The morning sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow across the room. June, filled with energy and excitement, couldn't wait to start the day.
June: (enthusiastically) "Rise and shine, little Stuart!" She pulled the curtain away to wake Amelia up.
Amelia: (stretching and smiling) "Good morning, June."
Amelia's hazel eyes sparkled as they met the sunlight.
June: "Good morning, Amy. Did you sleep well?"
Amelia: "Better than ever, thanks to you, girlfriend." She smiled. "Mmm, what's cooking? This smell is making me hungry."
June: "Get up, take a shower. I'm making cheese omelets for breakfast, your favorite." She added with a mischievous grin, "And wait..."
June went to Amelia's closet and pulled out a beautiful vintage white frock, presenting it to Amelia.
Amelia: (laughs) "Thank you, June. You don't have to do this much for me; you're spoiling me."
June: "It's because you're mine, girlfriend." She said it with a mock manly voice.
Amelia: (laughs even harder) "You're crazy, June."
Amelia went to take a shower, feeling grateful for her friend's presence in her life. After her shower, she wore the dress that June had chosen for her. Her red wavy hair looked ethereal with the white dress, and she completed the look with a cute floral bandana on her head, adding to her heavenly beauty.
June: "Oh my goodness, you're looking gorgeous, Amy. I can't take my eyes off you."
Amelia: "Thank you, June. You're also looking so beautiful."
June was dressed in a blue floral frock, her black hair neatly braided, and she exuded charm and elegance.
June: "Thank you, Amy. Well, breakfast is served, ma'am. Please come to the table." She said it in a playful, royal manner.
June served their favorite cheese omelets with fresh orange juice.
June: "Enjoy your breakfast, madame." She playfully continued in a queenly voice.
Amelia: (laughing) "So, what are we going to do after breakfast? The exhibition is at 2 PM, and it's currently 10 AM."
June: "Well, we'll go shopping first and then have some lunch together. After that, we'll head to the exhibition."
Amelia: "Sounds like a plan."
With breakfast finished, Amelia and June set out for a fun day of shopping, their laughter and excitement filling the air as they looked forward to a day filled with new experiences and shared adventures.
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On November 8, 2002, the day of the art exhibition, Lucas's alarm clock rudely interrupted the peace of their hotel room at precisely 12 PM. He groaned and reached for his phone, realizing they were running out of time.
Lucas: (frustrated) "Agh, damn it! The exhibition is in two hours. Gioele, wake up! We have just two hours to get ready and grab some breakfast. Hurry up!"
Gioele, in his half-asleep state, let out a reluctant and grumbling response.
Gioele: (half-asleep and annoyed) "Ugh, man, just five more minutes…"
Lucas: (exasperated) "See, I told you not to get drunk last night. Now you can't even wake up. We were supposed to get up early, but look at us. Just get up, you dead man."
Gioele: (mumbling) "Mhmm, shut up."
Lucas decided he couldn't wait any longer. He practically threw the covers off Gioele and pushed him out of bed.
Lucas: "Go take a shower. We don't have time, and I'm starving."
Gioele grumbled his way into the bathroom. Frustrated and tired, he took a quick shower and emerged looking more awake but still disgruntled. He put on a sharp suit and paired it with nice jeans. His hair was tied up in a man bun, making him look like something out of a dream. His eyes were like arrows, capable of piercing hearts.
Lucas, who had been ready and waiting, couldn't resist one last playful comment.
Lucas: "Get out, princess. I'm ready. Let's go for breakfast."
Lucas looked amazing in his polished polo shirt and khakis.
Gioele: "Shut up, Cinderella! I'm also ready. I'm badly in need of coffee. Let's go."
Lucas whispered in his usual mischievous manner as they left the room.
They decided to grab breakfast at Starbucks since they had missed the hotel's breakfast, courtesy of their late-night escapades. As they entered the café, a friendly waitress greeted them.
Waitress: "Good afternoon, gentlemen. What would you like to order?"
Lucas couldn't resist his natural flirtatious tendencies.
Lucas: (smiling) "I'll have a beautiful and delicious sandwich, just like you."
The waitress, equally friendly, smiled back.
Waitress: (smiling) "Okay, sir, I'll take that as a compliment. And for you, sir?"
Lucas continued with his playful banter.
Lucas: "You should. Can I have a hot espresso, just like you?"
Gioele, always one to tease his friend, couldn't resist joining in.
Gioele: (teasing) "My god, you never miss a chance to flirt, bruh. Just shut up and let me order. I'll have a cappuccino and a sandwich, please. Thank you."
The waitress noted down their orders.
Waitress: "Okay, sir, thank you for your order. It'll take about 5 minutes. Have a nice day."
Lucas, never one to let an opportunity pass, checked out the waitress once more.
Lucas: (checking out the waitress) "Isn't she pretty?"
Gioele couldn't help but tease his friend yet again.
Gioele: (teasing) "Seems like you have another crush. But don't worry, this one's got a pretty nose."
Lucas, annoyed, couldn't resist a last playful comment.
