Chapter Text
It’s been two months since I won that gold medal. Two months since I sprained my ankle, but still ran my fastest time in the most important race of my career. I won that gold for my country. But mostly for my Dad. I wish I could say I won it for me, but after two months of recovering, with little to no physical activity due to my ankle, I realized it wasn’t for me at all.
At first I was terrified about my ankle. What would I do if I couldn’t run? What would my days look like? Especially since I really had no life path ahead of me at the time. My entire focus had been the Olympics. But since that has come and gone, what was next? I reached my final goal at the ripe age of 22. I didn’t go to college. My dad said I had no time for a career yet since I had to train. But then it hit me. The other day I was apartment searching in downtown Seattle when I saw a fire blazing through the windows of a townhome. The sirens caught my attention first. I looked in their direction and saw the black smoke in the sky. And for the first time since I was awarded that gold medal, I ran.
I rushed to the scene and stood there with wide eyes as firefighters carried people out of that house and held up hoses of water fighting the flames. At that moment, I knew what I wanted to do.
My mom asked me how apartment hunting went, but I went straight to the point, telling her I wanted to join the fire academy when I get back. She looked at me with wide eyes. My poor mom. She worries a lot. But dad overheard me, and he was proud. Which made me proud. But sometimes I feel like it shouldn’t. Should it?
“Maya, they just called us to board, come on!” Chris pulled at the arm I was using to write in my journal.
“Okay, okay, I’m coming!” I quickly folded my journal back up and grabbed it before it fell out of my hands, throwing my backpack over my arm.
“Slow down, Chris, let me grab my bag!” I laughed at my friend's eagerness and grabbed my carry-on bag, dragging it behind me as we got in line to board the plane. I quickly put my journal into my backpack and zipped it up, preparing to get on the plane with my boarding pass and passport in hand.
“Oh god, I feel like I have to pee already,” Chris whispered to me as the line inched forward.
“You just went!”
“I know! I’m just so excited! We’ve been talking about this trip for years and we’re finally doing it! I mean did we really even ever think we’d actually do it??” Chris’s voice was filled with a childish excitement that made me just as giddy.
“I honestly can’t believe it, but I’m really glad we’re doing this. It’s like a last hoorah for us!”
“Yeah, before you ditch me for the fire academy,” Chris joked.
“Hey, your new job starts when we get back too. It’s actually crazy how nice this worked out with the timing of things.”
Chris had gone to college while I was training for the Olympics. He went to Bellevue College, just East of Seattle, closer to where we grew up. He graduated in May with a degree in engineering, and pursued an internship all summer. That internship led him to get an amazing job offer in Seattle that will start in October. Which is exactly when I start the Fire Academy. The night we met up to tell eachother about our future endeavors was when we realized that we practically have the whole month of September off. So after a few beers and discussing all the fun things we could do if we finally visit the city we’ve always dreamt of visiting together, we booked a hotel for three weeks and bought plane tickets.
“Boarding pass and passport please.”
We took turns getting our papers scanned and after two green light flashes we were on the loading bridge and soon found our seats on our first flight.
“In 15 hours we’ll be able to see the Mediterranean..” Chris whispered to me from the window seat. He loved the window seat, while I didn’t really care much to start an argument over a seat.
“I’m ready to just be there.” I said. Our first flight was a 5 hour flight to Boston where we had an hour layover. Then we get on our flight that will take us directly to Catania, Sicily. We chose Sicily for a few reasons. One being we always dreamed of swimming in the Mediterranean sea. With cliffs we can jump off into the clear waters. But ultimately, Catania Sicily is home to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe and the reason Chris and I are best friends.
In the 5th grade, we had a science project on volcanoes, where we were assigned a partner and a volcano and we had to write a report on the volcano and then try to build it and use substances to make it “erupt”. So if you can’t guess, Chris was assigned as my partner and we were assigned to Mount Etna. We both took the project very seriously and in the time it took to finish, we became best friends. I thank god everyday for that class and assignment because without it, I probably wouldn't have any friends at all.
Chris and I are currently on our flight to Boston on the first trek of our journey to Catania, Sicily. He fell asleep shortly after we reached flight altitude. It gave me time to think, and got me thinking about how we got here. How if it wasn’t for our 5th grade science project, we would never have been friends. He’s the only friend I’ve ever had. And I know it’s been hard on him. How is it easy to be friends with someone who only runs for a living?
