A time of consternation, yet a time of constraint; no one ever wanted to believe the truth of the rumours, but everyone had heard of them. Undaunting in the minds of countless hard-workers, knowing exactly what was happening in their times of stooping trust… Knowing just what was going on in their world, but refusing to believe.
The year was 1929. The roaring 20s, coming to a wondrous close as throughout the prodigious triumph which had made the world such a marvellous place, such a marvellous time, to live in. It was a brilliant time filled with the beginning of understanding technology, making everyday life more exciting and dramatic. It was a time of wealth and excess. Everywhere you looked you could see the joyous laughing of families finding a new home, a new possession, a new member coming towards them. But that was why the rumours were never believed. 'We are in the time of moving forward', they would say, 'The break out of humankind. We will all live in our own homes, make our own money, and live the life we deserve.' The sweet American Dream. The strong will needed to keep determination, sanity, and above all else, hope. The life we all pleased… Well, we pleaded for anyway. A predicament year was 1929; one which calamity and catastrophe rose onto the horizon before anyone could ever change their viewpoints on those precarious gossips…
Just like the average morning of an average day, this morning was filled with the chill of a golden autumn breeze drifting along with the company of crisp leaves and the vicissitude weather from the ambrosial summer warmth to the brisk yet magical time of alluring reds and lenient browns. As each new colour faced the icy ground of the Earth, the scurrying shuffles of hurried workers would pass by and crackle the fallen rainbow into confetti which could celebrate the season. The sympathy of crunches with the orchestra of human endorsements as life beaming across the streets brought the exuberant natural characteristics of life to spring all around and into the hearts of incognizant aborigine. Even the flowers, though wilting into a slumber until the beloved spring is redeemed, break into a chorus of smells to tend to the ignorant urbanite whilst they heave away into the reckless and distasteful jobs which they must suffer to keep their new inventions running. Could they reach into their minds? Couldn't the ungrateful humans just once stop to look around at the beauty which surrounded them? Life was good; stocks were high and bankruptcy was low, but still the lustful greed conquered through their souls to the point where money was all that brought value anymore. It was the money they wanted, they needed… and it was the money that they would soon loose. Not even the rapturous rise of the astonishing sun over the silver sterling clouds could save them of their fate. Wind howls its' warning, rocks trip to stop them, but it was all down to this day:
Tuesday 28th October, 1929.
In this thoughtless time lived two young men. Ordinary, average, it was a given that these two oblivious burghers were indifferent to the others. But, these two were different. They were not the sort of people you would see around the working class of Miami. They shared everything: their home, their job, their blood, and their lives. They were twin brothers. Family as close as they were was indeed rare among the times they lived, especially when they were in the fragment of their lives where they were old enough to enjoy life's golden opportunities, and young enough to fulfil everything their fresh souls could ever want. However, they did not live such brilliant lives, but stuck to the humble decision of working for their own. To work and save immensely until they could afford their American dream. They shared their dream too. Such a brotherly bond could never be broken.
