A/N: Hello! This is my first story on fanfiction. I had this idea randomly, and decided I'd try and write it out. Let me know what you think. I know the story starts slow but hopefully in the next few chapters it will pick up. Oh, I'm rating the story M just in case.
Thanks, and please review!
Chapter 1: Ciao Bella
Finally, after laboring all day outside in the bitter cold weather I was able to find time to take a short, hot bath. I rushed into the slave corridors and quickly claimed a small tub. I grabbed a bucket and immediately began filling it with hot water from the other room. Grabbing my assigned clothe and soap, I slowly eased myself into the stingingly hot water.
"Ahh" I let out a sigh of pure contentment. I had been working for Lady Marianne for almost two years now, and I never grew tired of her generous additions to the slave quarters. I let myself relax for only two minutes, and then began cleaning myself off. It was a rough day; I had woken up early while it was still dark outside and began my landscaping duties, preparing Lady Marianne's estate for the winter season. Fortunately with the winter season coming, my duties would change from hard manual labor to doing housework and cooking, my fortes. I dried myself off and found a clean, crisp frock to wear. Luckily I dressed in time, because Jessica came bounding through the door out of breath.
"Bella" she wheezed, " Lady Marianne has asked that you report to her room in a quarter of an hour and look your best." She finished. She plopped down on the floor and took a look around the room.
"Why do you suppose I need to look my best?" I asked Jessica, completely confused. She had never requested any of the slaves to wear their best attire. She shrugged.
" I haven't the slightest idea, but she seemed in a good enough mood. Say, are you finished with your bath water?" she was inspecting the water that I left relatively clean.
"Yes, I'm finished. You can use it if you like, but could you help me for a moment to prepare for my visit with the mistress?" We had no mirrors, the only times we saw our reflections were when we were upstairs in the more elegant parts of the estate.
She didn't look too pleased, but she nodded in agreement.
"Do you think this dress is okay? I only have one other." I looked down at my frock and realized how plain it looked.
"No, wear your green one, it's more full." She began combing my hair and braided it in the back. I pinched my cheeks to make them a bit less pale and I smoothed myself out.
" Am I decent?" I asked nervously, I had no idea what to expect, I had never been forced to dress up before.
"Yes, yes, you are fine. Now go and let me take my bath." She gave me a playful push towards the door and I quickly made my way to Lady Marianne's quarters. When I arrived I slowed down and took a deep breath. I knocked on the door softly.
"Come in Isabella. You're late." She called in her sharp voice, a few octaves higher than my own. I curtsied.
"I'm very sorry Miss." I looked at the ground. Then I saw my feet. I had forgotten to put on shoes! I quickly tried to hide my bare feet underneath my long dress, hoping it would go unnoticed.
"Sit down Isabella, I need to speak with you." She motioned for me to sit in the chair by the bed. She gracefully sat down on the bed and crossed her legs, waiting for my full attention. I looked up.
"I'm not sure if you are aware of this, but my fortune has been running a little low since summer because crop season has ended." She looked at me with her piercing blue eyes. I shook my head, I did not know.
"Well, for financial reasons I have decided that I need to sell two of the servants." She said it slowly and quietly. I felt my heartbeat speed up.
"You and Anthony are the most competent slaves on this estate so I've decided that I will receive the most income from selling you both. Anthony was exchanged a few days ago to a very wealthy family. I'm hoping you bring me the same amount of good fortune." I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. Being sold was one of my worst fears. When I was only seven I was kid-nabbed by some traders while I was on my way home. Ever since, I had been passed along like cattle from owner to owner. I've had 5 owners already, and I was only seventeen.
"I'm very sorry Isabella, you know I am fond of you. But I have found a family that lives far away from here that will pay good money for you. They are visiting the area and will be joining us for supper tonight." I nodded my head.
" I understand Lady Marianne." I said sullenly. I had loved this home and hoped I would remain here for at least a few more years. Lady Marianne's generosity and kindness was extremely uncommon towards slaves. My past masters had been brutal, and often resorted to physical punishment and derogatory commands. I shuddered only thinking about my next home.
"Go to the kitchen now and help the other servants prepare supper, I want this to be an exquisite feast. Don't give me any trouble now Isabella." She nodded towards me and I rose to my feet and curtsied on my way out. The stone floors were cold so I walked quickly to the kitchen. Julia and Octavia were working hastily preparing the meal. I decided that I needed to stay strong, no breaking down.
