Fallen (Fallen Series Book 1)

by Micalea Smeltzer

  “No, we don’t.” He chortled.

  He was about to say something else when my stomach growled, loudly. How embarrassing? Jonathon laughed.

  “I guess we should get something to eat. I forgot how hungry you must be and we don’t want to go sightseeing on an empty stomach. It may cause lightheadedness.” He joked.

  I laughed. “So, where are we going?” I asked hoping to trick him into revealing our destination.

  “Just some place I know.” He said.

  “Here we go again with the secrets.” I said playfully.

  He chuckled.

  It was nice to finally have him laughing with me instead of at me. He glanced at me briefly and our eyes met. I saw something in his eyes that seemed to look like complete and total love. Love for me it seemed. But how could he love me? We hardly know each other. But if I’m completely honest with myself I think I love him to. Not just ‘love’ but ‘in love’ with him. I feel like I know him so much already like I’ve known him forever but then another part of me feels like I don’t know him at all.

  He pulled in front of a small building located on a street corner. It was overgrown with ivy. Was everything covered with ivy here? The words painted on the old stone labeled it as Luigi’s Deli and Bakery. I could read that much Italian but that was about it. I had tried to learn Italian when I found out about the move but I hadn’t learned much.

  “We’re eating at a bakery?” I asked shocked.

  “Trust me Kylie; you can get an amazing sandwich and chips. Plus everything is homemade.”

  “Whatever you say Jonathon.” I said smiling at him. He laughed as I unbuckled my seatbelt. Before I could put my hand on the door to open it Jonathon was there. He opened the door and extended his hand to help me out. Maybe chivalry isn’t dead after all.

  He held the door open for me and I walked in. Immediately I was hit with the smell of fresh baked bread.

  “Mmm.” I sighed. I swear I heard Jonathon mutter, “Told you so,” but I didn’t pounce on him.

  “Over here.” He said standing next to a secluded table for two far away from the crowd at the front. I approached him slowly.

  Jonathon pulled the seat out for me and I sat. He then pushed me in closer to the table. Jonathon was such a gentleman.

  “I’ll be right back.” He whispered in my ear. His cool breath tingling my ear. When I turned around a second later he was gone.

  There was a window next to where we were seated. I looked out onto the street. A fountain was in the middle of the plaza. But it wasn’t the Trevi fountain however, it was still very beautiful and old and majestic. Parents were playing with their kids, laughing and smiling. A little girl with two long dark braids in her hair ate a cone of chocolate gelato. She giggled as the wind moved her hair.

  Today was a cloudy day, but not the kind of clouds that produced rain. However there was a little wind.

  I heard a squeak as Jonathon sat down.

  “So what kind of sandwich do you want?” He asked.

  “I can order it myself.” I said.

  “Yes, I’m sure you can. I don’t doubt your ability. But you don’t speak Italian.”

  “Right.” I said sitting back down. I really should have paid more attention to those classes. “Alright. So, what do you want?”

  “Just a turkey sandwich.”

  “Anything else?” He asked.

  “Um . . . Chips,” I said. No sandwich was complete without chips.

  “Okay.”

  Jonathon got up and headed towards the front of the store.

  He came back with my sandwich and what appeared to be French fries. I thought I had asked for chips.

  Jonathon sat down and placed the plate in front of me. I picked up a French fry.

  “What’s this?” I asked him.

  “A chip.” He said furrowing his brow.

  “Back home we call them French fries.”

  “French fries? How ghastly,” He said. “To name a food after the French.”

  I laughed. God, he was cute when he was confused.

  “So, aren’t you hungry?” I asked him.

  “No, I’m not. I already ate.”

  I didn’t question him further since I was so hungry. But I was positive he hadn’t eaten.

  He watched me as I ate. His eyes studied my face and every movement. Normally a guy watching me would bother me. But Jonathon’s eyes weren’t looking at me like I was a piece of meat but rather that I was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. I could see so much love in his eyes that it almost frightened me.

