Lower Floor

AMANDA

«The words flowed from his lips, illuminating his luminous gaze; showing her that there was no more ethereal beauty than the one given off by her pale face. Then he took her in his arms, joining his forehead with hers, thinking that if that was a sin, he would gladly burn in the flames of hell.

Bright look?

I snorted and ripped the page from the notebook, balling it up and leaving it on the floor, where a small mountain of paper was beginning to accumulate; find a new page and start writing again.

I was one of the few people who needed to put their ideas on paper so that they could begin to take shape, if I tried to do it on the computer I would go blank. I hadn't even had three lines when a shrill sound startled me, causing me to draw a huge line in the middle of the page, ruining it completely.

I dropped the notebook on the table, frustrated and angry.

"Again? It is the third in the week »I thought obfuscated.

Almost instinctively I got up from the chair in front of the window of my apartment; the place where he used to work during the week. I walked to the door and yanked it open.

The corridor was completely deserted, that annoying sound again interrupted the tranquility of the building, although this time it was followed by a few giggles. I wrinkled my nose, that was completely ridiculous; I crossed the corridor quickly without bothering to close my door, at that point I was already beginning to see red.

I went down the stairs two at a time until I was on the ground floor. I reached the door of one of the apartments and read him the number on the gold plate, which was already as familiar to me as his own: 251. I knocked hard, not bothering to be nice or polite.

A tall, purple-haired woman with a carefree smile opened the door for me; Emiliana Basile already lived in that condominium when I moved in two years ago and from the first moment we met I knew that it was the cross that I had to bear for all my sins, which by the way is over, there weren't so many to deserve that punishment.

But going back to Emiliana, she was 30 years old, with tanned skin so typical of Italians and her family was originally from Palermo (I found out from a comment from our landlord, not because I was finding out about her) and from what she knew she could dedicate herself to to sell meth to addicts.

The Italian looked at me with amusement that she didn't bother to hide. With a grace that made me envious, she brushed a short lock from her forehead and tucked it behind her ear. He didn't say a word, but his sapphire gaze was fixed on me, expectant.

Not being the first time, I thought it was unfair to waste such eye color on a person like that. I cleared my throat, trying to make my voice sound confident.

"I'm so sorry to bother you so early. I'm sure you have very important activities to do, so I'll be brief. A note of sarcasm seeped into my words. "But whatever you're doing is heard all the way to my department and it won't let me work." I explained in a conciliatory tone.

For a moment her face was slightly pinkish with embarrassment; I felt good thinking that I had achieved my goal, however, that expression disappeared, being replaced by a mischievous smile and a mocking look. I instinctively squared my shoulders, preparing myself for a confrontation.

"You can say it, you know?" Your tongue will not be desecrated by pronouncing a simple word. he inquired in a tone of false courtesy. -Repeat after me: SEX. He pronounced opening his mouth wide to emphasize each of the letters.

Now I was the one who was completely red, although I didn't know if it was from grief or anger, maybe a little of both.

I shook my head, maybe too fast to be convincing and I knew that Emiliana would notice that little slip, I just hoped that she wouldn't comment on it or the beautiful floor would end up stained with blood and one of us convicted of murder.

I could tell by the twinkle in his eyes that he did, however, he didn't say anything about it.

"Good for you".

"I don't care what you were doing. I drawled.

-So what are you doing here? You know I was having sex, it's no secret. he asked, tilting his head.

He definitely had to stop pronouncing that word. She knew it was bothering me and she did it on purpose. I wasn't a nun, but I wasn't leading a promiscuous life either, and I wouldn't discuss my sexuality in the middle of the hallway, let alone with her.

I glared at her, looking at her from top to bottom, it was there that I realized that Emiliana was only wearing a delicate semi-transparent robe that revealed her lace underwear.

"My God! That outfit must cost more than my entire wardrobe."

If you weren't my sworn enemy, I would ask you for the name of the store where you bought it, if only to see, since I doubted that my salary would allow me to acquire something like that. Suddenly the idea that he was selling drugs didn't seem so crazy to me.

-The sounds and the giggles do not allow me to concentrate. You are very scandalous. -As soon as those words left my lips, I knew I shouldn't have said them, seeing that Emiliana's smile spread even more, if that was possible.

"Forgive me, I'm good at what I do, and my lovers often make a lot of noise." -he admitted shamelessly and leaning his body on the door.

