"Zurich is Switzerland's largest city, located at the North-Central part of Switzerland, at the North-Western end of Lake Zurich. Aside from it is Switzerland's largest city, it is also the major transportation hub and the busiest place of the country due to the airports and railways. Zurich is also one of the world's financial centers for it has a lot of financial institutions and banking companies despite its small population."
"It is also a top starting point for travelers for it has a variety of places and features for adventure and traveling. We have more than 50 museums, 100 art galleries, mountains for height lovers, lakes, and other bodies of water for those who love fishing, swimming, and other water activities. Our mountain tops and lakesides are perfect for camping and bonfire. We also have several shopping places for those who love shopping. One of them is Bahnhofstrasse, the finest shopping strand in Europe."
Dion is silent as I explain the features of Zurich. From my peripheral vision, I can see him changing his facial expression from time to time. Sometimes amaze, sometimes his eyes narrowed, and sometimes he nods his head. A sign that he is listening and trying to digest every word I say in his head.
We are currently having a street walk. Our first stop is in Khunstaus Zurich, also known as the Art Museum. It opens at 10 am and we are on our way there. And while walking, I start explaining to him the features of Zurich.
Earlier at the coffee shop, I feel so shy in front of him. I feel so small and poor, especially when I saw the brand of his shirt and white shoes. Gucci and Puma. Maybe he noticed that one, so he chuckled and told me not to mind the brand of his clothes.
"It's just natural for me to have these branded clothes because you know, my father. But, you shouldn't feel shy to me or feel poor. I am not rich, my father is. And besides, I want people to treat me as me, Dion."
And our talk earlier made me smile. He is not bossy or formal, Dion is a down to earth man and it is easy to be close and to be friends with him.
We just met this morning but we already talk a lot. We just met but I already know a lot about him. Like he is a painter, and that he loves art so much. That's why the Art Museum comes first on our list.
I also found out that he has a Brain Hemorrhage, and his condition is worst. Dion is in between life and death. Anytime, anymore, he can bleed. And once he bleeds, he would be in a very critical condition. As of now, he is enjoying every moment of his life by traveling Zurich.
Zurich is actually his mother's hometown, and that means he is a SwissAm, a Swiss-American. But sadly, his mother died when he was just nine years old due to a car accident, that is also the reason why he has a Brain Hemorrhage. He got internal bleeding back then which turned into a Brain Hemorrhage. He was actually in comatose for two years and when he woke up, his mother was gone.
"Until now, I am still mourning for her. And I keep on asking, why does she have to die? Maybe because she's too kind and precious that's why she came back in heaven earlier than expected? I mean, I was there. I was with her when the incident happened. So, why does it have to be her? Why not me instead of her? It could be me, not my mother."
Since then, he became aloof to everyone, especially to his father. He knew his father has the same question, why does it have to be his mother?
"And now, I am starting to be the friendly and bubbly Dion again. And it feels good to be the old me."
I wonder why did he open up that topic to me. I mean, we just met and that one is a bit personal and deep. Nevertheless, I should keep that one since he entrusted me with it.
See? A short matter of time but I already know a lot about him. Not that much, but yea. Also, he's starting to crack some jokes which made me shook my head. His jokes are too corny.
"Welcome to Khunstaus Zurich, the Art Museum!" I exclaimed.
Standing in front of us is the entrance of Art Museum, at the left side of it stands Auguste Rodin's famous sculpture, 'The Gates of Hell', with its height about 6-7 meters and width of 4 meters.
"La Porte de I'Enfer." Dion murmured.
I faced him with my brows knitted together. "Huh?"
"Auguste Rodin's La Porte de I'Enfer, or in English, The Gates of Hell."
My mouth formed an 'O' when I realized what he is talking about. "So, you know this one?"
"Of course." he smiled. "I am an art lover so, I know. Besides, Auguste Rodin and this sculpture of him were mentioned several times in my art class."
I nodded. "Oh, that's why."
"Yea."
"So, does that mean I don't have to explain further things to you about this one?"
"Nah. You should still explain since I am your client."
My eyes narrowed, and before I could even say a word, he chuckled. "Just kidding, Zhanaia. Let's go inside now."
And then he starts walking, leaving me with my eyes still narrowed. This one, I think we would get along. I can say base from what I can see.
Most of the arts displayed in the museum are artworks from the great Swiss artists and some from Frenc artists. Some artworks from some famous international artists are displayed here as well.
After we paid for the museum's entrance fee, Dion immediately went inside and roam his gaze to the artworks displayed.
