Chapter 47
Maya
"There it is, up ahead." Excitedly, I point with my finger at the imposing, partially ruined walls of the Colosseum. "Let me out here in the courtyard, or I won't make it in time."
With screeching tires, Elina stops the car. Breathless, she looks at me. "Go get him and don't let him go again," she says with a wide smile. Behind her tired eyelids, I see a loving sparkle.
I pull her into a hug. "I will." My words are filled with conviction. I know I won't give up. Being happy with Josh is the most important dream I've ever had. I will make it come true, no matter what. "Thank you. For everything." I wish I could hold my friend forever to show her how much I appreciate what she has done for me.
"Always happy to help." Her voice almost breaks. She strokes my back. "You have to go. We'll see each other later."
I nod and step out of the car. The Colosseum rises impressively before me. The illuminated walls from below are intimidating, but I can't let that bother me now.
I gather up my overly long dress and start running, not stumbling even once.
There, up ahead, is the main entrance. I don't see anyone checking tickets, so I sprint toward it. I pass through the archway, and music and joyful laughter greet me.
The foyer is filled with people. They're drinking champagne, chatting animatedly, and leisurely strolling through the historically significant space. I look around frantically but only find a sign I can't read.
Of course not. I don't understand Italian or English, but the small drawings next to the words at least give me some guidance.
To the right is the arena. There are also two employees in historical costumes standing there, checking tickets. Since I don't have one, I definitely won't get past them. Besides, I don't want to go where the audience is seated.
I want to go behind the stage. To Josh.
For that, I probably have to take the left side. After a long search, I discover an inconspicuous gate hidden in a recess in the wall. I march directly toward it and press the handle down on a hunch.
The door springs open. Finally, something is going according to plan!
Breathing heavily with excitement, I slip through the door and carefully close it behind me. The farther I hurry along the corridor, the less loving the surroundings become. There is no trace of the blazing torches and elegant carpet from the foyer. Instead, neon lights and cables dominate my field of view. I move as quickly as possible. Through the walls, I can hear the music from the stage. A rock band is playing right now, and it's not Josh's turn yet.
I look at the clock frantically. In two minutes, he's supposed to perform. That's not enough time to find him. Besides, there are no signs back here. There are no indications of where he might be, so I follow the music. Because even though I don't know much, it's clear that his path will lead him to the stage.
Suddenly, a blue-green light illuminates at the end of the corridor. The audience applauds. With each step, the whistling and clapping of the crowd grows louder. Then I see some men rushing past with guitars and drumsticks in their hands.
They're coming from the stage. Definitely.
I sprint toward them, and at the same moment, I spot Josh stepping into the angled spotlight. His face looks tense, his fists clenched.
"Josh!" I shout and wave my arms as I run.
He doesn't look over at me. Instead, he takes a deep breath and starts to walk.
"Wait, Josh, please!" My voice almost breaks.
But he acts as if he doesn't even notice me. Without turning his head even once, he disappears toward the stage, out of my sight.
"No!" All my strength is in that word, but it's in vain.
He's gone. But giving up is not an option. So I keep running toward the light, which is now turning a rosy hue.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome..." The voice certainly belongs to the host on stage. Suddenly, it becomes quiet. I can feel the tension in the atrium through the ancient walls of the Colosseum. "...the highly talented Joshua Friedberg," the announcer adds after a short but dramatic pause.
Thunderous applause shakes the ground beneath me as I enter the light. I turn to the right side and see Josh. He walks across the stage toward the shiny black grand piano.
"Now or never," I whisper to myself, and I don't care if the whole world is watching as I confess my love to Josh. Everyone knows how I feel. Courageously, I lift my chin and take the first step toward the stage entrance.
Suddenly, someone grabs me from behind. A strong man's arm almost chokes me.
"Fermarsi." He effortlessly spins me around, so I have to face away from the stage. "Cosa fai qui?"
Even though I don't understand a word he's saying, a look at his stern face and his dark outfit with heavy boots tells me everything. "I can explain," I say quickly, raising my hands to show that I pose no threat.
A deep furrow forms between his eyebrows. His grip on my arm tightens. Meanwhile, the host on stage seems to be giving a tribute to Josh.
"Please, listen to me." I try to sound soothing, but it doesn't impress him at all.
He probably thinks I'm a crazy fan.
With a grim expression, he calls for someone. Seconds later, three men appear, all of them looking like clones of him. They speak to each other in Italian.
This is taking too much time. I can't wait any longer, hoping that one of them will understand me. So I gather all my strength to break free at the right moment. I closely observe the security guy, searching for a gap in his attention.
There. He's not looking. His grip loosens.
In a lightning-fast move, I break free from his grasp and start running. I can see Josh. He's shaking the host's hand, who then steps back. Josh turns to the piano. My feet touch the stairs to the stage. I'm about to reach him.
"Certo che no!"
Two men grab me. I lose contact with the ground, kicking through the air. They pull me farther away from the stage. I struggle, but I already sense that my strength won't be enough.