"Hello." I smiled at them. They looked up for a split second and then resumed working.
"Ciao Bella." Said Octavia who was making some sort of pudding. Julia waved her hand but didn't say anything; I could tell she was concentrating on slicing the fish perfectly. She was always one for details and organization.
"Lady Marianne asked me to come help with dinner. What would you like me to do?" I asked, surveying the area. It looked as if they could use help with dessert and appetizers, the main courses were already well on their way.
"Well…. Could you work on the salads and bread per favore?" Simple enough.
"Si, si" I answered walking over to the other counter.
"Grazie Bella!" called Octavia. I smiled and waved her off. I loved cooking, and the kitchen here was exquisite. I sighed; I would definitely miss this place. I quickly sliced the bread and made the butter and arranged it nicely. I finished chopping the salad vegetables and tossed the salads, putting the dressings on the side. I wiped off my hands and turned to Octavia and Julia.
"I'm finished, is there anything else I can help with?" I asked to be polite, but I really just wanted to go get some air.
"Oh… no thank you, I think we're fine now. Grazie Bella!" said Octavia. I smiled at her.
" Prego. A presto" I called, taking off my apron. Luckily I didn't stain my green dress, it was the only decent one I had. I ran quickly and silently to the slave corridors and grabbed my woolen coat and some clogs. I ran back out of the room, but not before tripping over my clunky shoes and colliding with the stool.
"Ow" I hissed, rubbing my knee. But I got right up and ran all the way to the door, and flung it open, making a tremendous thud. I shut the door behind me and headed down the trail. While kicking the pretty autumn leaves I couldn't help but think about how much I would miss this place. I grew up north of here in England, but Italy was definitely my favorite location. I looked out by the water and the vineyards at the stars. It was dark already and my new masters would be arriving soon. I sighed and sat down on a rock, tears streaming down my face involuntarily. I remembered my last home; Master Giovanni and Amata were extremely cruel. I could still remember the screams of the girl who had helped me with the wine being beaten to death for "disobedience". I shuddered. The more I looked at the stars the more I felt an urge for a normal life. A free life. I had been born free, why shouldn't I be allowed my own ownership? A shooting star shot across the black sky, and I wished that my freedom would come. I laughed out loud, what a stupid wish. It wouldn't happen. Unless… unless I made it happen. Before I could elaborate on my own thoughts I heard a carriage pulling up to the estate.
" Let us out here, this is close enough." Said a cool and commanding voice. I didn't look to see who got out of the carriage. I just ran back to the house and yanked on the door. It was stuck. I began banging on it fiercely, not wanting to receive punishment for tardiness. It was no use.
"What is that racket coming from behind the house?" asked another smooth voice, this one more annoyed. I heard footsteps coming around the bend so I hid behind a bush.
"Perhaps an animal Sir, nothing is here at the moment." Replied a man. I heard a murmuring of voices and the doors slam shut. I let out my breath. Now, how to get inside?
I crept around the front and saw everyone was still in the foyer greeting Lady Marianne. The men were all extremely pale, but also extremely handsome. The most authoritative was the blond, I could see the back of his wife next to him, she had long pretty caramel hair. The other men stayed in the back, another blond one and a tremendously large burly man. A strange group of nobles. I ran around to the back of the house and found one of the servant doors was unlocked. I stumbled inside and threw off my coat and made my way to the sitting room next to the kitchen. Lady Marianne came and found me.
"Isabella! You look horrid! I asked you to look your very best for these people and you disobeyed me." She scolded, her voice high.
"What seems to be the problem Marianne?" asked the burly man. He looked at me and grinned when he saw I was covered in leaves and dirt. I blushed and looked at the ground.
"Was it you who was making the noise behind the house? " he laughed heartily. I looked up and nodded bashfully, afraid that if I didn't answer him I would be punished.
"Well Marianne, looks like she's got a lot to learn." He patted her shoulder and walked away to join the others in the dining area. Marianne looked at me coldly.
"That will be the last time you embarrass me Isabella. Now they make think worse of us and offer less money."
"I apologize Miss, I had no intention of looking this way." I looked at the ground at my dirty feet.
