The lost son ~John Frusciante and Josh Klinghoffer

7. Hump de Bump

- Dad, can I go for a walk alone? I promise I won't get lost. My cousin has already showed me most of the city.

- Sure, just call me in case something's wrong. I love evening walks, especially here.

- Yeah, me too. I have to rethink a lot of things, I just want to sit on the seaside and watch the sunset.

He stroked my head and gave me a wad of Euro banknotes. I wanted to think about my relationship with Clara. It's been over a week and I still haven't heard anything from her.

I was walking down the crowded street when I suddenly saw a music shop. I decided to go in.

I picked myself some CDs and went to the checkout. There was a beautiful black haired girl. She looked around my age. I wanted to make an impression on her so I spoke Italian. She didn't understand any word.

- Fuck. I made a fool out of myself, great.

I mumbled.

- That's all right, I speak English. You pay 10 Euros.

I gave her the money, still being red on the face.

- I'm Josh and what is your name?

- I'm Francesca, it's really nice to meet you, Josh. Where are you from?

- I'm from Los Angeles.

- Wow, what are you doing here?

- I came to meet my family. Well, it's the first time I'm visiting Italy and I can't say any word in your language. But your English is great.

- Thank you, I learned it from the Red Hot Chili Peppers records. I love them so much. They are from LA, just like you.

My heart stopped.

- Francesca, when does your shift end? I would like to take you out and chat about music.

- I can actually go now, this shop belongs to my dad, he's over there.

She spoke to her father and he agreed to let her go.

- How old are you?

- I'm 16 and you?

- I've just turned 18. Being here is the best birthday present I got.

- And my biggest dream is to visit America and meet the Chili Peppers.

- Maybe one day it will come true, it's not that hard.

- What do you mean?

- Nothing, it's just.. Um, never mind. Are there any cool places nearby?

- Of course, I was born here, I know every cool place. Do you like watching the sunset?

- Oh, I love it.

We were walking around, talking about our lives. She was also living only with her father, dropped out of school and was working there to help him. I started to fall for that girl. She was perfectly tanned.

- Can I hold your hand?

She smiled and agreed so now we were walking barefoot on the seaside, our fingers intertwined.

- Do you have a boyfriend?

- No, we broke up last month. He cheated on me with a whore. I hate him. Why are you asking?

- Because I want to kiss you.

She wasn't protesting. She moved closer and our lips met. I was mad at Clara for ignoring my calls and I thought it was the right thing to do. We didn't stop for 10 minutes straight. My tongue started to go numb.