I wanted to hang her right then and there, but forced myself to remember that murder was a crime, and in jail they wouldn't give me the notebooks I was used to writing on. The thought calmed me down.

"Then limit the sound to your space." - sentence emphatically.

"If it bothers you so much, you can join." He invited me with a mischievous smile. I blinked once and then twice to make sure that what I had heard was true and not a product of my imagination, although...

Why would I imagine those words?

"Not exactly my type." I said crossing my arms.

"The threesomes?" He asked raising an eyebrow.

-Share a partner.

"Do you believe in monogamy, neighbor?" she inquired amused, but notice that she was truly entertained by the conversation.

Fantastic! I had become the jester to that woman with the tanned skin and long legs.

I believe in avoiding an STD. I countered by rolling my eyes. Emiliana chuckled under her breath, but in the end she nodded, something that didn't really surprise me, it was always the same routine when I complained to him about something, which was almost all the time.

I'll try to lower the volume so as not to disturb you. he relented.

I sighed, relieved to be able to fix the situation. I nodded goodbye and turned on my heel to go back to my apartment. It wasn't until later, while she was taking a bath, that she realized she hadn't heard Emiliana close her door.

I moved to Rome two years ago, after completing my university studies, I had a degree in letters; Shortly after, I was contacted by an Italian publisher that was interested in publishing one of my manuscripts, so I didn't think about it too much, I packed my bags, took my savings and traveled from the USA to the capital of pizza, pasta and good wine.

The 25-year-old self wanted to become the next Jane Austen or JK Rowling, however, I soon learned that achieving that kind of fame requires more than an innate writing talent.

At first my story sold well, although not as much as I expected, which leads me to remember that whoever expects to get rich in this medium can wait sitting down.

Sales royalties barely helped me make ends meet, so I ended up being part of the bunch of writers who have to find a second income to survive; for which reason he had been working at Sapienza for two months University of Roma, one of the most important study houses in the country.

Don't get me wrong, I was proud to have found a position at a University where everyone was fighting for it, however, that had never been part of my dream, I wanted and aspired for more, not just to be a teacher.

I entered my apartment and after having closed it, I dropped on the door sliding my body to the floor. I buried my head between my knees.

"Straights!" I told myself.

Definitely everyone was prone to promiscuity and then they said that LGBTQI are the ones who jump from one couple to another, summing it up in one word: Hypocrites.

I was going to continue to rant about those who are attracted to the opposite sex, but the ringing of my phone snapped me out of my thoughts, and I picked up the phone and looked at the screen. I smiled automatically, it was Joshua, my best friend here in Italy.

"Where are you? I'm waiting for you in the cafe» I read in the message.

I hit my forehead with my hand, I had completely forgotten that we were supposed to meet today because it was my last day off before school starts again.

"I'm going there" I typed quickly, the answer didn't take long to arrive.

"You forgot, right?"

"Of course not!" I wrote back trying to appear indignant.

"I knew it would happen, hurry up" Joshua replied, ending the conversation.

I got up leaving my cell phone on the table, I wanted to take a quick shower before going out. My apartment was small, it only had one bedroom, a bathroom and a common space that served as a kitchen-dining room-living room, although the kitchen was separated from the rest by a gray counter.

What I liked the most was the window that overlooked the street, so I didn't feel so enclosed; I went straight into the bathroom where I got rid of my clothes and turned on the shower, letting a shower of steam fall on my back.

The hot water took away the tension I felt after my conversation with Emiliana, I delicately slid the soap over my body, I adored the aroma of pineapple it gave off. When I rinsed off I closed the key and covered myself with a towel to go out; I noticed that I had left my notebook in the living room and took it carefully not to get it wet.

My room was the most spacious place there, but it was still small compared to others. I wasn't complaining, I was single so everything was the perfect size for me: I had a double bed in the right corner of the room, a closet, a second-hand bookcase, a nightstand and, to my happiness, another window with green curtains.

I put the notebook in one of the compartments on the table and began to get dressed. The drops slid from my hair down my back, ending up falling on the floor where a puddle began to form. I took off the towel and dried my hair with it, I had it more or less long so it took me a long time to remove all the moisture.

Once ready I started to dress. I'm not going to describe the underwear I wore, I can only say that yes, it was patterned and I wasn't ashamed to admit it.

