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Vera's POV:

I ran to the Stella. I know, not the smartest thing I've done but I clearly couldn't think right.

I reached the door but didn't move when I felt the brass knob. It was cold but my hands were numb now so I didn't feel it as strong as it might have been. I took a deep breath and let it out. I felt more relaxed but still a bit tense. I can't believe Scipio did that.

Hold on a second. I don't even know him that well. I shouldn't be acting like he just broke my heart into a billion pieces. I'm not even sure if I even gave him my heart. True I felt this amaizing connection between us but, can I really say it was love?

I shook it off and just entered the Stella. Notice how the door was unlocked, that was my fault. I need to remember that next time I decide to take a little walk, which I hope is never. Who knows when and where the Thief Lord will be and I'm not looking forward to a one on one confrontation. I sighed and sat on a theater chair in the middle. After a few minutes I was bored and walked up to a box. I loved the Stella, it reminded me of an opera house. The boxes, the fabric, and the way the lights are set up. I sat on the middle box and just started thinking. Thinking about, of course, Scipio. Would I really stay mad at him? Do I really want to let him kiss me ever again? I shook my head. Why would he want me? He already has a beautiful fiance. He won't miss me.

There's only one thing I can do. I hate to say it but...I'll be his friend.

A friend with no physical or emotional attraction. I have to push my feelings aside and keep them there. No good will come if I cry or am angry, or even upset.

I heard a noise coming from the stage but I just sunk lower on my chair. I excused the sound for Hornet, Bo, Mosca, Riccio, or Prosp.

Then I heard it again, and again, and again. I smiled.

Maybe it was another Hornet and Prosper not-so-secret meeting. I couldn't help but laugh a little.

"Vera!" I heard Hornet.

Darn,"Yeah?" I looked down to the stage and sure enough Prosper was with her.

When I saw his face I couldn't old it in and I burst into fits of laughter.

"Vera! You're going to fall off! Be careful!" Prosper yelled.

"Sure sure." I said and made my way down to where they were. I saw them from a distance looking at each other and I started to laugh again.

"Stop laughing. What's so funny?"

I shook my head,"Nothing. Hey um what prey tell, are you two doing here...alone." I forced myself to keep my face serious.

"Nothing!" They both yelled.

"Really?" I turned and started walking."You guys don't worry. I know about your snog sessions. It's alright. I can keep a secret."

After that I ran back to my mattress.

"Vera!" I heard Prop yell. I smiled and ran faster.

Instead of taking a right to the stairs I took a left and immediately regretted it. I crashed into a strong chest and fell to the ground. I fell on my arse, and rubbed my head.

I felt hands help me up and hold me from my waist.

"Thanks." I said weakly.

"Vera..." I froze and shut my eyes. Scipio...

"Sorry I wasn't watching where I was going. I-I'm going over...there." I pointed behind him and started to walk but he still held my waist.

"Vera, please just...Just listen to what I have to say."

Friends...

I nodded,"Okay."

"My father is forcing me to marry her, but I'm not going to do it. I won't. Someone sent her to my room and she needs the wedding to help her father, so she says, and I kept staying with my plan of not marrying her and she...kissed me. The reason I didn't pull back was that I was frozen in fear of hurting her but that fear faded away wen I saw you in my mind. I pushed her away and drove her out of my room. I wanted to take in some air and see you but then..."

He didn't have to finish. No, even if his story is true... Just friends...

"I see. So marry her." I bit my tongue. That is not what I want but that is what needs to be done. Her father needs it, I don't know how but he does. Scipio held hurt in his eyes.

"Pardon?" He looked at my eyes.

"Go. It's okay. I don't want you to have any problems with your family because of me." I forced a smile.

"Vera, I-I... I thought you..."

"Thought I what? Thought I was desperately in love with you? No. How could I be? We just met. True, I felt a strong connection but...That connection was cut short. Thank to your Christine!" I regretted almost every word I said but I didn't take it back.

"She's not mine! She will never be because I don't care for her. Sort of like how you don't care for me." He looked disappointed.

"No." I grabbed his shoulders and looked straight in his eyes."Scipio...I not only care for you but I like you. But, now I see that we can't be. Not for now at least. I came here to Venice to just visit my brothers and be on my way. At first I wasn't going to keep that plan but after today, I decided to stay with it. I leave tonight. Forget me as yours."

"Vera you aren't making any sense. I beg I heard you wrong."

I shook my head. Wow, I just lied and someone actually believed me. I am a terrible liar, yet I'm a great actress.

"Everything good...always has to go bad." He looked down.

I bent down to catch his gaze. He looked at me and I smiled sweetly.

He smiled but without any meaning.

I hugged him and whispered in his ear."I'm going to say my farewells. I'm leaving on my boat. You are welcomed to come if you want." I pulled away and climbed up the stairs.

Once I saw my mattress I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. Great. Now I'm going to have to leave. Well, after today, I was planning on leaving. I just can't believe it's this soon. No worries. I still have my boat and a place to stay for a while. Who knows when or even if I'll come back, but I can't worry about that now. Today is going to have to be about pick-pocketing for some boat gas money and a few snacks for the trip.

I just hope that when and if I do return, Scipio and Christine are married. Or him married with a girl whom really loves him.