Ubi tu, ibi ego

The rest of the flight passed with her watching a fellow actor's movie on the screen. She was waiting for their turn to get out so she decided to look into the amenity kit provided by the airline. There was the usual hand sanitizer, sleeping mask–there was even an engraved ballpen. 

An idea crossed her mind. She decided to take out the paper containing the airline's logo. She held on to it while they were going down the staircase. 

When they reached the vehicle waiting for them outside the airport, she quickly boarded it along with Soren. She continued fumbling with the paper, folding it here and there. Her gaze turned to the window while doing so. The scenery was architecturally different from the cold and stale city she was from, but they still weren’t anywhere close to their destination. Instead, she focused on the task at hand. 

By the time they arrived at the hotel, she was also finished with her piece. 

“Oh, wait.” She stopped Soren before he was able to open the car’s door. The man looked at her with brows raised. She let out a sheepish smile.

“Here,” she reached out her hand to him, “open your palm.”

He tilted his head but followed nevertheless.

“Thank you for earlier-” his eyes remained focused on the paper ring she made now sitting on his palm- “I think this is a fitting token since we’ll be each other’s on-screen partner for a while. I look forward to working with you, Soren.”

His features softened, eyebrows no longer raised. Finally, she was able to see a smile on his lips. It was a slight tilt to one side, but a smile nevertheless. What with the woman he was seeing, the media frenzy, this contract relationship–she’s glad he’s able to join her humor.

Mission accomplished. Good job, Sabine! She gave herself a mental pat on the back and exited the car with a bounce to her steps.

They spent their evening in the hotel room, recharging from the long hours of flight. She shared with Soren although they have separate bedrooms for themselves. When morning came, they were assisted by Au and Lewis on their first itinerary.

“Oh, are we having our breakfast al fresco?” Sabine asked when the car stopped in front of a restaurant with a rooftop.

“You bet we are. It’s Amanda’s idea,” answered by Au who promptly got out of the front seat and opened the door for her.

They entered the building, got into the elevator and went to the highest floor. Sabine found herself in awe when they reached the location. The rooftop was filled with different colors and a variety of flowers, their refreshing and mildly sweet scent mixed very well with the aroma of omelette, ham, and cheese served on the tables.

When her gaze wandered out into the open space, her breath was easily taken away by the overlooking view of the city. Most of the buildings were painted in the shades of autumn– light yellow, warm orange, and muted brown dominated the streets. At the middle proudly stood Saint Peter's Basilica.

Oh, she was truly in Rome. It seems her anxious heart was patted down to calmness.

“What are you getting, Sabine?” asked Au.

The pages seemed to be dedicated to specific meal times, she flipped one after another, quickly looking into the menu, but was disappointed to learn she couldn’t have her morning tea.

“I’ll have the chocolate crepe. Thanks, Au!”

She closed the booklet and slid it across the table towards her manager. Au made her way to another table along with Lewis. Amanda, who was not so discreetly taking photos of them from afar showed her a thumbs up to which she replied with a smile. Meanwhile, Soren who was still scanning the menu closely started a conversation.

“Are you sure that's all you’re eating? We have a whole day ahead of us.”

She just bobbed her head, eyes trailing back to the view ahead. “I think that’s enough fuel until our next meal.”

“Wouldn’t it be too little?” The man asked once more as he put down the menu on the table. 

“Not really. It’s just how much I’m used to eating. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to finish the food.”

He only nodded at her answer. The noise from the clanking utensils, the customer’s chatter, and the bustling city filled the silence between them.

This part-time job is not so bad after all. It felt like slowing down after being in such a past-faced environment for so long. There is still a camera after her, but nothing she couldn’t handle. 

The next part of their itinerary was the view she was looking at earlier, it was none other than Saint Peter's Basilica. Soon after, they were joined by a local translator that they hired in order to assist them during their whole stay in Italy.

The marble and gold surrounded every inch of the place, its high ceilings adding to the majestic atmosphere. The further they went, the deeper the reverence was in her chest. It was fascinating to see such great works of art, to think that they were built with bare hands, a passion for their craft and faith to whom they worship.

Paola, their translator in her early forties, was touring them inside the church. She was directing her hands toward the architecture and sculptures decorating the place. Animatedly explaining their origin and history with her gestures.

“Oh, look! It seems a chapel was booked for a wedding,” Paola said, leading them closer towards the event where a procession was taking place, “As I have explained earlier, Saint Peter's Basilica boasts of a long and rich history. A lot of couples choose this as their wedding venue but they have to schedule their appointment at least a year and a half in advance.”

Sabine and Au were a little ahead beside Paola, but when she looked back at Soren and Lewis to see where they were, Soren had his eyes set in front of them but he seemed to be looking somewhere far distant. 

Amanda who was further behind ran towards them.

“This is a great spot. Can you stand next to each other, maybe link arms or hold hands? Whichever you guys are comfortable with.”

Au immediately left her side while Lewis tapped Soren’s back. He stepped forward and offered his arm. A smile wholeheartedly graced her lips.

“Ubi tu ibi ego,” Paola repeated the phrase uttered by the groom. “It essentially translates to ‘where you are, there I will be’. It’s a promise etched in rings, at times bound by vows. Isn’t it such a beautiful thing? To have found each other by chance, but to stay together by choice.”

Her eyes drifted to Soren when he took a slow, deep inhale. He must have sensed her gaze, because he smiled–faint, but edged with sadness.

“Must be nice.”

“You mean… finding that someone?” 

He nodded.

“If only they could hear my prayer,” he murmured, soft enough for no one else to catch.