The Mistress's Gambit: Fated Game

CHAPTER 1: THE FAREWELL

I felt the wind in my hair as I ran through the streets of Calabria clutching the envelope that contained my admission letter to University of Pavia. I felt my heart flutter with anticipation, the island seemed to resound my emotions, and the fishermen laughed heartily as they offloaded their nets from the boats happy at the prospect of making huge profits. I hoped my brother and the men he fished with had some luck as well, that would mean a hearty dinner for us and money to meet immediate needs.

I sprinted through the market paying little attention to what was being said, sped past the fish sellers and their customers haggling over prices, cut a corner, took a shortcut I and Matteo had discovered behind the chapel, and ran down a flight of stairs. If I hadn't slowed down for a moment, I would've knocked down the Priest who was making his rounds. "Be careful Elsa, slow down." Father Yohan called out fondly.

"Yes, Father. I'm sorry." I said, slowing down for a moment, to apologize as he fondly ruffled my hair. I excitedly picked up momentum again when he turned his attention away from me. This was the moment I had been waiting for, and now it was finally here.

Trembling with excitement, I rushed through the front door of our modest home into the kitchen, startling my mother who had been setting the table for dinner.

"Mamma! Mamma!" I exclaimed, breathless and flushed with anticipation as I waved the envelope frantically in the air. "I got accepted into University of Pavia!"

My mother froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. She stared at me, her face a mixture of pride and concern. She slowly set the silverware on the small dining table and plucked the letter out of my hands. As her eyes glanced through the contents of the crisp white paper, she broke into a song and danced. I found my rhythm and danced alongside her.

My admission to University of Pavia in Milan was the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering determination.

"Oh my darling, this is incredible news! I'm so proud of you," Mother exclaimed after we had danced excitedly. Then she pulled me into a hug. My heart swelled with happiness as I felt her warm embrace. As we hugged, my eyes roamed around the small dining area and landed on the picture of my father that was hanging on the wall and tears ran down my face.

My Father, Antonio died a few years ago in the factory where he worked. We had tried to get justice for what had happened to him given the unfair working conditions but our efforts had been futile. It had been a challenging journey for the family. My mother had worked tirelessly to take care of Matteo and me, she sacrificed her desires to ensure we had food on the table, shelter over our heads, and clothes on our backs. She also made sure I had every opportunity I needed to succeed. And now, my dreams are becoming a reality. When I pulled away from my mom's embrace, I saw that she had been crying.

"Mamma," I said, wiping tears off her face. "Don't cry." I continued as I led her towards the dining table, and pulled out a chair for her to sit on.

"These are happy tears, Elsa, you worked so hard to get here and now you've gotten your admission but-"

"No 'buts' Mamma," I said, interrupting her as I walked towards the kitchen to get a glass of water. I knew what my mother was going to say, I had been thinking about it as well. I might have gotten into the University but we barely had enough money to buy groceries that would feed us through the month, we certainly did not have enough to pay for my tuition fees and everything else.

"We will find a way around it. Don't worry Mamma." I added, handing her the glass of water.

As she sat, I helped with the preparations for dinner.

"I wish your Father was here. He would be so proud of you. I am proud of you my

darling." She said after a moment of silence.

Tears shimmered in my eyes as I turned

away from what I was doing and looked at her fondly. My father's memory had become a guiding light for us, fueling our determination to succeed against all odds.

"This wouldn't have been possible without your love and support Mamma. I promise I won't let you down."

She smiled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I know you won't, Elsa. You're strong and determined, just like your father." She replied and kissed my forehead. "Quick, let's set the table before Matteo comes home. He would be delighted to hear this wonderful news."

"I heard the tides were favorable today, the men looked happy as they got off their boats. It's been a great day, I don't want it to end." I said excitedly amidst giggles, as I focused on preparing dinner.

* * * * * * * * *

Over the next few weeks, I immersed myself in preparations for my move to Milan. I spent hours at the library, using the computer available to research scholarships, part-time jobs, and affordable accommodations. I was determined to finance my education without becoming a burden to my mother. The admission letter represented more than just an acceptance into a prestigious institution to me. It was a symbol of hope, of a future brimming with possibilities that stretched far beyond the limitations of my modest upbringing. I had grown up in a small rural town, an island far from the dazzling lights of the city, but my dreams had always been larger than life.

