CHAPTER THREE

- Erizza's POV -

The sun shines bright and feels warm against my skin. It only touched both of my arms since I'm wearing a brown straw hat that is enough to cover my front by its shadow and a soft cream cottagecore dress. I can feel the gentle wind of Italy and I inhaled and exhaled it deeply.

It's a sunny afternoon and I'm here having a Gondola Ride along the Grand Canal. There are five of us sitting on this black wooden boat. I'm not with my friends because they are currently resting at our hotel after we had a fantastic stroll around St. Mark's square. Plus, I need to go by myself to breathe and to see the other side of Venice.

Before I went here, I did a quick look up about taking a Gondola ride. The gondola is a Venetian wooden boat that is rowed by a gondolier using an oar. Usually, the gondolier doesn't sing but if they do then you're lucky. So, I guess I am, because our gondolier is entertaining us by singing a mellow song. I know it's in Italian and I don't understand every word, but I can say he is blessed with a mellifluous voice.

I looked at the floating-like buildings and the other boats that we pass by along the waters of the Grand Canal. They are so mesmerizing in the eyes. The view here is spectacular, it will make you feel pleasantly free from pressure and will relax your soul. Venice is indeed a good place for a layover. These past few weeks I had tight schedules. I only had 6-7 hours of sleep and I only had thirty minutes of facetime with my parents. Luckily, I'm not that homesick at all. My parents are aware of that.

I can't help but take a picture of the spectacular view with my mini camera. I captured a few shots and then looked at the photos. It made me smile.

My stomach feels like it was swarmed by butterflies because of the feeling that I got another chance to be in a wonderful place. To see something new, to see something beautiful...to see again.

Suddenly, I remembered how I survived the years when I was unable to see. It was a difficult part of my life. I stopped doing my hobbies like playing volleyball and skating. I had always wanted to learn that's why I chose to prioritize my education. My parents had enrolled me in a school that only accepts children that have the same condition as mine. I studied at Brighthope School for the blind and I had made wonderful memories there.

I thought I will never see again. I thought it's the end of everything for me. Everyday, I hope that someday, someone will knock on my door and tell me that they found a donor who can donate me his eyes. Thankfully, it happened even if it took me long.

I cried because of the overflowing happiness—especially my family. At the age of 20, I had a successful transplant and I had been able to regain my sight.

As a kid, I always dreamed of being a flight attendant. I was inspired to become one when I watched a television drama wherein the female protagonist works as a stewardess and saved the plane when it is about to crash. Since then, I had always envisioned myself riding a plane, watching the clouds, gazing at the sunrise and the sunset, and traveling anywhere. Meeting strangers, serving people, and then fly again. It is indeed a dream come true. I am ecstatic that after all those years, I am finally taking the path towards living my dream.

The boat ride takes thirty minutes, and inside those thirty minutes, I spend my time taking photos and appreciating the view.

It is already 4:30 pm, the gondolier stopped rowing the boat and I hopped out of it. I thanked him for the ride before I leave and headed to a restaurant nearby.

The view up here is breathtaking. I can see the Gondola boats parked below the shore and the aesthetic buildings that are built on the rocky hills. They actually reminded me of Greece, though I haven't been there, I always see some of its stunning pictures everytime I scroll all over my Pinterest feed. Maybe it's a sign that I should go there someday.

This restaurant I'm dining in really looks luxurious and elegant, some of their foods are pretty expensive yet look delicious, even the material used and designs of their menu look expensive. Suddenly, a waiter approached me and ask for my order. I requested a Lemon Ricotta Pasta and a carrot cake. A couple of minutes later, my meal came which was served by a waitress.

"Grazie" I thanked her in Italian.

"Benvenuta" she replied.

After she placed it on my table, its mouth-watering aroma filled my nose. I grab my camera first and took a picture of it. Even their foods look aesthetic and classy. I'm literally impressed.

Without fuss, I picked up my fork and started digging it in. I almost ate half of my plate already. I feel so hungry and this food--especially the grated parmesan-- satisfied my taste buds. I wiped off the bow of my lip using a napkin then I picked up my glass to take a sip of water.

I put it down and was about to pick up my fork when my eyes caught a glimpse of a familiar figure.

Three people walked across his way that's why my view was blocked for a second. But my eyes remained fixed to the person who just caught my attention.

