Guardian Angel – Part 2
Chapter IV
Charisma’s eyes took on a distant look and her lips creased into an enigmatic smile. She hugged the tiny body curled into hers a little tighter and kissed the top of her son’s head. After a long moment, Charisma turned blue eyes to meet Esmeralda’s green briefly. She shook her head a little and turned her attention inward again, shifting her body until she was laying down looking up at the ceiling.
“I don’t remember much, really. I have impressions, mostly. The fog in London; the mist and scent of heather in Scotland; the Guinness in Ireland. I remember the sangria in Spain; the echoing caves on Gibraltar; the color of the Mediterranean; the reflection of the sun off the buildings on Santorini; the market in Istanbul. I remember freshness of the air in the Alps; the sense of timelessness in Rome; the amazing food in France.”
Esmeralda waited but nothing more was forthcoming. “Do you have pictures?”
“Somewhere, I’m sure,” Charisma replied noncommittally, though Esmeralda sensed a distinct tension suddenly present in Charisma’s frame. Adam squirmed a little uncomfortably and Charisma forced herself to relax.
“It sounds like it was magical,” Esmeralda offered with a smile in her voice.
“It was. I remember feeling happy then.”
“So what happened?”
Charisma shrugged carefully so as not to disturb the child sleeping so peacefully again on her chest. “It was time to grow up. And life just became a roller coaster on the fast track.”
“And what of your best friend?”
Charisma shook her head. “I don’t know. I lost touch with her years ago.” There was an inflection in her tone, but whether it was sadness or anger or something else again, Esmeralda wasn’t sure.
“I guess that is part of growing up and getting older,” Esmeralda commented. “We let go of the old as new friends and responsibilities enter our lives. It’s a shame we can’t hold onto both.”
“Um,” was Charisma’s only reply. She had closed her eyes and her breathing was deepening and evening out in the first stages of sleep. But it couldn’t stop the tear that trickled from the corner of her eye. Esmeralda stood and pulled the coverlet from the couch, tucking in Charisma and Adam before crossing back over to her cart to begin her night’s work.
************
I had hoped when I asked her to share, Charisma would have been more forthcoming. I’m not sure if she really can’t remember or if she just doesn’t want to.
However, I don’t need her to remember to know what happened to share it with you. Sometimes it’s good to be an angel with the ability to rewind and review peoples’ lives. I just wish it wasn’t necessary - because utilizing that option means something’s gone wrong.
Still, it’s nice to have the ability when it’s needed. So let me show you what happened on that trip to Europe.
************
Controlled chaos was perhaps the best way to describe the goings-on in the Tagherty household as Brianna and Charisma rushed through their final preparations. Over and over they packed and repacked their rucksacks, knowing everything they considered necessary provisions for the next few months needed to fit into their backpacks.
T-shirts, shorts, jeans, underwear, a thick sweater, a waterproof jacket and several pairs of heavy socks all managed to find a place. A few toiletries, a towel and washcloth and a notepad, a pen and a few addressed, stamped envelopes rounded out their supplies. They had determined to purchase sleeping bags once they reached Europe. Though the idea was to stay in hostels and mingle with others their age, they would both feel better about having something to protect them from the elements… just in case.
Charisma’s brothers came to see them off before they left for the airport and Brianna’s parents both called to wish them well in their travels. Then it was time to rush to the airport for the flight to London.
Okasa and Patrick accompanied the two young women to the terminal and waited with them until their flight was called. Then they embraced each girl in turn.
“Take lots of pictures and write once in a while,” Okasa instructed them both. “And I tucked a couple phone cards into your bags for you to use, so don’t wait for an emergency to call, all right?”
“Yes, Mama,” Charisma confirmed with a nervous smile and Brianna backed her up with a brisk nod of her head.
“Take care of each other out there and live everyday as though it was going to be your last. This time will never come your way again,” Patrick admonished them. Then he brushed a kiss over first the dark head, then the light and gently herded them towards the gate. He took Okasa’s hand and together they gave the girls one last wave when they turned for a final glance before stepping into the jetway to board the plane.
Patrick and Okasa walked to the window, watching as the plane warmed up and rolled out of the gate, headed for the runway. It wasn’t until the plane was a mere speck in the sky that Patrick glanced at his wife who returned his soft, knowing smile.
“Do you think they suspect? Do they have any idea?”
“Charisma doesn’t,” Okasa said confidently. “Or she would never have agreed to go on this trip.”
“And Brianna?”
“I think she’s a little more aware than our daughter, but I firmly believe Charisma doesn’t see because she has deliberately turned her eyes away from that possibility.”
Patrick shook his head and tugged on Okasa’s hand, leading them away from the window and back towards the parking lot. “Sometimes I wonder if that is my fault… if she thinks she has to give up happiness to follow her dreams.”