As the departure day drew near, I felt my emotions conflicting with each other and my anxiety level increased. Excitement mingled with nervousness as I packed my belongings into a single suitcase. I had visited Milan a few times with my Dad when I was a child. The metropolis had fascinated me, I felt a rush in my body when I first experienced the buzz of the city, now I was going to the metropolis on my own. I was going to experience things for myself. I felt a wave of sadness wash over me at the thought of leaving my mother and brother. The bittersweet realization of leaving behind the familiarity of my hometown left a bad taste in my mouth but I knew I had to seize this opportunity for a better future.

On the morning of my departure, I stood in front of my home, my suitcase by my side while my mother watched from the door. She clasped her hands together, her eyes filled with a mix of pride and worry. She had decided to accompany me to the bus station, her excuse was that she wanted to bid her daughter a proper farewell but I presume that she was yet to come to terms with the fact that I was leaving home. Going into the world, all on my own. I was terrified as well but I knew I had to be strong and resilient. I could survive whatever life sent my way.

The bus station was crowded with people rushing to their destinations, their voices blending into a cacophony of excitement and farewell. I clutched my mother's hand tightly as we made our way to the bus scheduled for Milan. My heart pounded with a mix of gratitude and apprehension.

"I can't believe you're leaving, Elsa," Mother whispered. Her voice was ladened with emotion. "It feels like, just yesterday you were a little girl, and now look at you, all grown up." She said as she wiped the tears that had begun to form in the corner of her eyes.

I squeezed her hand, tears welling up in my eyes. "I'll never forget where I came from, Mom. I'll always carry your love and support with me. I'll send letters every weekend. Matteo can pick them up from the Post office or Father Yohan."

She shook her head slowly in response, trying to hold back her tears. She sighed, released my hand, and gently brushed a strand of hair away from my face. As she spoke, her voice was imbued with a comforting warmth that seemed to envelop me. "Remember, my love, I'll be cheering you on, every step of the way. And no letters. It makes no sense to spend all your money on stamps. We will send our letters through Father Yohan whenever he makes a trip to the city." She dug into her purse, produced a sealed, brown envelope, and handed it to me. "Here, take this." She beckoned.

I held onto the envelope and my eyes widened at the realization of its content.

"Mother, I can't. It's all you have. You and Matteo need-"

"No Elsa. Matteo and I would manage just fine. You need this, it's not much to start on but I know you'll do marvelous things in the big city."

A bittersweet smile graced my lips as I nodded and slipped the envelope into my suitcase, understanding her unwavering faith. As the bus attendant called out to the passengers to board the vehicle, I pulled her into one final embrace, tears flowing freely down our faces.

"Thank you, Mom," I whispered, my voice carrying a world of gratitude. "I promise, I won't let you down. I'll make our dreams come true."

With a final wave, I boarded the bus, my heart heavy with the weight of leaving, yet buoyed by the anticipation of what lay ahead. Through the window, I watched my mother's figure receded into the distance as the bus pulled away.

As we journeyed out of the town, my gaze shifted forward and my eyes fixed on the horizon-the beacon of a future that awaited me in the bustling metropolis of Milan.

CHAPTER 2: THE HOPE

I stood at the entrance of University of Pavia, taking in the grandeur of the sprawling campus. The realization that I had gained admission to one of the most prestigious universities in Milan filled me with excitement and nervousness. The bustling energy around me signaled the beginning of a new chapter in my life but the vastness of the campus and the bustling city of Milan overwhelmed me. I felt like a tiny fish in a vast ocean, swimming against the current.

As I made my way through the maze of buildings and corridors exploring the map I had been given, the unfamiliarity of the environment hit me and I couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and the overwhelming desire to run back home. I quelled my emotions and took in my environment.

Students hurried past me, making their way to class or to their dorms, their conversations buzzing, the cacophony of voices and laughter filling the atmosphere. I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me but I kept walking in the direction of the dormitory I had been assigned to, determined to make the most of my time at the University.

I attended orientation sessions, met new people, and tried to make new friends along the way but that was futile. I had resumed a few weeks late and everyone had already formed a clique and I felt left out of the loop so I spent most of my time in the library and within the confines of my room in the dorm. I thought it was a blessing and a curse to have a roommate I barely know. She was nice whenever she was around but barely spent enough time in the room for us to get to know each other properly. She dropped by early in the morning after a night of what I assume to be a lot of partying, reeking of booze as the smell of marijuana lingered on her clothes. When I got back from classes, her bed would've been made, the room tidied and she would be nowhere to be found. A predictable cycle. I was grateful for the serenity I enjoyed when she was away but I would have also loved to get to know her a little bit more. The faces of my professors and classmates became familiar, and soon I found a bit of solace in their company.