He had actually told me recently that he has had the most fun with me these last few weeks since I hadn’t been running. And that made me both happy and sad. Happy because I was having fun too, but sad because it’s a sad fact. I’ve known him since the 5th grade, but I couldn’t put much effort into our friendship due to training. My dad would never let me anyway. But he always stuck with me, and that’s what makes him so special. I’m so thankful for him. Without him, I would literally have no one. Since my brother left home, I haven’t seen him in 2 years. He was the only person who understood our dad. Other friends I've tried to have never worked out. My dad scared a few away once at my first sleepover. That was embarrassing to say the least. They never spoke to me again. Then there was the girl from the track team. I really liked her, but dad ruined that for me too.
“Seriously, Maya, since when do you write so much?” Chris looked over and asked. He must’ve just woken up.
“I actually just recently picked it up. Since I couldn’t run away from my problems, I’ve just been writing them all down.” I explained.
“Well, what problems do you have now?” He asked.
“None.” I closed my journal, looking at my friend and flashing him a smile. “I was actually writing about you. How much I appreciate you.”
“No you weren’t, you cheeseball.”
“I seriously was! That, and I was just about to get started on the girl from 10th grade. The one on the track team. Before you so rudely interrupted.”
“Oh, Maya. Please tell me you’re not still hooked on Brittany Jones.” Chris rolled his eyes.
“No, Chris. I barely even got to talk to her before my dad ruined that for me.” I remembered the way she looked at me after my dad scolded me for helping her when she hurt her ankle while running in practice. I had stopped to help her, but my dad yelled at me for stopping, pulling me by my arm away from her. She avoided me every day since.
“Maya, everyone knows you kissed her behind the bleachers at the boys senior night basketball game that year. I literally saw you.” Chris admitted.
“What! No!! That was my biggest secret!” I admitted.
“Yeah, I’m actually glad we’re talking about this. Because I’m still mad that you never told me. I felt so much pride for you when I saw you kiss her, breaking out of your shell and doing something for you. Something that you wanted to do. But you never told me and that kind of hurt.” My friend shrugged.
“Oh, Chris, I’m sorry. Trust me I was dying to tell you. But the next day she followed me to the girls bathroom. I thought she wanted to make out, but no. She told me it was a big mistake and that no one could know and that she never wanted to talk to me again. I was pretty traumatized and heartbroken, I never wanted anyone to find out after that.” I told him the hard truth.
“Are you serious? What the hell, Maya, that’s B.S. You definitely should’ve told me! Then I wouldn’t have given her the time of day, like, ever!”
“It’s okay Chris, that was 6 years ago.”
“Yeah, but it still pisses me off. You don’t deserve that, Maya.” He sighed and I thought the conversation was over but apparently he had more to say. “I mean, I knew she kissed you but I never told anyone since you were my best friend and I’m a great friend, but then she became the school slut. She dated every single guy known to man and then broke all their hearts. Probably because she wasn’t really into any of them because she was always secretly gay. I always watched her and she looked at you with googly eyes sometimes. You wouldn’t notice because you don’t notice those types of things, but wow. It all makes so much sense now.” He concluded.
“Oh, shut up, she didn’t look at me like that. She probably just felt bad after breaking my heart and seeing first hand the way my dad treated me.” I laughed it off.
Chris started laughing.
“What’s so funny?”
“You! You never notice when people look at you like they want you, Maya. And it happens quite often. Literally every time I’m with you.”
“What? No it doesn’t!”
“Maya, the last time we were at the pub, 3 men came up to talk to you at the bar and offered to buy you drinks.”
“They were just being nice.”
“What about the girl that was all over you on the dance floor?”
“Oh, she came home with me,” I winked.
“Seriously? Thank god. I thought you never got laid!” Chris joked,
“What! Of course I do! I think I just don’t care for the men too much anymore. I find myself much more interested in women. Hence why the men didn’t get my attention, but that woman on the dance floor, yeah she woke up in my bed.” I said with a suggestive tone.
“Oh, how spicy, Maya! I love it! How am I just finding out about this??”
“You left with your boy toy! And I don’t always like to kiss and tell!”
“Mm Travis. He’s so hot, don’t you think?” Chris asked me.
“Actually, yes, he was very cute. I was happy you found him. Do you still talk to him?”
Chris blushed and had a slight smile on his face. “We met up a couple more times after that night for a drink. And we text sometimes.”
“Christopher! Why didn’t you tell me? That’s amazing! Do you like him??”
“Of course I do. But there’s no future there. We’re just having fun right now, and I plan on having more fun with a hot Italian man this month.”