Th eldest was older by three hours and was known by the name of Matthew Williams. A hard worker, but never truly noticed for his sedulous. Matthew wasn't the strongest, nor the wisest, but he had the brightness and passion of a true human. Unfortunately, he was cursed with the shyness and quiescent of a young boy at his first day of school, leaving him ignored when he was talking or even unnoticed by any of his peers. Every now and again, he'd be confused for being his younger brother, despite not being pure identical twins. His brother, who had been named Alfred F Jones, was a much louder other half. Everything was exaggerated. Alfred loved being the centre of attention and had an often adroitness of getting into fights. He contrasted his brother's personality in every way, but there was nothing he cared for more deeply than his reticent twin. They shared built and height, as well as skin colour and their terrible eye-sight, but everything else was contradictory. Matthew possessed a long, wavy sea of exquisite pale blonde hair, growing a lengthy ahoge which twirled like ballet dance steps from his centred parting, and errorless violet eyes of majestic perfection, staring devotedly through you like a vast oceanic sunset gleaming with superlative chalk. Alfred adorned enticing dusty blonde fur of a captivating lion cub basking graciously in the enflamed aurora with a dainty cow-lick ahoge placed messily yet stylishly in his right sided parting which represented his own sense of individuality. His eyes did not stare through you so tantalizingly, but mesmerised the bestowal to rivet and gawp as they shone with the brightest blue sky you could ever imagine, one which only the mystical fairy-tales possessed and sent a cosmic beam to the viewer's heart. They were both robust, but the contrasting personalities put their strength into different categories; Alfred was younger, foolish, and if someone ever tried to provoke him he would cretinously fracas. Because of his vexing, Matthew would end up being brought in, despite not looking like him exactly, and his strength would need to be used to defend himself and his identity. Positively, his younger half did have his uses with his strength. When the overemphasizing puerile used his stamina purposely in work, the boss's would be exceptionally pleased. The downfall was his ability to cause fights; they would always lose their jobs after that. Well, Alfred would, but the brothers stuck together tightly and so Matthew would also quit his job and help Alfred look for a new one… Or find a new one for him was more often than the prier. The only steady job they had was their first job at a brewery, but prohibition had left them unemployed. Ever since then they have been jumping to and fro in hope for steadier work. Mostly they would use their handy robustness for railroad working or mining, but as soon as the railroad was built, or the mine had been mined out, they were once again left at the beginning. Neither had any qualifications for any better, Alfred was excluded and left to work while Matthew did not continue to college, so travelling around Florida was their life until they could finally find a suitable environment for the both of them. Finally, Matthew had found the perfect, steady job of factory work for them both. They were ecstatic that they could decisively put their lives back in order and settle in Miami, no longer using their hard-earned savings for travelling. Factory work was difficult, but soon they found themselves pacified to their new area and brought a strong sense of dignity everywhere they walked. No one ever tried fighting with Alfred as everyone was friendly and tolerant of him so it didn't take long for the friendliness of the environment to brighten the men up and work especially assiduously. The factory worked on building radios; a clever invention that, thanks to the roaring 20s, was a huge seller and had a lot of profit going into the manufactures and thusly, the workers. On such a salary, combined with the fact that they shared their bank accounts, it wasn't long until the twins found themselves living the life that everyone wanted in the 20s. The bought a statuesque home in the centre of Miami, ready to fill with many possessions of rarity and expenses. They started talking about getting the furniture they wanted, and even a car when possible. Their mortgage on the house was affordable with their job and any furniture bought would be easily manageable in monthly payments. Although Alfred did enjoy the spending spree he could afford to have, Matthew kept his share in the bank for safe-keeping, 'just in case'. Everything was perfect for them… They would have never expected their demise to become so harsh.
Just like the average morning of an average day, the morning was filled with the chill of a golden autumn breeze drifting along with the company of crisp leaves and the vicissitude weather from the ambrosial summer warmth to the brisk yet magical time of alluring reds and lenient browns. Matthew and Alfred rolled up their sleeves are began work as usual, uncultivated of the hellish event that was just around the corner.
Tuesday 28th October, 1929.
Rumours of falling stocks were just that; the past decade had given so much hope for the people of America, why would it suddenly disappear? Although Alfred was whimsical, Matthew was precarious. What if the sudden technological era used up a lot more money than they realized? The thoughts pondered at him all day long. He was smart and the more he contemplated the possibility of a downfall of stocks, the more logical his ideas seemed to become. Perhaps his conscious would calm if he was placed in a sense of security from the bank workers. After all, he had entrusted their savings with them since they landed this job a few months back; they were trustworthy enough to ask about the stock rumours. At least, he hoped that was the case. Perhaps he should remove his savings to stay on the safe side; they had saved up for so long that loosing it all now would have been the worst possibility that could ever fall upon the two brothers.
