6. Harper
Chapter 6
Harper
We start out toward the Reichstag on Platz der Republik , a historic legislative government building where so much history, good and bad, took place. It was once turned into an exhibition hall, but a reunified Germany has returned it to a parliament building. The clear dome on top sparkles in the morning sun.
Bastian points. “The glass dome is clear with a viewing platform to remind the government that they should be transparent and that the people are above them.”
As much as Bastian seems here with me, he also seems distant. Like something is different. He’s quiet and his eyes don’t look at me. He’s just not… here.
“Are you sure that there’s nothing wrong? Do you have something else you’d rather be doing?” I ask him. “I promise, I’m okay to go around by myself. Yesterday was just a hard day. I’m okay today.”
He smiles a tight smile. Not that cocky smirk and it sinks a pit into my stomach. “No, just a little tired. I was thinking of someone all night.”
“Helga?” I ask with a smirk.
He bursts out laughing, his body shaking and a small portion of the man I met yesterday returns. “You are adorable. Do you know that?”
“What’s the word for adorable in German?” I ask, slipping my hand into his and he cups his fingers around mine.
“ Liebenswert .”
“Not a very adorable word.”
He squeezes my hand. “Many German words seem far worse than they really are.”
“Like?”
“Der Krapfen.”
“As in… crap?”
“Nope. It’s a pastry like a donut.”
“And…”
“There are some words in German that have no equivalency in English.”
“As in?”
“ Torschlusspanik .”
“Now that’s a mouthful. What’s it mean?”
“It’s a fear that time is running out to accomplish everything you want to in this life. Literally a gate shutting panic.”
“Tell me more!”
I’m enthralled. I know many think that the German language can be a little harsh, but I think it’s beautiful. As much as it’s hard and can seem aggressive, it’s lyrical and gentle.
“ Verschlimmbessern .”
“What’s that mean?’
“To make something worse while trying to make it better.” The way he says the answer seems to be affecting him.
“Bastian, really, is everything okay?”
“Yes, my sweet, it’s fine. How would you like to get a world famous currywurst?”
“Yes! I’d love that.”
“There’s this one cart that’s next to the Lippenstift und Puderdose that is as I believe you Americans might say… bangin’.” He winks when he says the word, knowing that he’s being cute.
Too cute.
Looking at his beautiful face, I remember back to that moment last night outside of the hotel. It was like every part of my body lit up. I was on fire from my toe tips to my hair roots. He’s a force that is magnetic and I’m caught in the attraction.
“Bangin’?” I giggle, imagining a different definition of the word.
“It’s the best. You want to try it?”
I start pulling on his hand and he pulls me back in to his arms. His lips crash to mine. The man knows how to surprise me. I sink into him and the kiss seems to go on forever, but like everything it must end. And when it does, I know one thing, I’m in trouble.
He’s infiltrated into my head and my body reacts to every one of his moves. I’m craving to listen to his voice. I want to be touched by him.
I want him.
“Currywurst…” he mumbles against my lips.
“How about we go back to the hotel?”
He stills. “You’re sure?”
“I want you, Bastian.”