Roman Society, a ROMANtic Story

Talia's Struggle

I woke up to Vita singing. Trust me, that wakes you up.

"Oh, Aulus this so great. I actually don't have to work today!" Vita happily stated. 

"Wow Vita, that's great." I said. It was too early in the morning to deal with her.

"Come on Aulus. It's not everyday that a speech impared girl gets to have a day on the town. Oh heavens me! We could go shopping!" Vita exclaimed.

"Vita, we can't go shopping. We have to find the rest of the family." I said.

"No! I will go shopping if I want, worm. I am older and much more superior than you. I make the decisions." Vita triumphantly stated.

"Yeah, but if the decisions you are making aren't right, then someone has to step in!" I pointed out.

"Whatever." 

Vita and I got ready and ate some muffins that were brought to our door. Ah, special treatment.

We walked out onto the busy streets of Rome. There were market vendors, Patrician women who had on their leather skirts, chariots, horses and livestock, the joint was hopping!

"Wow." Vita said in awe.

Vita had never gone out before. Plebeian women weren't allowed to do such things. They just worked until sundown.

That's when I saw her. The Roman Goddess. The girl who ran away. The girl who was my lover. 

"Talia!" I waved over to her and ran her way. "Wait here Vita." 

"Aulus?" She asked.

"Yes, it's me."

"Where did you come from?" She questioned with innocence in her beautiful eyes.

"I was staying at an inn. I saw you and I was wondering what happened to you. I mean you just ran off the other night and-"

"I was worried. I was worried that someone would catch us, so I ran. I didn't know what I was doing. I thought it was the right thing to do, but it wasn't. I love you and that's why I am here talking to you now. I really mean it, Aulus." She interrupted.

When those words came out of her mouth I was relieved. I thought she hated me or something. I also felt something else. A feeling of compassion.

"I love you too." I said, smiling.

She leaned in and kissed me on the lips again. It still felt great.

"Do you want to go out tonight?" She asked.

"I can't, I have a Plebeian rebellion rally to go to. It's mandatory that I come." I probably shouldn't have told her this but she didn't care.

"Oh, I'll go with you. I hate my family and all of the other Patricians anyway. I am getting fed up with this social class stuff."

"Talia!" A man's voice scolded. "What in the world are you doing, girl?" A man in a silk robe came over and grabbed her by the arm and shook her. Truthfully, I was terrified.

"I am sorry, Father. I will go get the fruit." She said, trying to loosen her father's grip by twisting and turning.

"Good. And who is this?!" He interrogated.

"It's just a friend." She said, giving me a look of fear.

Her Father gave me a disgusted look. He pulled Talia away.

"I'll be there, Aulus!" She yelled as her Father pulled her.

I waved good-bye. Poor Talia.