His eyes glowing because of the artworks displayed. Miniature and mini-sculptures on glass walls, paintings hanging on the walls, and big sculptures on the side.
"This is a haven for me!" he exclaimed which put a wide smile on my lips.
His voice is full of energy, he looks excited than anyone else and a wide smile is plastered on his face. I feel like a mom watching my son happily roaming the first floor of the Khunsthaus Zurich.
I shook my head.
"Hey, Zhanaia!" he called me. "Come here, see this one."
I walk towards him. He pointed out the artwork of a nude woman in fire.
"Do you know this one?" he asks.
I nodded. "Yes. That's artwork from one of the important contemporary artist of Switzerland, Pipiloti Rist, entitled 'Swimming In A Bath Of Lava'. This is a miniature video of a woman swimming in a bath of lava that captivates a mixture of wit and powerfully visual of the woman in the fires of hell. And it is said that the subject of this artwork of Rist is about a self-confident woman in a fervid environment that mixes eroticism and assertive feminine physicality." I explain.
"Hmm... so, you know a lot about this artwork, huh?"
"Nah." I shook my head. "It's just that, I've been here countless times now, and I am a tourist guide so it is required that I should know things about some artworks in this museum."
"Oh." he nods his head. "So, are you're into arts?" he asks then looks at me.
His ocean eyes met mine, and believe me, his eyes can drown you in a short period. It's like, I am staring at the ocean and there is a water current pulling me to be drowned by it.
"Yes. I am." I answer then look away.
I can't bear to look at his eyes for too long. I feel like, I'll be drowned in any minute, and even in just one look. So, to avoid having eye contact with him, I keep on roaming my gaze to the surroundings and tries not to look on his way. I just do gestures whenever I say something to him so that I won't be called disrespectful.
We reach the upper floors where the iconic artworks of some famous international artists are displayed. One of them is Vincent Van Gogh's iconic self-portrait with a bandage on his ear, which usually attracts tourists' attention.
"Vincent Van Gogh's self-portrait with a bandage on his ear." Dion mumbles. "One of his most iconic paintings."
A smile plastered on his naturally reddish lips. And instead of me, explaining to him since I am his tour guide, Dion starts casting words about Van Gogh's self-portrait. And the way he says the words, he's too confident and proud. He explains like a skilled professional art teacher who knows a lot about this artist.
"Did you know that Van Gogh used a mirror for this one? That's why most of the people who had already seen this mistakenly thought that Van Gogh lost some part of his right ear, when in fact, it's the left one."
And as he continues explaining, I keep my mouth shut and just listen. By this, I can say that he is really into arts for he knows a lot than me. Every word that comes out from his mouth are precise, and he really speaks proudly. You won't see any hesitation from him or hear anything like that as he explains. His pride is too high.
I was silent the whole time we roam the museum. I won't talk if he won't ask. Dion is the one who speaks, and sometimes, he would ask me some things which I answer with a simple smile, shrug or just nod my head in agreement.
If it's not because of his Gucci shirt, branded jeans, and shoes, plus his appearance that screams what kind of person he is, people may have thought that he is the tour guide and I am the tourist.
After an hour and a half of roaming the whole Khunsthaus Zurich, we stopped at the museum's huge library. The smell of books, old and new, evade our nostrils the moment we stepped in.
I was a certified book worm, inhaled the scent of the books, recharging me and bringing back my energy. The scent of books is like an energy-drugs to me.
"Recharging by inhaling the smell of books?" I heard Dion's low voice from the side.
I hummed as an answer. "How did you know?"
He let a heartily laugh. "I'm an introvert."
That made me turn my gaze at him. "Come again?"
"I said, I'm an introvert. Aside from arts, books are my thing as well. Their addictive scent sents energy in me."
With that, my mood instantly changed. I start talking to him about the books he loves, his favorite, did he already read that or this, I was hyped up by knowing that he is an introvert.
And as I talk to him, I found out that he doesn't actually have friends. As an introvert, he loves to be alone and spent his time reading, than to spent his time on nonsense things. Also, I found out that we have the same favorite author, William Shakespeare, and J.K Rowling. He is also a reader of Erik Larson and Lang Leav.
He said that the Khunsthaus Zurich is a perfect place for someone like him. A place is full of artworks with a huge library with towering shelves full of books.
"Now, I want to have a house with a theme like this museum."
On his status, he can have his dream house to be like Khunsthaus Zurich. There's nothing impossible with rich people. They can do and make everything because of their money.
