I laugh at his joke.

Lorenzo is actually really funny. And kind, he payed me a drink!

We're almost landing, so I buckle up again. He grins, "You're excited. What are you doing here in Italy?"

I shrug. "School." He nods, "I'm glad that hell is over for me." I flick out my tongue. "Stop bragging."

He chuckles. "I'm not bragging. Just telling you information you have to know. It's highly important!"

I scoff. "Sure." He laughs. "Ahw, baby, don't get mad at me." 

Baby.

It hits me in my chest, right in the heart. Baby. It doesn't sound right out of his mouth. He doesn't have the husky voice Jordan had when he used to call me that. Neither does he have the edgy tone Jordan has.

I sigh. It'll take a lot for me to get over them. They let me fall, just like Mike did. Well, at least Mike was honest about it.

The plane lands and we get out. While we gather our luggage, he stays at my side. He helps me with the carrying and pays another drink for me, Starbucks this time.

Coffee. I shut my eyes, remembering the last time someone bought me coffee. That was Aaron, in the gas station.

There really is no way to forget them, is there? Even the sky reminds me of them.

We walk outside. He nods at an Uber. "You can stay at my place tonight?" he winks. I smile a small smile.

"Are you sure? I could just go to the campus, don't worry." His eyes narrow. "Campus is no fun all alone, sweetheart. Come with me."

Sweetheart.

I force myself to act like it doesn't hurt me. "You think school is hell, so why'd campus be fun with people?"

He grins. "Fair enough. Come on, let's go." I nod and hop in the Uber.

While driving, I look outside. Wow, it's really pretty here. The sun is beautiful, and it's so hot here an ice cream would immediately melt.

Ice cream! I've heard Italy has the best ice cream of the world. My ideal country. 

"You got a big house?" I ask him excitedly. He grins and winks. "Not only a big house, babe." 

I roll my eyes, but giggle and blush. "You're so horny!" He grins, "Are you gonna do something about it?"

My eyes widen and I shake my head. I'm not looking for any boyfriend nor lover. I thought I was just making a friend.

He cocks an eyebrow. "No? And why not, sunbeam?"

This can't be coincidence.

I look at him with wide eyes, filled with fear. My body goes stiff and I start panicking. He knows them.

"W-what are you trying to do?" I whisper. He smirks and leans back in his seat. "Well, I am trying to get back at Aaron. And his little friends. So why not take the thing they love most?"

I frown. "But... we broke up?" He lets out a short laugh, it sounds evil.

"I don't think so, princess." I wince at that name. Why is he making it worse and worse?

"But we did break up. I caught them cheating. Why not taking one of their girls?" I whimper. He frowns. "But I— you know what? Sure. Miguel, stop the car."

So it was not a random Uber.

I quickly get out of the car when it stops. And here I thought I was making a good friend. Will their world leave me out of it, or am I too deep in?

I look at my phone. The campus is two miles from here, I can walk that far. Oh! I promised Dylan I'd call, and Mom too, so I can do that now.

Calling Dylan...

"Oh my God, hey! I thought you already forgot me in that stupid country!"he yells. A smack sounds and then Dylan comes in sight, frowning and rubbing the back of his head. "Was that too mean?" 

"Yes, it was, idiot." I laugh when I hear Dallas. "It's alright. I know he's not happy with me right now." Dylan shakes his head, but I can tell it's only because he loves me and wants me nearby. 

"So, I'm in Italy," I smile and show them the view. They're glued to the screen, and I almost, almost, take a picture of them. It's a funny shot.

"What do you think?" I ask when I've turned the camera again. "Damn. Why didn't you hide me in that suitcase?" Dylan pouts. I chuckle. "You're little, but not that little."

He hangs up. I laugh. I guess I'll call Mom then..

"Oh, hey, honey! How's the weather?" she calls. I smile. "Let me show you!" I show her the neighborhood. She squeals. "You're so close to the sea! Oh my God, I'm moving there too!" 

"You are not." Tom comes in view and waves at me. "Don't get in trouble. I can't save you there, sissy." I roll my eyes. "You've never had to save me. I always have to save your ass."

He narrows his eyes at me. "You know, you're mean. Very mean. I was just being nice. Goodbye." And he's gone again.

I giggle. "Give that poor boy an extra fry tonight and he's happy again." Mom grins, "Will do. As long as he doesn't charge me for it."

We talk a bit and roast Tom a little more before I arrive at the campus. "I love you, Mom. I gotta go!"

She waves, "Love you too!" and hangs up. I am mesmerized by the hugeness of this campus. There at least five building—actually, I can see five buildings— and the park around it is neat and big.

Wow. This place is a dream. 

This could easily be in a movie, or a fantasy. 

Yeah. I think I'll enjoy it here. I take a deep breath in and walk to the largest building, where I probably have to sign up to get my dorm.

Let's live this dream.