Romanticismo Per Caso ❤

I love him (Lorena's POV)

The day following my argument with my parents, I did not know how to casually talk to them again. Neither of them reached out to me with texts or calls that night. I texted Francesco and asked him if we could meet after my shift today. I intended to tell him that we would be better off as friends and why.

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Me:

Hey Francesco, could we meet up today after my shift?

Francesco:

Yes, that sounds perfect. 5 o'clock?

Me:

Yes, that works.

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Walking down the street after parking my car in a parking lot, the anticipation of starting my shift at noon hung in the air, with the clock showing 10 am. I locked my car, awaiting its confirming beep before I continued my stroll down the illuminated streets. Among all of the shops, one caught my eye. There was a little old woman working behind a counter that seemed stressed.

When I entered the stop, a gentle chime of a bell signaled a new customer. "Good morning," I say to the woman. Peering over her bright red glasses, she paused before recognizing me. She then pushed her glasses above her pearly white hair and placed her book down. "Well, good morning to you! Wait, I've seen you before..." She ponders.

"Oh," I reply thinking of where she could have seen me. "You may have seen me at Offredi's working." I make my way up to her avoiding bumping into a display. "Yes, that's it," She chuckled. "How are you doing?"

Debating whether to delve into my personal matters, I cautiously replied, "I'm doing okay, I could be better nonetheless." We shared a laugh as I browsed through clothing racks, eventually selecting two pieces. I checked their prices. Wow, not too bad. "I guess that makes the two of us," She remarks, turning to find her with a warm smile. Her smile displays a dimple showing around her wrinkled skin.

Unexpectedly, she gave me a gesture of kindness. "You know what?" She looks at the counter and then back at me with my hands holding two pieces. "I'll let you get one free piece of clothing, if you want it. I know what it feels like to have a tough day."

"I can't do that," I tell her, placing the clothes on the counter as she reemerges behind it. "It's fine, really. I mean, you're still paying for one," She reassured me with a laugh. "Thank you." I move my bag in front of me and grab some money. "That will be 15 dollars," She states, placing her hand out to receive the payment. I get back the change and proceed to exit the shop.

"Come back again!" She tells me as I exit the shop's doors. "I will," I say closing the door behind me with a smile. That was certainly a sweet, little old lady. After a few more shops that I enter and browse, I realize that it is nearing 11:50 am, prompting me to head to Offredi's.

As I walk into Offredi's, I spot my Mamma and Papa and I don't know if I should go up and talk to them. They are currently just like Elias, keeping their heads down and ignoring me. It was Saturday and there was a meeting scheduled for 9 pm tonight. I figure I'll have time to talk to Francesco earlier in the day.

I pictured how awkward the meeting would be. Elias avoiding eye contact, my parents doing the same, and the strained conversations. The thought made me want to make up excuses of why I can't go.

So when I worked, I took advantage of the moment and I tried to forget about the awkward tension. I only encountered my mother once, and she wasn't too upset when I talked to her. She definitely could have been more petty. I hoped they forgot about my outburst. "Hey, Mamma." I said to her as she wiped down a table.

"Hello," She answered and then walked away. "Great," I mumbled under my breath and walked the other way. I really need someone to talk to---someone other than my parents. Francesco seems like the best choice right now.

When I was done with my shift, I met up with Francesco at Two Rivers Gardens Park, where nostalgia for Elias slapped me in the face. My heart panged just looking at this place. Still, I proceeded to embrace the environment.

"Hello," Francesco said, wearing a cream-brown t-shirt and denim jeans. "Hi," I reply, embracing him. "So, you're probably wondering why I asked to meet up with you," He begins, his hands in his pockets as we walk. "Maybe just a little bit," I respond with a small laugh. We eventually sit down on a small bench.

"Well, I wonder why you're so mellow around me," He teases and we both sit down. "Okay, that's what I wanted to discuss with you." He nods, awaiting my response as he leans back.

"I really don't know how to say this without sounding cheesy, but I think my heart belongs to someone else," I admit, cringing inwardly at my comment, mirrored by Francesco's reaction.

"Well, that was absolutely cheesy, but sweet. Who's the lucky man?" He questions, surprisingly calm. "His name is Elias, and he works at Offredi's. Unfortunately, I messed it all up." I confessed. He leans in, curious. "How?"

"I shouldn't be laying all this on you," I stall, shaking my head. "No, it's fine. Lorena, I knew we were being set up. And, honestly, I like someone else too," he admits as I laugh. "What?" He questions as I am dying of laughter.

"I should've said I like someone else instead of my heart belonging to someone else; that was less cheesy." He laughs and waits for me to continue.

"Anyways, since you are interested," I laugh, looking back at him. "So my parents went on a trip to Italy, and I'm guessing your mother and mine knew each other, so we were set up." He nods at my explanation. "So when I got the news, I didn't tell Elias. He was my boyfriend at the time, too. Also, my parents didn't even know about him." I feel a tear escape and I wipe it away.

"And I had so many chances to tell him too." "I'm sorry Francesco." He glances at me with sympathy. "It's not your fault." I look at him, puzzled at his statement. "Okay, yes you didn't tell him that you were going on a date with someone and you lied, but it's not your fault." He wipes a single tear that has formed on the other side of my face.

"How is it not my fault?" I ask, curious about why he thinks that. "Your parents arranged this. But, Lorena, could I give you some advice?" He offers.

"Please, I need some advice right now." I laugh, realizing that I've stopped crying.

"Go and tell Elias how you feel. I know you think there's no saving your relationship, but do you love him?" He questioned looking deeply into my eyes.

"Oh my gosh," I gasp, feeling butterflies explode in my stomach. "Francesco, I think I love him."