I liked to feel comfortable. I pulled out a pair of beige yoga pants and matched them with a black crop top that left my underbelly bare. I put on sneakers that were once white and took a comb to untangle my red curls.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I decided to let them down, pinning up a few strands that were falling on my forehead with some white bobby pins, I applied some gloss to my lips and I was ready to go. I picked up my cell phone and the fanny pack I used to go out with, along with my keys.

Yes, it is a most versatile accessory and I don't mind that they give me the appearance of a little girl.

I closed the door behind me and called the elevator. I sent a quick text to Joshua telling him that I was already near the cafeteria, that he will drop the plan to kill me that his twisted mind had recommended to him, in response I received a middle finger emoji.

I laughed, drawing the attention of some neighbors who had gathered, also waiting for the elevator.

I got on with the rest of the people and in a couple of minutes I was at the entrance, I greeted our warden, the signore Lucianno was an old man, about 60 years old, but that didn't take away from the joviality and charm with which he greeted us every morning. He appreciated it very much, even though every time he saw me he wanted to show me photos of the large number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren he had.

- Good morning , Signorina Amanda. He greeted with a smile. He was sitting behind the reception desk, eating a sfogliatelle accompanied by a steaming cup of coffee.

- Good morning signore Lucianno . I repeated, raising my hand in greeting. - Sarai fuori tutto ill day ?. He asked raising an eyebrow.

If it came from another person, that question would have been impertinent and reckless, however, I knew that he was not doing it out of malice or ulterior motives, but because he really cared about us, which touched me.

Sometimes I wondered why a man his age continued to work, since it was time for him to retire. Once I dared to ask him my doubt, to which he simply replied that he enjoyed doing it and as long as he had the strength, he would continue doing it.

-No, I'm just for a little bit with a friend . Torneró prima che faccia buio . -I replied. I couldn't hear the answer as I immediately left.

He lived at 56 Via Alberto Giussano , in the Pigneto neighborhood . In a four-story brick building, which was in the middle of a bakery and fruit stand; It was definitely not the most glamorous area in Italy, however it was comfortable and quiet enough for me, plus La Sapienza was only a twenty-four minute metro ride away and the nearest station was a four-minute walk away.

The wind blew, causing my hair to stand on end, I regretted not having taken a coat before going out, but I remembered that at noon the sun was hot enough to do without it, afterward I would be all sweaty.

Good luck to me, the place where I would meet Joshua was not far from my house at all, I only had to walk five minutes and I was in Piazza dei Condottieri . One of the most beautiful places in the neighborhood, at that time it was quite crowded by people who were dedicated to reading, having breakfast, feeding the birds, etc.

Everything one wanted to do was covered by the charming structure of the square; I looked around the picnic table for Joshua, it didn't take long to find him, who was approaching me with two coffees and a lopsided smile.

EMILIAN

The trial was about to end and I couldn't feel more pleased with the way I handled it, I was sure that the judge would rule in our favor.

I turned my gaze to meet the worried expression of Signora María Contreras, my current client; I surreptitiously reached out my hand and squeezed his to provide him with some support.

We all got up as soon as the highest authority that was there left through the door located in a corner of the room. He waved us to sit down again.

"After hearing both sides, I am ready to render my ruling, however I want to hear closing arguments. So, you have the floor, Counselor Basile. He indicated with a flick of his wrist.

I got up until I was near the dais. Normally we don't need to do it, I could talk from the desk, but I felt more comfortable and in control of the situation that way.

-Until the moment he reaches the age of majority, the son has the right to be supported by his parents -I pointed out that point concisely, since it was the first thing that had been commented, however, he did not want to stop emphasizing it . -Both parents are obliged to provide the minor with what is necessary for their subsistence, this based on the earnings of each one. I continued, I could feel my colleague's gaze on my counterpart. -My client has fully complied with each of these aspects, however , he requests what his son is entitled to: that his father look after him financially. I added to my speech with a confident expression. -Nothing more to add yours honor . -I ended up going back to my place

The judge nodded in my direction and gave the floor to the defense lawyer, who refused, saying that he had nothing more to add

"Of course, although that tactic was a mistake. He should have had the last word if he wanted to at least give his client a chance» I thought, observing the rookie mistake he had made.

"Very well, then I'll take a half hour recess to review my decision." See you then. He stated, ending the session.

Maria and I left the room. I felt confident and secure in the judge's verdict. I wasn't arrogant, but I knew how good I was at my job.