Matthew glanced to his right. Alfred was working with his usual abhorrent beam, not caring at all about the world around him or the down sides of life. Matthew envied his ability to stay so optimistic. He always smiled and laughed with his fellow workers, always got the attention he wanted all the time, despite being selfish at times… He was always such a hit with woman too. You could see the female workers batting their eyes at the clueless man; always trying to hold his arms to feel his muscle or trying to ask him to dinner. But Matthew didn't care about that. After all, there was already a woman he loved: Marian Roberts. His ceremonious gaze turned passed his blatant brother and to the dishabille window, opening out the beautiful world of the female workers; but only one shone out from the enticing room… Only one angelic beauty who had claimed his heart so tremendously. She worked eminently converged on the technological feature, not once wavering as the other females giggled beside her and tried getting her to join conversations. Her exceptional beauty was one that was always noticed by the other employees, both man and woman, but somehow she had noticed him. Matthew's momentary look bestowed itself into a stare as he studied her once more for the nth time they had known each other; she had remarkable pale skin, white like the calmest snow, emphasized by the enraptured brown eyes of a galloping young doe: full of life and living, energized and graceful. When he first locked optics with this mysterious, bewitching pair of orbs, he was hypnotized by their radiance. But, the first touch of her stunning crispation of desirable vivid orange, one which matched the winsome sunset, was so smooth, so perfect, that Matthew had no choice but to listen to his expeditious heart and fall in love with her. Personality wise, she fixed every aspect Matthew wish he could achieve, but without the emphasized pestiferous which fitted his louder brother's: She was fun-loving, energetic, kind, strong, sometimes selfish - but there was no such thing as the perfect being. Although, she was perfect to him. The inobtrusive twin had finally realized that her perfection wasn't something he could hold onto forever if he doesn't do the right thing, so he had decided that it was time he had asked her to marry him. Tonight, he was going to take out his savings and buy the engagement ring she deserved; one which was just as beautiful as her if it were possible, and take her out for the best, most romantic dinner she has ever had to finally propose. The discussion about it with Alfred was brilliant as Alfred very much liked Marian, so his blessing for their wedding was instantly achieved. Even if Matthew didn't understand it, Alfred wanted his twin's happiness much more than his own; he knew that one day they would have their own families to care for and would probably separate. Marian was gorgeous and everything Matthew could ever want and more; Alfred was certain that this amazing woman would never be found twice, so when the opportunity for his blessing had occurred, he had slapped his brother on the back and told him it was about time he had grew a backbone and asked. With a satisfied grin he gave his brother a bear hug and wished for the best, but he was almost certain that she would accept anyway.
A sudden realisation struck Matthew hard; He couldn't do anything about it until after work and the last thing he wanted was for his peers to notice him slacking. However, the quiet man knew that he wasn't going to be noticed anyway unless his louder half made a scene. Sometimes he may as well have been invisible. But, as said before, he only wanted one woman to notice him; no-one else mattered. He put his strength to work and began making the frames of the gigantic piece of new-age furniture, ignoring any splinters he received through the sharp wood as he softened them down to a wonderfully smooth state. Only one of the hundreds of other brawny workers, yet still a vital role of workmanship for the accomplished factory; that was who he was. The responsibility he possessed for such a miraculous manufacture filled him slowly with pride. With the new era of technology hovering over them, it was a great honour to become a part of it, even if it was only a job.
"Yo, Matthew!" The string of the elder twin's thoughts were severed as he felt an identifiable new pressure collapse over his shoulder, knocking his concentration and work completely, "Don't you think you should be getting out soon? I mean, today's the day you make that bearcat of yours into a wife; you need to get your handcuff!"
"Please quieten your voice, Alfred; I don't want her to find out before I propose…" He pressed his finger against his lips to emphasis his statement, looking over the dirty blonde's shoulder to the murky window where he could see his one and only still cautiously working.
"Dude, calm down. She won't hear me." Even if this is what he claimed, Alfred still partially listened and brought his voice down lower. The radiant blonde pushed his brother kindly from his aching shoulder and turned to face him.
"I know. I'm so nervous, eh. What is she says no?" The trepidation of rejection was obvious in his elder's eyes; they shimmered with so much uncertainty and lack of confidence that Alfred just couldn't help but reach out and take away some of the fear, forcing it into his own stomach. He was scared for his brother too.
