Chapter 1: Prague, 2017

Prague in July 2017

Prague. The City of One Hundred Spires. The City of Love. Just by standing in front of this magnificent structure, St. Vitus Cathedral will melt anyone's heart. Its dark, heavy, and massive structure will catch every tourist's attention. Locals say that its Gothic theme has a spiritual meaning way back to its construction days.

It is a fine day where you can see the sunlight directing towards the projector of this cathedral. The door is wide open as the visitors start to enter the cathedral. The spectators outside start to whisper and mumble to themselves. It is the talk of the town, the Wedding of the Century. A lady nervously facing the crowd is starting to have cold feet. The amount of perspiration all over her makes her laced gown rub her skin tight. She is now walking in the aisle wearing a beautiful seductive white gown that everybody's staring at. She is now the center of attraction; something that she has been dreaming about. As she lifts her head, her eyes catch the man standing at the end of the aisle, a man waiting for her in front of the altar. His face is serious and his green eyes are fixated on her and filled with tears.

As she reaches him, the lady extends her right hand, showing off her elegant patent gloves to reach for the man's left arm.

and they live...

... happily ever after

- THE END -

The I-beam from the word document continues to blink as I reach the finale of my draft for this article. I stretch my hands upward and relax my legs under the table while staring at the beauty of St. Vitus Cathedral. The coffee shop where I am writing is just across this magnificent beauty. Thanks to you, I finally get the idea of how to perfectly feature this magnificent structure. I found my perfect inspiration for my next book as well. Apparently, the publisher can no longer wait so I have to send the finished manuscript to the editors at the end of the day.

I reach for the white cup of coffee on top of the round table that matches the chair I am sitting at. As I take my first sip in a while, a man in his thirties approaches me and says something in Czech, "Chvilka je krásná". I understood it was a greeting so I nod and wear a smile, "Yes, what is it?" I put down the coffee and fixed my eyes at him.

Scratching his head, I can see that he is not accustomed to the English language so with every basic knowledge I have, I talk to him in the Czech language, "How may I help you?" I asked in Czech. I can see the delight in his face when he heard me speak his language, he bows and continues, "A man wearing a suit asked me to give you this." He handed over an old-rose-silver-bordered note with familiar penmanship,

I'll see you tonight gorgeous. Happy 7th Anniversary. I love you always. More than anyone

~ Siegfried Cohen

Reading his note makes me giggle. I let out a squeal unaware of the man still standing beside me observing.

"Oh. Děkuji." I said to him. "Will you please give me my check?" I requested as he is about to leave the scene. I gave him my credit card and left a tip on the table beside the cup of coffee. He smiled and went on his way. I put my attention back to the note I am still holding. His bold name in the letter made me think, "Sied never uses his full name unless it is important." My heart jumps with just the thought of probably something important is on its way. My cheeks blushed as this thought entered my mind, "Maybe he will now pop the question up? Or maybe, tonight will be our first night together." I giggled even more. This dirty thought empowers my brain well. Finally, I'll get to taste his skills in bed. I feel like I'm on cloud nine right now.

The same man approaches me to give the receipt. As soon as he walks away, I stand up and look at the blue sky, "Oh whoever's patron! Thank you for answering my prayers! I can now finally get laid after 7 years of waiting."

Not knowing I was murmuring to myself, the guy slipped a soft laugh. He gave me a huge smile when I noticed him staring at me. He bowed like a gentleman and went back to the restaurant.

***

Prague is a beautiful city indeed. No city lights, no disturbing horns from a busy street, no skyscrapers, just wonderful structures that let you find peace. This is indeed a city of love: a perfect place for romance as others describe it. I look around downtown and saw wonderful artwork on the street, and when I say artwork, I mean couples expressing their love to one another. After I received Sied's note, I hurriedly went back to the hotel and left my stuff there. I still have time so I decided to visit downtown to find something to wear on this special night. I giggle every time I think about what will happen.

I scouted some of the famous clothing stores downtown. Fortunately, I am quite knowledgeable about this stuff as part of my job. So I went into the first store at the corner of this street. I spotted a floral dress with raffles but it felt more like a summer season. I passed by it and looked around the store some more. When my eyes weren't satisfied enough, I visited another store.

It took me an hour and a half and was about to lose hope when I glanced at this small isolated store near the coffee shop where I stayed earlier. I almost jumped, "Oh shoot! Why didn't I notice it earlier?" I asked myself. I hurriedly crossed the street and stood in front of this small shop.

I scrutinized this lovely coral one-piece dress in this mannequin. It is perfect for tonight's occasion. Its open backslash lace from top to just an inch up from my butt will highlight my perfect back curve. The old lady who probably owns the shop saw me from the inside. She warmhearted smiles at me and motions me to come inside. As I open the door, the chimes sing. I excitedly invaded the shop and roam my eyes around. The old lady greeted me with a smile, "Krásná". I blushed and said thank you. We had a conversation about her store and found out that it is all she has after her husband passed away and her daughter married. She is now on her own. I feel so much admiration towards this old lady.