I decided to study law when I was ten years old, I suppose that seeing my father among so many documents and cases had deeply affected me. The sense of justice was deeply rooted in me since I was a child, so I always knew what my vocation in the world would be.

I didn't have it easy, when I got to the University I had to prove that I was there by my own means and not because of the intervention of my father, who at that time was a relatively recognized lawyer in his field. I studied hard and put all my effort into acquiring as much knowledge as possible.

I must confess that despite the fact that today I work in a renowned law firm in the city, my grades during my student days left much to be desired; mainly because he did not believe that job success was proportional to an extraordinary qualification. Memorizing a concept gave you no guarantee that you would be able to apply it in the world of work.

"You, Dannata! shit ! -The insult coming from a male voice brought me out of my memories, we were in a court corridor about to go outside.

- Avvocato Lombardo, you should advise your client to maintain due respect, even for the place where we are. I suggested firmly.

My colleague gave me an apologetic look and tried to lead Signore Marcus, if he could be called that, away from us. However, he did not allow it and spoke again, this time with more fury.

"You already got what you wanted, trick me." That child shouldn't even be mine. he stated, spitting out the words as if they were poison.

Out of the corner of my eye I noticed how those words hurt Maria, her face had turned red and she was ready to answer him.

I put a hand on his shoulder and secretly shook my head to prevent him from saying something that could jeopardize what we had achieved so far. I answered for her, my voice coming out cool and flat, the tone of a professional she'd honed over the years.

'There is a DNA test confirming your paternity Signore Marbello. You can ask your lawyer for a copy, if you don't already have it. I stated sarcastically. -And all the doubts you have, you can raise them with the judge. I said firmly, though the threat was implicit in my words. He must have noticed it too because he didn't comment.

Satisfied with her reaction, I took Maria by the arm and the two of us walked out of the courtroom. It was a beautiful day, sunny and happy; the weather gave the atmosphere a lovely look, almost like something out of a celebrity magazine.

-Ignore him. I ordered when I saw his saddened expression. "He knows he has the odds to lose and he's only bleeding from the wound." "May I buy you something to eat?" I asked when I saw that his face was still the same.

"No, I couldn't abuse your kindness like that..." she said embarrassed, but she stopped when she saw my face. "Okay... Is there no way to change her mind?"

I shook my head laughing.

-Stubbornness is an important aspect when you want to dedicate yourself to what I do. You cannot give up so easily and you must be able to insist until the end. I explained as I led her to a small restaurant on the other side of the street.

The place was full of diners due to the time, it was almost 1:00 pm, despite that, it was not difficult for us to get a table, because they already knew me there.

I really enjoyed the place, I practically spent my time in the courts so it was the closest place I had to have a quick lunch. We sat at a table overlooking the street, and it wasn't long before a waiter came to serve us.

-Possessed thing offrirvi ragazze oggi ? he asked in Italian mixed with an assent that I couldn't recognize, which immediately gave him away as a foreigner. He had a tanned complexion, blue eyes, and a slim build, but in shape, he could easily pass for a bona fide Italian.

I smiled and ordered immediately, it came often so I knew the entire menu from top to bottom. Being a family business, they did not tend to renew their essence much, although that was precisely the distinctive mark: a cozy and classic atmosphere where you could enjoy traditional Italian food.

The furniture was light brown in color, which matched perfectly with the burgundy-toned walls and the paintings depicting different tourist areas of the city.

-Ne voglio un piatto di Rigatoni there Thank you , please . I said, then looked at my client. "Cosa vuoi , Maria?"

-Stees it . she replied blushing.

That reaction touched me, despite having lived in Italy for two years, I still had not fully mastered the language. I wondered how such a charming and shy young woman had ended up with a man like that, so disgustingly unpleasant.

On a few occasions I wanted to question her about it, but I seemed to be taking too many liberties. She had told me what I needed to know about the history between the two of them, but I sensed that this string was still too long.

- Perfect , come on What 's right ? the waiter asked again, writing down our order in a small notebook.

Maria again , hoping she would choose something to her liking.

-I don't know much about wines, he left it to his discretion. He stated without hesitation.

That said, he did not understand what he had seen that charming young woman in that idiot.

-A bottle of Pinot Gray , please . Having written the last, the waiter nodded goodbye and went for the food.

I looked at María, the poor thing looked a little uncomfortable, I hoped she didn't feel out of place because that was not by far the most expensive restaurant I had eaten in, if she knew the amount of money I was spending in a saucer, he would go into cardiac arrest right there.

