Page 10 of (UN)Bounded

Walking slowly, I take my time appreciating the architecture. It’s incredible how Gabo’s apartment building blends in with the traditional structures around it.

Last night, it was too dark to appreciate the charming details Gabo incorporated into his building. The beautiful arches and baroque statues he designed are stunning. Seeing this building only from the outside, I’d have never guessed all the modern amenities it contains. I wonder if all of the apartments are like his. My guess is no since he lives in the penthouse, but I’ll definitely ask.

Last night, I could tell that architecture is his passion. The way he talked about his current project is the way I light up when I talk about my art.

I make it to Piazza Maggiore in no time and am breathless at the sight. There are so many beautiful stone buildings with their old-world charm that I’m not sure where to start my tour. I try to absorb as much as I can while I look for a place to sit down, but I just know it’ll take me days to go through the intricate designs of all the windows and arches on the structures here. That’s what happens when you have a degree in art and an eye for everyday artistic elements.

There’s a cafe on the left side of the piazza, so I decide to set up camp there. I get my sketchbook out, and once the waiter comes around, I order a coffee and focaccia. My phone vibrates in my bag, and I immediately take it out, wondering who would be calling me.

“Hermanita, are you okay? I texted you last night but didn’t hear back from you.” Luca’s voice is almost frantic. He honestly needs to calm down.

“Good morning, Luca. Yes, I’m fine. Gabo picked me up at the hangar and took me to dinner. I honestly haven’t checked my phone. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you I arrived safe and sound, but since you and Gabo talk all the time, I figured he’d fill you in.”

I hear him release a deep breath, and I immediately feel bad. I need to remember he’s just trying to be a good brother, not trying to control my life. At least, I hope so.

“No, the boludo didn't answer my calls or texts either. That’s why I was starting to get on edge.”

“I’m sorry I worried you, Luca. But I promise you, everything is fine. I haven’t been here for even a full day yet, but what I’ve seen so far is gorgeous. The architecture is exquisite, and the food is delicious. I feel like one summer here won’t be enough to really take everything in.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying your time there so far. You don’t need to call or text daily, but please try to answer when I call.” His tone is sincere so I’m not going to give him a hard time for being a little overbearing.

As I’m about to reply, a request for Facetime comes in, and I chuckle. To my surprise, it isn’t my brother on the screen—it’s Karina.

“Isa, hi! Your brother was about to get on a plane and go find you,” she says, laughing, and Luca takes the phone out of her hand.

“I was not. I’m not that deranged. Am I?” Luca pouts, and Karina laughs harder.

“So how’s everything? Where are you staying?” Karina asks as she gets comfortable on Luca’s office couch.

I flip the camera so I can show them where I am. “Everything is so beautiful here. I was about to grab a bite and sketch for a while before heading to the university to see where my summer class will be.”

I talk to Karina until Luca starts chasing her out of his office so he can take a call. After saying goodbye and promising Luca I’d be better at staying in contact, I put my phone away and start trying to capture the essence of the piazza on paper. My favorite way to paint is with watercolors, but when I’m out and about, carbon pencil is my go-to. It gives dimension, and I can use shadows to do a better representation of the little details.

I lose track of time between sketching and people-watching, but I can tell it's lunchtime because the cafe is getting busier. My stomach rumbles, reminding me I need to eat. I flag down the waiter and order a pasta dish that caught my eye, along with a glass of red wine he recommended. All too soon, it’s time to make my way to the university. Packing up my art supplies, I head off in the direction of the campus.

The University of Bologna is out of this world—the buildings are so beautifully preserved, you can smell the history of the walls—so much knowledge to be absorbed. Even though the ceilings are painted only in some rooms, I can’t wait to attend class here. I know I’m being greedy, but I wish every single corner of this school was beautifully painted. It’d take me a lifetime to catalog all the details in the paintings here. It feels like just by being here, in this historic place, I’m already learning so much.

I want to double-check that I’m indeed registered and that everything is ready for me to start my modern art class on Monday, so I head toward the registration office. There’s a huge line, but there’s nothing else I have to do today. I'd rather stay here than go back to the apartment and fall asleep. Jet lag is no joke.

“Excuse me, are you here to register for the summer semester?” a guy asks me, and I am taken by surprise because I didn’t see him get in line behind me.

“Oh. no. I just want to make sure I’m registered,” I tell him, and he gives me a blinding smile.

Damn, he’s cute. Tall, with dark hazel eyes and unruly hair. He almost reminds me of someone, except this guy is a boy, and that someone is a man.

“Oh, great, nice to meet you. I’m Giacomo.” He extends his hand to me and gives me a peck on each cheek.

“I’m Isabella.”

“So, what did you register for?” he asks nonchalantly. He’s wearing white pants and a black tee, and his shoes are covered in paint. He has a very relaxed style, so I’m guessing he’s an artist.

“History of modern art,” I tell him, and his eyes grow big.

“No way. That’s the class I’m trying to get into,” he says with much more enthusiasm than I was expecting.

Was he going to take that class? Or is it because I told him I’m taking it?

“Really? Why do you want to take that class?” I ask.

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