"Do you love her?" Alfred suddenly asked. Matthew didn't expect such a straightforward question from his only family member; it threw him slightly.
"Of course I do! Why else would I be going through with this?" He exclaimed full-heartedly.
"Does she love you?" These strange questions confused the quiet man. Asking if someone else loved them was a little… He began to twirl his fingers together innocently.
"Well… She has told me-"
"Does she love you?" He repeated, this time more forcefully. The force of his words jogged the chalky eyed stutterer into the perfect posture for his hands to drop soldier-like to his sides.
"Yes." That was more like it; the straight, confident answer that Alfred wanted to hear. It brought a satisfied grin to casually caress his dusty face.
"Then don't be worried; you're practically married anyway. All you need are the bands." With all the time they spent together, the only true difference that will happen between the lovers was the move from her house into theirs, along with the fact that Alfred would finally have a little sister to protect when he needed to, "Listen, I've spoken to the boss; he says that he'll let you have a early break this once so you can have a better look at the rings before everyone's on lunch. That is as long as there's someone who can take over, so I volunteered for you."
"Thanks, Al, but what about your own work?" Matthew gasped at his brother's sudden selflessness. All Alfred did was inch his grin wider with a slight chuckle emitting from his throat.
"I'll manage. Now scram! Get that ritzy doll of yours something keen, ya goofy idiot." Knowing his brother's gratitude, Alfred pushed against his back and forced him to start moving towards the door. Matthew couldn't do much against his brother's powerful push, so instead he glanced back only briefly with a pleasing smile before heading out.
However, under his quirky beam and exaggerated laughter, the robust younger was terrified for his blood-relation. So many questions pounded through his head and so many different situations played out in the attention-seeker. He wanted to believe that everything would be ecstatic for him, but the shaking of his knees was something that he could only try to hide away; out of everything in the world, the only thing he wanted right now was for Matthew to find the perfect ring for his perfect girlfriend and for her to continue her wondrous kind words and finally say yes.
Everywhere he looked the persevering plebeians of the nation gallivanted. The richer gals and their wealthy mothers roamed around with a glinted gaze across all of the expensive and wealthier products elegantly placed along the many shelves of extravagant shops. Woman looking ritzy and beautiful with spendthrift clothing, accessorized polished jewellery taking the spotlight upon their wrists, necks and ears, proving to the lower class that they are the ones who you must bow down before. They were snobs yet every one of lower standards wished that they could become one… To live like kings in this ever growing world. As each step Matthew took brought him a foot closer to his glamorous destination, the smells and noises of light-hearted life provoked the senses of the love-struck man: Freshly baked bread from the near-by bakery bringing the fulfillment of hungry workers looking for a succulent snack whilst on their breaks, the sound of galloping horses taking lovers and families over the pleasing hills to witness the page of hundreds of smiling people; such a scenic time that he lived in, Matthew thought. Striding along with his murky work clothes and roughed hands from the sander he used, the nobles of the area pitied his rugged look and snidely stuck their noses up and him, but Matthew couldn't care less about their egotistical annotations; he was only focusing on his first destination: the jewellery shop.
He wanted to glimpse over the diverse options of which was to offer before deciding on a price range; it didn't matter how much a ring was if it was the perfect selection for his angelic lover. So this is what he did. Staring over the many glamorous collections of striking gold and silvers, each patiently yet eagerly awaiting their moment to shine brightly on an elusive hand. However, none of the tolerant trinkets beamed dazzled enough to catch the wanting eye of the chalk eyed male. He frowned in annoyance.
"Is something the matter?" A voice broke through Matthew's immense concentration. With a jolt, the amber blonde beauty stared up to the owner of the composed intonation and reassembled his equanimity. The man before him was of a young age, his hair dark brown like the trunk of a transcendent tree in solitude and fixating eyes blooming with the forest green leaves that would be found on that isolated tree. Over his average frame he wore fine silken polar white robes, free of crease and stain.
"No, but perhaps you can help me? I'm looking for an engagement ring."