I did not refuse to enjoy the more mundane pleasures of life.

While we waited for our food, we dedicated ourselves to talking about banal things, especially about her little son, who was not yet two years old. By that point I already knew a lot about Maria's life.

She was Latina, which explained her straight dark hair, olive skin, honey-colored eyes, and short stature. Her family came from Panama, they were middle class and she was the youngest of four siblings. He was also relatively young, being only 24 years old.

How then had he been able to afford a life in Italy?

Simple, María played the violin wonderfully and had been awarded a scholarship at one of the most important conservatories in the country.

He had met his son's father in a bar, since that jerk was a friend of the owner's son. It was at that time that all her plans went overboard: she got pregnant, the man disappeared so as not to take care of her, and she had to raise her son without help.

Though he tried to avoid it, he couldn't help but feel sorry for her; without family, alone and in a foreign country. She obviously dropped out of school, trading her violin for a suit and a computer, as she worked as a secretary at a small-time publishing house.

That's why don't hesitate for a second to put me at your service when you show up at the firm. None of my colleagues wanted to take the case because they were pro-bono , that is, we would not charge them anything for my fees. Frankly, I didn't care about money.

If women don't support each other.

Who else was going to do it?

Lunch didn't take long to arrive and we both dedicated ourselves to eating, refusing the waiter's offer of dessert, explaining that we had just time.

- Bon appetit . I toasted, clinking my glass with hers, and then taking a sip of the wine, enjoying the pleasant taste of the drink.

-It's delicious. Maria admitted, looking at her glass adoringly.

I smiled. Definitely, given the opportunity, he should show this young woman what good Italian cooking was.

We ate in silence, by the time we finished there were five minutes left to go back to court; Maria insisted on paying half of the bill, but I refused, holding my ground, she needed that money more than I did. Besides, it was up to me to do it, since I had invited her, that was fair.

We left the restaurant, crossed the street again and went up the steps two at a time until we reached the room that corresponded to us.

My counterpart was already there with his representative, I did not deign to look at them and urged María to do the same. His lordship made an appearance and we stood up to receive him, and once we were all seated we prepared to listen to the verdict.

-After discussing it extensively, I have decided to guide myself by the best for the minor. Therefore, I define the following: Mr. Marcus Miller must pay child support for Andrés Contreras by virtue of the relationship between them and until he reaches the age of majority. the judge decreed seriously. -The amount will be stipulated based on the purchasing power of the defendant and will be sent to both parties. That's it, happy afternoon everyone. He stated getting up, we all imitated him and saw him disappear into his office.

I didn't hold back anymore and hugged Maria tightly; the young woman did the same and when we parted I saw that her eyes were shining and tears were rolling down her cheeks. He had an expression of relief and happiness that made me remember why he had decided to study law.

-We did it! mole thank you , signorina basile, molte thanks . - he inquired thanking. I took her hands and gave her a reassuring smile.

-You do not have to thank me. I only enforced the law. I stated. And it was true, all he had done was do justice for her and her son.

"I'll never have a way to pay you back." Maria continued tearfully.

-If you take me some of those delicious empanadas that you prepare, rest assured that I will consider myself well served. I said jokingly.

Maria nodded vigorously.

-That's for sure, I'll send you all the ones you want or better, I'll take them myself. she stated determinedly.

We left the courtroom, before saying goodbye I explained to María what was needed to conclude the case and the information she would need to send her the deposits month by month, I also told her that tomorrow I would go for the document with the result of trial, that it was important we had a copy.

I accompanied her to the subway entrance and then took a taxi that will take me to the firm: Calaglieri e soci . The streets were packed, there was a traffic jam everywhere, so it took me longer than usual to get there.

Normally it was about 20 minutes from Il court Ordinari di Roma to the Calaglieri office that was on Via Prisciano , but it took me 40 minutes to get to the building, take the elevator that would take me to the 4th floor, and find myself in the familiar work environment when its doors opened.

I walked in the direction of my office, on the way I greeted some colleagues and staff who worked there, I did not spend much time because I had a lot of things to do, even so, they all returned my greetings effusively, since the appreciation and respect was well known. that aroused in my work team.

I entered my office, closing the door in the process, raising an eyebrow at the sight of a male figure sitting confidently at my desk.

Get out, Camilo. I ordered, waving my hands to scare the man away as if he were an annoying insect.