Lucas: (annoyed) "Stop it. Just shut up. We have an hour left for the exhibition, and we have to hurry up with breakfast."
Their food arrived promptly, served by the cheerful waitress.
Waitress: "Here you go, gentlemen. Enjoy your brunch, and I hope you have a good day. Let me know if you need anything."
Gioele, being polite, thanked her.
Gioele: "You too. Thank you."
Lucas, unable to resist his playful nature, seized the moment.
Lucas: "Actually, I do need something."
Waitress: (interested) "What is it, sir?"
Lucas: (smirking) "Can I get your number? You're pretty."
Gioele, wanting to keep things moving, swiftly kicked Lucas under the table and added hastily:
Gioele: "Never mind, have a good day. Thank you."
The waitress, amused by the exchange, laughed cutely.
Waitress: "You're welcome."
Gioele reminded Lucas to stay focused on the time.
Gioele: "We don't have time. Just eat your food."
Lucas, still in a playful mood, couldn't resist one last comment.
Lucas: (laughing) "You're so boring, and I was just joking."
After their quick brunch, Lucas and Gioele rushed to the exhibition, relieved that they had made it on time.
Lucas: "I can't believe we made it on time."
Gioele: "Yeah, finally. Let's go in, then."
Lucas and Gioele, looking dapper and refreshed after their Starbucks breakfast, walked confidently into the art exhibition. As they stepped into the gallery, they couldn't help but notice the curious glances and whispers from the other attendees.
Gioele leaned in and whispered to Lucas, "Lucas, why do you think everyone's staring at us? Did we overdress for this?"
Lucas flashed a charming smile and replied, "Gioele, my friend, we didn't overdress. We're simply adding a touch of sophistication to this event. People are just admiring our style."
Gioele chuckled, feeling more at ease with Lucas's reassurance. "Well, as long as we're not breaking any art gallery dress codes, I guess we're good."
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June: Exhibition is about to start; we should enter.
They entered, and the atmosphere was cozy and amazing inside. It was Amelia's first time going to an exhibition, and she was amazed by the view. She couldn't explain how happy she was to be there.
Amelia: It's so amazing; I'm loving everything here. Hey, let's go there; it's a Van Gogh art piece, my favorite.
June: Yeah, yeah, let's go. I don't know much about artists.
Amelia: I'll tell you about them; let's go.
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Gioele was admiring the art of different artists and said to Lucas.
Gioele: Bruh, these artists are so underrated; they really need some finishing touches. (Laughs)
Lucas: Yeah, look who's talking, the one who's too shy to show his art to the world. (Teasing Gioele, laughs)
Gioele: Well, if I'm shy, then what are you? You had a chance to talk to your crush, but you didn't. (Laughs)
Lucas: Okay, stop, bruh. (Laughs) I just didn't talk to her because my crush vanished when I had a close look at her nose. She really needs rhinoplasty, by god. (Laughs)
Gioele: Nice cover-up, Lucas. (Laughs) I think you should have told her that day that she needs to get a nose job done. (Laughs) Oh, poor Lucas. By the way, she resembles one of these Picasso paintings. That waitress was good for you. (Laughs)
Lucas: Okay, shut up now. (Laughs) I'll get her number, don't worry
As they perused the artwork, they found themselves drawn to a captivating painting of a vibrant cityscape. Gioele pointed at it and said, "Lucas, look at that painting. It reminds me of our trip to New York last year."
Lucas nodded, his eyes fixed on the masterpiece. "You're right, Gioele. Those were some unforgettable moments. Remember that rooftop bar with the stunning view of the city?"
Gioele grinned, reminiscing. "Oh, I remember. We had the best time that night. But today, let's focus on the art."
They continued to explore the exhibition, discussing their favorite pieces and sharing their interpretations of the artwork. Gioele was surprised by how engaging and thought-provoking some of the pieces were.
Lucas gestured toward a surrealistic sculpture and said, "Gioele, check this out. It's like something out of a dream."
Gioele examined the sculpture, appreciating its intricate details. "It's incredible how artists can capture the essence of imagination and creativity in their work."
As they immersed themselves in the world of art, Lucas couldn't resist a playful comment. "You know, Gioele, I've seen more beautiful art today than I've seen beautiful women."
Gioele rolled his eyes and teased, "Lucas, you can't flirt with every woman or artwork we come across."
Lucas chuckled. "You're right, Gioele. I guess I got carried away earlier. But art has a way of making me appreciate beauty in all its forms.
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June: (whispering) Psst, psst, Amelia, hey, Amelia...
Amelia: (waking up) What?
June: Look at those two pieces of art, my God.
Amelia: What? Where?
June: Those two handsome guys standing beside the wall. They look like some dreamy men. Oh my my, what an exhibition. I've got to see.
Amelia: Come on, June, we're here to see the exhibition, not some stupid boys.
June: Amelia, you're so boring, and they're not stupid. Just look at them, how handsome they are. Let's go talk to them.
Amelia: Yes, I am boring, and we are not talking to anyone.