The wind blew gently and his hair danced with it gracefully. He's not looking in my direction, but when I slowly closed my eyes for a moment and opened it again, his eyes met mine.

'Are we going to see each other again?'

His last words suddenly echoed at the back of my mind.

Obviously, because he is already walking towards me.

HE slowed down his pace when he finally reached my table. The wind blew again and his smell brushed past my nose.

'What a manly scent'

I said in the back of my mind. I put down my fork and sit upright. I gave him a smile and he also smiled back.

"Posso sedermi con te?" I didn't understand what he was saying but looking at the gesture of his palm pointing the chair in front of me, the first thing that came into my mind is he wants to take a seat.

"Sì" I said 'yes', because I think it's the correct Italian word I can reply to him.

But wait—is he Italian?

I observe him as he pulls the chair and sits on it. I started to look at his eyes. Those eyes that made me guessed about its actual color but as I look intently at it, I realized they are agate. It matches perfectly with his slightly hooded-shaped eyes and bushy eyebrows. His nose is a bit long, narrow, and symmetrical on both sides. The shape of his upper lips is like a cupid's bow while the lower lip has more volume. The last thing I noticed is his heart-shaped face that suits his midnight hair and slightly shaved beard. His features are a bit Western but I'm sure he is mixed with Asian genes, so, I don't think he is an Italian.

I snapped back in consciousness when I heard him clear his throat. I just hope he didn't notice that I was describing him on my mind.

A waiter suddenly approached him to ask for his meal, he looked at me first and then back to the waiter before ordering his food.

"Posso avere penne con vodka e bônet?"

"Certo, signore, le andrebbe di bere un po' di vino?"

"Sarebbe carino"

I just watched them have their conversation until the waiter left.

When I heard him speaking in Italian, he truly sounds like a native speaker. Maybe he has Italian blood or maybe he was raised here?

"By any chance" I began. "Are you Italian?" I asked him just to make sure.

"No. I just know some phrases" he answered.

"Oh, you sound like one," I said nodding my head convincingly.

I saw him stretch out his hand in front of me. My eyes stared at it for a while until he speaks again.

"Cassian Marquez" he introduced.

I wish to add "Like Caspian the Prince?" because I thought that's what he said, but I quickly shoved that thought because it may not sound witty. Speaking of Caspian the Prince or Prince Caspian--whatever that sounds like a highness--that Prince is dashing and captured the hearts of many.

My eyes immediately shifted to his eyes making me realized what to do next. So, I held out my hand and shake hands with him.

"Erizza Elizondo" I said and smiled.

The familiar feeling of his hands when he touched mine reminded me of what happened on the plane. The first time I touched his hand, it was trembling and sweating but now all I can feel is calmness and how proud yet delicate his hand is.

After saying our names, we both let go of each other's hands. I turned my head to look at the breathtaking view of the setting sun and its reflection on the waters.

"It's beautiful" I commented. "I saw sunsets from different places but I think Italy has the best among them." I continued. "There's just something calming about it. And I love the feeling it's giving to me." I added.

He also turned his head to look at the view. "Not only the sunset but also the sunrise." He said.

"You've been here in Italy?" I asked shifting my gaze at him.

"Yes, twice. And this is my third time since my cousin's wedding will be held here tomorrow" he replied and turned his gaze at me.

"How about you?" this time it's his turn to ask me.

"It's my first time to be here. Exactly my first European destination," I said directly.

"Do your flights limit you to other places?" he asked, his eyes showing curiosity.

I shook my head and picked up my fork. "Majority of my flights are from Asia to Middle East countries. I've been to South and North America twice. I honestly, don't have a problem with that because I enjoy the places wherever the plane takes me." I said and sliced a bite-sized piece of my carrot cake.

"How long have you been as a flight attendant?" he asked again, showing interest.

"One year" I answered.

My road to being a flight attendant wasn't easy. It took me six months. I admit it was difficult. There are everyday assessments, a lot of exams, memorizations, and safety procedures I must master. But those trainings are unforgettable to me. It helped me grow, build confidence and build friendly relationships.

"How about you? May I know what you are most passionate about?" I asked then chewed my food.

The waiter finally served his meal. He placed it on the table and its aroma immediately filled my nose. It smells really good causing me not to drool over it.