The aforementioned smiled as he got up from my position and approached to leave a kiss on my cheek as a welcome, I resisted the temptation to clean the area with my hand, it was already his case that one of the two was completely impolite. When I was in my chair I signaled for him to take a seat in front of me.

-What do you want? I asked getting straight to the point. I knew Camilo, he was my friend, but that didn't take away from the fact that the only reason he could have for visiting my office was a favor.

"I heard you won the child support case. Congratulations! he yelled in an effusive tone. -I know that's not your area, so I'm very proud of you. he stated in a wheedling tone.

I examined it with a scrutinizing gaze. I didn't believe a single word of him. Although I was grateful for the gesture, he was right, I was leaving for criminal law and that lawsuit had been family law, of course I did not mention it; I knew what his game was and I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing me fall for it. I was just trying to turn the page to distract myself.

Thank you very much, glad you noticed. I admitted, though the sarcasm was palpable in the politeness. I repeat: what do you want? I asked again, firmer than before.

Camilo smiled at me innocently, I immediately tensed up, nothing good came out of that expression.

What had the idiot gotten us into?

AMANDA

We took a seat at one of the picnic tables, towards a beautiful day: the clear sky, the birds singing, children playing and tormenting their parents, who had the wrong idea of bringing them into the world, but still loved them with all their heart, for they were part of them.

I hated days like that, so much sweetness made me want to throw up, especially if I hadn't had my daily dose of caffeine.

My supposed friend, that is to say Joshua, was looking at me straight in the face with an amused expression when noticing my discomfort; If I had been a person with less self-control I would have punched him, but being the great lady that I was, I limited myself to showing them my teeth in an almost animalistic gesture.

Yes, it was the very representation of grace and elegance.

Apparently my action really scared Joshua because he shrugged and handed me one of the coffee cups he was carrying.

I looked at the drink adoringly, as if God himself had appeared before me in that form, and I snatched it from his hands, perhaps too aggressively, and took a long sip.

My mood improved considerably as soon as the caffeine took effect in the system, whoever said that coffee did not influence the behavior of human beings, it was obvious that he had never had a cup when stressed.

- The day has just begun, such a bad start? Joshua asked in a mocking tone, pointing to the drink that I had inadvertently finished.

" Shut up," he hissed through his teeth. My friend raised his hands in surrender, but kept the same expression, which made me grunt in response. - So much love and colors makes me nauseous. I admitted feigning a gag. Joshua looked at me as if I had grown a third eye.

I couldn't say that his reaction surprised me, objectively the people around us weren't doing anything wrong and they actually looked very happy with each other.

Unfortunately I was the type to be amazing and unique who hoped his surroundings would match the mood I was currently in. If I felt bad, why was the rest of the world acting like they had perfect lives?

That would forever be one of the great mysteries of my existence.

"When do classes start?" Joshua asked cautiously.

I dropped my head on the table, letting out a frustrated sigh; there must be some kind of unspoken rule that forbade your friends to know you so well, no doubt I would approve of its enactment instantly.

- In a week. - I answered in a plaintive tone that was very strange to me.

She wasn't usually that whiny, or that depends on who you ask; I liked my job and tried to give one hundred percent every day that I taught writing courses at the university.

But this year would be completely different from the previous ones, I had been assigned the most difficult section and I would have to spend the next nine months away from a rope or I would end up tying it around my neck.

- Did they finally assign you to the new recruits? she asked , taking a sip from her own cup of coffee.

n't understand how he was able to take so long drinking it when I had already finished mine and was wondering if going for another one would be a good idea or it would make me more anxious than I already was.

- That's right, but... how do you know? - . I raised an eyebrow looking at him suspiciously. I hadn't had time to tell anyone about my latest misfortune, for the simple fact that even I still didn't fully assimilate it.

Joshua settled in of course, adopting a position similar to that of a university professor when he wants to explain something obvious to you.

He looked at me as if he was impressed that I didn't get it the first time and brought both hands together, resting his chin on them; I couldn't help but compare him to Montgomery Burns, a very famous character from the cartoon The Simpsons .

I chuckled under my breath, knowing that between the cruel millionaire and my friend there was no common appearance. Out of the corner of my eye I watched as the park began to fill up more and more.

- You've only been talking about it for the last month. It seems you brought your own bad luck. He replied in a knowing tone that made me roll my eyes. - See it on the positive side.

"And what would that be?"

Joshua shrugged.

