Romanticismo Per Caso ❤

Liar, Betrayer, Someone who has fractured trust (Lorena's POV)

The next day after I met up with Elias, I did not feel like getting out of bed. I couldn't tell Elias now because Francesco was wondering if we could go to the pier today. It was Saturday and since I wanted my parents to know I was following their wishes, I let them know I was going on a date this afternoon.

They were so overjoyed and excited for me. When I asked them why they said they were so excited, they said I was getting older (I was really only 34) and this date might be it. Seeing my parents excited about this made me want to barf.

So when I prepared for my date, I glanced down at my phone. The phone used to reveal a wallpaper of Elias and I, and now it displays a serene image of a flower. I could still, however, picture Elias and me there.

Gazing into the mirror, I saw my reflection. I was someone that was a liar, betrayer, and someone who has fractured trust. If only my parents hadn't wielded so much control, and if only I had the courage to tell them the truth about Elias. I ruffled out my light sweater, thinking about how distant I felt from my true honest self lately. I stopped and looked at the time, realizing it was time to depart. He suggested we meet at 2:00 at the pier and have lunch.

"Hi, Lorena!" I turned around to see a man wave his hand and look at me. "Hello, are you Francesco?" I asked and he affirmed my question.

"So Lorena," He says walking with his hands in his pockets, "Are you ready to see the view on this pier?" He asks with a grin. "Yes I am," I reply, keeping my answers short. We walk together towards the pier.

Since I am curious, I ask some questions to get to know him better. "What are you like, Francesco?" I ask. "Well I was born in Tuscany, Italy and I like photography and gardening. I also own a business." Interesting.

I look over at him and I ask a follow-up question. "What business do you own?" We step towards the end of the pier. "I own a truck business that takes produce that has been harvested and we transport it from one place to the other."

"Impressive," I interject. At the end of the pier, I see that he has set up two chairs, a blanket on the floor, and a bag filled with food. "Thank you, what about you Lorena?" We both sit down in our chairs as he begins to open the bag.

"Well, I am 34 years old and live here in Wysandale, Europe," I laugh, "I work at my parents restaurant, Offredi's. I enjoy spending time with my cat, Scarlet." He chuckles at my response. "Do you have any hobbies?"

After I consider his question, I reply, "I like to travel," and he gives me a sandwich on a plate. I mumble a thank you when I accept it, adding, "and I guess I like to paint nature." He nods and takes a bite of his sandwich. Wow, this sandwich was amazing. "Painting, that's neat," he remarks.

"Yeah, but I haven't done it in a while. It was a childish hobby, I guess. I've been so caught up in running the business and bills." There's a brief silence between us.

"Are you stressed with it?" He questions, taking a glass of wine out from a cooler and I conspire a response. "Um," I hesitate, "Don't tell my parents, but when they were gone it was pretty insane and nerve-wracking." We both laughed in unison.

"Would you like some wine?" He offers, holding a big glass that reads "Riserva del Sole" and contains a sun emblem. "Um, thank you but I think I'm good right now." I declined. "Alright, suit yourself," He says, then pours himself a glass.

"I've seen that brand before; it's in Offredi's a lot." I mention, looking at the bottle and holding it. "Yes, my mother supplies your restaurant."

Oh goodness, I gotta tell him about Elias or else he's gonna stop supplying the restaurant with wine.

"Oh, that's nice," I say after a pause. He eats the last bite of his meal and cleans up our space.

"Well, Lorena, I had a joyful time with you," He says as we are about to depart. I hope he doesn't try to push anything on me like a kiss.

"I had a good time too," I responded, eager to leave. He smiles at me and then gives me a hug. "I'll text you later," He ends as we part ways. "Okay," I reply and make my way to my car.

Once I get in my car and slam the door, I sit down and take a breath. I pull down my car's mirror and look at myself.

Liar, betrayer, someone who has fractured trust

What have I done?