She cheerfully offers me almost everything but the dress. She continues to guide me inside her small filled store. It isn't that organized but I noticed that the floor and shelves are clean. I can say that she always dust it off. After we look around I didn't find anything interesting but the dress. When she noticed that my eyes are only fixated on the dress, she motioned her hands on it and I nodded.

She scratched her head and lowered her gaze finding the right words to say. Then she explained to me that it is not for sale. It is a memory of her daughter and she doesn't want to put it on sale. She said she only put it there because whenever she sees it, she feels that her daughter is just nearby.

My heart sympathizes with this old lady when she begins to share the story about the dress. Still, I am a bit disappointed because I really want to have that dress but I just can't take that away from her, can I?

I fake a smile and said to her that I will find another one. She grabs my hand and offers me something good, "If you can't find anything you want before the day ends, I can just lend it to you. But you have to return it to me, beautiful lady." The offer is quite tempting and puts sparkled in my eyes. But would it be okay to borrow it for free? I looked at the dress once again and noticed that I didn't have much time to look for more because I still have to send it to the Laundromat before wearing it.

"I don't have much time because I need it tonight and I only have few hours to prepare before my date. But I can't take it for free. Why don't we do it just like this? Let me rent the dress. It's a win-win situation." I did my best to explain it in their language and it seemed that she understood what I want. But her facial expression is doubtful. I plead to her with my eyes and show her how I really want to wear that dress. After a few minutes, she finally gave me a yes, then she asked me to wait inside the fitting room while she gets the dress.

After some time, the dress fits perfectly as if it is made for me. It is an off-shoulder coral dress that emphasizes my full bosom. Its cut fits perfectly with my curves. When I went out of the fitting room, the old lady's eyes opened wide and her lips wore a smile. She hugged me excitedly and said that I look perfect.

She packed the dress for me. I bid my goodbye and went out of the store. I went to the Laundromat to have it cleaned and then fixed myself in my hotel room.

I put on light make up and match it with brown-red shade lips. I put down my straight brunette hair and let it flow gracefully past my shoulder. At exactly six-thirty in the evening, the dress arrived.

I put it on and I look perfect. All I have to do is wait for my love.

***

As punctual as always, the doorbell in my hotel room rang at exactly seven in the evening. I opened the door and put on a big smile as I saw this man standing in front of me.

Siegfried Cohen. My righteous longtime boyfriend for seven years is finally ready to get laid with me. I stared at his perfect physique. His natural blonde hair that compliments his perfectly tanned skin always makes me aroused. He is wearing his tuxedo that carves every muscle he has. He is as composed as ever. He is the perfect example of a gentleman. Since he hasn't popped out the question yet, he is considered as one of the hottest bachelors of their batch and rumors speculate that he is the only virgin left in the accounting department of their prestigious company.

Damn right! He is one hell of a virgin. Thanks to his moral standards. My eyebrows frowned a bit at the thought of it. My mood suddenly changed, "But tonight I am changing history. I will be the first and last woman who will make this gentle accountant groan like a jackass", I swore to myself.

My lips smile wide as he approaches me. He examines me from head to foot. After that, he gives me a peck on my cheek. His eyes lowered on my big bosom and I saw him gulped before starting a conversation, "You look– ",

"–Stunningly gorgeous?" I interrupted him before he could finish his sentence while throwing myself at him, intentionally brushing my breast into his hard wide chest. His arms welcomed me hesitantly and his face looks stunned. After realizing what I've done, he distanced himself a bit, "Woah love! You are so revved up tonight." He unlinked my arms and fixed his dress. He touched my cheeks and smiled at me, "Come on, I have something for you."

Not wanting to ruin the night, I let his no-to-physical-touch-act pass and follow him quietly until we reach the elevator. As the door closes, dirty thoughts automatically play in my mind. Instantly, I saw sexual images of Sied and me making out in this elevator. A feeling of excitement strikes my heart. My contemplation grows continuously. Like the one I've seen from various American series and movies, this is the moment where the guy will suddenly jump at the girl and kiss her passionately. I tuck my hair behind my ear and expose my pale neck in front of him. I gulp as I imagine my ever-loving boyfriend doing this kind of thing to me. I can see myself hesitant at first but then give up as I feel Sied's lips sucking my breast. Oh, what a fiery imagination I have! Just thinking about it gives a tingling sensation all over my body. I smiled unconsciously causing him to question my actions.

"You seem so happy and excited tonight, love!" He said in a calm but questioning voice. Who wouldn't be? This night is the night!

I lean my back on the side of the elevator across him. I arch my body a little bit causing my dress to expose my breast and my curve. He peeks a glimpse of my breast but removes it immediately. He isn't that immune to my charisma. Shall we test the water? I will test the water! I walk towards him sexily and sensually utter these words to his ears, "You know what babe, I think an elevator ride is good for our first love scene, don't you think?"

He instantly takes a step back as I reach for his lips, "Avery Anderson, watch your words..." he paused and continued, " –and your actions please!" he exclaimed as he pants heavily. He always calls me by my full name whenever the situation is getting inconvenient for him. Oh, fuck! Hell right, I make him feel inconvenient! Me and my sexy actions! My impression has now changed.

