Fallen (Fallen 1)

“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.