#ac119

Easter. What was the reason for celebrating? Because Jesus had risen from his tomb? Or at least, something along those lines. Juniper didn’t really know. Juniper believed in a higher power but also believed that a lot of what was preached inside churches was a bunch of hogwash. Her faith was far too questionable to participate in a mass within Rome, which she was sure was disappointing to some. Apart from that, she never celebrated Easter. She never hunted for eggs. And she never planned to. If she had a kid in the future, well, that may be different. But now, even in the depths of Rome, she was going to stick to herself and have her own little fun and relaxation.

After watching the sunrise from the window top of the hotel roof, she made her way back to her room. Leaving her phone at the hotel, she dressed up in the only outfit she brought for ‘emergencies’. This wasn’t an emergency to dress up but, who cares? Grabbing her keycard, and wallet, she made her way out of the hotel, waving to those in Sloane that she passed by that she knew friendly or rolling her hues at the ones not so friendly. Moving out, she walked down the street, blue hues looking around the area at all the festivities. It was wholesome really, seeing families celebrating, even spotting some Sloanies celebrating alongside those in Rome. But it just wasn’t for her, so she continued with her plan.

Making her way to her first stop, a smile stretched across her face as she looked at the sign out front of the shop ‘Johnny’s Off License: 40% off spirits for your Easter Sunday’. Taking that as a sign of a sign, she headed in to look around. After a while of deciding she settled on a 14 year aged whiskey that the owner had graciously let her taste before buying. Once done, she stopped at a carryout restaurant, ordering herself a juicy burger and side of fries.

After acquiring said items, she made her way deeper into Rome. After much looking and careful decision making, she settled on a park that didn’t seem to be highly festival with kids, parents, and easter eggs. Picking a spot she considered beautiful to her, she set everything down gently. She spread out a multi-colored throw before sitting down and settling onto it. Having her own little picnic, she dug into her food and whiskey, funny but content moans leaving her lips.

After a while of just sitting there, drinking on the whiskey, she packed everything back up and made her way deeper into Rome. The whiskey made her judgement slow but right in her eyes as she decided to get lost in a nearby forest area. Moving deeper into the greenery, she spotted an old structure, wondering why it wasn’t part of any kind of tour. Her fingertips danced along the stone gently before moving on up the hill she was climbing. Before she knew it, she was at the top, a clear view of Rome plastered out in front of her through a break of the trees, the sun setting and the sky painted many colors. A small smile grew on her face. How could a place be so beautiful? Juniper stood there for a while, watching as the sun set and the colors shifted in reaction, all the while taking swigs from the whiskey bottle in her hand.

EASTER MORNING: The morning starts early with an Easter basket for Kian from the Easter Bunny. He’s excited – very much so, especially considering the Easter Bunny didn’t forget him while he was away from his home. After enjoying his goodies, the two of them get cleaned up and ready for the day, deciding to skip the whole churching going thing and head straight to breakfast at the hotel bar. After a croissant for both of them, a cup of coffee for Vidalia and some juice for Kian, they finally grab their things and head out for a day of exploring Rome, just the two of them. EASTER AFTERNOON: Exploring with Kian, the mother and son duo decide to check out as much as they can – the Trevi Fountain, followed by lunch from one of the very few street vendors they passed during their adventuring. After lunch, they decided to checkout the ancient Roman ruins, with Vidalia falling in love with the old architecture, crumbling buildings, and ages of history. In the spirit of Rome and the holiday, the duo also popped into multiple churches along the way, admiring the stained glass, painted walls, and various archways, columns, and statues that filled the spaces. EASTER EVENING: After spending the day wandering the city with her son, Vidalia agreed for the two of them to meet up with Alina for a late dinner, after learning that the other female had never celebrated a proper Easter. Having chosen a local restaurant, the spend the rest of the evening sitting on the outdoor patio with as much food and wine needed to make their hearts content. Kian, exhausted from a day of walking and full from a meal, falls comfortably asleep in his chair while the two girls finish the evening ‘cheers’ing’ their adventures in Rome.

When in Rome.