Between Arches and Shadow
Draft
Alessandra Bianchi(FL mom)
Your sister’s engagement is this Sunday. Try to wear something decent.
Luna Bianchi
Of course. I’ll just roll myself in beige and pretend to enjoy the spotlight burning on someone else.
Valerio Bianchi(FL dad)
Don’t start again, Luna. Just be supportive.
Bianca Bianchi
It’s not about you, piccola. Just behave this time. Please.
Luna Bianchi
Define “behave.” Breathing too loud? Standing in a shadow she hasn’t claimed yet?
Chiara Romano (Luna’s cousin)
You alright?
Luna Bianchi
She’s getting engaged. Again. To some rich guy who probably owns a vineyard and mirrors.
Chiara Romano (Luna’s cousin)
She collects fiancés like I collect unpaid parking tickets. Are you doing the decorations?
Luna Bianchi
Yep. Because why pay a professional when you have the forgotten sister?
Chiara Romano (Luna’s cousin)
Just don’t burn the fairy lights again. Please.
Luna Bianchi
They deserved it.
Marco (ex)
Congrats to Bianca.
Luna Bianchi
Why are you even texting me?
Marco (ex)
Still jealous of her?
Luna Bianchi
Only when she’s breathing.
Bianca Bianchi
. Did you wear the pink dress I told you about?
Luna Bianchi
No. I wore sarcasm and trauma.
Bianca Bianchi
There’s press tonight. Don’t embarrass us.
Luna Bianchi
Great. I’ll fake-faint into the cake. Very on brand.
Enzo Moretti
Try the lemon tart. Chocolate’s dry.
Enzo Moretti
You almost stabbed that profiterole. Impressive form.
Luna Bianchi
Do I know you?
Enzo Moretti
You dropped your sketchbook. Didn’t peek. Much.
Luna Bianchi
Sketchbook guy. Right. You’re at the party?
Enzo Moretti
Backstage, technically. I fix instruments.
Violin solo for the happy couple. Romantic, huh?
Luna Bianchi
You don’t sound impressed.
Enzo Moretti
I’m not impressed by rehearsed emotions.
Luna Bianchi
So you’ve met Bianca?
Luna Bianchi
Sketchbook guy just messaged me.
Said the chocolate was dry. I think he’s psychic.
Chiara Romano (Luna’s cousin)
Psychic or stalker. Either way, this is getting interesting
Luna Bianchi
He said his name’s Enzo. He fixes instruments. He met Bianca once.
Chiara Romano (Luna’s cousin)
God bless him. How’s he still emotionally stable?
Luna Bianchi
Luna (Note App):
> They say I’m the moon. But no one mentions how cold shadows are.
She walks in like gold. I blend into the brick.
If I scream, will they hear me over her applause?
Enzo Moretti
I saw her tonight.
Matteo De Luca (Enzo’s best friend)
Bianca?
Enzo Moretti
No. The other sister. The one no one claps for.
Matteo De Luca (Enzo’s best friend)
You sure about this?
Enzo Moretti
She’s the only thing that felt real in that whole house.
End of Chapter 1
In a house of glass smiles and gold lies, someone finally notices the girl in the shadows.
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