By afternoon, we decided to take lunch at the nearest restaurant in Khunsthaus. Dion's treat, thank God.
And as I expected, he ordered a steak dish for a wealthy person. I on the other hand ordered a pasta.
"Just pasta? Why don't you try another dish?"
I shook my head. "I'm fine with this. I don't eat that much."
He just nodded as a response, but he doesn't seem convinced. And as we eat, we talk about random stuff, until our conversation went to his life in US.
Dion was born in Los Angeles, California, USA. He is the only son and heir of Dr. Fidel Augustine Dausel, the owner of Dausel Medical Center, one of the top rising and known hospitals in US. He studies at Harvard University, a medical student, but because of his condition, he stopped studying. He stayed at the hospital for five months for medication and stayed home for two months to take a rest, and when he regained his strength, he decided to go and have his trip in Zurich—his mother's hometown.
"Dad didn't allow me to go back to school for my condition is in the worst state. Anytime, I can bleed, and the only thing that prevents it to happen are my medicines. But taking them will be useless if my brain will be triggered or overstressed. I am not allowed to think too much and to be stressed."
At first, his father didn't allow him to travel Zurich, but eventually let him for he is too persistent. He actually has a bodyguard and nurse, but he didn't let them come with him today for he wants his first day to be bodyguard-free.
"So, tomorrow, we will tour with my bodyguard, and my nurse. Tonie, and nurse Stell."
Having a tour with a bodyguard and nurse is new for me, but I think I'll be easily used with this if I get close to them in a short span of time.
"Ahm... are they kind?" I ask.
He chuckled. "Yes, they are, so no worries. You can get along with them easily, just how it happened to me."
Our lunch went well. As we eat, we keep on talking about some things, and so about ourselves. I found out that aside from art and reading, we have the same taste in fashion. Simple and plain. Just a shirt or blouse, jeans, and white shoes or sneakers.
When the clock strikes at 3 pm, we decided to go home since we are scheduled to tour only the Khunsthaus Zurich for today.
Tomorrow, and to the next following days, we are scheduled to tour 2-3 places a day, and meet earlier than 9 am. So, on our way home, we talked about our meet-up time, and the meeting place for tomorrow, and the rest of the month.
Dion is the one who decided for the meeting place which happened to be on Miró Coffee, while I decided on the meet-up time which happened to be 8:30 am.
As we reach the street where we need to part ways, Dion and I bid our good day to each other.
"So, let's call it a day?"
He nodded, "Sure." then smiled. "I had a great day today. This is a good start for my Zurich trip."
"See you tomorrow, sweetheart."
MICS ARTEMIA
"See you tomorrow, sweetheart." I heave another deep sigh when I heard Dion's voice in my head again, repeating the same words he uttered earlier like a pirated tape, and an old radio unable to reach the good signal. I am currently laying on my bed, Caroline is here with me since we decided to have a sleepover, like what we always do even on our childhood days. "That's the 13th time you sighed for the past few minutes, Zhanaia." she mumbles while still busy on her phone. And again, I sighed. "14th." She's counting. I pushes myself up and sat on the right side of the bed, it's nearing 10 pm but we are still awake. Caroline is busy with something on her phone, while I, well, I can't sleep because Dion's voice keeps on ringing in my head with the same words he uttered earlier. "See you tomorrow, sweetheart." For an unknown reason, I felt something like butterflies in my stomach. Like those that I have read on romance books, plus the abnormal beats of my heart. It so suddenly bea
Offering friendship to Dion was not in the plan. Note that it's a strong one for it is a best friend. I thought I would really just be his tour guide for a month, but you see, we're now best friends. Even I do not know why I volunteered to be his best friend. Maybe because I feel how down he was? Loneliness was visible in his voice earlier. Maybe that one triggers me to offer him friendship. But, I admit, it feels good when he smiled and accepted my offer. As of the moment, we are in the grocery store. He asked if I can accompany him here since he needed stocks in his house while he stays here in Switzerland. I'll also come with him later. "The foods we brought are very cheap," he commented. He scanned the foods in our pushcart and their price tags. He shook his head as he confirmed that they are really cheap. I chuckled. "It's a commoner food, that's why." "Aren't these expired?" he asks. "They're very cheap." Again, I chuckled. "No, they're not. They are cheap because again, t
As the night sky with thousands of twinkling stars from afar and the golden moonlight illuminating the vast darkness below together with the artificial lights of the city, slowly turned blue and as the sun rises from the east as a start of another day and another life, I slowly open my eyes. The sunlight passing through the glass window of my room fangs my skin. I close my eyes again as hit me right to my pupils. A few moments later, I open it again, and a bright smile, as bright as the sun crept in my lips. "Good morning, the universe," I mumble. I push myself up and do my morning routine. After that, I went downstairs for breakfast. I found Zhairo sitting on one of the chairs with his omelet. He simply greets me a 'good morning' and went back on his food. I didn't bother to ask where are our parents since I already know. They probably went to their work earlier than usual. As I prepare my breakfast, the doorbell rang. My brows furrowed for neither of us are expecting visitor nor