"Well" instead of eating the food first that was served for him, I saw him twist the lid of the wine bottle carefully. Then he poured the deep purple wine on the extra empty glass at my right side.

"Thank you," I said with a nod.

He also poured wine on his glass and gave his attention back to me.

"I love doing nature trips. I like the jungles, forests, lakes and wild animals. Anything that involves nature" he stated.

"Sounds exciting," I commented and took a slice of my carrot cake again. "I'm a thalassophile so I am more drawn to the seas and oceans," I added and chewed it.

"I also consider myself an opacarophile since I love sunsets. That's why I always bring my camera with me to take a picture of them whenever I'm on a flight."

I have many polaroid shots of them on my camera. Sunsets are different each day up in the sky and so the feeling it has.

"So, we both love the outside world," he says and puts a spoonful of food into his mouth.

I agreed to that. The only difference is that he loves the land while I love the water--and the air--if that's even counted.

I suddenly miss going to the beach. The last time I went to have a beach vacation was in Parola Beach in Sorsogon City. That place is really wonderful where I had a worthy stay.

"You know the world has a lot to offer. Life's short so go out and explore." I spoke in a serious manner with my chin slightly tilted upward.

I neither intend to terrify nor intimidate him with my sudden change of tone. Though, I think I startled him a bit, it seems that it didn't bother him because by the look on his face I know he is listening to me with much understanding.

I don't want to assume—is that even the right word? But his eyes can tell that he is amused.

"Oh sorry, It's just me. And my motto" I immediately cleared and slightly smiled.

"It's ok. I guess it's a natural thing"

"Yeah, especially if it's personal"

Cassian chuckled which made me do the same thing. His chuckle is contagious—and sounds adorable too. It somehow removed the sudden serious atmosphere a while ago.

"By the way, how long is your layover?" he asked and forked a piece of his pasta.

"Two days and two nights" I chewed a piece of my carrot cake and swallowed it.

I saw him sliced a piece of his bônet. I know that because I saw it on the menu. It's a traditional dessert which is in a rectangular shape topped with biscuits.

As I slice my carrot cake again, I can feel Cassian's eyes looking at me. "Enjoying Venice?" he suddenly asked. I turned my head to look at him and put the spoonful of carrot cake into my mouth.

"Yeah. Amazeballs" I said while chewing. I literally emphasized that slang word. It's my expression when I found something exciting and impressive. I thought Cassian will show me a laugh or give me a 'what-in-the-dictionary-are-you-saying" look, but I am surprised that he is just grinning, showing his perfectly white teeth, and shaking his head. I guess Cassian is used to hear those kinds of words.

"Yeah of course it's amazing but have you been into Palazzo Ducale?" he asked.

"Not yet. but I heard it's one of the most popular buildings ever built," I responded.

"You must go there too, the interior is prodigious and the view of the sunrise there is beautiful" he suggested.

I realized that I already ate the last piece of my carrot cake. I saw him swallowed a piece of his bônet and I noticed how his adam's apple turned up and down. I leaned my elbows on the table and leaned my chin on top of my intertwined fingers.

"It seems to me that you're a sunrise type of person" I commented. Cassian's eyes looked down for a second to put his fork down and to wipe his lips. Then, he meets my gaze again.

"It's because I love beginnings," he said firmly. I examined the look on his face. His eyes looking directly at me like he can see right through my soul and his lips that are slightly curved to a smile. His face shows that it truly mirrors him as a person but it is not enough for me to know him fully.

I know where will our conversation go, but I will just let wherever it will lead us.

"Must there be a reason?" I asked.

Cassian leaned forward and his face became sincere.

"Sunrise reminds me of what I am yesterday and the opportunity of making the things go the way I wanted them to be. I feel like I'm blessed with new air to breathe and open my mind to new possibilities." Cassian explained.

"I like sunrises but it doesn't mean I don't like sunsets. They are both beautiful and unique" he adds and his face becomes lively again.

"You said you love sunsets. Could it be because you love endings?" he asked once again.

I looked away for a moment because of the life-related question. I suddenly realize that whenever I look at the setting sun, my mind will automatically say something that I always keep in the depths of my heart. It's always the effect brought by the sunset to me.