“Did you ever tell her that, Patrick-me-love?”
Blue eyes glared at twinkling brown for the moment it took for him to register the teasing in her voice. “You know I didn’t,” his voice growling though he couldn’t stop the smile that flitted across his lips.
“You have to let her make her own decisions and mistakes, Paddy. You will always be her father, and she will probably always come to you for advice and direction. But she’s a grown woman - it’s time to let go. She’s got to spread her wings and fly on her own.”
“When did you get to be so smart?”
Okasa clutched his arm, squeezing lightly and smiling up at Patrick so brightly he was compelled to return the gesture. He covered her hand and waited for her to speak. “Probably when I decided to get you to marry me,” Okasa admitted, causing laughter to spring forth from deep in his chest.
“So I had no choice in this, hmm?”
“Of course you didn’t. I set my sights on you and you were a goner.”
“Well,” he said drolly, infusing his speech with a bit of a brogue as he pushed the door open to allow them to step outdoors. “If I had to go, I’m glad I went the way I did.”
Okasa rolled her eyes and shook her head and together the Tagherty’s made their way to their car.
************
I know what you’re thinking - if they could see what was happening, how could an angel miss it? Trust me when I tell you that you’re not the only one asking that particular question. The fact that Okasa was not only aware of the state of affairs between her daughters, but had accurately pegged their reactions has complicated things immeasurably for Rafe. *His* only saving grace is the fact that mamas seem to have a sixth sense about these things.
However, that is neither here nor there at the moment. The fact remains that even at this juncture, subtle as the signs were, there was at least some awareness of something between the two of them and heaven missed it. Talk about dropping the ball….
Still, the signs remained subtle. They had to… for Charisma’s peace of mind.
Let me show you what she doesn’t remember.
************
It was actually sunny in London when the plane landed at Heathrow, and the two young women smiled in response as they exited the terminal. It was a wonderful omen for the start of their journey.
They found a hostel that was cheap yet close enough to get to everything, then they headed out to explore the city. For several days they went around, seeing the sights and finding interesting little shops and places to eat. Nights they spent sharing a tiny room with two single beds and a bathroom just down the hall.
“This is so much like our first years in college,” Brianna commented as she returned from taking a shower. “I’d forgotten how much I hated community bathrooms.”
Charisma snickered. “I hadn’t. But it’s the price we pay for traveling cheap.”
“Remind me to win the lottery before we do this again,” Brianna grumbled good-naturedly.
“Well, maybe the castle in Scotland will be a little more modern.”
Brianna rolled her eyes at Charisma. “I don’t think indoor plumbing was a real priority when most of those castles were built. But as long as we don’t have to run outside to use the privy, I’ll make do.”
Charisma laughed. “Me too.”
The Highlands were beautiful and the castle they’d found to stay in was in the first stages of refurbishment, forcing them to share accommodations. The room they were given was spacious and ancient, enfolding them in a sense of timelessness.
“I never expected….”
“No… neither did I. Everything about this place is different than what I had imagined - the palatial room, the fabulous vista, the friendly people. But I’m glad we came here,” Brianna agreed as they hiked the trail their hostess had directed them to the following morning.
“Me too,” Charisma said, catching Brianna’s hand as she stumbled. “You all right?”
“Yeah… too busy looking around to watch where I’m going, thanks.”
“Anytime. C’mon,” tugging on the hand she still held. “We should be getting back.”
They walked slowly back towards the castle, only to pause when they heard the plaintive wailing of the pipes. Charisma shivered.
“Bagpipes always sound so mournful,” she said softly as they resumed their trek.
“Not always,” Brianna disagreed as the sound turned decidedly upbeat. “I wonder what’s going on.” Then they emerged from the trail into the garden area, stopping when they realized they’d walked into the middle of someone’s wedding. They froze… not wanting to disturb the nuptials, but unwilling to intrude on a private moment. Suddenly, the decision was taken out of their hands - the bride and groom beckoned them to join the circle and after a brief glance at each other, they did so, joining their hands with others in the circle until it was complete once more.
The ceremony was mercifully short; the reception, on the other hand, went on long into the night. And it was very late when Charisma and Brianna returned to their room. Charisma sat down in the wing chair nearest the bed and bent down to remove her shoes.
“Wow,” Brianna said breathlessly and more than a little drunk as she flopped backwards onto the bed. “That was pretty amazing.” Her words were low and measured, the only true indication Charisma had about how intoxicated her friend really was. But before she could comment on either Brianna’s condition or her words, Brianna rolled onto her stomach and propped her head up on her hand. “You ever think about that?” she asked Charisma thoughtfully. Charisma cocked her head and raised an eyebrow in question. Brianna chuckled. “Sorry,” she continued with a hiccup. “Your wedding… do you ever think about your wedding?”