"That's Ava for you, grandpa!" I snapped and moved away from him. Seeing how he reacts reminded me why he is still a virgin. No matter how many times I tempt him, he always blocks it. He always gets what he wants and I am always the loser. Why the hell couldn't he compromise the way I did? My lips twitched. I could see him looking at me but I don't give a damn anymore.

The perfect night as I imagine it is finally ruined. I am trying to hold back the tears of rejection. I need to at least survive this night for the sake of our 7th anniversary.

***

I find myself sitting in front of this insensitive man. Trying to survive the night, I remained silent and avoided small talks. All I could hear from his mouth are corporate terms in which I am not interested at all. My heart still hurts because I was rejected during an intense elevator ride. I focused on eating my food which he ordered for me. The food is indeed exquisite but my taste buds want something different; different from this grassy, healthy vegan salad I am eating.

I raised my hands and a waiter attended to our table. The waiter greeted me with a smile, "How may I help you?" he asked in Czech. Sied raised his head and momentarily stopped from eating. I sense some trouble and I think I will not like whatever will come out of his mouth. Despite his gentleman image, he can be an asshole sometimes. Allow me to correct myself, most of the time, especially in times like this, with poor people like this. I just closed my eyes and tighten my grip on the fork I'm holding.

"I believe it's obvious we are Americans. Maybe you could give us a little courtesy by speaking our language?" he complained to this poor waiter. His voice and his words resound to my ear. The waiter immediately apologized to him and switched his attention to me, "I am sorry Ma'am, what can I do for you?" His voice is shaking with his not-so-perfect English accent. He did his best. Poor thing.

I gave Sied a harsh look and sighed. I faced the waiter and said, "Mohl byste mi prosím dát nějaké maso a ne jen trochu koňského jídla? Také bych chtěl dvě sklenice červeného vína." He put out his pen and took down my order. Then he offered something from their bestselling meat selection.

As the waiter left us, Sied confronted me while he put his arms crossed in front of him. "Don't you like what I ordered for you? I chose it because it would be good for you? And what's that all about? You made me look like a fool in front of him." His face is now covered with rage.

I rested my back on the chair. I rolled my eyes at him, "Then stop being an ass. You know how to speak Czech, so why don't you show him some courtesy." I burst out in anger. "And will you please speak their language since you are in the Czech Republic, genius?" I insulted him.

He shrugs his shoulder and shakes his head in disarray. "Why do we always have to argue about everything Avery?"

"Ava!" I butt in and continue with my sarcasm.

"Fine, Ava." He gives in. Then open his mouth and continue with his nonsense talk, "What about the food? And the wine? If you want some, you should have just told me, I should have just order for the two of us once we get back to our hotel room." His tone is reaching its peak.

"Oh really? The last time I check I am on the fifth floor and you are on the seventh!" I said sarcastically. "Would you please explain to me why the hell are we staying in separate rooms even though we have been a couple for seven years?" my voice raised loud enough to catch the attention of the neighboring tables. My voice battles the clanking of utensils from the other side of the restaurant. I don't give a shit, though. My face remains stiff and my attention is only focused on this exasperating man sitting in front of me like an upright demi-god oozing with arrogance.

He remained silent and looked down clenching his fist. The tension between the two of us halted when the waiter arrived with two glasses of red wine. He noticed the unyielding vibes so he immediately withdrew his presence after he informed me that my order will arrive in 10 minutes.

The silence took over, so does anger. The supposedly special night becomes an enraged battle between the two sexes. Out of frustration, I straightly gulped the first glass of wine like a crazy woman yearning for alcohol. As I was about to reach for the second glass, Sied grabbed my hand intensely that seemed fairly like a warning. "Will you slow down? What would people think if you drink like that?" he said with a strong remark in his voice. I don't understand why his gesture felt like he is more concerned with my... our image, his image than my feelings and my whole being. It has always been like this. He is starting to get under my skin.

I aggressively removed his hand from mine and snatched the glass of wine, "It is just a glass of wine for fuck's sake Siegfried!" I sulkily put down the wine glass on the table.

"Language!" his voice has gotten stronger and firmer.

"I don't fucking care what they think. And the only grumpy one here is you, Siegfried! When will you give me a decent meal where I can choose what I want to eat?" this guy hit the ceiling. The perfect night that I've been dreaming of has now shattered into pieces. My world has just crumbled thanks to this dimwit.

His face looked stunned. I know he has a lot to say but he chose to remain silent. Good decision Siegfried! Because if you open your mouth again, I promise you, this so-called anniversary will become a funeral for a dead love story of two broken hearts.

Though I am trying my best to facade a strong woman, my chest is starting to pound. I never cried in front of Sied or anyone; and I don't have plans to break it, not now, not ever. So I took my leave and before going out of the restaurant, I instructed the waiter to have the food delivered to my room. Right there and then, I left this fancy restaurant alone.

I never look back in his direction. I never want to see what he looks like. Right now, all I want is to go back to my room and cry.