The streets of Florence, Italy were full of tourists and locals. Despite the crowds, it was still one of the most beautiful places she had ever seen. Autumn continued walking through the streets, stopping by various vendors.
“What’s a beautiful woman doing out by herself?”
Autumn looked at the elderly Italian vendor and smiled. “I’m having a great time is what I’m doing.”
“And you should—Italy is the place to find yourself but it’s also pretty romantic.”
“That’s something I don’t need.”
Autumn paid for the bracelet and said goodbye to the man. She had been backpacking across Europe for almost 4 months. She took a year off from school and all the stress her life contained. She was finally happy, being on her own and discovering new things everyday. Before she came to Europe, she was a goal-orientated young woman in Miami. She had a stable and happy life…so she thought. When she graduated from high school, her boyfriend of 3 years broke up with her. He said he needed to make a fresh start. Until then, Autumn thought she had her whole life planned out, which included Will. After that things started to go downhill—her grades suffered and she didn’t make the transition into college too well. Although she did alright during her first year at Yale, it wasn’t her usual. With the blessings of her understanding parents, she decided to take her sophomore year off and find the fire that once burned inside her. Now 4 months later, she was feeling more stronger than ever. She had already been to England, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland. She was having the best time in her life but there was still something missing.
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I’m afraid I’m starting to feel
What I said I would not do
The last time really hurt me
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Autumn crossed the busy street and entered the small café. She got a cup of coffee, a croissant, and found a table in the corner. She pulled out her book from her tote and took a sip of coffee. Something distracted her from her reading—she looked up to see a group of about 10 girls gathered around in the other part of the café. Her curiosity got the better of her as Autumn strained to see what the commotion was all about. A few minutes later she watched as a big man smoothly broke up the crowd and dispersed the gitty girls. After they were gone Autumn was able to see the reason for it all. Three guys were sitting in the corner booth laughing and talking amongst eachother. Autumn thought they looked familiar but she couldn’t place them exactly. One of them had short curly brown hair and was pretty attractive; another had short blond spiked hair and a gorgeous smile; the third had dark hair and Autumn could see his stunning blue eyes from where she was sitting. After stopping herself from staring, she finished her small meal and got up to leave.
“Excuse me Miss, I think this is yours.”
Autumn turned around to see the blue-eyed babe holding out her recently purchased bracelet.
“Oh, thanks—I just bought this.”
“Well, I guess it’s a good thing I came along, huh?” he said smiling at her.
“Yeah, thanks again,” she said quickly and walked out the door.
JC was enamored with the beautiful stranger as her watched her walk down the street. Her penetrating green eyes said so much to him. Her brown hair blew gently in the wind as she walked.
“JC…JC…Yo JC!!”
JC turned around to see Justin yelling at him. “Sorry, what?”
“What’re you looking at?”
Justin looked past JC and knew at once what had caught his best-friend’s attention.
“Oh, I see,” he said with a smirk.
“What’re you talking about?”
“She’s gorgeous man. Did you get her number?”
“No…”
“Well, go on loverboy!” Justin said pushing JC, “we’ll see you back at the hotel.”
JC didn’t protest as he ran to catch up with the woman. He weaved through the hoards of people until he caught sight of his target. She was talking to a vendor on the side of the street. JC took a deep breath and casually strolled up to her.
“You must really like jewelry; don’t lose that one.”
Autumn turned and found herself staring into a familiar set of crystal blue eyes.
“What’re you following me now?” “I’m a tourist myself.”
“Well, it was nice seeing you again.”
Autumn paid the woman and walked away from JC. He once again caught up to her and began walking beside her.
“Now, what is it?” she said not slowing her pace.
“I just want to know your name.”
Autumn finally stopped and looked him the eyes. She sensed his senserity and felt it couldn’t hurt to be a little friendly as well.
“Autumn…my name is Autumn.”
“It’s a pleasure and I’m JC,” he said extending his hand. She accepted and shook his hand.
“You know my name, are you still going to follow me?” “Well, it looks like you know your way around so how about a mini tour.”
Autumn gave him a skeptical look.
“I promise I’m a nice guy and I’m only here for 2 more days…please.”
“Alright, let’s get started then,” she said smiling.
Autumn showed JC through most of Florence. He pretended to listen intently but the only thing he concentrated on was Autumn. She kinda noticed this and became a little nervous. At one point he brushed up against her shoulder and she thought she would explode. She would admit that he was very attractive but she stopped it there. There was no way she was going to let herself be in that vulnerable position again. But JC had other plans in mind.
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I’m scared to fall in love
Afraid to love so fast
‘Cause every time I fall in love
It seems to never last
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