  But Jonathon was so beautiful like a god. What would he want with someone like me? Someone average, when he could have any girl he wants. Why choose me? I’ve never stood out in a crowd, never wanted too. I have always blended in. So, why does Jonathon think I’m so special? There isn’t anything special about me. But for some reason when I’m with Jonathon it feels like the planets are revolving around us and only us. I wonder if he feels it too.

  I ate all my food and wiped my mouth.

  “Wow, you were hungry.” Jonathon said.

  I giggled. “I feel like a pig.”

  “You’ve barely eaten over the last three days and you’ve been under extreme stress. Before you got here you were under stress with your parents’ divorce, then being sent here, and now your entire mom’s drama. I don’t know how you’ve managed.” Jonathon hung his head.

  I found it so touching that Jonathon worried about me. He’s the only person that seems to understand what I’ve been through and what I’m going through. Ever since the divorce I’ve been alone. Now I’ve found Jonathon and I feel like I’ve gotten my heart and soul back.

  “Jonathon you are how I’ve managed. If I hadn’t met you I don’t know what I would’ve done.”

  “Really?” said Jonathon.

  “Yes. I feel so dependent on you and I know that isn’t good but I’ve been so alone and now I have you.” I said looking down embarrassed. Jonathon’s going to think I’m some needy, clingy, winy, little girl. Great. Let’s just stamp loser across my forehead and call it day.

  “Thank you. I’ve been so worried that you don’t really need me.”

  “I need you more than anything.” I said surprised that he thought I didn’t need him and surprised at my own gall.

  “Good,” said Jonathon, “But don’t become to dependant on me I might not be able to be around all the time. Also, I might not be a good person.”

  “Why?” I asked out of curiosity not out of neediness but more for the fact that he said he wasn’t a good person.

  “Another time. Now is not the time for scary stories.”

  “Scary stories?” I asked confused.

  “Another time.” He repeated.

  What was Jonathon hiding from me? Why couldn’t he just come out and say what he was trying to say? Does he think I’m not trustworthy? Why does it bother me so much?

  “Ciao Luigi,” said Jonathon raising his right hand. I had a secure hold on his left. His hand felt cool and comforting in mine.

  “Ciao, Jonathon,” Luigi pointed at me, “Beautiful girl, don’t let her get away.”

  “I won’t,” said Jonathon. I blushed I have never been called beautiful before. Except by my family but they don’t count.

  We walked to the mustang hand in hand. I enjoyed holding Jonathon’s hand. But it was a weird sensation. As if our hands had been molded together to fit perfectly with one another.

  Jonathon held the passenger door open for me. I climbed in and he shut the door with a barely audible sound. As he walked around the car his short sleeve shirt road up and I noticed a tattoo on his chiseled lower stomach. It was like nothing I had ever seen before. The shape didn’t make any sense. It was just a bunch of swirling lines. Yet the mysterious symbol was mesmerizing and beautiful. But it also symbolized how little we really know each other.

  As Jonathon climbed in I said, “I didn’t know you have a tattoo.”

  “Oh, that.”
<
br />   “What is it?”

  “It’s a symbol that means the ‘possessor of fire.’”

  “That’s cool.” I said.

  He laughed.

  “What?” I asked.

  “You’re so cute when you’re puzzled.”

  “Thanks Jonathon.” I said sticking my tongue out at him.

  “Don’t be like that.”

  “But you’re laughing at me.”

  “Well if you weren’t so funny I wouldn’t have to laugh.” He flashed a brilliant smile at me. His teeth were so unusually white and pointy. They sparkled with an intensity I would compare to the sun.

  “We’re going to make a quick pit stop before we start exploring.” Jonathon said.

  “Okay.” I said not expecting anything cool or fun. But as long as Jonathon was with me I knew it would be interesting.

  Chapter Six: Rome

  We pulled into a lot where Jonathon had to get out and unlock the gate. I watched as he walked to the gate pulling a key out of his pocket. He unlocked it so fast his hand and the key were a blur. The gate swung open and Jonathon jogged back to the car. He pulled through and we were greeted by rows and rows of cars.

