Atonement(51)

I took photos of the old crumbling estates as well as signs of all the gentrification that was happening too. Many of the neighborhoods deemed safe enough to rescue had high-rises, new buildings and businesses built. It was fascinating and yet scary at times as Colin and I did run into a gang of skinheads but they slurred in German under their breath as we passed and Colin turned around suddenly. He said something in German back to the skinheads and a blond one who looked like he was a leader of sorts answered back in hurried German.

Colin whipped out a butterfly knife and said something in a low voice in a language which I did not understand. The main skinhead said something back to him before he replied in English, “Hey, man—we meant no offense. Just enjoying the view of your lady friend. Everything’s cool.”

I saw the smile as it registered on Colin’s face. “No harm in enjoying, mein Freund…but just know if you touch, I will filet you like prime piece of swine.”

The skinheads laughed nervously before they continued on their way and we continued along ours. I wrapped an arm around Colin’s waist. “Hey, how about we spend the rest of the day somewhere safe and pleasant like Alexanderplatz, for instance.”

He chuckled as he wrapped his arms around me as soon as he had put the butterfly knife away. “I can’t think of a better idea. Come on, sweetie, on to Alexanderplatz we go.”





AFTER A VIGOROUS day of sight seeing, we ended our day at a hole-in-the-wall bar which served decent bratwurst and excellent beer. I’d managed to capture some great photos and despite the incident which had happened earlier that day, I realized I’d enjoyed myself immensely.

It was refreshing to know Colin and I could have fun doing the most mundane of activities and we made each other laugh more than I had in a while. Not since before my father had been murdered.

“So, I take it you agree coming to Berlin was a good thing?” Colin inquired before he swigged from his huge beer stein.

“Absolutely. Just think about the excitement we would have missed out on if we’d gone straight to Amsterdam,” I responded in a sarcastic tone.

We stared at one another and I realized I never ever became tired of looking into those endless pools of crystal blue before we both burst out laughing.

“So, what was earlier about, Rambo? I didn’t realize you could throw down,” I continued after I drank from my beer stein.

“Oh, you thought this posh boy from the Ivy League couldn’t fight?” he questioned out loud. “What can I say? I have always known all types of people—both rich and poor. Unlike my brother, I don’t judge anyone based upon what their parents do or what kind of car they drive. When you know all kinds of people, it makes it easier to learn how to defend yourself when the time is right. No one is beyond the hand of violence and not being able to fight is a sign of stupidity and weakness,” Colin explained with a determined look in his eyes.

“You truly believe that?”

“If you make enough trips here to Europe, it should be your motto. In case you haven’t noticed, the new Europe isn’t your parents’ European experience.”

I smiled at that statement. “Well, seeing as my adopted mother grew up in a pretty rough part of England, I don’t think this place was ever our ‘parents’ Europe, just the popular places they decided to visit. I am not opposed to going off the beaten path but I don’t want to be injured or murdered behind an unneeded excursion.”

“Neither do I,” he replied as my Android began to sound off with my sister’s ring tone, “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga.

I quickly answered as soon as I saw Caitlyn’s number, “Hello?”

“Hey,” she responded with a hint of bite in her tone. “Can you talk?”

“It depends. We’re in the middle of a loud bar and it isn’t really an ideal time,” I responded in a snarky tone.

My sister scoffed audibly on the other end of the line. “Perhaps you oughta get up and walk outside then where you can have a little privacy. You might not want your lover boy to hear what I have to say to you.”

I rolled my eyes before I pressed the mute button. “Looks like Cait is having a ‘drama’ moment. I’ll be right back.”

“Take your time. Want me to order you another lager?” he inquired.

“Yes, please,” I called over my shoulder before I walked outside.

I continued to walk as smokers crowded the awning and I would probably be tempted to bum a smoke from someone if I stood too close.