Feeling Dopey

<p>"Here you go madam the two bags for No 21"<br/><br/>Near the stern of the vessel 2 small suitcases were just handed to me. They were pretty heavy leather bags but overall I packed rather light for such a length trip. Looking at the others who had walked up to the customs agents above I noticed all they asked for was some identification and your reason for visit. Which in hindsight doesn't seem like the safest option. <br/><br/>" Next!"<br/><br/>I easily lugged my bags up the staircase and greeted the agent before me.<br/><br/>He was an older man. His face was wrinkled almost causing his eyelids to become hooded and making his already dreary disposition even more noticeable as I stood less than a few inches away from him.<br/><br/>" Good morning sir. "<br/><br/>"Morning Miss?" He had yet to look up from the morning paper in his hands. He spoke in a thick accent and I could barely hear the question in his tone. <br/><br/>" Lucciano" I could catch brief glimpses of the headlines as he fluffed the pages. Something about an 'Alcohol ban'.<br/><br/>" Alright Miss Lucciano. Any special plans while<br/>Visiting the land of Dreams? "<br/><br/>" No. Sir just here on vacation." I tried to sound as politely as possible which may have set him off.<br/><br/>He slowly eased off of his chair. The hinges screamed and croaked as he leaned forward to only see two bags in my hands. <br/><br/>" Packing light for a vacation?"<br/><br/>" Well if all goes well I should be headed back with 4 more by my side" I said confidently.<br/><br/>He let out a soft chuckle before waving me off. <br/><br/>" Next!"<br/><br/>I hadn't lied. I had planned to buy all my clothes and garments from local retailers. I couldn't wear the designer clothes that I wore around Florencia. I would be asking for trouble. <br/><br/>After doing a zigzag maneuver through the crowd of people that had gathered at the pier. <br/><br/>I could see some familiar faces waving down taxi's other less fortunate faces being picked up in horse drawn carriages by their family members. Occasionally you would see a stylish motor vehicle pick up a single passenger and dash off into the distance without waiting for any stares. <br/><br/>I looked at the architecture in the distance the concrete houses and shops that were on the edge of the warf were a sight to see but in the distance I could see buildings that scraped the sky. Clouds formed near their necks. I could only bask in awe of the sheer magnitude of the thing.<br/><br/>To my left as if floating on the sea I could see the bronze beauty again. The sun made her shine even brighter than itself. A beacon of freedom just off the horizon. <br/><br/>I pulled out my watch it was nearly 8:30 in the morning. I was in need of some breakfast. <br/><br/>"Miss Miss over here!"<br/><br/>I ignored it assuming they weren't talking to me but the voice perpetuated itself in my head.<br/><br/>" Yoohoo Doll! I know ya hear me screaming at ya. Just turn around I ain't gonna hurt ya"<br/><br/>I turned around to see a chubby young man. He was nowhere past his twenties but his stomach seemed to be in labor. Sweat and other fluids coated his clothes. He had a greasy mane on his head and his eyebrows were cut into little slits. Some of the strangest styles I've ever seen put together were adorned on this man. His face was round but his high cheek bones helped to accentuate his cute features but that is all the lord had in favor of him. He wore overalls with a grey undershirt along with boots. <br/><br/>He looked like a train conductor more than a cab driver. <br/><br/>" Ahh yes Now that I've gotten your attention. It seems youre brand new to the city. And I can also tell you…don't have a ride home. "<br/><br/>I checked my watch again to see if was mistaken. It was just past 8:45. Slightly interested in getting to know my surroundings I decided to entertain this event. <br/><br/>" Oh? How could you tell?"<br/><br/>" Easy miss!" He said gleefully. He then slyfully pointed to his nose. I can smell opportunity from a mile away. And you have a certain puzzaz about you. Excuse my italian! Im a bit rusty. Haha. "<br/><br/><br/>I smirked and cautiously looked from left to right. Seeing there was no others I held my breath.<br/><br/>" Easy little Miss I don't want no trouble. " He tried to give humble bow and presented his 5 seater yellow locomotive. It seemed far superior to the ones that would normally work as cabs. The interior contained red leather seating similar to the ones in the high end cars driven by my father. Its whees were coated in a signature white rubber lining and its exhaust oozed very little vapor as it had been running even before he called to me. <br/><br/>" I run a lil coach here. Fare's high but I make sure to bring the quality of ride." <br/><br/>Ignoring his statement I asked him a question. <br/><br/>" How did you know im Italian? "<br/><br/>" I didn't you just told me. But if you really want to know I recognize the stitching . An old Italian bag stitches up my overalls when they tear. She uses the same pattern as the one on your clothing. "<br/><br/>Shaking my head at my slight overreaction I conceded to his provocations. <br/><br/>" Bene my friend. I can see that you are well versed in this city. Id be happy to ride with you this morning. "<br/><br/>He pulled a hat from behind his back and tipped it at me.<br/><br/>" Pleasure doing business with ya. Let me get your bags for you."<br/><br/>I climbed into the cab and smelled that it had been freshly cleaned which was a nice touch. My new designated driver hopped into the driver seat and began to veer off from the warf. <br/><br/>Over the sounds of the cars and people in the distance my mind wandered. <br/><br/>- - - <br/>Vivid memories of my father's locomotive driving through the city streets. One of the only ones in Italy at the time. He wore a proud smile as he drove our family to dinner at a restaurant.<br/><br/>" Va Bene , Mia famiglia were here. Remember papa's rules. "<br/><br/>" Si papa , No fighting , No swearing and if we are under attack hide. "<br/><br/>" Bene bambini lets go. Big smiles."<br/><br/>- - - <br/><br/>" Hey Miss! I can tell your having a lovely daydream with that lovely smile of yours but would you like a tour of the city?"<br/><br/><br/>" Sure " I absentmindedly spoke.<br/><br/>I didn't notice but he had tilted his mirror downwards he stared at me for a few seconds before taking a turn into town. He sniffled for a few second before drawing up. <br/><br/>" hmm I never caught your name Miss. "<br/><br/>I finally snapped out of my daze and quickly gained my composure. ' Whats wrong with me? I've been even more relaxed and calm than ever before. I feel as though I've been put on anaesthetics . '<br/><br/>I slapped my cheeks as a reaction. As if a spell was lifted off me. I regained my <br/>usual vigilance. <br/><br/>He grinned from behind the wheel. " See I knew there was something special about you miss. "<br/><br/>" What was that. " I had secretly pulled my gun and pressed it against the back of his headrest. Letting the hammer click. I began to repeat myself before he cut me off. <br/><br/>" Okay Miss there are 5 major areas that you need to know if you're gonna live in New London. You may call em towns but we call em boroughs. "<br/><br/>He ignored the gun to his head and made a quick turn knocking me of balance. I hit my head against the metallic frame but my aim held strong. <br/>Without any tone of apology he continued. <br/><br/>" Here's our first stop. Welcome to the island Manhattan also know to a more select few as MadHatten. Home to The Mad hatter. "<br/><br/><br/><br/></p>