Charisma’s brow furrowed as she frowned. “Um… no? Why would I? It’s not like it’s even on the horizon of possibilities at the moment.”
“And? C’mon, Ri… every little girl dreams about her wedding to her very own Prince Charming. You’re telling me you’ve never even thought about it?”
“Pretty much. I’m sure I’ll find the right man someday and settle down to whatever extent my career will allow. But getting married isn’t the be all and end all for me.” She rose from the chair and padded over to the bed, dropping gracelessly onto her back before folding her hands across her belly and turning her head to look at Brianna. “Are you telling me getting married is now a priority for you, Brianna Brianna?”
“What?!? Oh, hell no!” Brianna replied with a laugh. “I thought about it once, but I realized that’s not what I want out of life… at least not right now.” She shrugged and dropped her gaze to the heavy coverlet on the bed. “I suppose if and when I ever find the right person to share my life with, that might change, but for now, I am happy to be free and independent.”
“You sound like Rudolph.” Brianna rolled her eyes.
“Better the reindeer than the elf, I guess. At least the reindeer gets to be the hero.”
Charisma snorted. “I think you should have skipped that last glass of punch.”
“I think I should have skipped more than that. I have a feeling I may regret tonight when tomorrow comes.”
Charisma sighed, then rolled off the bed. She reached for Brianna’s hands, pulling her upright and sliding Brianna’s shoes from her feet, deliberately tickling them. Brianna laughed, then glared, tucking her legs up under her.
“That wasn’t nice.”
“No… but it was funny. Here,” passing Brianna several aspirin and a glass of water. “Drink up. You’ll feel better in the morning.”
“Yes, mom,” Brianna answered drolly, but she complied, grimacing as the bitter taste of aspirin hit the back of her tongue. Dutifully she chugged the water, handing Charisma the empty glass and shimmying out of her jeans before flopping back onto the bed. “Man, I’m tired.”
“You going to go to sleep in your clothes?”
“I don’t think you’d appreciate it if I slept nude.”
It was Charisma’s turn to roll her eyes “Nothing I haven’t seen before, Bri, but I don’t think *you’d* appreciate it too much if you slept in the nude. It’s still pretty chilly here in the Highlands in the morning. And I’m not keeping you warm,” she added with a smirk.
“Spoilsport,” Brianna complained good-naturedly. But she was smiling when she said it. She accepted the heavy shirt Charisma passed to her, not noticing that Charisma turned her back as she whipped off she other shirt and bra before she slipped into the flannel. “Ah… much better.”
Charisma had turned down the bed in the meantime and Brianna climbed in with a sense of relief. It only took another moment before Charisma was dressed for bed and she slid in beside Brianna. She didn’t even stiffen when Brianna curled up into her and gave her a brief hug before moving back to her side of the bed.
“Thanks, Ri,” she said with a yawn, curling on her side and tucking her hands under her head.
“For what?” Charisma asked sleepily.
“Taking such good care of me,” Brianna mumbled as she drifted to sleep.
“That’s what friends do, Bri,” Charisma whispered before following her friend into Morpheus’ realm.
************
The first time I viewed this bit, I wondered if perhaps it was the point of awakening for Charisma. But the more I watched, the more I was convinced it wasn’t. Why? Because I am fairly certain she is still in complete denial.
Of course, at the time, neither young woman could foresee that this would be the last time they would be actively involved in one another’s lives. All they knew then was that they were best friends having a wonderful time together.
Fortunately, they took Patrick’s words to heart and lived each day as though it could be their last. They went new places and tried new things, creating some beautiful memories. It’s just a damned shame Charisma is no longer willing - or able - to remember them. C’mon… let me show you some more. You may as well enjoy the rest of the trip - it goes a long way towards explaining so much.
Chapter V
“Ya know, I knew from reading that Ireland was green, but I never expected it to be *so* green,” Brianna commented as she looked at the rolling hills that surrounded their current abode. “I’ve never seen anything so lush… so vibrant. Have you?”
Charisma looked at Brianna as though she had grown a second head. “Hello? Look in the mirror much?” Brianna frowned. “C’mon, Bri - your eyes rival any shade of green out here.”
Those green eyes widened. “Do you really think so?”
Charisma cupped Brianna’s face in her hands and stared into her eyes for a long moment, searching. Finally she leaned forward and kissed Brianna’s forehead. “Yes,” she said bluntly, then stood and offered Brianna her hand. “C’mon. I hear a Guinness calling our names.”
“Oh, that sounds wonderful.”
And it was - the ale was cold and spicy and both young women had more than a few before making their unsteady way back to their room.
“We’re gonna regret this in the mornin’ aren’t we?” Charisma slurred as she fell gracelessly onto the bed.
