In the tranquil morning light, the aroma of breakfast lingered in the air, a comforting invitation to the day ahead. Mrs. Warren, a kind-hearted woman who had opened her heart and home to Amelia, made her way to Amelia's room to rouse her from slumber.
Mrs. Warren: (Gently) "Amelia, dear, it's time to wake up. Good morning."
Amelia, half-awake and immersed in her thoughts, responded in a hushed voice, "Today's an off day, June. Please don't disturb me."
Mrs. Warren chuckled warmly, her voice holding a touch of amusement. "Amelia, my sweet, you're in Italy now. June isn't here. It's me, Mrs. Warren."
Amelia, jolting into awareness, was momentarily disoriented.
Amelia: (Startled) "Oh, good morning, Mrs. Warren. I apologize; I still felt like I was back home."
Mrs. Warren: (Sincere) "My dear, you don't have to call me Mrs. Warren. We've accepted you as our own daughter, and you should call me 'mom.'"
Amelia: (Respectful) "Alright, Mom. I'll join you downstairs in a while; I need to take a shower."
Mrs. Warren: (Affectionate) "Very well, sweetheart. And tell me, what would you like for breakfast?"
Amelia: (Reflective) "When I was a child, my mom used to make cheese omelets for me. I absolutely loved them, with a glass of orange juice to go with it."
Mrs. Warren: (Determined) "Cheese omelets it is, my dear. Now, hurry up. We have a lot to do today."
After Mrs. Warren left her room, Amelia remained lost in thought, her mind wandering to memories of her mother making those cherished omelets for her in her childhood. This new chapter of her life, living in Italy with her foster parents, felt much like her first day at school in her hometown.
Amelia's reverie was interrupted by the sudden chirp of a text message. An unfamiliar number appeared on her phone.
Amelia: (Puzzled) "Wait, a text from an unknown number..."
The text read: "Hey, Amelia, you up?"
Amelia: (Curious) "Who's there?"
The response came quickly: "Hey, it's Dorian. I got your number from Mrs. Warren; she told me you might want to explore the city and find a job here in Italy. What do you think?"
Amelia: (Appreciative) "Oh, Dorian, that's a great idea. I was actually considering gaining some job experience here to help me fit into society better. I tend to be quite introverted, so working at a coffee shop or café might be a good start."
Dorian: (Supportive) "Don't worry, Amelia. I've got you covered. I'll be there in a while."
Amelia: (Grateful) "That sounds like a plan."
Amelia prepared herself for the day, selecting a beautiful dark green frock from her wardrobe. She tied her auburn hair into a loose braid, and her hazel eyes sparkled as they met the morning sunlight pouring in through the window.
As she got dressed and checked her appearance in the mirror, Mrs. Warren called from downstairs, urging her to join the family for breakfast.
Mrs. Warren: (Cheerful) "Amelia, sweetie, breakfast is ready! Come on down; you don't want those omelets to get cold."
Amelia descended the stairs, a vision of ethereal beauty in her chosen attire, a sight that took Mrs. Warren by pleasant surprise.
Mrs. Warren: (Awestruck) "Oh, my goodness, Amelia, you look absolutely heavenly."
Amelia blushed and laughed softly.
Amelia: (Modest) "Thank you, Mrs. Warren, I mean, Mom. It'll take a bit of time to get used to it. I hope you don't mind."
Mrs. Warren: (Affectionate) "Not at all, my dear. And please, call me Mom."
Amelia: (Respectful) "Alright, Mom."
The breakfast table was filled with warmth, with Mr. Warren joining the conversation.
Mr. Warren: (Warm) "Good morning, my daughter. I hope you slept well."
Amelia: (Content) "Yes, Mr. Warren, I slept better than ever."
Mr. Warren: (Smiling) "Call me Dad. You are our daughter, and we love you, as Mrs. Warren mentioned."
Amelia: (Grateful) "Yes, Mr. Warren, I mean, Dad."
As they savored the delicious breakfast, it was evident that the omelets were a resounding success.
After the meal, the doorbell rang, prompting Mrs. Warren to answer.
Mrs. Warren: (Curious) "Let me see who's there."
Opening the door revealed a visitor who would soon become instrumental in Amelia's exploration of Italy and her pursuit of a new job. Dorian stood there, looking imposing in his tank top and shorts, with a cap perched on his head.
Mrs. Warren welcomed him warmly, introducing him to Amelia.
Mrs. Warren: (Friendly) "Look who's here, Amelia. Dorian has come to pick you up; he's going to be your guide and help you explore the city. My husband and I are meeting my cousins, but we'll be home this evening."
