Forever

Chapter 33 _ Abre Los Ojos

A month had passed since their New York adventure. Midterms were in full swing and both girls had been busy completing their different projects. It had become a bit more difficult to spend time together as due dates were approaching but they always found a way. Sometimes it was the simple act of meeting for a quick lunch break at their halfway point or Valentina stopping by Juliana's work to bring her a quick dessert.

Juliana's birthday was approaching quickly. She had told her girlfriend she didn't want to do anything but to sleep in and enjoy the evening together — something Valentina was very much on board with after all the time and effort they'd put into their school work. Nonetheless she had a surprise for Juliana on the day of her birthday.

When her birthday finally arrived they did as Juliana had asked, they got to sleep in. The girls went to their afternoon classes and met back up at Juliana's in the evening. Valentina commented that they should make Juliana a cake to celebrate properly and Juliana decided to pick up the cake supplies on her way home.

By the time the cake was ready the girls had listened to Hozier's newest album in its entirety. As the first track began to play again they paused it so Juliana could cut the cake.

"Babe, make a wish!" Valentina said as she lit the candles.

Juliana laughed at the idea of blowing out candles when it was just the two of them. Nonetheless she did as instructed and made her wish. She was never big on birthdays but she knew Valentina was and she genuinely enjoyed spending hers with Valentina. It suddenly dawned on her that this was her second birthday with Valentina in her life.

When the candles were blown out Valentina clapped and hugged her girlfriend. She leaned in to whisper. "I have something for you, chiquita." As she spoke she reached into her purse pulling out a thin rectangular box and hid it behind her. "Close your eyes, Juls."

Juliana did as Valentina asked and Valentina took her hand placing the box into it. "Open them."

Following instructions, Juliana opened her eyes to find a beautifully decorated box. She had no idea what could be in there but she knew whatever it was, was a gift she'd love. She removed the perfectly tied bow and opened the box.

Inside the box was a small red leather bracelet with an engraving on it and a card underneath it. Upon further inspection Juliana realized the bracelet said her name in a beautiful cursive with the word Firenze to the left of the name and Italia on the right. Her eyes lit up knowing Valentina put a lot of thought into her gift. She looked up at Valentina and before she could say anything Valentina motioned towards the card that was still in the box.

She lifted the card with a curious look on her face as she read it: Italy over Thanksgiving break?

While Juliana read the card Valentina observed her every reaction. They had talked about Florence being Juliana's dream vacation and it was something Valentina always kept in mind.

"Are you serious?" Juliana asked already knowing the answer.

"Only if you want to." Valentina responded placing a loose strand of hair behind Juliana's ear.

Juliana leaned in and gave Valentina a thankful kiss. "I'd love to go but I can't afford Italy right now and I don't want you paying for the entire thing..."

"Juls, it's not a problem. Travel expenses would be covered, private jet remember? Plus Hope and I have an apartment there so no hotel expenses either, all you have to do is say yes. We can even invite the girls and make it a girls trip if you want." Valentina said.

Juliana shook her head and chuckled. "Of course you have an apartment in the city of my dreams. You really thought this out didn't you?"

Valentina nodded her head in a childish way causing another laugh to erupt from her girlfriend's lips.