"Whenever I see it, I feel like I'm healed," I said without looking at him. "That my past mistakes, flaws, and uncertainties are gone," I paused for a while to breathe. "And that I'm finally free" with that, I look at him again, only to see that he looks like he can understand what I've been through.

Cassian is a stranger, even though I know his name and we shared something about ourselves. But is it possible to feel open to someone you don't know completely...yet?

"I might not know what you've been through but I'm sure that there are people who have always got you," he said pronouncing every word clearly. Even if those words came from a stranger I can feel that he means it.

'Yes, there are people who have always got my back and I really can't express how thankful I am for them.'

"That's just life" I sighed.

"Life's short so go out and explore" when I heard him say my life's motto randomly, the corner of my lips slowly lifted until I let out a chuckle.

"Are you copying my life-motto?" I asked grinning from ear to ear.

"Can I?" He said soft chuckles escaping his mouth.

"Sure. Whatever." I said and rolled my eyes at him.

We both laughed for a moment and then averted our gaze on the dark night sky. It is filled now with stars, twinkling below at us. Venice is sparkling with elegance as the lights illuminated the whole city.

Silence coated us as we appreciate the stunning view, but it didn't take long because I heard Cassian's voice again.

"What's the most wonderful place you've been?" he asked. His eyes still looking at the stars.

I've been to many wonderful places. I truly enjoyed them a lot. However, there's this place that has a special place in my heart. After I had finished college, I went there alone. A solo trip is on my bucket list and I had always perceived it as a present to myself.

"Ngurtafur beach in Indonesia" I answered. "Clear blue sea, snake-like sand bars, relaxing view, and good weather? What more should I ask for?" I said dreamily.

"I traveled there alone as a treat to myself that I successfully surpassed the challenges during my college years," I added.

"You deserve it," he said.

"Hmm-hmm. I promised my younger self that I will take her to another place." I smiled when I remembered that promise I made to myself. It came true. The young me became finally happy.

"And you?" I said cutting off my gaze at the stars. I looked at him and saw his proud side profile.

"Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. I've been there once when I was studying abroad" he replied.

"You visited a lot of European countries, that's incredible," I remarked wishing I will take myself to other countries in Europe too. Yeah, I'm claiming it.

"I bet you traveled a lot before," I said.

"Not really, I go to other places because it has something to do with my business and not because I want to hit the road. Sometimes I just don't have time." there was a sudden sadness in his voice. But I just remained listening to him.

"I wish I have a lot of time to travel. I'm actually missing it," he added and turned his head to look at me.

"Just think of my life-motto then you'll be encouraged to do so" I advise with a witty smile escaping my lips.

"Sure, I will" he chuckled.

"We're good then"

I made him smile too and even though he looked away for a moment, I hope he's alright.

Cassian picked up his wine glass and I did the same thing. We both finished our meals clean and neat.

"Cin Cin," he said raising his glass.

"Cin Cin" I replied and raised my glass to toast with him.

THE sky was dark and only the vintage-looking streetlamps lit our way. There are many people who are hanging out with their peers, musicians serenading the guests in every restaurants and café we pass by and tourists having a Gondola Ride.

We walked with slow steps when we reached the Rialto Bridge to appreciate the view. Cassian is beside me. I can smell his manly scent mixed with wine that we consumed a while ago.

He smells really nice. I can say that all time. And I wonder what perfume he uses.

Thinking of perfumes, a thought suddenly appeared on my mind. Do men's perfumes have their female versions? I know my mind tends to think of weird stuff or maybe it's just the wine's effect on me. I know what I'm thinking, alright? I just can't help it. But that's possible. I'm pretty sure it's gonna be a discovery. Or even a trend.

"Wouldn't they look for you?" I suddenly asked him when I realized that his family is here. He knows I am referring to them because he answered me right away.

"They would if they knew I'm not familiar with the place"

Cassian is here with me because he insisted to walk me towards my hotel. I told him that I can just go there by myself. He even said that Venice is a safe place and that you can even walk its darkest areas alone at night but Cassian wants to make sure, so I just let him be.

'How kind of him'

"I always know my way, Erizza. I don't get lost" he continued and glanced at me. When he pronounced my name, I'm surprised at how it sounds natural to him.

"You're good with directions, huh"

"Of course, I sneak around a lot when I was young so I learned a lot of tactics not to lose my way," he said proudly.