"It is too late now. Go help Julia and Octavia bring out the meal, try not to make a mess of things." She raised her eyebrows at me and turned on her heel back to the dining area. I sighed and got up and went to help.
Things went smoothly in the evening for the most part, I managed not to spill anything or trip and Lady Marianne gave me an approving nod. I usually did not do these duties, but since Anthony left it was up to me tonight. Then I heard them talking about me.
"So, Marianne, how old is Isabella?" asked the blonde one, looking straight at me. I looked away and began to clear the plates.
"Seventeen Carlisle. She's very good at all of her work, especially landscaping." Marianne fibbed. I hardly did anything besides landscaping. Carlisle nodded.
" How far of a journey was it for you all to come here?" Lady Marianne asked.
"We went on an extended trip, so we've been gone for at least a month and a half so far." Answered the wife. Marianne nodded and looked at me, signaling for me to leave. I had been caught listening. I hurried back to the kitchen. A while later Lady Marianne entered.
"Isabella come with me. They would like to meet you." She commanded. I got up silently and followed her to the foyer and curtsied in front of them.
"Hello Isabella, my name is Carlisle Cullen. This is part of my family, Sir Emmett, Sir Jasper, and my lovely wife Esme." He concluded.
"Buona Sera. Nice to meet you." I smiled shyly, wanting to get out of there. I felt nervous. My old Masters always seemed kind in the preface but turned harsh quickly.
"We will be leaving for London tomorrow at 5 in the morning. Do not be late." said Carlisle.
"Yes, Sir."
"Thank you very much for dinner Marianne, it was a pleasure to finally meet you." They all said their goodbyes and left in quite the same manner as they came. Marianne turned to me.
" Do not be late tomorrow, and listen to them as you listen to me." She told me firmly. I nodded, understanding.
"Thank you for your servitude and loyalty Isabella, it did not go unappreciated. " she smiled at me and left for her chambers. I sighed and walked back slowly to the slave corridors. Arguing and yelling was going on.
" Sei Pazzo!" screamed Octavia, her arms full of dresses as she jumped on her cot.
"That is mine! Return it to me at once!" bellowed Jessica, not as shrilly. I sighed, this happened at least once a week. Jessica and Octavia did not like each other.
" Hello." I greeted solemnly. I quickly stripped and changed into my night clothing and slipped into bed. Octavia immediately sensed something was wrong and dropped the dress and came over to me. Jessica did not hesitate to snatch it away.
" Cosa ce?" asked Octavia, sitting herself on the corner of my bed. I just shook my head. She gave me a moment and then hugged me.
" I'm leaving tomorrow Octavia. Lady Marianne sold me to the Cullen family." I sniffed. I was still trying to hold in my fears and sorrows. I loved the friends I had made here, especially Octavia. The other friends I made in my child hood were all sold by now or dead.
"Shhh…shhh… it will be okay Bella. They seemed like nice people." She comforted. That fact did not console me.
"So did Giovanni and Amata for the first few weeks. Then it turned horrible." I cried, my weakness gaining control of me. The other girls overheard us and came over.
" You are strong. You will survive, I know you will." Said Julia. I was momentarily shocked, she rarely spoke to anyone. After a moment I whispered "Thank you." She nodded and pat my shoulder and moved to her own bed. Soon the other girls dispersed after saying good bye and went to their own chambers. Octavia stayed with me.
" I will miss you Octavia. I hope this does not happen to you also, I'm worried for you."
"Non ti preoccupare Bella. We will be fine." We hugged each other and t hen blew out the candle. She went over to her own bed and I whispered " Buona notte"
" Sogni d'oro" she responded in the dark. I lied awake in the night, thinking about my new home. I was seventeen now. I was capable of being more than a slave. I wanted to love, and to be loved. I wanted to make friends and stay with them. To not have to worry about punishment or serving someone else's needs every second of the day. I thought back to the shooting star I wished on. I would make it happen. This time, I would not let the same thing happen that did with Giovanni. I would not stay around long enough to find out who these Cullens were. I would gain their trust and then I would leave and have my own life. Before I drifted to sleep I promised myself. I would be free and leave, no matter what happened. I would be free.
A/N: I hope the Italian is right. Please leave a review and let me know if I should continue the story? I have a few chapters written up but I'll wait to post them.