June: Look, look! Hey, they're looking at us. Of course, they're gonna stare because they're wondering why this room filled up with extra warmth, duhhh! Guys, we just stepped into this exhibition. (Laughs)
Amelia: June, you're so unfunny. (Laughs cutely)
June: (flirtatiously) I'm going to talk to the one wearing khakis.
Amelia: Stop, June. (Amelia held June's hand and took her away from that side while June kept her eyes on the boy wearing khakis).
_______________________________________________________________________________
As Gioele and Lucas continued to admire the art and playfully make fun of each other, Gioele's attention was suddenly captured by the sight of a red-headed girl standing at a distance.
Gioele: (whispering to himself) Wait, what? Incredible...
Lucas: (noticing Gioele's sudden change in demeanor) Hey, are you okay? Why are you acting so weird and looking around like that?
Gioele: (still focused on the red-headed girl) There was a girl here with red hair. Didn't you see her?
Lucas: (grinning) Come on, I didn't notice any girl with red hair. You're being delusional, you shy artist. (Laughs)
Gioele: (annoyed) Shut up, you jerk.
Gioele couldn't shake the feeling that he had indeed seen a girl with striking red hair. He scanned the area once more, hoping to catch another glimpse of her, but she had disappeared. Despite not knowing anything about her, Gioele felt an inexplicable connection to that girl.
As the day went on, Gioele and Lucas continued to have fun together, and Gioele felt a sense of relief and gratitude toward Lucas for always being there to support him, especially during the difficult times following his parents' tragic death
______________________________________________________________________________
Amelia's birthday had indeed turned into a memorable and joyful celebration, thanks to her best friend June. As they left the exhibition, their hearts were filled with happiness, but there was also a touch of sadness in the air.
Amelia: (with a hint of melancholy) I loved this exhibition, June. Thank you so much. I had the best birthday of my life.
June: (smiling warmly) You're welcome, Amelia. I'm glad you enjoyed it. But, you know, I'm going to miss all of this when you go to Italy to be with your foster parents.
Amelia's expression turned wistful as she thought about leaving her hometown, her best friend, and all the familiar places behind. She knew that this was a significant change in her life, and it was bittersweet.
Amelia: (sighs) Yeah, June, me too. I'm going to miss you so much.
Despite the sadness that loomed over them, the two friends continued to walk through the exhibition hall, reliving the moments they had shared that day. Amelia was grateful for the unforgettable birthday celebration that June had orchestrated, and she cherished every moment spent with her best friend.
As they exited the exhibition and stepped back out into the bustling city streets, they knew that life was about to take them in different directions. But their bond remained unbreakable, and they vowed to stay in touch, no matter how many miles separated them
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As the day at the exhibition drew to a close, Gioele and Lucas knew that it was time to head back to their home town in Italy. The sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the city as they made their way to the airport.
Lucas: (stretching his arms) Well, Gioele, it's been quite an adventure, hasn't it?
Gioele: (smiling) You're right, Lucas. I really needed this break, and I couldn't have asked for a better friend to share it with.
The two friends had indeed made the most of their trip to California, creating memories that would last a lifetime. They had explored the vibrant city, enjoyed the art exhibition, and shared plenty of laughter and inside jokes along the way.
At the airport, they checked in for their night flight back to Italy. The terminal was bustling with travelers, each with their own stories and destinations.
Lucas: (looking around) It's always a bit bittersweet to leave a place, isn't it?
Gioele: (nodding) Yeah, it is. But hey, we've got our own adventures waiting for us back home.
They settled into their seats on the plane, reminiscing about their time in California. The flight back home would be long, but it was a journey they looked forward to.
Back in Italy, they would resume their daily lives, and Gioele would continue to manage his family's business while pursuing his passion for art. Lucas, always the supportive friend, would be right there by his side.
The plane's engines roared to life as it taxied down the runway, ready to carry them back to their hometown. With a mix of nostalgia and excitement for the future, Gioele and Lucas began their journey home
___________________________________________________________________
Upon returning to his hometown in Italy, Gioele felt a sudden wave of melancholy wash over him as he entered his once lively family home, now empty and devoid of the warmth and laughter that had once filled it. The memories of his parents came rushing back, and he missed them more than ever.
Gioele: (whispering to himself) I wish you were here, Mom and Dad. I miss you both so much.
Despite the initial sadness, Gioele knew he had responsibilities to fulfill. He took charge of his father's business, stepping into the role that had once belonged to his beloved parent. With time, he learned the ropes of the business world, inheriting his father's wisdom and determination.
Years passed, and Gioele successfully managed the family business. He had become a respected businessman in his own right, just like his father had been. His elegant mansion in the middle of the forest, which he had inherited, now stood as a testament to the legacy of the Vader family.
Though the loss of his parents still tugged at his heart, Gioele found solace in his work and his passion for art. His beautiful Lippizan horse, Comet, remained his loyal companion, and they continued to win horse riding marathons together.
Through the ups and downs, Gioele knew that his parents' love and guidance would always be with him, driving him to succeed in both his personal and professional life. And as the years went by, he honored their memory by living life to the fullest and cherishing the moments he had with his best friend, Lucas, who had stood by him through thick and thin.