wander

5|im really here

"Please buckle your belts. We are about to land. Thank you." I hear over the intercom. Oh my god. It's time. I'm here. In Italy.

The landing was ok assuming I had never known what a good landing feels like. I stay settled in my chair until I see others around me get up. Across from me, I see Rose stand up and she turns towards me. She smiles politely and I exchange one too. She walks over to me and I brush off any dust that may be on my blue Jean shorts.

"Hey. I never caught your name? What is it may I ask?" She questions me in her calming voice.
"Chiara. Chiara Smithers." I reply.
Her jaw drops. I'm quite confused since I never had anyone who was shocked to hear my name.
"Oh- as in Leonardo Smithers" she stutters.
"Uh...um yes. That's my Father. I'm meeting him for the first time. Why? Do you know him?" I blurt, taken aback by her knowing my family.

She looks at me as if I've lived under a rock. She explains that Leonardo Smithers is one of the biggest political people in Italy. "What!" I thought. I never knew that. My father being someone big like that. I mean I know he has money but fuck. I didn't expect this.

She takes my hand and explains that she'll lead me there. She says she works for him. And she lives next door. I never had someone like this. Someone who wanted to be my friend. It felt good knowing someone wanted you around. I can't believe I missed out on something that felt so good. I already love it here.

I make a phone call to my Father to tell him I've arrived and that I'm here with Rose. He sounds pleased that I've met someone who can show me round. I see Rose smiling at me while I speak of her. She acts like this is all normal but it's the opposite of normal to me.

Rose and I get a taxi and we pass these gorgeous Italian buildings. I wonder which one is my Fathers. But we keep driving away into villages  and cute hidden gem towns. I've missed out on this beautiful life to waste it on my awful Mother. Imagine growing up here. It's so beautiful. I could have had a happy childhood but no. I had a crappy one. But I'm thankful I'm here now.

We've been driving through coloured buildings for ages and I just want to meet my Father. Rose has told me much about him. About his job. His personality. And even his cute dog, Mario. It really was paradise. Fuck. It is paradise.

The car slows down as we approach a green gate. This is it. This is my new life. Thoughts swarm my head until I feel a hand on my shoulder that wishes them away. Rose's hand. She's an angel sent by god.

The driver speaks in Italian to the man on the intercom asking for the gates to be opened I guess. He seems intrigued. Like he's never been here before. I wonder if he has. I want to ask but I don't think he speaks English.

The gates slowly open and the driver pushes onto the accelerator. Here we go. My new life. My paradise. Me. Where I belong.

I breathe in taking in the view.

"It's gorgeous!" I gasp while taking in the beauty of it all.