Rich Kid (ON HOLD)

Chapter 27: The Boy Who Tripped

Chapter 27: The Boy Who Tripped

Venice, Italy is situated on more than one hundred islands and because of its historic role and commercial center, the city is known as the “Queen of the Adriatic”.  A railroad and highway bonds Venice with the mainland but motor vehicles are not allowed on the constricted, snaky lanes and streets that make a way into the old city, and the bridges are for pedestrians only.

“I kind of have a fear of boats…” Drake mumbled, his face turning paler the longer he stares at the Gondolas. Gondola is the most common mode of transportation in this place. It is a flat-bottomed boat propelled by a single oar.

I rolled my eyes at him. “Drake, you are too big to be afraid of boats.”

He widened his eyes at me in a very daunting manner and stated in finality, “Nathaniel, I am not getting on that thing.”

“Bro, what’s the worst thing that could happen? It’s just a small boat!” Brody interjected, hopping like a kid inside the boat. It swayed harshly for a second before he managed to balance it.

“That’s exactly my point!” Drake outraged, pointing an accusing finger at Brody who looks like a gymnast at the moment. His arms are spread to the side like Rose in Titanic and his feet are widely spread apart. “What the hell are you doing Brody?”

“I’m so pumped up to roll this Gondola, where’s my Jack and Celine Dion?”

I just stared flatly at them. My parents thought it was a great idea to tour Venice right now since we have to get back to Cambridge in two days because exams are starting next week. So far, we already toured the heart of Venice which is the Saint Mark’s Square and where the famous Saint Mark’s Cathedral is located.

Having an ambition of becoming an architect in the future, this place boosts my motivation to pursue my dream. The interior designs and architectural structures are purely magnificent and surreal. The buildings are ranging from Byzantine to Renaissance styles. It shows great artistic achievement damn.

“Nate.” Aria whispered beside me, pulling my arm to make me crouch to her level. “I think Drake is afraid of boats because it’s small and he’s big. He thinks it will sink if he gets in.”

I studied her for a moment and looked back at Drake and can’t help but to snicker. “Weight conscious.”

Aria pinched me softly to the side, trying to contain her laughter. “Don’t be a jerk. Weight is a very sensitive topic for everyone.”

Indeed it is.

It took a lot of convincing and begging for Drake to get his ass on the boat before he finally surrendered when Natalie loses her patience and growled at him. Kidding, my sister doesn’t growl, she barks because she’s a dog.

Two people per boat is the deal. Of course Aria and I got paired. Natalie and Brody got paired. Josh and Georgina got paired.

And Drake got paired with his imaginary big tits ginger girlfriend, Sussie.

It is evening already and the streetlights are lined up lighting the Rialto Bridge as we crossed it. Everything just screams romantic. The Italian water paddler or whatever that dude’s job is, is singing some romantic Italian song to us as he paddles the narrow lagoon.

“I have a confession to make to you.” Aria started, leaning her head on my shoulder as we watch the glimmering colorful lights reflect the peaceful water of the lagoon. The stars are crowding the sky and the atmosphere is so nice.

I smiled sheepishly at her, “You stalk me in my sleep?”

“I actually stalk you while you shower but whatever.” She laughs, wrinkling her nose.