The Fourth of July was always a big deal in the United States. It was the day that celebrated the country's independence from the Brits but Alessia Bianci felt that most people used it as an excuse to get drunk and she respected that.

Alessia had never been one to participate in Fourth of July celebrations. The girl had grown up in Milan, Italy and had always felt closer to her Italian heritage than her American heritage. However, when her father passed away eight years ago, her mother had moved them back to the States so that they could be closer to her family.

Adjusting to life in the States wasn't as easy as Alessia or her mother had hoped that it would be for the Italian girl. She spoke English, having been brought up as bilingual, however, her accent and her quiet nature was something that held her back. Once the initial attraction of being the new girl wore off, Alessia found living in the States to be incredibly lonely. She knew nobody.

As tragic as her social life was at school, Alessia thrived outside of the educational institution. Always being a fan of sports, the curly haired girl had picked up athletics when she was just eight years old, thanks to her father. He was her number one supporter, taking her to every single one of her meets, working on her technique and helping out when she was in the gym. When he passed away, Alessia thought that returning to athletics would be one of the most difficult things in the world. She was unsure as to how she would be able to compete or train again without her father's guidance and support but she found it to be easier than she initially thought. Leonardo Bianci was always on her mind, his voice playing in her head as she pushed herself harder in her final sprint set, as she pushed herself to go faster on the home straight and as she felt like she wanted to give up. Leonardo Bianci was her greatest motivation.

The first thing that Alessia's mother, Evelyn Bianci, did when she moved herself and her daughter back to her home country was to get her daughter enrolled with a new athletics club. If the move was to be successful, Alessia needed to have athletics in her life.

Alessia was down at the track every single day after school. She would train, doing a mix of sprints, longer distance to work on her stamina and gym work as well as coaching some of the younger athletes. Her whole life revolved around the sport and that certainly didn't change as she got older.

Now, on the Fourth of July, Alessia had been convinced to attend what was promised to be the biggest and most exclusive party in all of Miami. Her best friend and athletics coach, Carla Jamiesob, had managed to get both of them an invite. Although Alessia should have been grateful, all she wanted to do after a long day of training was relax on the couch and watch a movie with her mum. However, Alessia rarely made appearances at parties and so she decided that for one night only, she would get herself dressed up and have fun.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Mum. Call me or text me if you need anything." Alessia kissed both of Evelyn's cheeks as she was getting ready to leave. Ever since Leonardo had passed away, Alessia had always felt the need to care for her mother. Evelyn was perfectly capable of looking after herself and Alessia knew that, but the worry would never leave her.

"I will, don't you worry. Go and have fun." Evelyn reassured her daughter but they both knew that Evelyn wouldn't so much as go near her phone when Alessia was out. There was no way that the American woman was going to ruin her daughter's fun.

As Alessia left the house, Evelyn stood on the doorstep and waved her daughter and Carla goodbye. Any stranger that laid their eyes on the mother daughter duo would be able to tell that they were related. Alessia had inherited the same the same unruly curls and the same dark brown, doe eyes as her mother. In terms of her attitude, personality, and dark complexion, that was all Leonardo. Alessia was the perfect mix of both of her parents.

"You ready to get absolutely wasted tonight?!" Carla asked excitedly, her heels clicking against the concrete of the pavement. The party was a few blocks away from the home that Alessia shared with her mother and so the pair were able to walk it easily, even in the high heels that Carla had insisted they wore. If Alessia were to end up with a sprained ankle, there was no doubt in her mind that she would throw Carla under the bus in front of her team.

"You are not a good influence, coach." Alessia emphasised the point that although the blonde was her best friend, she was still one of her coaches at the end of the day and if there was one thing that she should be encouraging, it was staying away from alcohol.

The two girls giggled as they made their way onto the largest yacht that Alessia had ever seen. She was dumbfounded. How had Carla managed to get them access to the party? Sure, Alessia competed at the highest level for Italy in athletics but not many people knew who she was. This party was exclusive and Alessia Bianci was not famous enough.

Despite her D-list status, they were allowed on the boat and only then did it hit Alessia just how loud the music was. Doja Cat was blasting out of the speakers and Alessia couldn't help but think about the poor fish and other sea life in the waters below them. She hoped that they liked Doja Cat.

Carla pulled Alessia straight over to the bar which was the first bad decision of the night because within an hour of them being there, neither of them could think straight.

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alessiabianci: Fourth of July 🇺🇲

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flissjones: omg my cousin is so hot

carlaevans: who knew you could scrub up so nicely

user1: I didn't know Alessia Bianci partied...

jjones: is that even you? I think we have an imposter

user2: wow, she's gorgeous

1019 words
27th June 2022

note from e !

Welcome to 'Pierre'! This chapter is a little bit of a slow one but it's needed to introduce some of the main characters!

Writing Alessia as an athlete, combined with watching the Commonwealth Games has made me realise just how much I miss athletics.

Pierre will be introduced in the next chapter!

Has anyone managed to catch any of the Commonwealth Games so far?
- I've been glued to the TV watching the athletics. Elaine Thompson-Herah was incredible in the 100m as was Eilish McColgan in the 10,000m!

Enjoy and stay safe!

Lots of love, e x