  “Wow,” I said.

  “My family has a thing for cars,” Jonathon said. All I could do was stare.

  There were more cars than a car lot possessed. American, European, Japanese, every country was represented in this lot. Cars from 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. I noticed one car that stood out. It was a sports car that had to be custom made. I’d never seen anything like it. My eyes traveled to more rows of cars and even motorcycles. I walked over to one motorcycle and ran my hand along the seat. It was a deep purple with orange, red, and yellow flames. There were curling silver pipes on both sides. It had a sporty build to it.

  I heard Jonathon laugh and it snapped me back to reality.

  “You like cars?” He asked.

  “Only unique ones.” I answered still staring at the bike.

  “You don’t strike me as someone that would like cars.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked him.

  “You look like a girl that’s more into music and parties.” He said shrugging his shoulders his hands in his pockets.

  “I have two older brothers and they’re the ones that got me interested in cars. After all it’s kind of hard to get your older brothers to play Barbie dolls with you. And I’ve never really liked parties anyway.”

  “I have an older brother and a younger sister.”

  “Yeah? My brothers are twins. They’re both sophomores at Yale. Adam and Aiden have always loved cars. So, I guess I do too. The three of us used to fix up old cars and test drive new ones. It’s something we could all do without fighting.” I laughed remembering how we would just hang out in the garage for hours.

  “You miss them.” He observed.

  “Yeah. It was bad enough being so far away in California but now there is an entire ocean separating us.

  “You really love them.” He said.

  “Yep. They’ve never judged me like my parents. When I got wasted for the first and only time they snuck me in, stayed the entire night with me, and covered for me the next morning. They’ve always got my back.” I said suddenly missing my brothers more than ever.

  “I should call them and tell them about my mom.” I said.

  “That may be a good idea,” said Jonathon walking towards a long row of different colored vespas.

  Adam picked up on the second ring.

  “Kylie.” He spoke sounding worried. “Why haven’t you called?” He asked.

  “I’m sorry but I’ve been worried about mom. And then the other day I came home and she had tried to commit suicide. I’ve been so scared. But she’s fine now and she was released this morning.”

  “Kylie! Why didn’t you tell us? Is she going to be okay?” He asked panicking but trying to keep his voice calm for my benefit. They were always trying to protect me.

  “I think so.” I said in a small voice avoiding his first question. I hadn’t wanted to worry them. It was my turn to protect them.

  “Should Aiden and I come?” he asked. I could picture him pacing in his dorm room ruffling his hair.

  “I don’t think so. You guys have classes. If I need you I’ll call and tell you both to board a plane.” I said jokingly trying to lighten the somber conversation.

  “Okay. How’s Rome?” He asked and I think he could tell that I didn’t want to talk about mom anymore.

  “Different but beautiful.” I said looking over at Jonathon.

  “Have you met anybody?” He asked.

  I laughed. Brothers. “Yeah, I think so.”

  “Kylie, you slut.” He said jokingly.

  “Adam be nice.” I said. He laughed. I could hear Aiden in the background.

  “I have to go.” I said.

  “Love you Kylie. Don’t get into trouble.”

  “I’ll try not to. I love you Adam. Tell Aiden I love him too.”

  “I will.” He laughed.

  “Bye.” I said.

  “Bye Kylie.” He said as I hung up.

  I walked over to where Jonathon was standing. Still not entirely sure why we were here.

  “Why are we here?” I asked still thinking about the motorcycle.

  “Isn’t it obvious?”

  “Not really.” I said.

  “We’re getting a different car. Well, a vespa to be exact.”

  “Why can’t you drive your mustang?”

  “Kylie, if you really want to see Rome you don’t drive around in a mustang. You drive a vespa.”

  “I still don’t understand.” I said cradling my arms in a protective stance. The conversation with my brothers had frightened me. Things with my mom could have been a lot worse. She could be dead.

  “Okay. Riding a vespa around Rome is so exhilarating. The mustang is boring and won’t fit through most streets anyway. On the vespa you feel free and like you’re a part of Rome. As if you could melt into its ancient walls.” He said getting the faraway dreamy look to him.

