Fallen Rose

Allow Me To Introduce Myself - Part 2

I try to keep humble, but I do know my worths. My adulthood was a wonderful one, and I knew I didn't need college. My upbringing was entirely focused on my career path, but I had might as well sharpen my skills further in these early adult years. Of course, my academic past helped me get into one of the best schools around, I was smart enough to take advantage of it, and I must admit it was some of my better years. It was a relief, surrounded by people who were welcoming and kind, as well as talented. My brother had attended, too, further polishing his seamster skills, we thrived in college as we had finally escaped the hells of childhood. We had both garnered quite the reputation, leaving quite the mark of highly regarded alumni of the college. Despite so, I still kept to myself most of the time. I would socialize, yes, and I'd stay with others if they wanted, but I always preferred solitude. I never found interest in love, either, until one beautiful woman that came to my attention in the fall of 1978...

She was an elegant and petite 20-year-old woman with long black curls, apparently an exchange student from the Philippines. Though I was now 24, I caught her coming around in the regular acting world, already making something of a name for herself. I found himself infatuated with her talents, having quite a need to talk to her.

"So, what allured you here, to Italy?" I had finally spoken with her after a showing one day, not able to hold back any further.

"Oh, me?" She spoke softly, charmed. "Well.. I always liked acting since I was a child, and I've studied abroad here before. Since Italian theatre is some of the best... I just decided to move around here. It's quite a lovely place."

"Well if you'd ever like, I can show you around.. I grew up here, after all." I smirked, knowing I'd charm her swiftly.

"Well, I'm not opposed to hanging out, but a wonderful guy has already shown me around a few cities here!"

"Pardon?" I looked around, a bit antsy. "Who did? I thought you were new around here!"

"I am, but he offered to show me around several times!" She pointed to a tall young man, with long black hair that curled at the ends. He held a grin on his deep brown face, adjusting his sunglasses as he was caught up in conversation with a couple of other actors.

"Aladdin Saei?!" I had to compose myself in a way to sound neutral, though I was not safe from a moody grumble. Aladdin Saei, the fresh-faced 18-year-old actor who was already making waves around town... I tried to keep friendly with everyone, including him, but as of recently he had taken many lead roles that I had auditioned for... it left me rather moody, to say the least.

"Yes! He's very nice, and funny too! He showed me around here, his home town, every place around here! But you can take me on another tour if you want..." She smiled in her sweet way, myself unable to stay disgruntled around her.

"Fantastic! Maybe we can go on and head out of here then...?" I grabbed her hand tenderly with a wink. She giggled, nodding her head as they rushed out of there, Aladdin waving us goodbye as he caught us rushing off.

Suffice to say, we really, how you say, hit it off that night. I managed to bring her to many of my favorite places around town, and she took so kindly to me. That night really sparked a beautiful relationship... short, but warming. I let her closer into my personal life as we became a beloved couple around the acting world. I was ever so flattered that she had recuperated my feelings, after so many hardships in my childhood. Was true love real, I would ponder, and would she be the one? I found that to crumble after a year of what was now foolish love, though I still cherish the time together greatly. I had never felt a bond like that before, such a strong connection to her as her own career flourished- I felt pride for both of us. Other than being with me, she did tend to keep to herself for the most part. She was rather timid despite her career choice, not too interested in speaking to many, minus Aladdin. Aladdin... they were quickly becoming close friends at that time. I had my fears at the time, but quelled them fast, jealousy lingering no matter what. Why weren't I to trust her? With my father and his wretched affair, I couldn't bare thinking that could happen to me, I would not allow it! She was a kind and wonderful woman, anyways, bubbly especially around me. She kept me company especially on my off days, leaving herself as a shoulder to cry on. I was simply infatuated with her, and all of her wonderful ways. Farther into our relationship she began to wear her hair short, suits became more common for her, and she was ever so delightful looking in them. She brought me joy and pleasure, it was almost as if she could never let me down.