“I’m thinkin’,” Brianna said with a groan. She tripped over to the nightstand that held a pitcher of water and a washbowl, pouring a glassful and guzzling it before refilling it and handing it to Charisma. Charisma looked at Brianna with disdain when she knocked against her knees, then reluctantly sat up and accepted the water. When the glass was empty, she passed it back to Brianna and flopped back down.
“You want some aspirin?”
“I s’pose we should,” Charisma mumbled, one hand over her eyes and the other hand extended. Brianna chuckled and tapped Charisma’s lips.
“Open wide and say ‘ahh’.”
“Yes, mahhhhm,” Charisma replied, trying not to choke on the pills or her laughter at the look on Brianna’s face.
“I’ll mom you in a minute. We could always call your mother.”
“Um… NO. I’m drunk, not stupid.”
“You’re not even good drunk - just a little tipsy.”
“Let’s hope the hangover tomorrow bears that out.”
“Go t’sleep, Ri,” Brianna instructed as she removed Charisma’s shoes and tucked her erstwhile friend into bed. Then she crossed the room and collapsed on her own bed, kicking her shoes off before falling into sleep.
************
The next morning they were both moaning, but ambulatory and after a cold shower to wash away the last of their hangovers, they headed out to do a bit of sightseeing.
“Do you think Mama would like this?” Charisma asked, holding up a beautifully cut fruit bowl. Brianna just looked at her in disbelief.
“Ri, it’s Waterford Crystal. What’s not to like about it?”
“Good point. Are you going to get anything?”
“I’m still looking. I’d like something - I just haven’t decided what yet.”
Charisma nodded. “All right. I’m going to check out. Meet you outside?”
“Yeah,” Brianna replied absently, her mind whirling with possibilities. The truth was, she knew what she wanted. It was simply a matter of choosing the right picture frame and the right Christmas ornament. It took a few minutes, but she finally found the perfect frame - simple in design, yet exactly what she needed to set off a photograph. The ornament was a little more difficult as most were too ornate for her taste. Still, Brianna did manage to find what she wanted and soon her purchases were paid for and she headed out to meet Charisma.
“Guinness?” she offered. “You know they’ll never be as good as they are here.”
“One,” Charisma answered firmly. “I want to remember this trip and too many nights like last night will make it nothing but a haze.”
“Agreed. We need to pace ourselves a little better. So, a Guinness and some dinner?”
“You’ve got yourself a date, Brianna Brianna.”
************
“So, shall we head to the Continent tomorrow?”
“Yes. I promised Mama a postcard from Paris and I really want to see the City of Lights at night.”
“You just want to go to the Moulin Rouge.”
“Duh!” Charisma exclaimed with a chuckle. “If I don’t sow my wild oats now, I’ll never get to. It’s straight into the political arena for me as soon as we get back home.”
“Do you regret that, Charisma? Jumping into politics as a career, I mean. You seem to be giving up so much to ensure your success at it and sometimes I wonder if you really believe it’s worth it.”
“Becoming President is all I’ve ever wanted to do, Bri - it’s all I’ve ever really planned for. I’ve been on this path since I was five years old. It’s all I know.”
“But is it enough?” Brianna held up a hand. “I’m not doubting you’re sincerity or your calling - you’re brilliant, and I really do think you’d make an outstanding President. But don’t you miss getting to live a little without worrying about how the rest of the world might judge you for it?”
“Nah… that’s what I have you for. You do all this fun, crazy stuff and I get to enjoy it without actually having to do it. Except the Moulin Rouge… I really would like to go there.”
“If I take you to the Moulin Rouge, you’re gonna have to dance. And don’t give me that look. I know you can - I’ve seen you do it.”
Charisma huffed. “Fine. Dictator,” she grumbled.
“I heard that, ya know,” Brianna complained. Charisma just laughed.
************
“That was fun!” Brianna gushed as they arrived back in their tiny hostel room.
“Except for those jackasses.”
“C’mon, Ri - those are everywhere and you’re gonna run into them a lot in the political arena. At least you know how to shut them down with a smile. Besides, how many jackasses in Washington are going to proposition you for a three-way with your hot girlfriend? Your ‘hot girlfriend’,” rolling her eyes, “isn’t going to be anywhere near Washington and no one there is gonna ask once you get your reputation back as an Ice Princess.”
“You think I’m an Ice Princess?”
“Me? No, Ri… after four years together I know better,” glad Charisma was ignoring the ‘hot girlfriend’ comment. “But you did have the reputation in college. You worked hard to establish it, remember?”
“I know.”
“Charisma,” Brianna addressed her dryly while wrapping her in a hug, “You can’t have it both ways, but I hope you never stop hoping for the best from people. I would suggest you keep the Ice Princess persona, though; you’re so nice about it, you’ll always be popular with folks and it will protect you better than anything else.”
“Even you?”