As Dorian laid his eyes on Amelia, he was struck by her beauty, his gaze fixated on her.
Amelia: (Pleasant) "Hello, Dorian. Good morning. Thank you for coming."
Dorian, somewhat flustered by Amelia's beauty, stammered his response.
Dorian: (Nervous) "Yeah, uh, hey, you look really good."
Amelia couldn't help but be amused by Dorian's evident nervousness.
Amelia: (Light-hearted) "Thank you. I think it's time we get going, don't you?"
Dorian: (Relieved) "Uh, yeah, you're right. Let's get going."
He held the car door open for Amelia as they embarked on their day's adventure, starting with a stop at Starbucks to grab some coffee.
Their journey through Italy was only just beginning, and for Amelia, it was an exploration of not only a new city but also a new chapter in her life
As they embarked on their journey, Dorian inquired about Amelia's feelings regarding her new venture.
Dorian: (Supportive) "So, Amelia, how are you feeling about all this?"
Amelia, her nerves palpable, replied with a hint of uncertainty.
Amelia: (Apprehensive) "I'm a bit nervous. I don't know what's going to happen. It's a new beginning for me here, and I hope for the best."
Dorian: (Assuring) "Relax, Amelia. Don't think about anything; just breathe and relax. Let's grab a coffee, and then you can give your interview. I'm sure they'll hire you. How can they say no to such a pretty girl?"
Amelia, feeling a tad bashful, replied.
Amelia: (Shyly) "Umm, well, let's see."
Dorian, sensing her discomfort, reassured her.
Dorian: (Encouraging) "Yeah, trust me."
They soon arrived at Starbucks, the scent of freshly brewed coffee welcoming them. Dorian, ever the gentleman, held the car door open for Amelia.
Dorian: (Gallant) "Shall we?"
Amelia, a bit nervously clutching her phone, followed him inside the café. They approached the counter, and Dorian offered to fetch their coffees.
Dorian: (Polite) "Amelia, I'll grab the coffee for us. You go ahead and give your interview to the Starbucks management."
Amelia, a touch anxious, inquired about whether they were expecting her.
Amelia: (Curious) "Do they know that I'm here for an interview?"
Dorian: (Reassuring) "Don't worry, I've already talked to Mr. Bram, the one who's going to interview you. He knows you're coming for an interview. So, be comfortable and chill."
Amelia: (Relieved) "Okay, that's good."
As Amelia made her way into the office, she hesitated before knocking on Mr. Bram's door. His welcoming voice granted her entry.
Mr. Bram: (Inviting) "Yes, come in."
Amelia, a bit nervous, stepped inside.
Amelia: (Nervous) "Hi, Mr. Bram, is it you?"
Mr. Bram: (Warm) "Yes, you must be Amelia, if I'm not mistaken."
Amelia: (Nervous) "Yes, it is me."
Mr. Bram: (Hospitable) "Please, have a seat, dear Amelia."
As they got into the conversation, Mr. Bram inquired about her move to Italy.
Mr. Bram: (Curious) "Dorian told me that you just finished your graduation and moved here with your foster parents."
Amelia: (Affirmative) "Yes, thank you, Mr. Bram. It's true. I've moved in with my foster family, and they're very kind, including Dorian."
Mr. Bram: (Appreciative) "Good to hear that, Amelia. So, I understand that you're seeking some work experience?"
Amelia: (Honest) "Yes, Mr. Bram. I actually want to learn more about Italy and its people, so I thought a fresh start might be good. Things take time, and it's essential to take things slow to find success. A coffee shop seems like the right place to help my introverted self gain confidence."
Mr. Bram: (Impressed) "Yeah, Amelia, you're absolutely right. I'm quite impressed by you. But I'll offer you an unconventional opinion — this job might not be meant for you. You're such a beautiful and brilliant lady. You should be a librarian, given your vintage thoughts."
Amelia couldn't help but chuckle at Mr. Bram's compliment.
Amelia: (Light-hearted) "Actually, sir, I graduated in library science education, and I'm quite fond of art and writing. Thank you for offering me the job. I'm grateful. I'll start tomorrow."
Mr. Bram: (Pleased) "That's great to hear, Amelia. After gaining some experience, you might consider applying at the Vatican Library; it would be a suitable job for you. Thank you for the meeting, and it was nice meeting you."
Amelia: (Thankful) "It was nice to meet you too, Mr. Bram. I'll certainly consider your suggestions. Thank you."
