Chapter One- Death

I was nine and living in Rome. That was my permanent home. My summer home was in Geneva, Switzerland because mama worked there. I hated being at CERN. It was full of physicists with God complexes and rarely anyone my age. I had to leave all my friends behind for 6 weeks and spend most of that time on my own. The highlight of my stay at CERN was the week when my mother put me on a plane to Florence to meet my dad. He would come every year for an art conference and stay for a week to spend time with me.

To grow up in Rome is a privilege. We didn't live that far from Vatican City and every now and then from my window, I could see St Peter's Square and the Basilica. When the Pope would do Mass or talk out of his window, I just had to sit by mine and listen. I would cycle to school every day. I was a very independent nine-year-old.

On the day that it happened, I had cycled to school like normal. I had a good day that day. History, Italian, English, Mathematics and Art. In history, I was sat next to Giovanni, a nice boy who lived down my street. My Italian lesson went smoothly and then we had break. Break time in Italy meant that we were able to relax in the sunshine and play and fool around. After break, I had English. I was usually alright in English but Giovanni had got me into a silly mood so we spent most of the lesson giggling away- not that my teacher was impressed by this. And then it happened. After being told off for the hundredth time, our principle came into the classroom and asked to see me. I smiled at Giovanni, thinking I was in trouble again and left the classroom. That would be the last time that I saw him for 5 years.
I followed the principle down the corridor and into his study. Two men, dressed in black were stood in the room along with Miss Neveu- the young lady who looked after me. Her eyes were all red and blotchy, like she had been crying. I looked at the principle.

"I guess I'm not in trouble." I said, in Italian.

"No, Faith, è più grave di quella." He said, softly, showing me to a seat. I sat down, worried now.

"Faith Langdon?" asked one of the men in black, also in Italian.

"Yes?" I replied, looking at him.

"Miss Vetra, it is my duty to inform you that your mother, Dr Vittoria Vetra, was found dead in her lab at 11:42 this morning. I'm sorry for your loss."

I looked back at him stunned. "I'm sorry, what?"

"Faith," said Sophie, "Your mama is dead." She told me in french, holding my hand.

"No!" I said, crossly, "No she's not!"

"Faith, I know this is hard but she's gone. Is there a relative we can call?" said the principle.

I slumped back in my chair, still refusing to believe it.

"Miss Neveu, is there a relative of Faith's that we can call?" asked the principle in English this time.

"She has a father who lives in the states. I should call him. He's not seen Vittoria for nine years. It'll be a shock."

The principle nodded and Sophie left the room. He then thanked the two men in black and they then left as well. The principle then came and sat by me.

"Faith, given what has happened today, I'm sending you home. I take it Miss Neveu is employed to look after you?"

I nodded.

"Good. Then when your dad comes, you can make plans for what you are going to do. I daresay you will end up in the states. But let me just say this. The world may seem black and dark now and the temptation to give up is strong, but you are a strong person. Have courage to face the coming days and you'll be ok."