I rolled my eyes but agreed. “We’re too young and hot to settle down just yet, my friend. We have our whole lives ahead of us!”
We laughed and got more into conversation about all the adventures we were soon about to embark on.
-
“I’ll take a miller lite,” I told the flight attendant when she asked if we wanted anything.
“Beer? Really, Maya?” Chris asked.
“Hell yeah! We’re one more landing away from Sicily, baby!” I nearly shouted, my voice full of excitement.
“I mean, yeah but we still have 8 hours.”
“Don’t ruin my mood, dude.”
Chris laughed, “fine. I’ll take one too, please.”
“That’s the spirit!”
In a few minutes we were cracking open our beers and cheersing before taking our first sips.
“So, what’s the first thing you want to do?” Chris asked.
“Well, we have to check into our hotel. I think we should do that first. And then, after a full day of travel, I kind of just want to find the nearest beach and relax for a few hours.” I told him.
“I actually love that idea. It’s going to be around 2 pm there when we land. I’d love a nap while I start getting my tan on.”
“I’m going to try to sleep after this beer.” I said, taking another long sip of the cold can.
“That’s a good idea. I’m pretty tired too.”
“You slept for at least 3 hours on the flight to Boston!”
“I need my beauty sleep, Maya!”
-
“Welcome to Catania, Sicily! The current weather is 85 degrees with sunny skies. Enjoy your visit and thank you for flying with us.” The pilot was heard over the loudspeaker as our plane finally made a stop at our gate.
“Finally..” Chris yawned.
“I know! Luckily we slept most of that flight.. I’m actually feeling pretty energized!” I admitted with a big smile on my face.
“Wait, but we’re still going to the beach right?”
“Hell yes, my friend! We’re here! Let’s go!” I got up from my seat and got into the aisle to grab mine and Chris’s carry-on bags from the overhead storage.
“Holy shit, Chris, why is this so heavy?” I grudged, handing him his bag once it slammed down on the floor.
“I have a lot of products, shut up.” He took his bag and threw his backpack over his shoulder. I did the same and followed the slow line of people headed off the plane.
Once we finally made it into the airport we tried to follow the signs toward the luggage claim as best we could.
“Maybe we should’ve studied Italian more before this trip,” I said to Chris. We found the luggage claim, but had no idea which one was from our specific plane.
“This way! I think that guy was on our plane!” Chris pointed and started walking fast.
“That’s what we’re going to go off of, really?” I complained.
“I swear, Maya, look how cute he is!”
I shook my head at my friend. But luckily for me, he was right. We were able to grab our bags easily and figure out where hotel shuttles were. I recognized the name of our hotel since “Plaza Hotel Catania” was easy enough.
We walked outside and let the warm air of Catania Sicily surround us. The airport was busy with travelers going in every direction.
“I can smell the ocean, even at this busy airport!” Chris enthused.
“Me too! It’s different from Washington.” I noticed, and Chris agreed. “Over here,” I pointed to the shuttles that had “Plaza Hotel Catania” written on the side.
I showed the driver our hotel confirmation from my phone and he took our bags into the shuttle and told us to take a seat.
“Well that was actually pretty easy,” I said after buckling my seatbelt.
The driver really hit the gas to get us going. Chris and I looked at each other a bit frightened, but couldn’t help but laugh, even when the driver continued to swerve through other cars with ease.
About 3 minutes into the drive, we were finally out of the airport traffic.
“Look!” Chris yelled. “There it is!”
I looked over to my right over Chris’s shoulder and there it was. The Mediterranean sea.
“Woahh..” my eyes were wide as we kept driving. The road we were on was literally right next to the beaches. People were crossing the street with their beach towels and chairs. Many women had big straw beach hats on and I noticed a lot of men wore speedos.
“I already love it here..” I heard Chris whisper.
“Of course you do,” I laughed.
The beaches were no longer on our right side, it was now a bunch of ports with large sailboats docked within them. I looked ahead at the narrow road we were driving on. The traffic was heavy, but we were getting through it quickly. A lot quicker than we would on a 6 lane highway in Seattle, and that kind of blew my mind. We passed a few buildings that looked like temples and a bunch of hotels. It was obvious that this part of Sicily was a huge tourist location, as well as a local vacation spot along the coast.
People were parked along each side of the road, making it even more narrow as I assumed we got closer to the hotel. And then I saw it up ahead. It looked great! There was a restaurant right at the entrance where we were dropped off and handed our bags very quickly. Before we knew it, the shuttle was already disappearing back toward the airport.