I don't know, but there must be one.

"Easy to say when you don't have to spend six hours of your life with kids who just graduated from high school who have no idea what to expect in college." - I affirmed taking my hands to my head. -And it wasn't so bad, but most of them don't even impress me. They all seem to have been cut from the same pattern, the same conversations, the same interests and without any kind of enriching input. I assured shuddering, there was nothing more terrifying than that. -Where is our individuality? At what point do we become a cheap copy of someone else's personality?

"Did you wake up philosophical today?" I gave him a dirty look. "Okay, seriously, I think you're acting more like a writer than a teacher. Your job is to test their knowledge, not the depth of their souls. He responded by making a movement with his hands to play it down. I nodded, but I didn't feel calmer, I was about to answer when Joshua's phone rang. -It's a message from Katherine, she invites us to a touch she has this afternoon. he said, reading the information, his expression becoming more and more scared as he went on.

-No. I responded almost instinctively.

"She's our friend." Joshua said with a frown.

"I know, and it feels bad to leave her standing up." But there's no way in hell I'm going to show up there.

"It's been eight months, you should get over it. He said reaching out one of his hands to take mine, I moved away quickly. "You can't just not go to your friend's performance because your ex is also part of the band." he claimed in a reproachful tone.

I lowered my head, I felt like a teenager being scolded by her parents when they find her with her boyfriend in the room, not that I had any kind of experience with that of course, but I figured that's how it should be.

"I'm over it, but I'm not ready to see her again yet." I said crossing my arms. -It's the truth! I yelled, drawing the attention of some people who were passing by.

I was well aware that Joshua was right and that my attitude was bordering on childish. My last partner and I had ended like this for almost a year, after the one I found cheating on with someone else, at that time we were already living together and the separation was twice as dramatic.

We met through Katherine when she introduced us to the bassist of the group and we clicked almost instantly, we had incredible chemistry and thanks to that I made the terrible mistake of asking her to move into my apartment, after only six months of living in a engagement.

The honeymoon , as my friends like to call it, didn't last too long, only a couple of months before the discussions started.

Certainly I was not surprised that he deceived me, it was something that I had been suspecting. But her reasons for doing so were so stupid and incoherent that I remember them and they amused me: apparently I couldn't please her in private and I ended up looking for someone who would.

That he tried to make me feel guilty, as if I had pushed myself to make that decision was the straw that broke the camel's back. I asked her to pack her things and leave, I had no intention of ever seeing her again.

"You know things didn't end well between us. Joshua nodded, of course he knew, I told him myself, and he offered to chase her down and shave her skull in revenge. When I refused, he ended up staying with me all night, watching classic horror movies and eating ice cream.

-But it was her responsibility, she decided to finish what she had with you. And you can't spend the rest of your life hiding like that. I smiled a little, he was right. "At least promise me you'll think about it, please." He asked squeezing my hands, I nodded and he released them visibly calmer.

We got up from the table to go to a nearby cafeteria for something to eat, my stomach was beginning to growl with hunger.

On the way we ran into some tourists who asked for help with some direction or to take a photo, Joshua was delighted while I stayed a little away from the rest.

My friend had an almost natural magnetic charm, everyone liked him and it was easy to trust him because he gave off an infectious joy, it was almost impossible not to feel comfortable around him.

Maybe that's why he worked for a small advertising agency, all his clients admired his creations so much, that sometimes they didn't even notice that behind that easy smile and affable expression was hiding an ambitious man who knew how to sell himself as a product, offering his best profile. to the world.

I was lucky to be one of the few people who knew the real Joshua, not just the brand, and I enjoyed making fun of those who presumed to do so, because he knew many, but was friends with few.

-Sometimes I envy the facility you have to relate to everyone. I admitted when we got to the cafe. The name of the place stood out on a huge brown sign with gold letters: Caffé Marceletti .

Joshua looked at me with a raised eyebrow, if he had tried I'm sure he could hear the gears of his mind working at full speed, desperate to find some meaning in what he just said.

Their seemed to speak to me, either that or I was starting to watch too many science fiction and fantasy movies, where the protagonists were able to communicate with a single glance.

<< What the hell is that for? >> i read in them.

We sat at one of the tables facing outside, Joshua and I used to come here at least three times a week ever since we discovered the delicious rolls they served.

An elderly woman approached, outlining a radiant smile as soon as she saw us; It was the owner of the establishment, Marcela Dinusso , I had known her more or less since I arrived in Rome.

