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Chapter 6 - The journey begins

Present Day

Italy, Rome

February 1, 2008

Monday;

the bustling streets of Rome on a crisp Monday morning. It was precisely 6 a.m., and the city was just beginning to stir from its slumber.

Gioele im so glad i met u....,

Gioele.. i feel so lucky to have you , you are the only puzzle that completes me .....

red head girl (whispering): "I feel like I'm living a dream, being here with you." ....

Gioele (tenderly): "It is a dream, and I never want it to end."

Their fingers brushed against each other, igniting a spark that made them both acutely aware of their growing connection Their lips about to met in a kiss suddenly a voice starteld

gioele? gioele?

Gioele reluctantly rubbed his eyes, trying to banish the last remnants of sleep. Lucas, his always-early-rising friend, had already set a steaming pot of coffee to brew in the kitchen downstairs.

"Wake up, buddy!" Lucas exclaimed as he entered Gioele's room. "How can you sleep on this special day? Don't you remember you have the most important meeting of your life today, and we have to start vlock show practices as well? You're the captain, in case you forgot."

Gioele groaned, his frustration evident. "Yeah, man, why are you here so early? I know I have a meeting, but it's too early. You must have some mental problems for sure."

Lucas chuckled and said, "Okay, just come on, go take a shower. I'm making coffee for us."

Gioele managed a smile, realizing that coffee was probably the only good thing Lucas could do for him at this hour. "Well, that's the only good thing you can do for me right now," he said with a laugh.

Lucas turned to leave the room but couldn't resist teasing Gioele a bit more. "Hey, by the way, why were you smiling in your sleep, Gioele? It seems like someone was having a good dream, hmm?"

Gioele blushed and replied, "Yes, I was having the best dream until you interrupted it."

Lucas burst into laughter, clearly amused. "See, I didn't want you to be in Wonderland, chasing after some red-haired girl. Come back to reality, my friend."

In response, Gioele grabbed a nearby pillow and threw it at Lucas. "Shut up, Lucas! I was not dreaming about some girl. Now go make that coffee."

Lucas, still chuckling, headed to the kitchen to prepare coffee for both of them, knowing that it was the one thing Gioele needed most after waking up.

gioele sat up in bed, his eyes adjusting to the soft, early light filtering through the curtains, Gioele couldn't help but recall the dream's vivid details. the girl in his dream had felt real, as if she were a part of a story waiting to be told..With a deep sigh, Gioele swung his legs over the edge of the bed, the plush carpet beneath his feet providing a comforting sensation. He knew he couldn't dwell in the realm of dreams forever; the day ahead beckoned with its responsibilities and uncertainties.he made his way to the window, gazing out at the tranquil Italian forest beyond. He spoke to himself, though he knew Lucas wouldn't hear, "What is it about that dream? About her?".....

He had been ensnared in a beautiful dream, one that featured the red-headed girl, her laughter like a captivating melody, and her eyes, a mosaic of secrets

gioele went to take a shower .... warm splash of water soothes his muscular body and he was keep thinking about that dream he had ....

After a comforting bath Gioele stepped out of the bathroom, a white towel tied around his waist. He quickly dried his hair before slipping into a comfortable tracksuit. The day in Italy was just beginning, and he had a lot on his plate.

As he descended the grand staircase of his mansion, he was greeted by Lucas. The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as Lucas poured two cups.

"Well, well, well, gentleman," Lucas teased with a grin.

Gioele chuckled and accepted the steaming cup of coffee. "Thank you, bruh. You know how to make the perfect coffee. Starbucks will definitely hire you for your coffee-making skills."

Lucas shrugged modestly. "You're welcome. By the way, it's just espresso."

Gioele sighed, his worries creeping back. "I'm a little bit worried about today's meeting with the biggest company in the UK. I have to be at my best, and I don't know what's going to happen."

Lucas leaned forward, a reassuring smile on his face. "Look, Gioele, there's nothing to be worried about. You've never failed at anything in your life. You just have to believe in yourself. You're a strong and amazing man. Think positive."

Gioele felt a warmth spread through him as he listened to his friend's encouraging words. "Thank you, brother." He placed his mug on the table. "Well, I'm going for a ride with Comet. What about you?"

Lucas nodded. "I'm heading to the trails to see how the boys are practicing for the upcoming marathon."

"Sounds good," Gioele replied. "I'll leave you in charge while I'm gone. See you after the meeting then."

Lucas chuckled mischievously. "Okay, have a nice ride and meeting, shy artist." He couldn't resist teasing Gioele.

Gioele shot him a playful glare. "Seems like somebody needs to be punched in the face," he said in mock annoyance before walking outside.

Lucas couldn't help but laugh, hiding his face as he teased his friend.

Outside, Gioele made his way to the stables, where his beloved Comet awaited. The Lippizan horse was a vision of grace, her white coat and grey shadings giving her an almost ethereal quality.

