Roma (Days in Rome) - Chapter 11

They rushed out of the building without one last glance at the body lying on the floor. Madison silently said goodbye, and prayed for his body in heaven. They urgently took a cab to the Trevi Fountain and walked the ten blocks to the bridge. They knew someone was looking for them, so away from Central Rome would be the best place to go. Ryan kicked the rusty door of the small white cottage open and in they scurried. There was no light in the small house but someone stumbled over old candles and once they were lit, they saw a sight that seemed very… messy. In a corner, cobwebbed candle holders were tumbled and to another wall, sat a small fireplace. Ryan was about to light up the wood when a hand stopped him.

Greg said, "Don’t. It’s pretty warm in here and the less light, the better," he pointed to the six tinted windows around the room and Ryan nodded.

Greg and Ryan looked around the cottage and saw Madison, under a window with a ghost-like face. Then they saw Nate sitting beside Hilary, who was also under a window. They both seemed to be asleep. Ryan shrugged while Greg walked over to Aimee and him to Madison. He found a tattered bed sheet behind her and placed it over both their shoulders. Madison moved and rested her head on his lap. Through the gruesome scene back at the lobby and to this old building, pairs of two at each window slowly drifted off to sleep with caution at the back of their minds.

Each woke with a stiff back and a big yawn. Last night’s event haunted them throughout the night but even after that, some managed to smile, while one, remained silent and still sat under the window.

Ryan came up to her and offered a granola bar Hilary had packed, but she refused. She was offered a bottle of water, but also refused.

"How long do you think we’ll have to stay here?" Aimee asked.

"Don’t know. Hey, at least, we got an adventure!" Nate said. He tried to laugh at his own joke, but it came out as awkward.

"Madison, do you want to-," Hilary started to say softly, but was suddenly cut off.

Ryan cleared his throat and motioned his hand around his neck to indicate that she wanted to be left alone. Madison had told her himself last night when they both woke up.

Ryan’s stomach was slightly grumbling so he tried to rest Madison on the ground for a short while but instead, he woke her up.

"Oh!" he said, surprised. "Sorry to wake you."

She touched the side of his face and said, "That’s okay. I was awake this whole time," she swallowed hard.

"Do you, want something to eat?"

"No.

"Okay. I’ll be right back," he got up and rummaged through Hilary’s bag. When he got back, he took Madison’s hand rubbed it against his own. She faced him and for the first time, Ryan looked deep into her eyes. He saw her sorrow and kissed her cheek. "Madison, don’t cry anymore."

"Tell everyone to just give me time alone, alright?"

Ryan nodded let her lean on his shoulder.

A conversation of George’s men came up between the friends and soon, they pieced just about everything together.

"Those men in black suits must have been working with George. They were so close to the building sitting at that restaurant," Greg said.

"Oh, and think about it. The day Madison saw the email from George; it said something about a two week plan. It’s been two weeks since that day too," Aimee pointed out.

"Yes, but the question is what’s going to happen to us? Dying certainly is not an option, but staying in here is also not an option," Ryan’s shoes brought out clicks and clacks as he walked towards the door, but he jumped back when a massive knock was heard. He whispered to Madison and held her in his arms. Then everything was quiet and no more knocks were heard. After five minutes of silence, they were positive it was just a figment of their imaginations. But suddenly the door was being pounded down by something in the "heavy" sense.

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LOL, the reason for this being shorter is because I don't want to give away anything else (: But the last chapter is coming out next, and the epilogue too! Comment please? It really helps with my writing.