Karissa plane landed in Rome she wore fashionable clothes. She sighed it's good thing she lied to her family that she was going to Beijing but actually she was going to Rome she was so excited she jumped up and down this is so exciting ahh she jump in the air and she grabbed her suitcases.
"Ahhhh! Bestie!" A guy shouted this was Luke Taylor her gay best friend.
"Ahhh fucking asshole!" Karissa shouted as she ran straight toward Luke who picked her up and spun her around.
"You are so freaking innocent!"
"Yes I am hehehe who cares anyway we will be going to the same university," Karissa said.
Karissa giggled, a genuine, unrestrained sound that bubbled up from somewhere deep inside her. She loved Luke's energy; it was a welcome contrast to the quiet uncertainty that often clouded her thoughts. The feeling of not knowing who she was, where she belonged, it was a constant hum beneath the surface of her life. But with Luke, she could almost forget.
As Luke set her down, Karissa smoothed down her ripped jeans and adjusted the oversized hoodie she wore. It was comfortable, familiar – a small anchor in a sea of the unknown. She felt a flicker of something – a memory trying to surface – as she glanced at the bustling Roman street outside the airport. A flash of cobblestone, the scent of espresso… then it vanished like smoke.
"So," Luke said, clapping his hands together with theatrical flair.
"First things first! I want to eat! Also since you are a year older then me so what is University of Bologna like? Sigh I don't know what I want to study, I lied to my parents I am going to Tokyo University but I am not," Karissa said.
Karissa's hazelgreen eyes sparkled with amusement as she listened to Luke. A warmth spread through her chest, a comfortable feeling of ease she rarely experienced. The brief flash of memory – the cobblestone, the espresso – tugged at her again, but she quickly pushed it aside. Dwelling on the past only brought confusion and a dull ache in her temples.
She nibbled on her lip, considering her options.
"University of Bologna, huh? Sounds… fancy," she said, tilting her head.
"What's it like? Is it full of stuffy professors and ancient books? I don't think I'd last a week in a place like that." A playful frown creased her brow.
"Though, I guess I should probably figure out what I want to study first. Everything feels so… random. But sadly I didn't apply in any universities in Italy, but it's okay, I have my way, Luke can you take me to University of Bologna?" Karissa said.
Luke grinned, clearly enjoying her playful uncertainty.
"Don't worry, darling, Bologna is surprisingly lively! It's got a great student vibe, lots of cafes, and the architecture is stunning. Think Renaissance meets… well, a lot of students having a good time." He paused dramatically.
"And as for your studies? Don't stress! We'll figure it out together. You're brilliant, Karissa, you'll excel at whatever you put your mind to."
He reached into his backpack and pulled out a small, intricately carved wooden box.
"Speaking of figuring things out," he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"I brought you something." He opened the box to reveal a delicate silver necklace with a single, teardropshaped emerald pendant.
Karissa gasped softly, her fingers instinctively reaching out to touch the cool metal. Luke was actually an heir to a Taylor mafia gang but he would never tell his best friend this who doesn't want anything to do with the crime world.
"My goodness must cost you a fortune tell me how much I will pay you, I know you are poor," Karissa said. Luke laughed but shook his head the first time he meant Karissa was in New York City where she lived, at the time he was being chased by enemies and was on drugs, but she helped him and also told him in life there is more then blood shade. Karissa is someone who sees good in people but also knows what's right from wrong because of that he went to NYU for two years and both became best friend while she was still in high school. When she told him she wants to run away and go to Rome and go to college in Rome he transferred schooled and went to Rome. It's lead to here no matter what Karissa, your best friend will protect you.
"Luke what are you spacing out for," Karissa asked.
Luke's smile faltered slightly as Karissa inquired about the necklace's price. A shadow crossed his face, a flicker of the life he kept carefully hidden. He quickly banished it, forcing a laugh.
"Don't be ridiculous! It's a gift, Karissa. Consider it a welcometoRome present." He insisted, his voice laced with a warmth that belied the underlying tension. The memories of New York City, the desperation, the drugs... they were buried deep, but they resurfaced occasionally, a stark reminder of how fragile things could be. He wouldn't let anything happen to her, not again.
He shook his head to clear his thoughts and focused on her question.
"Sorry I was spacing out I was thinking about what we should eat first," he said with a sheepish grin. Karissa didn't push it she drink her tea.
"Kass, you love tea?"
"Mmm I love Boba tea, sweet ice tea, hot cocoa, and sweet coffee," Karissa said as she yawned and she licked her lips after she finished her cookies.
Luke chuckled, observing Karissa with a fond expression. Her simple pleasures, her unapologetic indulgence – it was endearing. He noticed the way she yawned, a hint of exhaustion in her eyes despite the excitement of arriving in Rome.
"Well, then let's find the best boba tea place in Bologna! I've heard there's this little shop near the university that makes incredible creations," Luke said, already pulling out his phone to search for directions. "But first… food! I'm starving. Pizza? Pasta? Gelato?" He gestured expansively, his eyes sparkling with playful anticipation.
He glanced at Karissa, noticing the slight tremor in her hands as she held her teacup. A wave of concern washed over him. She seemed so fragile sometimes, like a delicate porcelain doll that could shatter with the slightest touch.
"How far is the drive from Rome to Bologna City?" Karissa asked as she stretched out her arms and legs.
Luke's playful demeanor softened as he observed Karissa's tremor. He quickly tucked away his enthusiasm, his attention shifting to her wellbeing. He noticed the way she stretched, a subtle attempt to ease the tension in her body.
"About a fourhour drive, give or take," he replied, his voice gentler now. He pocketed his phone and reached out, tentatively placing a hand on her arm. It was a brief, reassuring touch, a silent offer of support.
"Are you alright, Karissa? You seem a little… tired." He tilted his head, studying her face with concern.
"We can always stop somewhere along the way if you need to rest."
"You drive, I sleep!" Karissa said as she jumped inside the passenger seat and she closed her eyes and fall asleep right away.
An hour later they stopped at a small diner.
"What does that say?" Karissa asked.