"Does none of my collection suit your tastes?" With an indication with his arm, he glided the pale-toned limb over the many rings glistening in the case. The customer only grimaced and shook his head. Receiving the negative response only caused the store clerk to send his own disapproval over.
"Is there anything else? I want a ring that is… elegant… unique." He sent another glance over the rings censoriously with a note over how similar each one looked to the one next to it. Repetitive. Conventional. His girlfriend deserved more. The request was slightly selfish, but the ashen skinned owner didn't complain; he understood exactly what he wanted.
"Well… I can see what I have in the back room… Wait here." He set off into the unknown of behind the counters into the spare room, only allowing the shy man to listen closely as he rummaged around, speaking in an unknown language to him. After only a few minutes, he re-emerged from the depths of the dark space holding a diminutive white felt box strongly in his hands. No words were spoken between the men, but as he placed the box before Matthew with an undemanding smile, something told the glasses-wearer that this would be the perfect symbol of marriage. He gingerly took the box from its restful state and opened it, revealing the stupendous finger jewel. Inside rested a dazzling silver band, plain but ideal, with an encrusted gorgeous emerald gem, scintillating, lambent. It was not the pure beautiful diamond that was traditionally worn, but this helped fulfill the unique quality Matthew had hoped for. As he audibly gasped, the young man presenting it smiled approvingly.
"This ring is from my homeland, Egypt. One of the earliest known emerald mines was found near the Red Sea. It is said that the great Queen Cleopatra wore emeralds such as this as she reigned." The accented man informed.
"It's… Beautiful. Yes! This is perfect! How much is it?" With an expectant glint in his eyes, Matthew closed the box once again and passed it back. However, as the Egyptian man claimed its return, the grin he once wore shattered down.
"Unfortunately, due to the value of this ring, I am unable to sell it for monthly payments; it must be one full payment in order to purchase this ring." The amber-blonde knew exactly what this meant. Either he couldn't afford this ring, or it was going to take away everything in his bank. Was it worth it for his love? Yes; he would spend everything he had if it was to make her happy.
"Okay. How much is it?" He repeated, this time with little glitter sparking his joy.
"$600."
Matthew's heart pounded in his chest. $600? That was a lot for someone who had only been working a few months. He may just be able to afford it, but it would mean that any plans of marriage would have to be placed on hold. At least until he had his next few pay checks… without a certain deafening brother needing to borrow some of it.
"… Could you perhaps keep hold of this until I come back from the bank?"
"Certainly."
"Thank you." With the deal sorted, he set back out of the moderately luxurious shop and headed to his second destination.
'That's strange…' The confused man wondered quietly, 'What's going on?' As he became in range of the familiar bank, Matthew couldn't help but notice the herds of people chaotically entering the moderately sized place. They screamed and chanted at the poor bankers, begging for withdrawals like they were addicted to a drug which their lives craved for a fix. What was happening? Searching around, all he could witness was panic-stricken faces with fear roaming across the atmosphere throughout. There was only a small corridor of tables which separated this profounding anarchism from the terrified traders of wealth.
"What do you mean, I'm all out?!" An alarming voice hollered. Matthew spun his head around to the frightening deep tone. Before him stood a man of six feet, his rugged hands bawled up in anger as he leant in furiously towards the aghast diminutive female sitting, shaking, at her desk.
"I-I'm sorry, sir, but… there's no… no money left in… your… account…" She whimpered. His face grew red. Like the murderous beast he had become, his bawled fist sprung up to the collar of her crimson dress and vice gripped her quivering body. Matthew gasped; he had to do something! Trying to push between the dreading blind-eyed audiences, he could feel it in his stomach that he wouldn't make it before something terrible happened.
"Do you think that some woman is going to tell me about my money? You thieving little tramp; get my money or else I'll-"The man couldn't finish. Quicker than anyone could register, a silence fell upon the place. All it had taken was one startling sound, a chorus of screams, and the smell of smoke. Everyone gazed in the direction of the frozen paled man holding the front of the young woman's dress.