"That one, I want that one!" Sighs. Guess where we are right now. And I would answer the one word, four letters, one syllable. Mall. I unconditionally said 'yes' earlier when Dion asked me again if I will let Zhairo go with him because he wants to treat my brother. I was carried away by his words when he said that Zhairo is no new to him because he will be his 'brother-in-law' soon. My heart was beating really fast, like fast and furious. Plus the feeling of there is a war inside me due to the rumblings. If Dion was close enough, I bet he would hear my heart, and he would probably ask about it. And that is the last thing that I wanted to happen. As much as possible, I don't want him to know that I am having these strange feelings towards him. I am not that naive, I know what this might be, but I am trying my best not to jump into that kind of conclusion. Dion is an American. In their country, most people are liberated, and I won't be shocked if he is too. And if ever he f
"Argh!" I again threw my phone on the bed. I am really frustrated right now. Caroline who was just sitting comfortably at the edge of my bed while surfing through her phone shook her head when she saw what I did. I called her to go here since I don't know what to do now. After I told Dion that I want us to stay in a relationship between a boss and an employee, I turned my back at him and closed the gate. And then I immediately went into my room and locked myself. My head is in turmoil. I suddenly felt that battle between my conscience and then I just said what I wanted to say. My conscience is telling me that what I did was rude, really rude, while I keep on telling myself that what I did was just right. Period. "Will you stop doing that, Zhanaia?" Caroline scolded me after rolling her eyes. "I agree with your conscience, you know. What you did was really rude. Imagine, Dion is offering you friendship and you just turned him down. Note that you are the one who offered him friendshi
The moment I reach the hospital, I immediately run to the entrance and ask in the Nurse Station for Dion's room. The nurse who assisted me asks what's my relationship with him, and said it is for security purposes. Ironically, I introduced myself as his friend, when in fact, I turned him down last night. But this is not the time to think about that. I need to see Dion. As the nurse typed something on the computer, I can help but to tap my shoes on the tiled floor because of a mixture of worry and nervousness. And when the nurse finally told me the number and what floor Dion's room is located, I didn't waste a chance. I did a half-run since the floor is tiled and I might slip if I literally run. When the elevator opened, I hastily go in and press the number of the floor where I am about to go. Seconds of waiting, the elevator stops and the moment I got out, I searched for Dion's room. As I finally found it and when I touch the cold metal of the doorknob, my hands went cold and start
"I think I have fallen for you, Zhanaia." "And I am still falling deeply." I failed to stop myself from screaming in so much... happiness. Yes, happiness. I don't know how and why it is hard to explain but I won't deny that what I feel right now is so much happiness. My heart is overflowing with joy and it is not impossible if any moment, my cheeks will be ripped off because of the widest smile I've ever had. I've been like this since I woke up earlier than usual, and last night, I slept with a sweet smile painted on my lips. Dion's confession was lingering in my head and until now, I can still hear his soft voice saying those words that make my heart swell. I can't believe it happened. Oh my god, is that the reason why he wants to befriend me? Because he wants us to be close even more? Is that his way of courting? Oh gosh! Again, I screamed. But this time, I used a pillow to cover my mouth and suppress the noise coming from me. Mama and papa might hear me, and they will su
It has been two days since the confession happened. Nothing seems to change between the two of us, except that Dion is starting to show off the real him.Since the day after his confession, he started showing off his real personality, as well as being vocal but still considerate. He is witty, curious, and daring. Base on how I see men before, being witty was out of the question. Most likely, men are too secretive and silent, wittiness seems to make them less a man. But Dion likes cracking puns and making silly stuff, even when a lot of people around.And as for being vocal, I see it as a good thing that he was not like any other men out there who likes keeping what they feel to themselves and act though. Like it would make them less a man if they are too vocal, it makes them less a man if they show who they really are, and I found it too absurd! I mean, hello, men are still human. They have feelings, heart, and all. Just be