Exiting Mr. Bram's office, Amelia's mind was filled with a sense of achievement and anticipation. However, her excitement was short-lived. As she made her way outside, distracted by her thoughts and still clutching her phone, she bumped into someone preoccupied with a phone call, causing her phone to tumble and shatter.
Amelia: (Apologetic) "Oh, my bad. I'm sorry."
The man, who remained absorbed in his phone call, responded casually.
Man: (Preoccupied) "It's okay."
Amelia, puzzled by his nonchalant response, couldn't help but wonder about the strange man. He hadn't even acknowledged her or her broken phone, leaving her to contemplate his unusual behavior.
Amelia: (Inwardly) "What a peculiar man. He didn't even bother to look at me or my phone, let alone acknowledge what happened. Why was he standing there in the way?"
Amelia made her way back to Dorian, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts.
Dorian: (Excited) "Hey, Amelia, I'm here!"
Amelia: (Relieved) "Thank goodness you're here."
Dorian: (Curious) "How did the meeting with Mr. Bram go?"
Amelia: (Casual) "It went fine. Just my phone got broken. I was coming out from the office, and this man was standing in the way. I bumped into him, and my phone fell and got broken."
Dorian: (Concerned) "Oh no. That's unfortunate. You're joining from tomorrow, so let's get you a new phone. Come on; don't hesitate; it's perfectly okay."
Amelia, overwhelmed by Dorian's kindness, was left nearly speechless.
Amelia: (Touched) "Thank you. It's very kind of you. You've already done so much for me."
Dorian: (Warm) "Amelia, your joining starts tomorrow, and we wouldn't want you without a phone. So, let's get you a new one."
They headed back to the car, and as they drove away, Amelia contemplated her journey from her orphanage to her foster parents' home in Italy. Joining the café felt like a fresh start, and Amelia was starting to feel relieved....
Dorian had gifted Amelia a beautiful iPhone, ensuring she could stay in touch with her parents and friends and feel more secure as she embarked on her new job. As the evening sky began to emerge, Dorian proposed dinner, but Amelia had other plans.
Dorian: (Suggestive) "Shall we go for dinner?"
Amelia, however, declined the offer.
Amelia: (Resolute) "Actually, I'm good, Dorian. I have to get back home; it's getting late."
Dorian, aware of Amelia's reservations, tried to reassure her.
Dorian: (Supportive) "Oh, I see. It's Italy, Amelia, and you're a grown-up now; you don't have to be scared."
Amelia: (Determined) "I'm not scared; I'm responsible. Mom and Dad said they'd be home in the evening, so I think I should join them for dinner. Why don't you have dinner with us?"
Dorian agreed to her suggestion.
Dorian: (Amiable) "Well, as you say, madame."
They drove back to Amelia's foster home. When they arrived, Mrs. Warren welcomed them.
Mrs. Warren: (Smiling) "Well, look at you two."
Dorian, excusing himself, told Mrs. Warren that he needed to leave as his dad was calling him.
Dorian: (Polite) "Here's your daughter, Mrs. Warren. I have to go now; my dad's calling me."
Mrs. Warren kindly extended an invitation.
Mrs. Warren: (Hospitable) "Why don't you join us for dinner?"
Dorian was appreciative but declined.
Dorian: (Polite) "Maybe some other time."
Mrs. Warren understood and wished him goodnight.
Mrs. Warren: (Gracious) "Thank you. Good night, Dorian."
Amelia expressed her gratitude to Dorian.
Amelia: (Thankful) "Thank you, Dorian, for being with me the whole day. That's so nice of you."
Dorian headed back to his home, leaving Amelia with her foster family. Mrs. Warren closed the door and inquired about Amelia's day.
Mrs. Warren: (Caring) "So, how was your day, sweetie?"
Amelia, who was feeling somewhat tired, shared her thoughts.
Amelia: (Reflective) "Tired... but it was good."
Amelia's earlier encounter with the man who caused her phone to break briefly troubled her. She couldn't help but sigh, feeling a sense of frustration.
Amelia: (Pensive) "I think I need to sleep. I have a big day tomorrow."
Mrs. Warren, noticing Amelia's exhaustion, was understanding.
Mrs. Warren: (Compassionate) "Okay, honey, have a good sleep. Let me know if you need anything. Good night, dear."
Amelia, using the term "mom" for the first time, responded warmly.
Amelia: (Affectionate) "Good night, Mom."
Mrs. Warren, hearing "mom" from Amelia's lips, was deeply touched. It was a moment filled with joy and fulfillment as she finally felt like they had their own daughter.