“Even me. I won’t always be able to be there, but that persona will be.”
“I wonder why we never got those propositions in school.”
“We did - you just generally didn’t hear them.”
Charisma snorted and Brianna looked her question at her. “I was just thinking - if I’m going to start hearing them, I think the Ice Princess may get a black belt in something so she can put her money where her mouth is.”
Brianna laughed. “I want pictures.” Charisma shook with laughter. “You all right now?”
“Always with you, Bri.”
************
“I never expected the Mona Lisa to be so small. It seems like it should be massive.”
“I know. It’s been that way with all the masters’ we’ve seen. Maybe it’s some sort of unwritten rule.”
“Maybe. You ready to head to Switzerland?”
“Yeah… I want to see the Alps.”
“Me too.”
************
“It’s beautiful. I could stay here for a while.”
“We can stay as long as you want, Ri; it’s not like we have a schedule to keep other than our own. Maybe we should slow down and take some time to relax instead of pushing to see so much.”
“I am relaxed, Bri. And I’m enjoying the trip. This is just a nice break from the hustle and bustle of Paris. I did enjoy the food there though.”
“Umm… so did I. I’m gonna have to make sure I make enough money to have a French chef….”
“… and a personal trainer to work off all those butter and sugar calories.” Brianna glared at Charisma’s laughing comment.
“I hate you. Just for that, no chocolate for you,” opening the package she’d been carrying. She deliberately withdrew a piece, sucking it into her mouth with a moan. Charisma narrowed her eyes in calculation before allowing them to widen pleadingly and sticking out her bottom lip in a pout. Brianna huffed. “That’s not fair, Charisma.”
“All is fair in love and chocolate, Brianna Brianna.”
************
The market in Istanbul was loud and vibrant and unlike any place they had been before. Charisma and Brianna were careful to follow the customs of the region, but it didn’t hinder their explorations. The artisans were amazing and they enjoyed shopping to their heart’s content.
Then they moved on to Athens.
They spent several days wandering the city, visiting the obvious attractions as well as finding a few well off the beaten path.
“I sometimes wonder if somewhere way back in my ancestry there’s a Greek matriarch or something. It feels a lot like home here.”
“For me too,” Brianna agreed. “Almost like….”
“Almost like we’ve been here before.”
“I wish we had - you know, when this was all new. I imagine it was fabulous.”
They looked around at the ruins they were currently standing in the middle of. “Considering how amazing it still is, I’d have to agree. Remember the friezes we saw in the British Museum?”
“Yeah… I wonder what stories those really told, because I don’t think the archeologists got it right.” Brianna bit her lip pensively, then she shrugged. “But what do I know? I’m a lawyer, not a writer.”
“I think an argument could be about that.”
“Don’t start.” Charisma held up her hands in surrender.
“I’m not starting anything - just making a statement. C’mon, the boat to Santorini should be at the dock soon and we don’t want to miss it.”
************
Their days in Santorini were slow and laid back, in complete contrast to their frenzied pace in Athens. Then they were off to Italy on a sailboat that took them across the Mediterranean Sea.
“You do realize that leaving here and going home to weather that is turning cold and will soon be winter is less than appealing, right?” Brianna asked as she lay topless on the upper deck of the bow soaking in the sun’s rays. Charisma kept her eyes closed to keep from staring or glaring; she had yet to gather enough courage to remove her top on the boat though she had done it on several of their beach trips together. She didn’t care for the looks of appreciation and lust they garnered from men who saw them topless; she wasn’t thrilled that Brianna didn’t seem to notice them. Still, no one had made any real advances beyond looking, so there wasn’t much Charisma could do about it. She turned her attention back to their conversation.
“I know. But at least you’ll be going with a tan.”
“And no one who will be able to appreciate it underneath all those layers.”
“You’ll find someone, Bri. You’re too special not to. Just remember they have to pass the Tagherty test first.”
“Geez, Ri… I’ll be dead and buried before I find someone who can meet all that criteria.”
Charisma shrugged but there was a wicked twinkle in her eyes. “I don’t know - you found me that first day we became roommates.”
“Yes, and I think that was more due to fate and the forces of the universe at work than anything I did in particular.”
“Being roommates? Maybe. But sweeping my daddy off his feet - that was all you, sweetie.”
“So I need to find someone who can sweep Paddy off his feet?”
“Oh no… it won’t be that easy. Not only do you have to sweep daddy off his feet, but mama, Hunter, Rocky, Forrest and of course, me as well. One of the joys of being part of a big family - welcome to the Taghertys.”
Brianna sighed dramatically. “Good thing I am happy as a single woman, huh?”
“You’ll find someone one day, Brianna Brianna. I have faith.”
“I already did,” she whispered some time later, secure in the knowledge that Charisma was sleeping. Then she turned over and watched the shoreline grow closer, wondering what Italy held in store for them.
