ariana is deeply in love with her boyfriend demario. they've enjoyed a bliss-filled life while studying abroad in rome. she's certain her future with him will be long and joyous. but, this imagined future suddenly comes crumbling down once she disco...
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Ariana Belle Fletcher Zócalo, Mexico City 4:35pm
well, this certainly isn't chicago
i spin around in the madness as people chaotically bump into me.
adventure? check.
i cannot believe i'm doing this. are these butterflies in my stomach? or am i going to be sick?
fuck everything else? check, check, check.
nope. this isn't a dream. i'm here in mexico city. wow, did i seriously just leave my home for a guy?
i step into the zócalo, the heart of the historic centre of this vibrant and unknown city. i step into the centre of francesco's hometown.
i pinch myself to ensure the images before my eyes are real.
what have i just done?
i have no idea that this is the moment where my whole life begins. the moment that i walk away from everything i thought i knew.
the moment where, for the first time in my life, i decide to blindly follow my heart and trust wherever it will lead me.
i inhale the strange new air. it smells beautiful and unknown. it's not heavy like chicago, which clings to my lungs. mexico city is undoubtedly unlike anything i ever smelled in rome. and it's nothing like the salty fresh air of the mediterranean sea.
here i stand in an unfamiliar land, excited to reunite with the man i unexplainably love and simultaneously expect absolutely nothing from.
francesco knew i was thinking of coming. at least i gave him a warning. he has no clue that idea has transformed into something real and concrete.
maybe it's about time i clue him in
my hands shake with excitement as i reach into my purse. i'm feeling nervous but equally thrilled about living out my dream.
"francesco! guess what? i have some exciting news"
i can barely see the keyboard as i frantically type.
"what?!"
"i'm here in mexico city!"
i hold my breath, and my stomach turns it on itself again.
i'm actually here!
i want to scream and shout, but i try my best to hold all of my explosive emotions in.
