Chapter 59 A month in Rome

Chapter 59 A month in Rome
NOVA'S POV

"So you're telling me that the same person who spent a full week learning to swirl a cone icecream is the heir to the richest man in italy?"

"Second richest. Vescovi is the richest."

Mona laughs and so do the rest of my coworkers.

The shop is closed today so I was invited for brunch.

I figured I might as well them if I am going to be here for a while. 

I already lied once and that cost me a lot more than the lie.

That's why I'm here. 

To make things right.

"why are you in Rome then? Got bored with the castle?

"No. I felt trapped in it..so I left."

"By leave you mean not showing up to the alter? Damn that's cold, No Cone." Another one says reminding me of the ridiculous nickname I got on the thrid day of training.

My scooped orders kept falling off the cones and I was just lucky the manager is understanding.

"Got bored with him too?"

I scoff.

"I've only ever loved one person." They lean forward. "but she's the one person I have to fight destiny for."

I watch the range of expressions.

"she?"

"Yes. I thought it was obvious."

Mona slams the table.

"You owe me two tickets to that fancy beach party, Ignacio." She says confidently.

Did they place a bet on my sexuality?

I mean I don't know whether to be offended or glad that I don't have to state the obvious.

I take a sip of my passion mojito mocktail.

Maybe I should hold off on drinking for a while.

I don't want to numb any feelings right now.

That's how I wound up around Rafael and the rest of kids who felt like punishment to be given responsibility.

Looking at it now I don't even know how I did it...drank my life away and partied without a care in the world.

But maybe its because I hadn't really gotten to know Sofia. 

A girl so ambitious that her last name was the least thing about her.

Today marks a full month sisnce I came here.

Since I realised that there was a whole life I hadn't allowed myself to hope for.

I haven't touched mom's money.

Or my money.

Because having 500euros to my name every week feels more realistic.

I skipped graduation. 

After secretly working hard on the business course.

I just want to have something of my own.

Something dad can't turn into his moment as a parent.

I check my watch as they keep talking.

I have a hair apointment.

I leave my share of the bill and start walking out of the place.

Mona catches up to me.

I really thought she'd find me irritating because I turned down a lot of invitations from her just to cover extra shifts.

Not because I needed the money but because it hurt less to be distracted by work.

"I thought I'd tag along...make sure you're not having a manic episode."

I laugh as we get out of the restaurant.

I'm fine. Heartbroken but fine.

"I won't go bald."

She lets out a sigh of relief.

"good because I still need your hair routine." She says seriously.

I just wash it in the shower and thats it.

Maybe what she was looking for was the hair shampoo I grew up using.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah sure." I say running my hand through my hair.

"Did you come all this way for a girl you hurt or because you really wanted to? You're Nova Castiello. You could easily live as many lives as you want."

That settles.

I did think the first step of winning Sofia back was coming to Rome.

But mybe the first step all along was to be honest with myself.

Get to know myself without the privileges...and maybe then, I'd see what she saw in me all along.

She could have liked someone less complicated. 

Someone more transparent.

But instead she chose me..and I didn't know what to do with that.

Now I know...but I'm a month late. 

I look overe to Mona and answer simply.

"I came because I hadn't given myself a chance."

She nods in understanding.

We walk quietly to the hair salon I had seen on one of my even walks. 

I didn't know walking in a city where no one knows you would give you so much peace.

I settle in the seat looking at my reflection in te large mirrors.

"how much are we cutting today?"

"enough that I don't recognize the person that walked in here."

She smiles.

"What she means is up to shoulder level." Mona corrects abruptly.

Maybe she's right.

All these decisions I've made could be based on impulse...but I don't regret them.

By the time the hairdresser is done, the hairdresser is already asking for mode of payment.

I just chuckle.

"What do you think?"

She spins the chair so now I'm able to see my reflection again.

Half my hair is gone and all I feel is relieved.

Who knew "Lived-In Tousled Lob with Curtain Bangs' would look this good on me?

Dad would hate this look. 

It looks nothing like the five foot eleven, long haired daughter who smiled in all the public pictures.

Somehow I like this version better.

"I love it."

"uh youre welcome." Mona says dramatically taking a bow as I pay.

Outside she gets a call and her whole demeanor changes.

We walk down the street watching people shot glances in my direction.

Is the hairstyle that good?

Somehow we wind up at my apartment building just as her call ends.

"thank you for persistently inviting me to stuff."

"Because you insisted, you're coming to party after work."

"But I didn-"

"Bye Nova." She walks away before I can object.

Parties aren't things I like anymore.

I remember what happened to Sofia. 

And each time I do I feel a sudden rage for not being fast enough.

Its even worse that she might hate me a little more for being around someone who could do that without hesitation.

I hope she doesn't think that that was planned to get close to her.

In the apartment I hold my hair up with one of the hair clips I got on the tourist market. 

I thought she'd like the designs.

My journal is still on my bed. 

I take out the ring mom gave me insistng that I should have it. 

If anything I'm the last person to be trusted with something so... Important.

I start journaling on my day like I have been for the past month. Every little detail written down in this very journal. 

I had stopped writing on them.

It made easier for my dad to control me.

My phone vibrates for the first time since the day started.

I pick it up hurriedly.

Just a reminder.

To eat something.

Nothing from Sofia.

Then a thought crosses my mind.

To send her the journal along with the ring.

Maybe hold on to them until I can make things right all together.

A promise ring for the girl I let get away because I was selfish.

And my journal because then she'd realise how different I am.

I don't need her to accept my apology and take me back.

I just...want her to know that I've changed. 

I cook my own food now.

I work an ordinary job that I like.

And I've spent my time learning stuff about myself that ddnt include basketball or my family business.

Just that I like baking.

And I hate the smell of raw fish.

I might have been shallow then but I think I'm worthy of her presence by now.

I did something so horrible that I can never come back from...but I've also learnt so much.

I just hate that my freedom came at the cost of her health due to my actions.

When I'm done writing I tuck the journal away along with the ring. 

I'll look up her home adress and send it there.