************
The Isle de Capris was beautiful and they spent a full day exploring before crossing over to Naples. They walked Vesuvius and explored Pompeii, marveling at the life they could still feel in the city.
“I wonder how much of this is actually graffiti?” Charisma asked, motioning to the writing on a wall with her free hand as they walked down a narrow street with their fingers lightly tangled together so as not to lose one another in all the clamoring round them.
“I think they’re ads - you know, for beer and cigarettes. It was probably the local seven-eleven of its time.”
“You think?”
Brianna shrugged. “Works for me. According to the guidebook, it was a storefront of some kind.”
“I would have liked to have visited here then - to have seen this place full of life and vitality. I bet it was a real party town.”
“Considering the artwork we’ve seen… I’m betting you’re right.” They approached another piece of erotic art, tilting their heads in tandem before glancing at one another. “Is that even possible?”
“I think we’d have to break a couple things or grow some extra appendages to find out.”
The two women snickered at the image that thought produced and moved further into the ruins that were Pompeii.
************
“I can’t believe almost two months of our trip are gone,” Brianna said as they settled into their overnight berth on the train taking them to Rome.
“I can’t believe you bought that book of erotic art. What is my mother going to say?”
“Are you going to show it to her?”
“What?! NO!”
“Then I don’t think we’ll need to worry about her reaction.”
“I think you are discounting the mothers’ curse - the part where they always know when a kid has been up to something. But I agree with you about how quickly this trip has gone by. What a lifetime of memories we’ve already made.”
Brianna smiled. “I can’t wait to see all the pictures we’ve taken. As many rolls as we’ve taken, we should be able to fill a book or two.”
“And tomorrow, we’ll be in Rome.”
Chapter VI
When the train stopped, they linked arms to keep from losing one another in the crush. They stepped out into the sunshine, looking around immediately for a metro line. First stop - the Coliseum.
They spent a bit of time in the outer area, studying the exhibits and the architecture. They marveled at the detail and precision involved in the building before taking the stairs into the stadium itself. When they stepped into the arena area, Brianna shuddered and curled herself into Charisma. Charisma automatically wrapped her arms around Brianna and bent her lips to the blonde woman’s ear.
“What’s wrong, Brianna Brianna?” blue eyes scouring the area to find what had set off such an alarming reaction.
“I don’t know, Ri. I don’t like it here. It reeks of suffering and death.” She took a deep breath and met Charisma’s eyes. “My soul hurts to be here.”
“Then we’ll go,” taking another look around. “C’mon. Let’s go see the Arches and the ruins across the way. Maybe we can get a look at the Emperor’s Palace or those baths we read about, huh?” Charisma commented as she led them out of the Coliseum.
Brianna gave her a shaky smile. “I’d like that. I hear they sometimes hold concerts there now. I wouldn’t mind running into one of those - I bet the performance acoustics are amazing.”
“Performance acoustics, huh? I’m telling you, Bri… you shouldn’t have given up the theatre for the law.”
“I had to - who would take me seriously as your running mate if I was an actor?”
“Two words, Bri - Ronald Reagan.”
“I’m not talking to you anymore,” Brianna grumbled as they left the Coliseum grounds, walking slightly ahead of Charisma. “This is me not talking to you now.”
Charisma laughed and caught up with her, taking her hand as they wandered past the Arch of Constantine and towards the Arch of Titus.
************
“Okay… can I honestly tell you I never expected to be eating at McDonald’s in Rome?”
“I never expected to see a McDonald’s like this,” motioning to the marble and art that surrounded them.
“All right, I’ll grant you that. So after we visit the Spanish Steps?”
“I don’t know. There are still plenty of things left to see here.”
“As long as we visit the Trevi Fountain, I’ll be happy.”
“So let’s go see if we can find it.”
************
“Is it what you expected?” Brianna asked as Charisma stood gazing at the famous fountain.
“Not at all. It is more and less than I ever imagined.” She took Brianna’s hand and led them to the edge of the large reservoir. “There is a legend told about this fountain that says that anyone who tosses a coin into the fountain will return to Rome again.” She pulled two lire pieces from her pocket. “What do you say, Brianna Brianna? Shall we make a pact to return here together one day?”
For answer, Brianna brought the coin to her lips, kissing it before letting it fly from her grasp. Charisma laughed and did the same. Then Brianna caught her hand and they headed back to the small room they were sharing in the hostel.
“This city is amazing,” Brianna commented as she curled up on her bed. “So much history and yet so modern and alive at the same time.”
“So no more issues, then?”
“Not really - nothing like I felt at the Coliseum. That was just creepy. Besides, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican were incredible. I’m glad we came here.”
“So am I. I was uneasy about coming here and after your reaction at the Coliseum, I was afraid I might be right in my feeling. I’m glad we proved me wrong. I really wouldn’t mind coming here again. But….”