Outside the confines of the university, Milan beckoned to me with its vibrant streets and diverse culture. Eager to immerse myself in the city, I set out on foot, enthusiastic to explore every nook and cranny. From the bustling markets of Lombardy to the historic Sforza Castle, I discovered the soul of Milan in its bustling streets. It reminded me of Calabria but on a larger scale. The fish markets smelled the same, traders haggled over the prices of goods and services, and kids ran along the wharf. One afternoon, I stood by the dock and stared at the vast expanse of water that separated Milan from the quaint island that was my home. I thought about Mother and Matteo, and I felt a wave of trepidation regarding how they fared but I knew I couldn't go back home now. Mother would accept me with open arms but I had grown weary of the island. There was a whole new world out here I intended to explore.

As the weeks passed, my excitement began to wane. The reality of living in a new city hit me as I soon realized the unending list of expenditures that came with being a student. Determined to ease the financial burden, I embarked on a mission to find a part-time job. I wandered through the busy streets of the Porta Nuova district, clutching my resume and wearing my best outfit. I went from one establishment to another, inquiring about any job openings, and filling out applications at various shops and restaurants. However, every establishment I visited had no vacancies. Each rejection felt like a blow to my confidence, but I persevered.

One day, as I walked through the city feeling discouraged, I stumbled upon a small, cozy diner tucked away in a quiet corner on a side street.

The sign in the window caught my attention. It read:

MORETTI'S DINER

DELICIOUS FOOD, FRIENDLY SERVICE.

PART-TIME WAITER WANTED.

With a flicker of hope in my heart, I took a deep breath, pushed the door open and stepped inside. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon permeated the air and filled my senses as I entered the quaint establishment.

The diner was adorned with vintage decor, and the warm atmosphere instantly made me feel at ease as I approached the counter, where a middle-aged woman with kind eyes greeted me.

"Hello, dear. How are you doing? What can I do for you?" She asked.

"Signora I, um, I'm looking for a part-time job," I explained as my voice tinged with nervousness. "I have some experience in customer service, and I am a fast learner. I would love the opportunity to work here." I added while the lady stared at me. A smile played at the corners of her lips and I panicked, thinking I had rambled and made a complete fool of myself.

"What's your name dear?" She asked after a moment of awkward silence.

"Elsa, Signora. Elsa Savori," I replied.

"Alright Elsa, I'll tell you something," She said and hesitated. Her brow creased like she was deep in thought and I felt my heart sink at the thought of yet another rejection.

If I didn't get a job soon, I would run out of money. I would begin living my life at the mercies of snacks and the free food occasionally brought in by the school board. That was not a life I was looking forward to. She smiled after a few minutes and motioned towards a booth for us to sit in.

"I own this diner but my son, Leonardo, is the manager here. He's in charge of employing the staff that work with us, but I like you. Tell me a bit about yourself," she said when we were seated.

I shared my story with her, recounting events about my life on the island, getting admission into the university, the journey to Milan and my struggles with finding employment. She nodded in response.

"I'm impressed by your determination, Elsa," she began. "Leonardo usually prefers more experienced staff, but I'm willing to give you a chance. We could use an extra pair of hands here. Fill this in carefully." She smiled warmly as she slid an application form across the table and walked away.

I felt my heart pound heavily against my chest. My eyes lit up with gratitude as I filled out the form with care. As I handed it back to her, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope deep within me.

"We will contact you soon Elsa. When you resume, I would instruct my son to teach you everything you need to know about working here. I know you'll do great," She said as she placed my application inside the folder she was holding.

"I won't let you down Signora," I said, excited at the prospect of getting a job. It was a first step in the direction of achieving my goals and I was resolved to excel at it.

As I walked through the city back to the dorm, I wondered where the chapel was situated. I had checked out the parish located on the school campus but they were from a different Diocese and had no idea who Father Yohan was. I had to find him somehow. Perhaps if I had a letter from my mother and Matteo, I could leave a letter for them as well. They would be excited to hear from me.

I turned the corner, hailed a taxi and asked the driver to take me to the nearest chapel and then for a drive around the city. As he drove towards the chapel, I wrote a letter to my mother and Matteo. I wanted to see the metropolis one more time before I got fully engulfed with work and activities at school. I had been to quite a number of places in the city on foot but this was different. When we got to the chapel, I ran out of the vehicle and up the stairs.

After confirming the Diocese from a priest that was standing by the entrance. I slipped my letter into the mailbox located in the courtyard and sprinted out of the environment like the devil was hot on my heels. When I stepped into the Taxi, I rolled down the glass and put my head out of the window as the cab raced through the city, feeling the wind in my hair as the racket of vehicles and people saturated the atmosphere. When I closed my eyes, it felt a little like Calabria and I felt like an island. Alone. I had wanted to explore the world outside my home but I had never anticipated that I would feel a strong sense of loneliness constantly.

