C L A I R E

Studying in New York was the biggest decision I made.

It had been months since I left the country and Sam and I were still in contact. Benedict didn't really seem to like the idea and Sam couldn't really tell how he had figured out that I left — considering that she didn't even say a word to him.

Sam figured that Benedict probably got curious and saw the messages pop up on her phone's lock screen, which was a huge possibility since she leaves her phone and never really bring it with her at all times. I almost wanted to remind her that every time.

As my gaze remained focused on my phone, I heard a familiar voice calling me. Right now, I wasn't in New York. I had already graduated and Sierra and I had gotten close ever since we studied throughout the whole semester.

It was finally our vacation in Europe. It was a gift for us for doing great in our studies. All the hard work paid off, I guess.

"Claire? Are you there? " my roommate asked while I was sitting on my bed, waiting for Sam to call. She then came into the room ---holding a pocketbook in her hand. Her hair was still wet since she took a bath earlier but right now, she was wearing a white off-shoulder blouse and black ripped jeans. Of course, she loved boots so she decided to wear them.

"Ah, yes. Sorry if I took a long time," I answered as I saw her looking at my phone before nodding. I'm guessing she knew that it was about my best friend. I saw her shaking her head before sitting right next to me.

I could see Sierra smiling at me before she sat down and gave me a paper bag that had Mcdonald's on it.

When she noticed that I wasn't taking it from her hands, she put the food there on the desk before she sat down on one of the seats in the room.

If you ask me how close Sierra and I are right now, my answer is that our bond is just like Sam's. Turns out, she didn't want to go back. She was more comfortable in New York. And now, we're just crossing off things from our bucket list in traveling to Rome.

Well, at first, I was quite worried since I don't really speak the language. Though, Sierra reassured me, telling me that she knows enough and that we won't get lost. She knows very well how to speak French because her brother taught her when she was young. Well, that's what she told me.

That's what she told me.

When I saw her holding the pocketbook that I had during my trip, I decided to ask her, "So, how about the book I gave you? Is it beautiful?"

"Yes. It's quite beautiful. The plot is good and consistent." Sierra noticed the look I had on the book so she answered and closed it at the same time –- placing the book next to the food.

"Anyway, since we're going to travel a bit in Rome, Sierra, have you ever been to the Cathedral? " I asked as Sierra nodded at me.

"Yes, I have been there several times. Why did you ask? " Sierra replied while I immediately smiled.

Actually, it was one of the things listed on my bucket list. To be honest, my mother and father's meeting place was there. They first met at that church when they were on vacation and eventually got together. My mother would always say that maybe fate brought them together there on that particular spot. That they were destined to meet each other.

When I explained that to her, she thought of it for a moment before she agreed.

"Sure. Let's go now. " I raised my eyebrow at this. Immediately? I just said I wanted to go. I didn't say right at this moment though.

I got up immediately when she took his key to our room and looked at me. I immediately looked at my phone and looked at her again. Isn't it too early?

"Immediately?" I asked again and she raised an eyebrow.

"The earlier, the better. It's much easy to travel from one spot to another if we go early." When I chuckled, her expression changed and I could see on her face that she was not kidding. It took me a moment before I realized what she was talking about.

Oh right, we have more locations to visit. We only have almost a week to visit them all.

Nodding, I took my bag and left our room with her walking ahead. Well, Sam, I guess you can wait.

"Okay then, let's go." I smiled before running to follow her. 

Though, I didn't notice that my phone had already gotten a message. And it was from someone that I didn't expect to hear from again. I really thought that I had finally forgotten about him.

But, I guess my heart didn't.

When we were finally at the elevator, there I finally saw the text he left.

Ethan | 08:16 AM

I didn't know you left.

Ethan | 08:16 AM

Benedict told me.

Ethan | 08:17 AM

I'm sorry for not contacting you for almost a year.

I paid no mind and decided to leave his message. This was for the best. I'm doing this for myself. Sierra and I are already here in Rome anyway. So, it's for the best to leave the problems behind.

"Is there something wrong?" Sierra asked me once we were inside. Looking at the reflection I had on the phone, I forced a smile when I finally returned my gaze to her.

"No, everything's fine. Let's go." I decided to walk ahead of her this time, hearing the elevator doors open. I didn't want to bring up the past, especially not this.

Hopefully, the cathedral would take my mind off this. 

• • •

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I will unpublish this after the manuscript is fixed and will be republished after a few minor edits. Just a few more chapters left before the end. Thank you!