“But…?”
“I need to figure out how to shrink to the size of my four year old niece before we come back.”
Brianna’s eyebrow went into her forehead. “Why? Most women would kill to look like you do.”
“Maybe,” Charisma agreed dismissively, “but they don’t make clothes for women my size here. Did you see how tiny everything in the display windows was?”
“Yeah, but you don’t want to be that tiny.”
“Why not?”
“You’re better than that. C’mon, Ri… think about this a minute. It may be the eighties, but it’s going to be hard enough for you to be taken seriously as a woman in politics. Do you really want to be dismissed out of hand because you look like a four year old child?”
Charisma glared. “You know what I mean.”
“Yes, and you know what *I* mean. You’re a beautiful woman, Charisma. Don’t discount that, and don’t pretend like it doesn’t matter to the people you’ll need to eventually vote for you. Looks may not be everything, but they are part of the overall package.”
Charisma blinked at Brianna’s vehement tone. “Where is all this coming from, Bri?”
Brianna blew out a frustrated breath. “It bothers me to hear you talk like that about yourself, Charisma. You have so much to offer the world as the person you are. I hate to hear about you trying to change that to conform to some image you think you should have.”
“But I should allow my looks to influence the way people see me.”
“You’re twisting my words. Your looks *do* influence the way people see you - that is true for everyone. But it is even truer for a politician. You have to present them with the picture you want them to see. You like Italian fashion? Excellent… great - I don’t blame you. Have it tailored to suit you. Don’t change your whole life for it. You shouldn’t have to change your whole life for anything, Ri. Stick to your guns on the things that matter most to you - the rest will settle itself.”
Charisma narrowed her eyes before sticking out her tongue. “When did you get to be so smart?”
“I’ve been smart; it’s why they gave me a law degree with summa cum laude after it.”
“Smartass.”
“Better than a dumbass, I always say. Now shut up and go to sleep. If we’re going to Florence tomorrow, we need to get some sleep tonight.”
“Have you always been this bossy?”
“Yes. It is the sign of a great manager. Now go to sleep.”
“But….”
“I have duct tape and I know how to use it.”
“Meanie.”
“It will fix that pouty lip too, ya know.”
“I hate you.”
“Goodnight, Charisma.”
************
“Okay, this is kinda gross. I may never drink wine again.”
“Why? We washed our feet.”
“I know we did. I was thinking more along the lines of the gooshey feeling this is producing between my toes. It’s just slimy.”
Charisma covered her eyes and struggled to maintain her balance. “Thank you for the visual, Brianna Brianna. I could have gone a long time without imagining that. C’mon,” she added, tugging on Bri’s arm and easing out of the large vat. “Let’s see what else there is to do here.”
They had stopped in Pisa on their way to Florence as a matter of course, taking the obligatory pictures and climbing there way up the narrow flight of stairs to look out over the town made famous by its leaning tower. A local wine festival had attracted them and made them impromptu grape crushers, and the locals welcomed them with enthusiasm.
“That was a lot of fun,” Charisma commented as she licked at the gelato she held in her hand. “Despite your slimy gooshiness.”
“Don’t blame me. That’s the way it felt.”
“You didn’t need to share it though. I’m fairly certain the vinters would prefer not to have that image of their wine making process.”
“Well, we can say we made wine once. We just won’t share the gruesome details.”
“I’m sure folks will be glad if we don’t.”
They were back on the train on their way to Florence. Brianna wanted to see David, to see if it lived up to the spectacle that had been the Sistine Chapel. Frankly, she didn’t see how it possibly could, but since it was considered one of the showpieces of the Renaissance….
She tilted her head to one side and then the other, narrowing her eyes at Charisma when she heard the soft chuckle coming from beside her. “Are you laughing at me?” she growled, though it was a struggle to keep the twinkle out of her eyes.
“Yes,” Charisma replied bluntly. “How is tilting your head helping?”
“It’s not, actually,” Brianna said as she straightened. “I think a grape leaf might be the only thing that could save him.”
Charisma couldn’t stop the laughter that bubbled over at Brianna’s words and she took Brianna by the arm and led her from the building under the watchful stares of the other patrons. “C’mon, Brianna Brianna. I’ve had enough culture and art to last me for a while. Let’s go find some fun.”
Fun was fairly easy to find - there were tavernas with good food and cheap beer, squares filled with dancing and a number of beaches along the coast to deepen their tans and erase any tan lines they had left. They met any number of young people, but none more interesting to either of them than the company they were already keeping. So they made their way across the Riviera to Barcelona, Spain and the end of their European journey.
Barcelona was odd and quirky and exciting and in the midst of making their bid for the Summer Olympic Games. Still there was a lot to see and do, though some of it was definitely more fascinating than others.