A few days later, I received a call from the diner. I had been hired as a part-time waiter. Excitement bubbled within me as I thought about the new challenges and experiences that awaited me.

CHAPTER 3: BLUE EYES

On Monday evening, I walked out of the university premises in the direction of the

diner. It was my first shift and I left the dormitory an hour earlier as I intended to make a good first impression.

I looked around the campus and sighed. I was becoming familiar with the countless buildings interconnected by winding paths and lush gardens. When I first set foot in Pavia, I soon realized that finding my way around would be a challenge. Despite having a map, I spent hours getting lost and wandering through unfamiliar corridors, occasionally asking friendly students for directions. Now, I have found solace in the beauty of the campus. Each corner seemed to hold a discovery.

When I found a hidden courtyard and the location of a breathtaking view of the city's skyline, I thought about Matteo. He would have loved to get a tour of the campus and we could find new places together. The thought of exploring the premises with my brother excited me at first, then the odds of that happening which was nearly nonexistent saddened me. I repressed the nostalgia I felt for my family and focused on getting to the diner.

As I strolled through the vibrant city of Milan marveling at the bustling markets, savoring the aroma of street food that saturated the atmosphere, and admiring the historic palaces, I could not help the feeling that this metropolis would soon become my playground, a place where I could lose myself in the vibrant tapestry of its culture.

I walked through the doors of the bustling diner, my heart pounding with a mix of nervousness and excitement. The warm atmosphere of the quaint enterprise enveloped me and I instantly felt at ease. My eyes roamed throughout the room, searching for a familiar face then I saw a man wave from across the counter. Next to him stood Signora Moretti, smiling.

"Hi, Elsa. You're early." She said when I had walked up to them. "This is my son. Leonardo," She added and gestured towards the young man standing next to her. He stretched out his hand for a handshake and I obliged.

"Hi. I've heard a lot about you Elsa. Welcome," Leonardo beamed.

"Only good things I hope," I said smiling as mother and son chuckled in response.

"Certainly," He replied, still holding onto my palm which had started to make me uncomfortable. I considered pulling away but quickly decided against it as it might seem disrespectful. I forced a smile onto my face, studying his features as he introduced himself, wishing away my discomfort when he began to draw circles in the middle of my palm with his thumb.

"....I manage the diner but Mamma likes to be around and keep an eye on things."

"I cook some of the meals too," Signora Moretti said. "My Risotto alla Milanese and Osso buco are rumored to be the best in the area," She added, beaming.

"That's lovely. I love Risotto alla Milanese. My mom always made Panettone for my brother and I even when it wasn't Christmas day. Absolutely delicious, I can't wait to taste your meals Signora." I replied excitedly.

"And I can't wait to show you around. Come with me," She said

I exhaled silently as I withdrew my palm from Leonardo's grasp and followed her past the kitchen into the area assigned for the staff, grateful to have my hand back. I donned the crisp uniform she provided and stepped out of the dressing room.

She took one look at me and clapped excitedly. "Marvelous. It's your size, I was worried it wouldn't be. You'll fit right in. Come along, watch, and learn," She said and strode towards the dining area.

I eagerly stepped onto the bustling floor taking in the environment as she took me on a tour of the diner, pointing out the different sections and explaining my responsibilities.

The place was abuzz with activity- waiters hustling between tables, cooks preparing orders in the kitchen, and customers chatting and enjoying their meals. It felt like a world of its own. The sound of chatter and clinking cutlery filled the air as we approached a table. With a smile on her face, she greeted the customers and took their orders. When we had gotten to the fifth table, I had learned how to take orders and she gave me a chance to take my first order smiling and nodding approvingly.

Days turned into weeks, each one filled with a whirlwind of activities. From attending classes and participating in academic activities during the day to taking orders and serving food to engaging in conversations with customers at night. The diner became a second home, a sanctuary where I found solace. I relished the interactions and connections I had made as I became an integral part of the diner's team. I had formed connections with some co-workers, learning from their experiences, and sharing stories of my own while ignoring the lewd stares Leonardo seemed to give me every chance he got.

The customers, too, became familiar faces, and I found satisfaction in brightening their evenings with my service.

