(Author's Note: The big meeting between Ilaria and Alberto is coming really soon, I promise! Two more chapters! It'll make sense why as you read. Thank you for all your kind comments! Enjoy!)

I opened the front gate to find a brown package waiting on our doorstep. Opening it revealed a bouquet of assorted flowers. There was a note attached. It read: 'For my tesorina. Each flower was picked thinking of you. E.'

Nugh, gross! How does he know where I live? Does he even know my name? He's never said it once- not once. It doesn't matter. I had the gut-wrenching feeling that Ercole wouldn't stop perusing me anytime soon. This was just more proof of that. Bad timing too; I wanted to gather some flowers for the kitchen table inside before Uncle and I had breakfast this morning. With a roll of the eyes, I shut the gate. Then I proceeded to crumble up the note and toss the flowers in the garden before going to collect my own.

I soon came into the kitchen with an arm full of flowers. Uncle was setting out a breakfast array as I set the bouquet into a vase. I then placed it on the table and he motioned for me to sit down. He followed suit, looking slightly apprehensive for some reason. I don't know what he had to feel anxious about around me. Still, I sat there with my hands clasped together on the tabletop waiting patiently for him to speak first. He peered my way and drew in a long breath.

"There's something we have to talk about, Ilaria." "What is it, Zio?" He hesitated a second. "I have to go to town. My net got a large tear this morning and I need to replace it." "Oh, ok! That shouldn't take long," I merrily reached for a roll on the table. One look from Uncle made my hand stop however. He wore that classic stoic expression of his. "Portorosso's fishing store doesn't carry a net big enough. I'll have to go to the next town over."

I grinned. "That's fine. I'll just wear some travel clothes." Another awkward pause ensued. I don't know why the room was so tense but when Uncle spoke next it all became clear. His eyes sharpened onto mine. "There isn't enough room for both of us to ride on the bike, and I need the whole cart to bring the net back. You're…. going to have to stay here," he explained. My grin began to fade. "O-Ok…? And just how long will you be gone for?"

After watching me for some time, he let out a sigh. "If I leave this hour, I can be back by tomorrow morning." "Tomorrow morning?!" I nearly choked on my words. Uncle must have seen the immediate distress on my face. "I'm sorry, Ilaria. I know you've never been alone by yourself overnight before." "Zio, I'm a young woman! I-Is it even safe for me to be here alone? Especially at night…" "It is safe. Portorosso is a very safe town. We have high walls and heavy gates outside. And you can always go get Ricardo or Giovanni if there's trouble," those were Uncle's two friends I'd met before. I hesitated, slumping back in my chair. This was when Uncle tried to be reassuring- how successful he was is up for debate but at least he tried.

"It will be alright, niece. I wouldn't go if I didn't think you would be ok." "Are you sure?" My eyes peered up to him. His head gave a sound nod. "Of course. You're my niece- the daughter of my only brother. It is up to me to look out for you now. But I know this town, and I know you. Trust me, Ilaria. You will be fine for one night on your own. Just remember to lock the gate, doors, and windows. My friends are just a few blocks down the way if you need anything."

Still feeling apprehensive, I forced a smile for Uncle's sake. I did trust him, after all. If he said it was safe, then it must be so. It's just such a foreign and admittedly scary concept to me. A lady my age would never be left alone back in Florence overnight; it just wouldn't happen. And I have a sneaking feeling that Papa would lose his mind if he ever found out. I'll be sure to omit this little detail in my next letter to him.

I packed Uncle some food for the road while he got the bike and cart ready. It was still early in the morning and a nice, sunny day outside. Perfect for traveling. Uncle opened the front gate and pushed the bike outside it. Then he got onto it and looked at me. Grinning, I handed him a bundle full of cheese, bread, some salami, and fruit. He took it from me and set it down on the empty cart behind him. Our gazes met again.

"I'll be back by mid-tomorrow morning, if all goes well." "Have a good trip, Zio. Be safe." "I will; you too, niece. Take care of the house while I'm gone." "I will! And I won't open the gate for anyone either. I'll just stay on our property today," I nodded obediently. He too nodded in approval. "Good girl. I'll see you tomorrow." "See you tomorrow, Zio. Safe journey."

I stood there, waving until his bike and cart were out of sight down the road. Only then did I let my face fall as I peered anxiously back at the empty estate. It all looked so big and overwhelming to me now. This was a far cry from Papa's and my two-bedroom apartment back home. I'd be responsible for all this space, and more than that, there's so many places bad, evil people can hide in. Still, I had to take Uncle at his word and trust that nothing bad would happen today or tonight. With a deep, cleansing breath I shut my eyes for a moment. When they reopened, they had a look of determination. "Ok, Ilaria. You can do this. If you can survive five years of finishing school, you can survive this." With that, I entered back through the gate, struggling to close it firmly behind me. But eventually I managed to do so. I'll admit, I did feel a bit better once it was securely locked. Now it was just the rest of the house to deal with…..