“Well, I liked Gaudi and that funky church, but I could have done without Picasso.”
“Yeah… me too. What about Dali?”
Charisma shrugged. “He was more interesting, but still a little weird. I am beginning to think it’s a requirement of all artists.”
Brianna laughed. “I’d be inclined to agree with that. Prof Mac preached it, as a matter of fact.”
“Weirdness?? Boy, that explains a lot,” ducking away from the expected slap.
“No, goofball - thinking outside the box. He believes that any artist - painter, writer, sculptor - has to see beyond what everyone else does to be a true artist.”
“Maybe. But it takes real talent to make everyone else appreciate and understand what you’re seeing. Some of that…” motioning vaguely with her hands. “I don’t think I’ll ever get it.”
“That’s okay - some of that I’d rather not get… ever.”
It was quiet for a long time after that and just as Brianna started to fall into a doze, Charisma spoke softly into the darkness.
“I’ve had a wonderful time on this trip, Brianna. So many good memories.”
“For me too, Ri. I will always treasure this time in my life.”
Charisma chuckled lightly. “We’re acting like this is goodbye forever or something,” the thought causing a pang in her heart.
“In a way, it is, sweetie. I’m off to law school for the next three years and you’re going to Washington to begin your political career. We’ll never have a chance to spend time together like this again. There will always be other responsibilities in our lives from now on.”
“Okay… that’s it. I no longer want to be an adult. I’ve decided I’d much rather be a vagabond and wander around the world with you.”
Brianna smiled, glad the tears on her cheeks were hidden by the darkness of the room. “That sounds wonderful, Ri. But what of your dream of becoming President? What about that picture perfect family?”
“I told you that family thing was a far-off consideration for me, and I can always be President when I’m forty-five instead of forty.”
“Yes, but you know and I know you have to be working on it now or it will be even later or never. You can’t get cold feet about it now.” She paused when Charisma blew a raspberry in her direction. “How about this? Why don’t we plan to do this again - the whole trip from beginning to end - in twenty years? Unless you are President of course. If that’s the case, we’ll wait until your term’s over.”
“Why so long?” Charisma whined.
“Because it will take us that long to be able to afford to take three months out of our lives to do this again.”
“I hate it when you make sense.” She sighed. “All right. Twenty years from now we’ll do this again. I’ll ask Mama to make the arrangements with our travel agent when I get home. You just make sure you’ve got the time to take of from your writing career to be there.”
“Careful there, Tagherty. You keep it up and I’ll be the one writing the ‘tell-all’ book when you become President.”
“Can you do that?? Isn’t there some sort of best friend law against that?”
“Not if you keep calling me a writer there isn’t.”
“Very well, Brianna Walker, Esquire. I expect you to defend me from all comers then when the time comes.”
“Yes, Madame President.”
************
Their goodbye at the airport the following morning was bittersweet. Brianna was flying directly to law school while Charisma was headed home for a few days before reporting to Washington for the start of her internship. Brianna walked Charisma to her gate and opened her arms, gratified when Charisma stepped into the embrace without a moment’s hesitation. The hug lasted for long moments, and they only removed themselves from it when the gate agent started calling for boarding of Charisma’s flight.
“I’ve got to go,” she said sadly.
“I know. I’m gonna miss you, cheerleader.”
“I’ll miss you too, playwright, so much.”
They gazed at one another and Charisma started to pull away, turning towards her gate. Brianna held on, throwing caution to the wind and leaning forward to brush her lips against Charisma’s. “I’ll always love you, Ri. You’re my very best friend in the whole world. I never had one of those before you came into my life. Thank you,” she whispered, cupping her face tenderly for a minute before releasing Charisma from her touch and leaving without a backwards glance.
Charisma watched her go, then boarded the plane, skin still tingling where Brianna’s essence lingered. She wondered why it felt like a forever goodbye.
************
Charisma was right of course - it was a forever goodbye. Brianna realized what was between the two of them and refused to force Charisma to choose. Part of her decision was based in fear - she couldn’t bear to see pity or disgust in Charisma’s eyes… or worse, a failure to acknowledge the truth. The other part however, was done out of a desire to spare Charisma the agony of deciding between her heart and her mind; her best friend and her career.
Instead, Brianna made the choice and slipped from Charisma’s radar with an ease that belied the strength of the ties that bound them together. And Charisma, unwilling to acknowledge her feelings to herself or anyone else, let her go without a fight.
Okasa and Paddy watched helplessly, unable to do more than stand aside and see the two women grow estranged by their own choice. Brianna had demanded they stay out of it, threatening to cut off all contact with them if they didn’t. So reluctantly, if only to maintain contact with one they had grown to love as their own, they remained silent but ever hopeful. Until the day Charisma brought Kent Rockwell home.
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