As I walked home from the diner an hour before dawn, the neon lights of Milan illuminated my path and I couldn't help but marvel at how far I had come. Studying at the university and working at the diner had given me a sense of purpose and belonging in this bustling city. Juggling my studies and work proved to be a challenge initially as late-night shifts at the diner sometimes left me weary and sleep-deprived, but I knew that my dreams were worth the sacrifices. I developed a meticulous routine that enabled me to master the art of time management as I was determined to excel academically while honing my skills at the diner but there was one aspect of my new life that I was still trying to navigate- my roommate, Serena.

Serena came from a wealthy background and lived a flashy lifestyle that was a stark

contrast to my own humble upbringing. I soon learned through the student gossip grapevine that she was one of the popular girls in school. She drove a fancy car, wore designer clothes, and seemed to effortlessly attract attention wherever she went. At first, I was intimidated by her opulent lifestyle, unsure if we would ever find common ground.

However, I gave up on the thought seeing as we had never met nor had any conversation and the end of the semester drew near. To me, she was a kaleidoscope of contradictions, an enchanting enigma that both perplexed and fascinated me. As I made my way through the campus towards my dormitory, I was delighted that it was a Saturday morning. It meant no classes for me and I could sleep in for as long as I needed to. When I got to my room, I inserted my key into the lock, pushed the door open, stepped into the room and turned on the lights in my corner which barely lit up the room.

As I dropped my tote bag on my reading table, I noticed a silhouette of a person seated on Serena's bed out of the corner of my eye. When I turned fully to catch a proper glimpse of what it was, bright blue eyes stared back at me. Shocked, I opened my mouth to scream but the person jumped off the bed, took three quick strides towards me and placed their palm over my mouth.

"Don't scream, you'll wake up the entire wing for nothing. It's me. Serena." Her voice was silky, it had a soothing effect on me. "I'm going to move my hand away now, do you promise not to scream?" She asked.

I nodded in affirmation.

She took her palm away from my face, walked towards the wall and flicked the light switch, illuminating the room. I could see her clearly now. Her caramel skin glistened in the light as her long blond locs tumbled onto her shoulder. The diamonds in her necklace twinkled as the blue Jersey of the Pavia basketball team she donned outlined her blue eyes which seemed to draw me in. She had an athletic physique, her aura intimidating yet welcoming. She looked so beautiful, and this made me feel somewhat insecure.

"No. They're not contacts." She said, her eyes twinkled as a smile danced at the corners of her lips.

"What?" I asked, puzzled.

"My eyes. They're real."

"Oh. I didn't ask." I replied awkwardly.

"But you thought about it, right? Most people do when they see me." She retorted and smiled.

I nodded and sat on my bed as she walked towards her bed and sat down. "Yes. I thought about it but I also thought it would be rude to ask," I responded and she chuckled in response.

"You're . . .You're on the basketball team?" I added after a moment of awkward silence.

"Yes I'm on the women's basketball team. Do you play any sports?"

"I barely have time to breathe with everything I'm juggling, I wouldn't be able to fit that into my schedule as well."

"Aw. That's sad but I-"

"Understand it? I doubt that." I said chuckling. She smiled sadly and pouted.

"Look," she said. "I, we've never had a conversation before and I thought it would be nice to get to know each other seeing we share a room together."

"That would be great. I had gotten used to being alone here most of the time but it'd be wonderful to get to know you," I said and watched as a smile spread across her face as she nodded approvingly.

As we conversed, I realized that there was more to Serena than what meets the eye. Beneath her glamorous exterior, she was kind-hearted, down-to-earth, and genuinely interested in getting to know me. She possessed an insatiable thirst for life, an unyielding spirit that craved adventure and connection. We quickly discovered common interests and shared a genuine enthusiasm for our studies. I admired Serena's unwavering determination and her ability to effortlessly navigate the social scene, this was something that I had always struggled with.

However, as the days turned into weeks, I realized that living with Serena came with its own set of challenges. Her extravagant lifestyle clashed with my frugality. The constant stream of expensive purchases and lavish outings made me feel inadequate and out of place. While my limited budget forced me to prioritize my expenses, opting for affordable meals and thrift-store finds, she indulged in extravagant shopping sprees and luxurious dinners, often extending invitations to me. While I was appreciative of her generosity, I couldn't shake off the feeling of being a burden or intruding on her world of luxury and we had a conversation about it. To my surprise, she was empathetic and understanding. She acknowledged the stark differences in our financial situations and reassured me that our friendship was not contingent on material possessions. She suggested alternative activities which were more inclusive and aligned with my budget. When we didn't have our noses stuck in books or busy with activities in school and at work, we explored local parks, visited free art exhibitions, and even cooked meals together in our dorm room, creating a comfortable and welcoming space.