She was plump and a bit short, though not above average height, her black hair shone like a raven's wing all the time, but I knew she dyed it all the time.

Marcela hugged each of us hard enough to break a bone if she wanted to, infusing us with the distinctive smell of butter and flour that I had come to associate with her.

She left a kiss on our cheeks and sat next to us, the old woman looked radiant and I blushed because she wasn't used to provoking that kind of reaction in others. Perhaps it was only due to Joshua's presence.

She wore a knee-length burgundy dress that highlighted her deep brown eyes and was paired with a white apron and black flats.

- Ma guarda chi c'è qui. Miei cari figli! he yelled effusively. "I thought they'd become a couple of ungratefuls, but prodigals always come home." He stated angrily.

A few diners observed the situation with poorly concealed amusement, since the character of the owner of the premises was public knowledge.

Nobody, and I want to emphasize this very much, but absolutely nobody, wanted to have problems with that woman.

Maybe her Irish blood had something to do with it, but she still hadn't reached the level of superstition where she believed a person's ancestry defined their behavior toward others.

It could well be that it was because his sign was Taurus, one was never quite sure when it came to these things.

- Siamo very Dispiaciuti di offenderti , Marcela! Joshua apologized taking her hand and giving her an innocent look along with a charming smile. -But let me tell you that today you are beautiful . he inquired, leaving a kiss on her knuckles, which caused the lady to blush immediately, whose face turned the same color as ripe tomatoes.

-Ragazzo _ dispettious . Marcela hissed, hitting him with one of the rags she brought to clean the tables. -You must have more respect for your elders. -he affirmed, putting his arms on his hips, although his cheeks still held the proof of his embarrassment.

We both laughed helplessly and put an arm around each shoulder, kissing the old woman's cheeks, who only grumbled and looked at us angrily.

It shook those in her space, but I was aware that she just didn't want them to see her showing a soft spot for us, in her own words: " Then everyone will think I'm a soft-hearted vecchia ."

"Are you going to order something or are you just coming to disturb my business?" she inquired, taking a notebook from the apron pockets to write down what they asked for.

I shook my head from side to side, shocked and unable to believe the pride of the woman.

But that was precisely what I liked about her, she was a total curmudgeon who had been left a widow at a very young age with no children, she had no siblings either, so after the death of her parents she was left totally alone in the world.

Far from that stopping her, she discovered her passion for pastries and after a lot of hard work, she managed to set up her own cafeteria that was soon to be thirty years old since its opening.

She lived alone and with no more daily company than that of her clients and the occasional friend, keeping herself full with the company of herself. He faithfully believed that, if he was lucky, when he grew up he would have the same life as her.

Marcela took our order and turned around to go get it, while Joshua and I took the opportunity to burst out laughing. Without a doubt, those were the little pleasures in life that I would never get tired of and for which I got up every morning.

He came back too soon, so we had to get serious quickly to avoid another scolding; He carefully left the plates on the table and said goodbye kissing our crowns, the anger had already vanished.

We attacked breakfast without stopping to think for a second, we had ordered two croissants filled with cherry jam and Nutella.

I would have wanted to have an espresso, but Joshua insisted that I had already had too much caffeine in the morning, so we ended up ordering two glasses of orange juice.

As soon as the buttered dough touched my mouth I moaned with satisfaction, I was not a believer, but at that moment I didn't know who to thank for the investment of such delicious food.

<< If I have to die, I hope I know now>> I thought, taking another bite of the croissant. The chocolate spread around the corner of my lips and I had to reach for a napkin to wipe myself off.

-We would earn a lot of money if you were a porn actress. Joshua assured, although from the corner of his eye I noticed that he was taking a bite of his own puff pastry and imitating my gesture without hiding much.

-We would go bankrupt quickly, no one would have to pay my high prices. I affirmed, sucking my thumb, which had been covered in chocolate, and taking a sip of my juice.

Breakfast did me good, after eating my mood always took off and I no longer acted like a mad dog every time I was spoken to.

I got distracted watching the Roman streets, I never regretted making the decision to move here, despite the difficulties, I couldn't deny that I had grown as a person in recent years and also academically because the city gave me the opportunity to learn, since in itself it was an encyclopedia of knowledge.

The one who only needed to expose herself to the world and allow others to know her.

<< Complimenti per l'italia !>> I thought finishing my drink.