Chapter 19 #2
I give him a thumbs up as he takes the lead.
It winds a bit, and we have to dodge a few vehicles.
It’s a bigger climb than I thought as we finally get to the top, and I shake my legs a little from the slight burn in my thighs.
Leo strokes my back as I see a stone path that leads to the wide curve of a stone balcony.
People gather at the edge, but groups leave and soon there’s only a couple of people left.
Leo’s hand leaves me as I head for the edge.
My fingers grip the stone railing as my breath catches.
I look out over the piazza, shadowed by streams of sunlight through clouds.
Somehow it appears larger, stretching out with its vast oval shape.
In the distance, I see the dome of St. Peter’s, among the array of dark sandy roofs.
The obelisk stands in the middle of it all, while warm rays cascade through the sky.
My throat becomes tight as tears want to form.
It’s beautiful. Absolutely breath-takingly beautiful.
The world suddenly feeling very free.
I almost can’t believe that I am seeing this—a piece of the world so vast and ancient. I inhale deeply, wanting to sear this moment in my mind. A warmth comes over my chest. I realize how grateful I am to have survived everything to now see such brilliance that I never knew existed.
I smile.
Leo
She’s wearing a sundress.
His breath had been stolen the moment she walked out of the bedroom in that dress and jean jacket. She seemed confused at his reaction, perhaps not knowing what she’d done. A sweet ache clenched at his heart as his hand wrapped around hers.
Twice she’s worn a dress, both for fancier occasions. She’d never been comfortable enough to wear them for every day. Yet here she was in Rome, wedding ring on her finger, wearing a cornflower blue sundress.
Throughout the day, he watched her face alight with joy. Every time he felt her tense from the crowds, he’d distract her with something else. For her to feel the peace he’d always found here.
It wasn’t home, but it was close.
As he watched her interact with a city not filled with metal and noise like New York, he vowed he’d show her California. Paris. London. Wherever she wanted.
She stands at the terrace edge, looking out at the scenery as dusk approaches. The sundress flutters in the wind behind her. He notices those dimples of hers that show when she truly smiles. His wife then turns to him, eyes shining like she was meant to be here. As if she belonged in Rome.
His heart clenches, throat tightening as the heavy emotion of his love wraps around him. For a flash, he hears the gunshots and sees the crimson on his hands. The fear of it not being Xavier’s blood on the ground, but hers.
Leo blinks those thoughts away, focusing on Autumn as she rushes over to him. She takes his hand, guiding him along the pebbled path towards a fountain. She releases him to reach into the water, grinning to herself as droplets fall through her fingers.
These moments, he can forget the duties he has. For him not to concentrate on finding answers, worry over his family, or knowing Gabriel is searching for them. He could pretend none of it existed. It was just him and her.
Violin music fills the air as a street performer plays to the side of the path. The music is slow, and Leo recognizes the melody. Suddenly, Autumn stands and stares at the violin player. There aren’t many people mingling as evening approaches, likely leaving for dinner or other evening attractions.
“Do you think he takes requests?” She asks.
“Depends if he has sheet music or has it memorized,” he answers, pulling out his wallet. “And how much you tip him.”
She purses her lips. Leo pulls out some larger Euros, putting them into her hand. “Why don’t you ask?”
“Still working on the Italian,” she says with a grimace.
“High chance he knows some English. He’ll appreciate you trying.”
“Alright…stay here. No moving.”
“Sì, caro Watson.”
Autumn stops to smirk at him before she goes to approach the musician. Leo flicks his gaze over his shoulder, quickly finding Rudolph not far from them. His eyes rove over the greenery, searching for any source of danger.
The music stops. Leo’s eyes snap to the player as Autumn talks to him, and then places the money into the instrument’s case. The musician nods with a grin, bringing up the instrument up to his chin. Instantly, Leo recognizes the music and slowly grins as Autumn rushes back to him.
She stops about a foot away, bowing low and offers her hand. “Dance with me?”
“You never have to ask, dear Watson.”
“Some of us do before dancing, mister.”
He takes her hand, pulling her into frame as he starts to lead her into a modified waltz. Stepping over the gravel carefully, they dance as the violinist plays Musetta’s Waltz.
He twirls her, watching as her skit ripples over the ground.
They continue dancing as the violinist plays it again, seeming overjoyed to play Puccini instead of a pop song cover.
Autumn looks over at him, smiling as she gives him a thumbs up.
Her laughter ignites a hope inside him that they’ll survive what’s coming.
And so help him, if anyone tries to steal the light that emanates from her soul, blood or not, he’ll drown them in it if he must.