“Look how close we are to the sea,” Chris observed, looking across the street. There was a parking lot where we could see a few people getting out of their cars with their beach stuff about to join the beachgoers for the afternoon.
“Let’s go!” I said, excitedly. I couldn’t wait to see the sea up close.
It was easy for us to check in. The receptionist gave us a lot of good information, including the location of the complimentary breakfast we will have for the next three weeks, as well as the gym and the rooftop bar. She also gave us some brochures of local tourist attractions and good restaurants and shopping malls that I’m sure would come in handy.
Finally, we were given our room keys. The receptionist pointed our way to the elevator and we hopped on, hitting the 4th floor, which is where we would reside.
“I love it so far,” Chris smiled.
“Me too! I hope the room is nice.”
Ding
We got off the elevator and followed the arrows and numbers that led us in the right direction to room 423.
Lifting the key card up to the doorknob, we got the green light and the door unlocked, letting us in.
“Wow!” Chris breathed.
The room smelled freshly cleaned and looked like a decent size. Which was good considering Chris and I will be living in it together for the next 3 weeks. The bathroom was to the right when you walked in. It had a little entryway with a mirror and vanity, and then the actual bathroom was pretty big, with a double vanity, large mirror, and my favorite part, a glass shower with a waterfall shower head, and additionally a deep bathtub right next to it.
“Wow, this bathroom is nice,” my voice echoed, “come check this out, Chris!”
“Coming!!” My friend showed up, “sorry, I was picking which bed I wanted, wow!”
“Which bed did you pick?” I walked out of the bathroom.
“The one farthest from the door, duh!”
I threw my backpack on my bed and looked around the rest of the room. There were two queen beds with a bedside table and lamp between them. A large tv stand with a tv right across from us. A mini fridge, microwave and trash can underneath. Beside Chris’s bed there was a small table with chairs and a reclining seat. Then there were the sliding doors that lead to a balcony that looked out into what seemed to be a quad of the hotel.
“That bathroom is amazing!” My friend ran out and jumped onto his bed.
I laughed, “I really like this room!”
“Yes, we picked a good one!”
“Pshh, I did all the work,” I argued.
“Well then you, Maya Bishop, did an amazing job!” He jumped back off his bed and grabbed all of his bags. “I’m going to get settled and ready for the beach!”
“Me too!”
It took us about 20 minutes to unpack, change and freshen up before we were ready to leave.
“Can we get food first?” Chris asked.
“I’m a bit hungry too, but the place we’re going to actually has a restaurant.”
“Oh, sweet! Let’s go!”
I had a bathing suit on under a tight dressy cover up, and Chris was wearing swim trunks and a tank top. We both had small backpacks we filled with sunscreen, books, cameras, our wallets and phones and mine had my journal.
“Ready? Do you have your key?”
Chris double checked to make sure he had everything and we were off.
We stepped outside and hurried across the street and just like that, we made it to our location. We were going to a place called Bikini Beach, that had a restaurant looking over the sea, as well as sun bathing chairs by a pool. There were also steep stairs that led you to the beach at the base of the building. It was small, but it would do.
We walked inside the building and headed for the greeting counter.
“Ciao, come posso aiutarti?” The woman behind the counter spoke words that I didn’t understand. I could feel my cheeks heat up in a blush and I wasn’t sure why.
I felt Chris look at me, and then back at the girl, “I’m sorry, ma’am, we don’t speak Italian.”
“Oh, no worries!” She said with a beautiful accent. “How can I help you two?”
“We would like to eat before we head down to the beach. Could we sit outside?” Chris continued to ask the questions, while I was still flustered.
“Yes, of course. Please follow me.” The woman grabbed menus and started walking outside. I felt my arm being tugged.
“Maya, get your head out of your ass,” my friend pulled me in the right direction.
“Is this table okay?”
“This is perfect!” Chris said with excitement and took his seat right next to the railing that looked over to the sea. I stepped around the hostess toward my seat, needing to put my hand on her lower back with how I had to scooch to avoid hitting the table next to us.
“Thank you,” I heard my shy voice and I don’t think my face could’ve turned more red.
“No problem! Your waiter will be right with you!”
Once she got far enough away, I took a deep breath.
“What the hell is going on with you, Maya,” my friend teased.
“I have no idea, I couldn’t understand her when she spoke Italian and then I just shut down..”
“Oh hunny,” Chris laughed, “you’re in for a long few weeks.”