Stay with me...?

Stay with me...? chapter 2

The sun cast a warm glow over Amsterdam as I wandered the cobblestone streets, trying to shake off the unpleasant encounter I've had earlier. The girl that had bumped into me earlier  disappearing into the big crowd. It was a small thing, but it had soured my mood quite a bit. This was supposed to be a dream trip after all, and I didn’t want anything to spoil it.

I than took a deep breath, trying to refocus on the beauty that was around me. The city was bustling with life—cyclists zipped past, trams clanged their bells, and the aroma of fresh pastries drifted from nearby bakeries. Each corner seemed to offer a new discovery, and I wanted to make the most of this day like a normal human being on a vacation.

Deciding that some retail therapy might help lift up my spirits, I headed towards the famous Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) district. The area was known for its unique boutiques, vintage shops, and cozy cafes. As I wandered through the charming streets, my eyes admired the window displays, occasionally stepping into a store to browse.

In one particularly quaint shop, I found myself drawn to a display of handmade jewelry. As I examined the delicate silver necklace, I felt a presence besides me.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

I turned around only to see Joost standing there, a friendly smile on his face. He looked different from the night of the concert—more relaxed, dressed in casual clothes with a baseball cap pulled low over his eyes. Despite his attempt to blend in, there was no mistaking his charismatic presence.

“Joost?” I said, surprise evident in your voice as I looked at him with widen eyes, clearly not expecting to see him here.

“Hey! It’s you,” he replied, his smile widening. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“I didn’t expect to see you either,” I admitted, feeling my spirits lifting,completely forgetting about the earlier encounter. “What brings you to this part of town?”

“Just wandering around, enjoying the day,” he said, glancing at the necklace in my hand. “That’s a lovely piece.”

“Yeah, it is,” I agreed, a small smile playing on my lips before setting it back on the display. “I was just trying to take my mind off a rough morning.”

“Rough morning?” Joost asked, his expression turning concerned. “What happened?”

“Oh, it’s nothing major,” I said, not wanting to dwell on it. “Just a rude encounter with someone earlier. I guess it put me in a bit of a funk.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” he said sympathetically, his eyes showing concern in them. “But hey, you’re in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Let’s turn that around.”

I couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm. “I’d like that.”

“How about I show you some of my favorite spots?” he suggested with that significant smile of his. “I know a few hidden gems that might brighten your day.”

“I’d love that,” I replied, feeling a flutter of excitement.

We left the shop together, and Joost led me through the winding streets of Amsterdam. As we walked, he pointed out various landmarks and shared stories about the city’s history and culture. His passion for his hometown was infectious, and I found myself laughing and chatting with him as if I've known each other for years.

He took me to a small, tucked-away bookshop, its shelves lined with old and new books. The cozy atmosphere and the scent of aged paper immediately put me at ease. Joost introduced me to the owner, an elderly woman who greeted him warmly and recommended a few books for me to peruse.

Next, I visited a hidden courtyard, a peaceful oasis away from the bustling streets. The garden was filled with blooming flowers, and a small fountain bubbled softly in the center. I sat on a bench next to him, soaking in the tranquility as Joost shared more about his life and career with me.

“I’ve always loved music,” he said, gazing at the fountain. “It’s been a way for me to connect with people, to share my thoughts and experiences. But sometimes, I miss the simple things—like exploring the city or spending time with friends.”

“I can imagine,” I said, feeling a deep sense of empathy. “It must be challenging to balance everything.”

“It is,” he admitted. “But moments like this make it worth it. Meeting new people, hearing their stories—it’s what keeps me going.”

I smiled, clearly touched by his sincerity. “I’m glad we ran into each other again. This day has been exactly what I needed.”

“Me too,” he said, his eyes meeting mine in a gentle gaze. “It’s been nice to just relax and enjoy the city.”

As the afternoon turned into evening, Joost suggested one last stop. “There’s a place I think you’ll love,” he said, a hint of excitement showen in his voice.

He led me to a rooftop bar with a stunning view of the city. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the buildings and canals below. I stood at the edge, looking down and taking in the breathtaking panorama.

“This is incredible,” I said, your voice filled with awe and excitement.

“Yeah, it is,” Joost agreed, standing beside me with a gentle smile playing on his lips. “I come here whenever I need to clear my head.”

I turned to look at him, feeling a deep sense of gratitude towards him. “Thank you for today, Joost. It’s been unforgettable.”

“I’m glad I could share it with you,” he said softly. “I don’t usually get the chance to just explore the city like this.”

There was a moment of silence, the world around us fading away as we looked into each other’s eyes. The connection I felt was undeniable, a spark that promised something more.

“Maybe we can do this again sometime,” Joost suggested, a hopeful note in his voice.

“I’d like that,” I replied, my heart swelling with anticipation.

As the sky darkened and the city lights began to twinkle, I knew that this was just the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Meeting Joost, exploring Amsterdam together—it all felt like the start of something beautiful, something that would change both of our lives in ways I couldn’t yet imagine.

And so, with the city of Amsterdam as my backdrop, me and Joost walked back through the streets, the promise of a new adventure on the horizon.