"I guess with that behavior, you often put yourself in trouble or cause trouble" I asserted emphasizing the 'cause' word. Cassian laughed and formed a sly smile.

I assume he is then.

"Yeah, both."

"You're a naughty kid" I jested. He nodded with a laugh. It's normal for kids but I have never been that naughty when I was young—or maybe I was but can't remember if I did something naughty.

"Can I ask you something?" when I suddenly heard him asked. I automatically look at him. His head is down as if he is watching his footsteps. His hair is dancing gracefully with the wind.

"Yeah sure," I replied.

He takes a deep breath then asks me again. "Don't you think it's a coincidence that we happened to meet?" Cassian's voice was a bit serious and deep. It didn't make me shudder, instead, It made me silent for a while.

It is a sudden question that made me think for a minute. In my twenty-four years of existence, I got used to meeting different people. Having meaningful conversations happens all the time. However, I know I will only get to see and talk to them for once.

Cassian is one of them. When I met him on the airplane, I know I have to be there beside him. It is a natural instinct. Now that I'm with him, here in the City of Canals, walking across the Rialto bridge I know it's a different thing.

I am cognizant of what is happening to the both of us. We're complete strangers but we talked about things that are nearly personal.

Somehow, Cassian is different from the people I had met in my life. He made me feel carefree. His smiles are to melt for yet contagious and bright.

Now, a question suddenly hit me.

'Am I going to see him again?'

I don't know.

We are already on the edge of the bridge and I didn't still give him an answer, but it seems that it doesn't matter to him.

I slowed down my steps and halted. Cassian also stopped. I turned my body to face him and now we are standing face-to-face.

"There must be a reason why we met, Cassian. Call me cliche but I believe in fate." That's all I can answer.

He stared at me like he is memorizing the details of my face. Even if half of his face is covered with his shadow, I can see how his eyes twinkles.

"It's never cliche Erizza, I also believe in fate." He said in a serious but not intimidating manner. "Even if there are countless reasons why we met, I will never get sick of knowing them one at a time," he added. "After all, I know fate will always make a way." His voice made it hard to process what he just said in my mind. I don't know what to feel and what to say.

My eyes are just glued to his soothing eyes that are hard for me not to resist.

IT'S already eight o'clock in the evening when we reached the hotel. There are still many people coming in and coming out of the building, the majority are tourists like me and some look like the natives that are just staying in.

The lights of the building look so warm in my eyes and the feeling of me wanting to go to sleep is stirring me up to go upstairs and jump to my bed. I yawned and I know I have to hurry up before I could even sleep here outside.

Cassian stopped beside me but I just keep on walking towards the hotel's entrance door. But before I pushed the door open, the urge of seeing his face once again stopped me.

I gripped the glass door's handle and slowly turned my head to him. His hands are on the pockets of his jeans and his eyes are only looking at me.

"Thank you. I had a good time with you" I thanked him.

Cassian flashed a smile. "Me too. Have a good night's sleep. You still have to see more of Venice" he said.

"Absolutely." I agreed.

For a while, our eyes are locked on each other. I know he also feels the same way and we might not say it, I know it's in our minds, waiting to be said. But neither of us voiced it out.

I met Cassian on the airplane this morning and had a good time with him. The bittersweet reality of not seeing him again gave me a feeling of sadness. Aside from that, the world is big and our paths may no longer meet. We have our own lives and what we had shared tonight just showed us the possible thing that can happen between two complete strangers.

We have the same destination. I didn't expect him to appear right in front of my seat and held out each other's hands and introduced ourselves to each other. I admit that I am so glad to meet him. I am so glad that I watched the sunset with him, gaze at the night sky with him, and crossed the Rialto bridge with him. Will this happen again to our lives? Meeting someone and knowing about them and realizing you belong to a different world, but there's a thing that made you connected.

A part of me wants to see him again but the doubt that our paths will cross again is too strong that is making me not hope for it anymore. But...I will make sure that this memory will always stay on my mind. That I will never forget this day.

"Grazie mille buonanotte" I finally said and genuinely smiled at him.

"Prego, buona notte" he replied with a sincere smile.

I let out a deep sigh and pushed the door open. Then I walked in, finally, the glass door closes behind me as I left Cassian standing there patiently waiting for me to walk away.