Dante's Desire

Chapter One: Now You See Me

Dante

He stood by the window and watched the crowds go by. He watched them pass on the same streets. Irritated, as he was almost every morning nowadays, he observed the same baker sell his wares on that same cursed corner as he always did. The baker's family had been there for generations, even back when he was a boy.

Dante Bianchi's mood further soured as the delicious aroma of fresh-made pastries reached his nose. He glared at the baker, wishing him to go away to some far place in the city, though Dante knew he would never take heed of him in his window. Finally, he gave up and sighed, letting his gaze instead slide over the rest of his beloved Rome.

The city had changed so much, and yet hardly at all, since he had first lived there. Cars and tourists now crowded the streets beyond their capacity, and with that came a cloud of sound and smell so strong it seemed to seep through almost every wall.

But it was all still so beautiful. As the morning sun rose higher in the sky, Dante admired the stone buildings surrounding his own and the small bursts of color from hanging flower beds. He could hear a few birds chirping and the voice of the souvenir shop owner singing his happy tune as he began opening his doors to the curious passers-by.

Yes, he could not have been condemned to a more dazzling place than his lovely home. It helped ease his suffering. The constant change of time brought distractions, and he was able to learn new things.

Dante's eyes wandered back to the street, and he watched the tourists, amused. So many of them gawked at the buildings and bumped into each other, barely noticing the pickpocket sliding past and grabbing what he could. He wondered how many of those people would end up staying in his home tonight.

The Bianchi House had been transformed into a little hotel, and it's four stories of comfortable rooms made for a practical place to stay and absorb the Italian way of life. The place was conveniently nested near the middle of bustling Rome, and the upper floors provided a beautiful view of the city.

Curiosity got the best of him, and he looked down into his little courtyard and lawn to see who his most-cherished guests would be. He practically giggled with delight when he saw a jumpy middle-aged couple wander through his gate, bickering about heaven only knows what. They would be quite a bit of fun he decided. Chuckling at the possibilities, Dante looked back up to have something catch his eye.

Outside of his gate stood a pretty, young woman, no older than 23, gazing thoughtfully at his house. Her light brown hair tumbled down behind her tall and slender frame, brushing her mid back. She wore jeans and a casual black t-shirt, which contrasted quite nicely with her olive complexion. She also wore the silliest straw hat he had ever seen. It was very wide and round, and it seemed bigger than she was. At the same time though, it fit her, and could almost escape the description of "overbearing".

She held a portion of the iron cast fence and rocked back and forth on her heels while examining the house, a distant look on her face. Next to her stood a large blue suitcase on wheels. As he studied her face trying to see the color of her eyes, they suddenly met his. He felt a jolt as he realized she was staring curiously right at him. He backed quickly away from the window and sat heavily on the bed behind him.

He didn't know what to do. It couldn't be his imagination. No, she had seen him.

Those golden-brown eyes had seen him.

Rebecca

She couldn't believe it; she had actually made it! She was in Italy! Rebecca felt absolutely dazzled by Rome. There was so much here, so many people, such an amazing history. It was absolutely perfect. Where better to set a book?