Fallen (Fallen 1)

We bumped along on the road. The road was so narrow only one car would have been able to drive down or up it at one time. Seeing as it was enclosed on both sides by rose bushes. The scent was heavenly. I inhaled it greedily like a starved child. I could see an opening not too far ahead. I tried to contain my excitement.

It had been such a miracle getting to know Jonathon. Here I was dreading, moving to Rome and now it’s the best thing that has ever happened to me. The world works in mysterious ways.

The vespa slowed to a stop. I looked around and all I could see was flowers.

“Wow.” I whispered.

“I know,” said Jonathon unbuckling my helmet.

I had never seen anything to beautiful.

“Are we still in Rome?” I asked.

“No. We’re just outside the city. No one knows about this place but me. It’s hidden so it’s my favorite place to be. I can come here and think about things and not be interrupted by the sounds of traffic or any type of civilization. I lose track of time when I’m here. It’s like my own little world. There’s

just me and no one else.” He said with a faraway look in his eyes.

“I know what you mean. It’s nice to just pretend that you’re the only person in the world.”

“You really understand me, Kylie. And now standing here next to you, I no longer want to be here by myself. I want to be here with you.”

“Really?” I asked astonished.

“Yes. I’ve never told anyone about this place. Much less showed them. There’s something about you that I can’t resist. I really like you Kylie. Not some middle school crush kind of like. I like you as more than a friend.” He said looking down at me. He appeared to be blushing. However, I could see no change in his pale complexion.

I stood dumbfounded. Jonathon can’t resist me? Back home no one ever talked to me. I was the dork. The weird girl with the good address. Now, here’s this gorgeous guy telling me he likes me. Really likes me. Is the world coming to an end?

“I think I like you too.” I said softly before I could talk myself out of it.

He looked back up at me. His eyes searing into mine. “I might not be who you think I am” He said jokingly. But there was something serious and a look of worry in his eyes.

“I’ll take my chances.” I said seriously, even though I was still a little muffled about his statement and expression.

“Okay,” He said grabbing my hand. “Let’s see the garden.” He finished.

Immediately I heard the sound of trickling water.

As we turned I could see an entire stone fountain going down both the left and right side. Water poured out of the wall into a basin. Instead of water coming from only one spot, every three feet there was spot water poured from. And so on. Roses were trying to overtake the stone. But it was beautiful.

Jonathon led me to a stone bench where we sat down. He continued to hold my hand.

“What is this place?” I asked looking around at all the spectacular flowers, so peaceful.

“A garden.” He said matter of fact.

“Well, that’s kind of obvious. Does it have a name?”

“No, but I call it Katherine’s garden.”

“Who’s Katherine?” I asked. Already picturing some beautiful ex-girlfriend of Jonathon’s.

“My mother.” He answered plain and simple, only two words. But he said those two words with so much passion and sorrow. I instantly felt awful.

“Oh.” I said stunned.

“She planted this entire garden. It’s rather large. I think its three acres. Give or take.” He said.

“It must’ve taken her a long time.”