but the wait will be worth it

chapter forty six

Present day
Three days later
November 3rd 2012

'Dear Hazza,

You're in Verona, yeah? I searched through dozens of address books to find the hotel you're at, so I hope you're getting this. Did my letters to the hotel in Milan arrive, too?

Anyways, I hope you got them. I didn't say much, just... what needed to be said. I'm back in Doncaster, at my mum's house still. Lottie was just saying how she misses you like ten minutes ago. Maybe you can come visit during Christmas time? That would be nice, it would be just like last year! Or was that two years ago? I have a pretty bad memory.

Verona must be nice. I always thought that it was some made up place, just from Romeo and Juliet. Is the real city just as romantic? We should definitely go there some day, maybe take a road trip for a few weeks, rent out a condo or something.

You have my address, right? I know, it took me a while to respond to you last time... I know that I never responded but you can't do the same babe, you know? It's not fair, I miss you. Here's my address just in case:

71 Cherry Lane
S053 5PD

I love you, Harry. Very much. Hope everything is well.

Miss your dimples, Louis xx'

It was starting to be easier to crumple up his reoccurring letters and toss them over the ledge of the hotel balcony.

And that letter, it molded right into my hands as I squeezed it tight, into a small crumpled ball. Taking a sharp breath, I opened the back sliding glass door and walked out into the balcony. Everything in Verona was designed as beautifully as you'd expect. The balcony was lined with small sculptures and figures along the ledge.

As I stared out into the city, I watched a flock of pigeons sit on a wire before being scared away by a large hawk nearby. The art museum was close, close enough to walk to. Although, I didn't know how easy it would be for me to enter a place like that only to be filled with memories of Louis.

Grasping the shriveled letter in my hand, I bit my lip before chucking it into the air. It landed among a nearby rooftop, someone's townhouse with clothing left out to dry on a wire connected to a neighbor.

I gave a smile before gazing at the beautiful horizon. Not much longer, I was grabbing a basket and some money, to visit the local farmers market I had been watching attract customers from below.

The building had the most gorgeous and detailed exterior, for just a hotel. But the plaza; it was beautiful.

Verona was just what you'd expect, with just the type of people you'd picture to live there. Of course, the farmers market was packed with locals and tourists filling up their tote bags and netted baskets with fruits of any kind.

Strolling through the street, I noticed some girls in a corner snapping a few pictures of me. I didn't mind, just threw a peace sign in their direction as I strutted through wearing some of my favorite clothing. My jacket was large and went almost past my knees, as it was quite cold out. I wore a hat, covering a large amount of my face and skinny brown sunglasses. I absolutely adored the pastel colors of my coat and light jeans.

I only knew a bit of Italian, enough to ask a woman at the strawberries table for a price. They were pretty cheap for just a pound, so I bought three.