GerIta: Alone In This Great Big World Pt. 1

Ludwig stood at the corner looking at the time on his phone waiting for the crosswalk light to change.  He was trying to look busy to avoid awkward contact with the man next to him.  He was obviously a foreigner, he wasn’t dressed warmly enough for Germany’s cold winter weather, not to mention he was carrying a suitcase and arguing with someone in Italian on his phone.  The young man hung up and let out an audible sigh as he looked at the street signs, probably lost.  The softer part of the German’s heart took over and he walked up to the frustrated Italian and asked, “Are you having trouble?”

The man looked at him confused and in Italian said, “Sorry, sir, I don’t understand German.”

Ludwig gave him an equally confused looked, “English?”

“Yes!”  The man smiled.

“Good, are you having trouble?”

“Um, yeah,”  He said sheepishly, “I’m lost, I don’t know any German and I’m trying to find this hotel.”  He pointed to a piece of paper for Ludwig to look at.

Ludwig cocked his head and read the paper, “What a coincidence, that’s where I’m headed.  Would you like to come with me?”

“Really?  That would be so helpful thank you!  …If it’s not too much trouble I mean.”

“Of course not.”  They started walking in the direction of the hotel together, “So, if you don’t mind me asking, what are you doing here in Germany if you can’t speak German?  And all by yourself?”

The man cleared his throat, “Well… my Grandpa thought it would be good for me to experience other places, he’s already sent my big brother to Spain for the same reason.  I thought it would be fun and exciting but so far it’s been… troublesome.  I’m supposed to be meeting some family friends tomorrow morning so they can take me around and get used to being here, but I’m nervous being here in a new place by myself.  Sorry I’m rambling.  I don’t need to bother you with this stuff.”

“No it’s ok, I understand how you feel.  It’s hard being alone in a big place like this.”  They walked in silence for a bit.

“What are you doing here?  I mean, what are you doing in a hotel, do you live somewhere else?”  The other man asked to break the silence.

“Oh, I’m on a business trip.  I work for the government and live in Berlin.  I get sent down here to Munich every once in a while.  My brother lives here too, so I usually visit him if I have the time.”

“Oh you have a brother too!  Is he older like mine?”

‘This guy is like a child…’  Ludwig thought to himself, “Yes.  He’s my older brother… he kind of raised me… I have no idea how I came out alright though.”  He smiled as he thought of his childhood, “Anyway… what’s your name I don’t think you’ve told me.”

“I’m sorry!  I’m Feliciano Vargas, but you can just call me Feli if you want.”  He smiled up at him.

“Ludwig Beilschmidt.”  He was still trying to decipher this guy, he’s so damn happy, but for some reason his smile was contagious and Ludwig couldn’t help but smile back at him.  They continued to walk and they reached the hotel in what seemed like only a couple minutes after carrying on a lively conversation.  Ludwig helped him check in since the host didn’t speak English or Italian, he then checked in himself.

Feliciano looked at his key then took Ludwig’s out of his hand, “Hey!”  Feliciano studied the keys for a moment, “I think we’re roomed next to each other.”

“Huh?”  Ludwig took the keys and checked, “Seems we are…”

“Today’s just filled with coincidences isn’t it?!”

‘So damn happy.’

They walked to their rooms and started another awkward ‘good-bye’ conversation.  “Well, I hope you have a good time tomorrow with your friends, do you know where you’re going to visit?”

“No I don’t, I know the name of the place that we’re meeting up at, but I don’t know where it is.”  He looked down, feeling that he was being a nuisance to his new friend.

“What’s it called?” Feliciano told him, “I can show you in the morning if you’d like.”

“I-I don’t want to be a bother…”  He was sincere, he really didn’t want to intrude on Ludwig’s own plans for tomorrow.

“Don’t worry about it, it’s no trouble at all, I’d be happy to help you.”  Ludwig smiled at him, a genuine and sympathetic smile.

“Thank you so much!  I really don’t know where I would’ve ended up if you didn’t say something to me earlier.  I really appreciate it.”  Feliciano looked up at him and smiled, “Well, have a good night Ludwig!”

“Good night, Feliciano.”  Ludwig reached his hand out to shake hands but before he knew it Feliciano had kissed him on both cheeks.  He looked at the man as if he’d just shot him in the chest.

Feliciano frowned at Ludwig’s face, “What’s the matter?”

“You just…”

“I guess this is one of those ‘cultural differences’ Grandpa was talking about.  In Italy we kiss each other on the cheek when we say goodbye and hello.”

‘Is he blushing?’  Ludwig nodded, “Oh… that’s new.  Well… do you want me to do it too?”

“No, no it’s ok.”  Feliciano laughed hurriedly, “Sorry, I’m just so used to it at home it just happened.”

Ludwig laughed along, “It’s alright, well, goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

They both walked into their rooms and thought about the day.

~~~Feliciano~~~
He was so helpful and nice, I hope we get to spend more time together for the time we’re both here.  God, why did I kiss him?!  That was so embarrassing!  But… I do wish he’d kissed me back… what am I thinking?!  I just need to get some sleep…

But I can’t stop thinking about him…

~~~Ludwig~~~
That guy… he’s really a good person, he’s just lost in a new place.  I feel kind of bad for him, I guess I’ll help him out as much as I can… while I’m here.  And what was with that kiss?!  I’m not sure how to feel about it… I can still feel his lips on my cheeks… God!  What am I saying?  I guess I should get some sleep…

But I can’t stop thinking about him…