2 Bianchi Family

It was December and eighteen summers old Belle was happily running in the backyard to catch her seven summers old brother, Alberto. The farm house was filled with the laughter of two siblings who lived with their grandparents, Martina Bianchi and Baldassare Bianchi.

"Ahh!" Belle screamed.

Alberto stopped running and turned towards his sister. Seeing Belle lying on her back he started laughing. "I told you!" He exclaimed. "Did not I? That I will win." Belle glared at him which had her younger brother erupting into the fits of gleeful giggles.

"Next time you will lose for sure." She narrowed her big green eyes at him. Alberto snickered while happily running away from his sister.

He made his way towards their grandmother who was busy cooking for them in the kitchen.

"Slow down child or else you will end up hurting yourself." The old woman turned towards him, her gentle eyes held adoration and worry for the little boy.

"No Nona, I won't." Alberto denied. "I am strong." He boasted making the old lady smile and shake her head at her little grandchild's antics.

"Nonna I am hungry." Before his grandmother could reply him Belle entered the kitchen. Martina gasped on seeing the muddy clothes of Belle.

"Belle you are a grown up lady now. Stop behaving like a child or you won't get a fine suitor." She admonished Belle, who gave her a sheepish smile in return.

"You are not hurt? Are you?"

"No, I am not." She smiled. "Can I go out for picking the vegetables?" She asked, peering at her innocently.

"Si, you can." She permitted.

"Nonna food?" Alberto was hungry. And hungry Alberto was impatient Alberto. Belle smiled and left them.

On her way out she met her grandfather who was just entering the house.

"Where are you going my dolce bambino?"He asked as he ruffled the young girl's hair.(sweet child)

She gestured towards her basket. "Vegetables."

Old man shook his head as he knew that she was not going for any vegetables as they had enough to last them this week.

"Be careful and do not go too far." He ordered her.

Belle nodded and happily skipped towards the small gate.

Her grandparents were always worried for their granddaughter. She was very beautiful and naive which was not a good combination. It was easy to fool her.

~~~~~~~~~~~

The weather was chilly, birds were chirping and it seemed like as if it was going to rain soon. Beautiful Belle was walking and admiring the natural beauty. Children were happily playing in the fields after all they were enjoying their Christmas break. Belle was happy to get some time for herself. She loved nothing more than these walks. Last time she went to the forest and saw a deer. She hoped to see it again. Little did Belle know that this walk was going to change her entire life. She would no longer be a free soul who could go wherever she wanted because she was going to be enslaved by a ruthless monster.

~~~~