"Hey there, my angel," Gioele greeted her softly. "As pretty as always. You're a piece of art, my angel." He leaned in to plant a gentle kiss on Comet's forehead. The horse neighed softly, her excitement evident.

"Let's go for a ride, my friend," Gioele said, patting Comet's side. "We need to clear our heads."

With that, Gioele mounted Comet, and together they ventured into the forest, the worries of the upcoming meeting temporarily forgotten.

________________________________________________________________________________

Amelia's room was a whirlwind of emotions and belongings. Her graduation gown lay neatly on the bed, a symbol of the end of her academic journey. June stood by her side, folding clothes into a suitcase and offering comforting smiles.

Amelia: (Sighs) Can you believe it, June? Graduation day is finally over

June: (Nods, a hint of sadness in her eyes) I know, Amelia. It's both exciting and a little scary, isn't it?

Amelia: (Pauses, folding a photo frame) Italy seems like a world away from here. I'll miss everything—the park where we used to spend hours, our late-night talks, even Mr. Whiskers.

June: (Laughs softly) Mr. Whiskers will miss you too, no doubt. But think about all the adventures waiting for you in Italy. You'll learn so much, and I can't wait to hear all about it.

Amelia carefully placed the photo frame in the suitcase, a picture of her and June from their last summer vacation.

Amelia: (Touched) June, you've been my rock all these years. I don't know how I would have made it through without you.

June: (Tears welling up) Amelia, you're going to do amazing things in Italy, and I'll always be here cheering you on. We're best friends, no distance can change that.

Amelia hugged June tightly, the weight of their impending separation hanging in the air.

Amelia: (Voice shaky) Promise me you'll visit, June, and tell me everything about your college adventures.

June: (Returning the hug) I promise, Amelia. And you'll have to share every detail of Italy with me too.

As they separated, Amelia wiped away a tear, her heart heavy yet full of hope.

Amelia: (Smiling through tears) This is just the beginning, June. Our friendship is forever.

June: (Grinning) Forever and ever. Now, let's finish packing so you can catch that flight and start your amazing journey.

amelia stood on her doorstep, her suitcase in hand, ready to embark on her journey to Italy. June stood beside her, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

June: (Voice quivering) Amelia, promise me you'll take care of yourself and call me as soon as you land, okay?

Amelia: (Touched) Of course, June. I promise. I'll call you the moment I arrive in Italy.

June pulled Amelia into a tight hug, holding her as if she never wanted to let go.

June: (Whispering) I'm going to miss you so much, Amelia. You're going to do great things in Italy, and I'll be here cheering you on every step of the way.

Amelia hugged June back, her own tears beginning to fall.

Amelia: (Voice trembling) I'm going to miss you too, June. You've been my rock, and I couldn't have asked for a better friend.

They held onto each other for a moment longer before finally breaking the embrace.

June: (Smiling through tears) Now, go on, Amelia. Italy is waiting for you. Face those adventures with the same courage you've always shown.

Amelia nodded, her resolve strengthening. She walked toward the waiting car, her heart heavy with the weight of farewell but light with the promise of a new beginning.

As she got into the car, she looked back at June one last time. Their eyes met, and in that moment, they shared an unspoken understanding—a bond that transcended distance and time.

The car pulled away from the curb, and Amelia watched as her hometown disappeared in the rearview mirror. With June's comforting words echoing in her heart, she set her sights on the horizon, ready to embrace the adventures that awaited her in Italy..

__________________________________________________________________________________

The airport terminal was a sea of bustling travelers, each with their own destination and dreams. Amelia stood in line at the departure gate, her heart a mix of excitement and trepidation. It was her first time flying, a journey that would take her from her familiar hometown to a new life in Italy with her foster parents.

Amelia: (Whispering to herself) You've got this, Amelia. It's just a plane ride, nothing to be afraid of.

She clutched her boarding pass tightly, the paper a tangible link to her future. Her past had been haunted by uncertainty and hardship, but she had grown, learned, and emerged stronger. Now, she was determined to face the challenges that lay ahead.

As the boarding announcement echoed through the terminal, Amelia took a deep breath and stepped onto the plane. The cabin crew greeted her with warm smiles, reassuring her with their professionalism.

Flight Attendant: (Kindly) Welcome aboard. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to ask.

Amelia found her seat, her pulse quickening as the plane taxied toward the runway. She looked out the window, watching as her hometown grew smaller and smaller, a patchwork of memories fading into the distance.

Amelia: (Thoughtful) Italy, here I come. New beginnings, new adventures.

With each passing moment, the plane ascended into the sky, and Amelia felt her worries begin to dissipate. She was no longer the uncertain girl of her past; she was a young woman ready to embrace whatever lay ahead.

As the plane leveled off, Amelia closed her eyes, imagining the new life that awaited her in Italy, a place where she would create new memories and write a different chapter of her story.