A Semester Abroad (35 page)

“There will be plenty of time for bonding,” Olivia said. I looked at the three of them, my friends who would be by my side in one way or another for the rest of my life. Olivia smiled at me. “Anyway, worse comes to worse, there’s always another train. Just. Have. Fun”

“It will clear up the sleep issue.” I pushed open both doors onto the terrace. I called down. “Gaetano.”

“
Dimmi,
” he said looking up. He was already smiling.

“
Vado con te.”
I will go with you.

“Allora, vieni,”
he said, smiling. Come.

Through the darkened city I ride with the man who is a true friend. What will happen between us in the future is not important. What we have is now. I am almost twenty-one. I am as young as I will never be again. I know this and appreciate it. My youth is mine to treasure. I close my eyes and tilt my head as the man driving the
vespa
goes up one of the hills in a city I think of as home. Tomorrow I will leave for the first stop on a voyage that will have many stops. But before that he is driving me through the night to his room.

My name is the same but accented differently now, and I answer to other names depending on who is calling. I am no longer running away. I love this beautiful medieval solace of a city.

My past is behind me, my future ahead. Nothing has changed. Nothing has disappeared. I might still see ghosts lingering against the tall reddish buildings. I might never be rid of all my ghosts but tonight that is quite all right. Because I am here.

The man on the
vespa
drives through the city. He stops at the gate of the monastery, turns off the
vespa
. He’s moving in slow motion. I touch his cheek.

“Don’t be sad,” I say. “It’s only a month.”

“I know,” he says, he looks away. Then he looks back at me with shining gray eyes. “But will you come back?”

“
Pazzo
,” I say, kissing his lips. “Of course.”

I make no other promises about the future because I do not know what train my life will take. But if I am able, if I can find a way, I will always return to Italy.

Basta cosi.

Grazie

Like some of the characters in this book, I believe you don’t
need
to say thank you to your friends. I also know that sometimes a little acknowledgement is nice.

To my dear group of girlfriends: for inspiring my characters, supporting my endeavors, checking in and the constant cheerleading you all do so well.

To Kelly Blair: As always, yet as never before, you put your heart into this one. What Celine says is true. I just hope to tell you in the perfect smelling spot some day.

To Kristy Leissle: For late night DR sessions, reminding me that fun is NOT an intervention and informing every character since the D-evolution.

To Lynn Messina: For returning my constant volley of emails with your own strong serves, for emergency cheese and for being a dynamo.

To Karen Oh: For making my online life prettier and my real life MEATIER. Bronche!

To Corby and Lundgren: For photographing, calming and summer of funning.

To Aunt Anita: For all your thoughtful gifts.

To my dad, Rocco Papa: For surviving a very different trip when you were “barely twenty” with your spirit intact.

To YOU: For supporting this independent author.

And “credits” to my team at Papa Mike Publishing HQ. From the mascot who teaches me about the finer things in life to the intern and junior associate who respect when the day is done and it’s time to punch out so we can really get to work. But most of all thanks to the editor-at-large who not only encourages me to go beyond the red rooftops, but helps me find ways of getting there.