Chasing Olympus

Chapter 2

One tip from me to all aspiring travelers, never go drinking on the first day and let's not even mention the with a stranger part. I felt extremely embarrassed and exhausted, not only from the evening's events, but also because of the time zones variations. A brief analysis of last night would be that it was extremely irresponsible and, even though I am completely ashamed, I have to admit that it was fun. A spontaneous way to start my spontaneous journey.

Paris was radiant and I was hopeful for the day's activities as I got ready and took some pain medication for my irritating headache. This made me think of my parents and I couldn't help but smile at the thought of Alice lecturing me until kingdom come for my actions and Penelope cheering me on and congratulating me. Caleb would've been extremely proud too.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a knock invaded my suite. With no suspicion as to who could be at the door I went to answer it, completely forgetting about the fact that I was missing a shirt.

"Well, aren't you a sight," Gale said as I swung the door open. His eyes swooped down to my bralette cradled breasts.

I immediately covered up my body, embarrassed. No, I wasn't embarrassed about my body, but this is only the second time I have seen this man and already he's managed to see me without a shirt. Something Caleb hasn't even witnessed!

"Don't worry," he continued as he closed the door behind him and followed me on my mad rampage to find coverage, "you have beautiful breasts. They have a certain quality about them, they're voluptuous and the only negative I can think of is the fact that they're a bit...covered."

I stared at him incredulously as he finished his assessment of my breasts. I was confused as to why he was in my room and as to if speaking about breasts in France was just as common as speaking about the flavour or a dish.

"Uhm...I am not embarrassed by my boobs, in fact I think I have great boobs or breasts as you call them. Care to name them too since you know them so well?" I asked him sarcastically.

"I am joking, Octavia." He burst out laughing at my expression.

I didn't know how to react, so I came to the conclusion that I was tired of Parisians and maybe it was time to leave this handsome man behind and move onto Italy. But then I thought of all the things I hadn't seen yet and my excitement boiled over. It was hard to think that I had only been in Paris for one day and I had found someone like Gale.

"Why are you here again?"

He furrowed his eyebrows and tilted his head. "Last night I said I'd show you around, remember?"

I had completely forgotten about our drunken promises, but I wasn't really a rude person and he was doing a kind jester. I felt like a complete fool for forgetting and for being so rude to him.

"I'm sorry for being so rude, Gale," I apologized.

After I was fully clothed and presentable we left my room and walked down the long, narrow hallway. We made small talk and I couldn't help but be enchanted by his smile and the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. Gale had no problem holding a conversation and I found his stories amusing, but there was a certain quality about him that enchanted me.

"So, where are you taking me?"

He smiled cheekily. "Well, if it's Paris you wanted I will give you Paris, Octavia Carter."

"Well, tour guide, if you are planning on murdering me, please do let me at least see the Eiffel Tower and maybe the Arc De Tiomphe too."

Suddenly a thought came to mind. I didn't remember telling him my surname, but I decided to let it go considering I had forgotten about his little tour he had planned for me.

Gale didn't disappoint me at all. He showed me all the little nooks and crannies in Paris, places tourists often overlook because it's not close to all the famous landmarks, well that's what he said at least. We had enjoyed our day together and after all the walking I told him I needed to rest for a while before my feet were ready to take on the great treks of the streets of Paris.

"Bien, how about I take you to dinner tonight and I promise no drinking, unless you want to?" He asked me when we stopped in front of my hotel.

I smiled. "Are you asking me on a date, Gale?"

He smiled back at me and took my tiny hand in his large one. "Octavia, for you it's whatever you want it to be. See you tonight, Mon Amour." He placed a gentle kiss on my hand and walked down the road in the afternoon heat.

I couldn't help the rosy blush that warmed up my cheeks. This man was something else and I didn't know why I was so attracted to him or why something within me was telling me that him and I were never meant to meet. I couldn't help but think that maybe it had something to do with the fact that I couldn't hear or sense his thoughts.

*

After a nice long nap and a hot bath, I felt ready to take Paris on again. I decided it was about time that I called my moms and Caleb, before they thought I was taking absinthe and whatnot. I spoke to my parents and told them about my new friend and how he was taking me to dinner tonight. Penelope was happy and encouraged me to continue my "friendship" while throwing in the casual, "Use protection.". Alice on the other hand almost booked a ticket to Paris, but thank the Lord for Pen.

Telling Caleb wasn't as mild though.

"He's sexy isn't he?" He asked me.

"I mean, he has great features and a beautiful smile, but he's funny and nice too!"

Caleb burst out laughing and continued to make fun of me and how "in love" I was with Gale. We continued to speak and I asked him for advice on what to wear for dinner with Caleb. It was refreshing seeing my family and just hearing people with the same accent as me and speaking the same language.

Moments after I finished dressing a knock reverberated through the air. Gale. Thankful that I was fully clothed I grabbed my purse and opened the door, ready to leave.

"No more topless welcomes?" Gale teased.

I laughed and dragged him down the hallway. Once again we walked and I had come to realize my feet never actually recovered, it was all false! 

We finally reached the restaurant, which seemed very French, but then what did I expect. There was French music playing softly  in the background adding to the relaxed and romantic ambience of the restaurant.

"Bonsoir, j'ai un réservation pour deux," Gale told the lady in the front.

She looked absolutely love-struck. "Ah, oui, Suivez-moi, s'il vous plaît."

We followed her and I tried to ignore her blatant flirting, which Gale didn't seem to notice or he was either not phased by it. He pulled my chair out for me and took his own seat after I did.

"Did not you see how that woman was flirting with you?" I asked him after we ordered.

He just laughed. "Well, I'm not here with her am I?" He looked into my eyes and that danger sign I felt earlier went off and told me to get away from this man, but I was curious as to why I was feeling that way.

"Yeah, you're here with a tourist."

He looked a little taken aback by my statement. It was as if he too had realized I wasn't permanent in Paris or in his life, but before he could say anything someone interrupted him.

"Gale, is that you?"

I watched as a woman with short blonde hair, striking blue eyes and skin as white as a porcelain doll sauntered over to our table and hugged Gale.

"Who is this?" She asked as she pinned me to my chair with her bright blue eyes.

Gale looked nervous as he spoke, "Lea, this is Octavia Carter."

It was as if Lea couldn't believe her ears. She looked at Gale with pure rage and I had no idea why or why Gale looked like he had committed a crime.