Reina (ongoing)

1.

"Hi. Sorry for bothering. I was wondering if you could take a picture of me. Only if you have some time of course "

Oh please say yes say yes!

"No problem."

The moment he says that, I am already reaching out the device.

Owning a camera is still new to people but I am lucky enough to say that I have one.
People who have the passion won't ever lose interest in this city filled with creativity or admire it's beauty. Last time when I came here, the sun was almost set, I should probably get going now as well. So I hope he's going to be fast.

"With this camera?"

Although I don't know what his problem can be with my camera, was that even a question? Others would be happy to hold it.

"Yes, yes please. I'll stand next to the Ponte Vecchio." This dazzling bridge has great history.

It was a good decision to come here. There are so many people here, yet we're all curious about the view.

"Say cheese in three.. two.. one."

"Cheese."

I'm smiling like an idiot but I don't care. This place is extremely beautiful.
A light breeze comes along and I'm starting to feel cold. I'm wearing a thin dress only, because I left my jacket in the taxi I came with. I could finally hear the sound of the camera and someone made a photo with it.

"I am so grateful, thank you. I have been searching for somebody to help me with this for an hour. It looks like not many people speak english here."

"You are welcome. Yeah, they don't really speak the language because we're in Florence."
He laughs at me while saying those words with a huge smile on his face. He makes me laugh too.

"Yes, that's for sure."

Okay I should stop this now. It's getting late.

"Do you come here often? I'm almost here every Saturday afternoon."
What a twist. I didn't expect this from him.

"Same here. I never get bored."
I see something like a little star starting to shine in his eyes. I'm so confused about what to say.

"What's your name?"
I say it by accident but I am interested at the same time.

"I'm Faye. I don't want to flex but you can see my face on every second poster in the surrounding streets."

"Really?" It's so cringe, I didn't think this guy would be so arrogant.
"I don't think I have seen you anywhere."
This might be too much on our first meeting but I can't lie. Sorry everyone around me.

"Don't worry," he laughs again "it's because it's not true. That's my dream. I want to become a great painter someday. A person who knows the world and captures it as he sees it. Oh I accidentally started to speak too much about myself. Excuse my manners."

"I am a little bit confused."

I stare at him with eyes wide open and I can't control my eyebrows in this situation but I am able to show a gentle smile.

"Though I think your dream is amazing. I can't even imagine what it would be like to be such an ambitious person. I hope you will have it all."
I look at him in the eyes and ask one more question.

"Are you here to paint?"

He takes my praise well and tells me to follow him.

"How can I call you?" Oh, I almost forgot to introduce myself.

"My name is Reina. Where are we going?"
My voice shakes at the end of the sentence.

"You will see it, Reina."
We reach the mentioned place in no time.

"This is where I usually paint."
Faye shows me his little painting spot on the edge of a cliff and a canvas with brush strokes.

"Amazing."
I hope he isn't trying to kill me here.

"Thank you. I wanted to ask you something too so that's why we came to this place which is much more elegant."
I am getting curious.

"Pinot Noir," He says. I don't know what's that supposed to be, but sounds interesting from his mouth. "It is considered the healthiest red wine you can drink. Do you need some?"

Wine. I haven't drunk any since the day of the concert. The concert of Natalie Ivonic. It was a rainy day but we stayed under a large tent-like structure. The music was loud and everyone was shouting. Only with few light breezes was I able to breathe. My head started to ache so I went to the restroom. A beautiful woman came in and offered me some red wine. We talked a lot but I couldn't remember what was it about. I got her number and went home. And yes maybe I was drunk and my parents didn't like it. But I still thank them for being here.

"Okay, then I will drink it alone, which is kind of depressing but let's say that it's for your health."

"Wait! Sorry I blanked out for a minute. How could I reject such a kind offer?"

He looks like an angel who got kicked out of heaven for being an alcoholic. I like his vibes. He slowly pours out a glass of wine and gives it to me. So sad that I don't have a knife to threaten him and take home with me like a little puppy. Oh my goodness. What am I thinking? Get yourself together in an instant!

"Shall I take you home? It's already dark."

"No no no, I would be a burden."
Something feels off.

"Are you sure?"
Come to think of it, I came here alone, on foot. The night is young but there are always suspicious people on the streets, especially at sunset. Whatever, I will go with the flow this time.

"I mean... yes. Please take care of me."