  “I think I understand now. But it looks like it may rain later today.”

  “Trust me, it’s a perfect day and I guarantee you it won’t rain.”

  “What are you the weather man?” I asked not expecting an answer.

  “Something like that.” Jonathon whispered.

  He walked over to a security box and punched in the code. But the security box was more like a door than a box. When it opened there was row upon row of keys. I could only gap at it. Jonathon scanned the rows. One hand skimming the tops of keys the other on his chin. His index finger taping impatiently. He selected the key he wanted which was labeled red vespa. Jonathon walked back over to me twirling the key in his long, slender fingers.

  “We’ll need helmets.” He said more to himself than to me.

  “Helmets? You do know how to drive this thing don’t you?” I gulped. He laughed walking over to another security door.

  “Yes, I do know how to drive a vespa but if you don’t wear a helmet you’ll get a ticket from the police. Safety first.” He said tapping his head for emphasis.

  “Really?”

  “Yes, it’s happened to me twice. Most unfortunate.”

  He selected a black helmet and a silver helmet. He closed the door and engaged the security system.

  Jonathon handed me the silver helmet and I stared at it dumbfounded. Did I just place it on my head? Or buckle it? Was there even a buckle? I didn’t see one. Where was the instruction manual? I had worn a helmet before but this thing was beyond any normal human’s comprehension. Jonathon noticing my expression placed his helmet and the key on the black leather seat of the shiny red vespa. He took the helmet from my hands and placed it on my head. He pulled a strap out from some hidden compartment and buckled it to the other side.

  “Snug?” He asked slightly moving the helmet around my head.

  “Yeah, thanks.”

  “Good.” He said gr
abbing up his black helmet and placing it onto his head.

  There was a plastic screen on the helmet I could pull down. But since the weather was dull I didn’t think I would need it.

  Jonathon got on to the vespa straddling it.

  “Get on one leg at a time and hold onto my shirt.” He instructed.

  I rolled my eyes, “I’ve been on a motorcycle before. This is a whole lot smaller than that. I think I can manage,” I said.

  He laughed at my sarcasm.

  He pulled out slowly since he would have to get out and lock up. When we exited the garage Jonathon parked the vespa and instructed me to get off first. I did so and watched him get off and lock the gate. He got back on the vespa and then I did holding on tightly to his shirt. We zoomed down the drive and stopped for a taxi to go by. As soon as we stopped I cautiously reached one hand up and pulled down my visor. With the wind and the speed from the vespa I was going to need it to keep my eyes from watering. I placed my shaking hand back on Jonathon’s stomach holding on tightly to his shirt. I heard and felt him chuckle and then we were flying again.

  I didn’t know this little thing could go so fast.

  Beautiful, ancient buildings flew by. I wanted to paint the amazing scenes, to capture it in my own vision forever. The architecture was so unique and timeless, gargoyles and all. I hoped I would have time to study the buildings and architecture instead of only glimpsing them. I wanted to appreciate the timelessness.

  Riding on the back of the vespa was like a dream. Not only was I in a foreign country but I was with a gorgeous guy. I still didn’t believe Jonathon was real. It was so surreal, just the thought that someone like Jonathon would be interested in me gave me butterflies in my stomach.

  When we reached a stop light Jonathon turned his head to look at me. He smiled showing all of his elegant white teeth.

  “Having fun?” He asked me.

  “Yes.” I said still shaking.

  He laughed a big booming laugh not believing me. But I really was having fun.

  “We’re going to go to the Colosseum first.”

  “Okay.” I said.

  “Again with the one word answers.” He muttered chuckling.

  I really was excited to go to the Colosseum but I had butterflies in my stomach, caused by Jonathon. He still managed to make me nervous. Even though we’ve been together a couple of days I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to get used to his presence. That is if he sticks around in my life. The fear of losing Jonathon was still strong in my mind. He’s helped me so much I didn’t know what I would do without him. He was my savior.