Page 22 of Finding Love in the Clouds

“The ceiling was painted between 1508 and 1512,” Alicia whispered. “Michelangelo depicted scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the creation of Adam, the fall of man, and the flood.”

Fernando and Sophie craned their necks to take in the awe-inspiring details. The vibrant colors and dynamic figures seemed to defy the limitations of the medium, creating a sense of depth and movement that was truly remarkable. The Creation of Adam, with its iconic image of God reaching out to touch the hand of Adam, was particularly moving, capturing a moment of divine connection.

Approaching “The Last Judgment” fresco, Fernando and Sophie were struck by its sheer scale and complexity. Painted by Michelangelo, the fresco covered the entire altar wall, towering above them with its monumental portrayal of the final judgment day. They were immediately drawn to the central figure of Christ, depicted in majestic glory as he separated the saved from the damned. Surrounding him were angels, saints, and biblical figures, each meticulously rendered with intricate details and vivid colors. The fresco teemed with action and emotion, conveying both the glory and the terror of the moment. Fernando and Sophie found themselves transfixed by the interplay of light and shadow, the dynamic composition, and the raw intensity of Michelangelo’s masterpiece. It was a breathtaking experience that left them in awe of the artist’s talent and the timeless power of the biblical narrative.

It felt like only minutes, not close to an hour later, when Alicia softly clapped her hands, alerting them that it was time to leave.

“I feel like an entire day would not have been sufficient time to absorb all of that,” Fernando whispered as they made their exit.

“I know what you mean,” Sophie replied, following behind the group, hand in hand with Fernando as they made their way down hallways and paths leading them back out into St. Peter’s Square. “Mymind is completely blown. I can’t even really process everything I just saw. The sheer size of everything was overwhelming—the attention to detail in the mosaics, frescos, sculptures, and tapestries. I can’t imagine the dedication that such creation required from the craftsmen. And the gold. Where did they get it all? I wonder if anyone ever did an estimation on the value of the gold plating everything in there? I bet it is an astonishing amount.”

“It was definitely impressive. We had to attend mass at the orphanage every day, and there were gold-finished items, but I honestly thought it was brass or paint. Seeing all that gold finish, do you think they make repairs with the real thing or paint? The restoration bills must be insane.” He shook his head in disbelief. “To think... that church is older than our country.”

As they left the Sistine Chapel, Alicia gathered them together for a final thought. “The art and architecture of Vatican City are not just beautiful; they’re expressions of faith and devotion that have inspired millions of people over the centuries. I hope today’s tour has given you a deeper appreciation for this incredible place. Okay, we need to head back to the hotel for our tour briefing but feel free to catch an Uber back here later on if you want more time to explore. Your tickets are good all day, so if you have a specific museum you would like to revisit, you will have time as they stay open until 6:00 pm, and our afternoon chat will only take an hour. Here’s our van. Everybody hop in, and I will answer any questions you have on the drive back.”

After everyone was seated and the van merged into traffic, Sophie asked, “Alicia, what is the story behind the Swiss Guards?”

“Oh, did I forget that part? I’m sorry,” Alicia exclaimed, turning to address the occupants of the van. “The Swiss Guards were established in the early 16th century by Pope Julius II and are one of the oldest military units in continuous operation. They are recruited exclusivelyfrom Switzerland for their rigorous training and martial skills. Their iconic yellow, red, and blue uniform, complete with helmets adorned with jaunty red feather plumes, were designed by Michelangelo himself and are instantly recognizable once you know what they are. They may seem like they just stepped off the stage of a Renaissance play, but they’re highly trained soldiers, handpicked from Switzerland for their skills and loyalty. Don’t let their colorful attire fool you; these guys mean business. They’re not just here for show; they’re the Vatican’s elite security force, responsible for protecting the Pope and the Vatican City. Trained in martial arts and equipped with halberds, the spear-looking thing they carry, they’re ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice. It’s a tradition that dates back centuries, blending history, culture, and security into one unforgettable sight!”

Placing his lips close to Sophie’s ear, Fernando quipped, “So if there’s any danger while we’re here, run to the guy that looks like Shakespear, and you’ll be alright.”

Goosebumps rose on her skin as his warm breath gently kissed her flesh. She turned and whispered back, leaning briefly into his space, “I think I would rather take my chances with your bodyguards. Knowing me, I would run into the arms of a street actor and double my trouble.”

Tucking her into his side as they finished their trip back to the hotel, he said, “Stick with me. I won’t let anything happen to you. You will always be safe with me, Soph.”

Chapter Twenty-One

Fernando frantically opened and closed drawers. Zipped and unzipped pockets on his luggage. Threw back covers on the bed and searched the small closet before marching over to the door adjoining their rooms. “Sophie, do you know where my…” he started, swinging the door open without warning, “Comp- AH!” Standing in front of the now open portal, Sophie met his startled gaze with a glare, a clay-covered mask applicator in her hand. “What is all over your face?” he asked, more than a little surprised.

“You’re back! It’s just a mask. Didn’t Hannah ever wear one when you were growing up?” Sophie asked, her tone shifting from surprise to amusement.

“Um, no. Not to my knowledge, anyway. What’s it for?” he asked, leaning in closer to study the goop drying on her face.

“It has a variety of health benefits: clarifying skin and absorbing toxins, that sort of thing. You do realize this is my bedroom, not myoffice, and you are infringing on my privacy without so much as a knock, right?”

Fernando’s face registered the realization of his inappropriate actions at the same time. He jumped back and closed the door so fast that it slammed in her face. Sophie’s laughter could be heard through the door. Her smile was so wide it cracked the clay around her mouth.

She opened the door to find him standing on the other side, frozen, and laughed again at his discomfort. Served him right for barging in on her.

“What do you need, Andy?” Sophie asked with a long-suffering sigh.

Turning to look over the thoroughly searched room, which was in total disarray, he said, “I can’t pull up my emails on my phone for some reason and my computer is missing. I was hoping you may have seen it and it wasn’t stolen. I have looked everywhere, and it is definitely not here.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Yes, I have it. It is locked in my safe where you should have placed it before we left this morning,” Sophie commented nonchalantly.

“Oh, thank you. May I have it, please? I need to check in with work and make sure everything is running smoothly.”

Turning back into her bedroom to finish applying the clay mask in the vanity mirror, Sophie replied, “Sorry, I can’t do that. You’re on vacation, and that means no work. How was the tour of the catacombs? Everything you hoped it would be?”

“What? I’m not on vacation. I’m on a scouting trip for inspiration for my new book and to scratch this BBC pact off my to-do list,” Fernando argued, following her into the room, hands on his hips. “And the tour was fine. Actually, it was great. I think I will definitely be using it for a scene in my book. My computer, please.”

“I’m glad you had fun, and no, you’re not getting your computer back. This is where your family and I disagree with you. Remember when I told you yesterday you needed more balance in your life? Well, your brothers and Hannah agreed, and they told me to take your computer away as soon as we got here. No work for you for the next twenty days.”

Placing the cap back on the jar of clay, Sophie walked into the small bathroom and rinsed the applicator in the sink. Returning to the bedroom, she was prepared for the outburst she knew was coming. Fernando was not going to take this well.

“My family has no right to interfere with my work!” Fernando’s voice was slightly raised, and he immediately checked it. “Listen, I appreciate what you’re doing here, but it is massively overstepping. I agree I need balance and will work on it, but not here. Not now. Where is my computer?”

His voice held a definite command, but Sophie wasn’t budging. She trusted this man with her life and her livelihood. He wasn’t going to fire her, no matter how mad he got. And she had the support of his family, which meant the world to her.

---