"Or else, what?" Just beside them, another man challenged him. This man wasn't as tall, or as brawny, but the killing intention that flowed around him as he held his semi-automatic was enough to cower every single person who was trapped with him. With an ice-cold intense stare, the blonde man's finger's twitched on the trigger, grabbing the attention of the, now petrified, monster.
"Big brother!" The girl called with her shimmering green eyes wide with gratification.
"Let her down." He seethed coldly. With no hesitation the man followed orders and released the younger woman, making her fall down back onto her chair with an 'oomph'. The elder brother glanced over the frozen members, keeping the same dominating glare as he placed his gun back into his belt.
"Alright, now listen," He began, "When in my bank, you abide to my rules. Form a single, orderly line to your designation. No pushing, screaming or arguing with my workers. Anyone who does so will be kicked out for good, with or without your deposits." Within second the many customers of the bank obeyed, ordering themselves in a manner which could have made you wonder if there really was any screaming a moment ago. Sighing in relief, Matthew broke through the crowd and headed in the direction of the man in charge just as he turned to leave again.
"Mr. Zwingli!" He called, trying his best to be louder than his usual self, "Mr. Zwingli!" After a second time, the angered blonde turned to face where ever his name was coming from. As he spotted Matthew, his face instantly became friendlier.
"Oh, Mr. Jones, I haven't seen you for a while. Is this just a friendly visit? Because I'm very busy at the moment." The Swiss pointed out.
"A-Actually, I'm Matthew, eh… And yes, it is a business matter."
"Matthew? Oh, Mr. Williams, I'm sorry for the confusion. Come, follow me; we'll talk in my office." Accepting his offer, the chalk-eyed man quietly followed behind his long-term banker. In a very short while, Matthew found himself going through a plain white door into a humble room, consisting of only a desk, two chairs and a medium-sized storage organizer in the corner. It was a neat, clean room, but without decoration or comfort. The Swiss recommended a chair, earning a hushed thank you as he accepted it and sat down.
"So, what do you need, Mr. Jones?" The blonde asked as he sat across him, placing his hands firmly onto the desk.
"Williams… I want to withdraw some money, but I was hoping I could see how much I have in there first, please."
"Oh yes, Mr Williams. Of course, one moment." Mr. Zwingli orderly stood up and turned to his filing cabinet, pulling open the metal work in order to find the 'W' section needed.
"Here we go." He whispered to himself, taking out the wanted file, "Mr. Williams, according to this," Opening the paper, he scanned the file quickly, sitting down back in his cheap seat, "You have $815. How much of this did you wish to withdraw?" $815? That much? Matthew could feel his joy rising; he could afford both the ring and the dinner!
"All of it please." He beamed, knowing that his girlfriend will be so thankful for this night. Sure, he wouldn't be able to get the fanciest place, but he'll find somewhere truly acceptable.
"Hmm…" The banker suddenly became considering in deep thought, "Well, although there have been a few problems recently, I can try and get your money out now. If not, then I'll give you how much I can get and just come back tomorrow and I'll give you the rest."
"Oh… Thank you, Mr. Zwingli. I need at least $600 for right this moment, if that is possible." Concern filled the elder brother quickly, but a tiny uplift in the Swiss's features began to help him feel a little better.
"Alright. Wait here." As quickly as he sat down, the mint green eyed banker stood up and headed through to the front of the building.
In a few minutes, the same cropped-bob banker strided into the unadorned room, pursued by the young female worker who was not too long ago threatened to the point where tears almost spilt.
"Aber große Bruder, sind wir schon kurz auf Geld! Du kannst nicht geben ihm so viel, oder wir müssen noch mehr Kunden beschweren!" She spoke in a foreign language which Matthew couldn't understand, but judging by her distressed phizog, this was what she wanted.
"Es ist in Ordnung. Wir erarbeiten etwa. Wenn irgendwelche Kunden zu klagen beginnen, werde ich nur schmeißen sie raus." The brother responded as calmly as he could. Matthew wondered what they were talking about, but decided that it had to be a private conversation if they were talking in another language, so he didn't ask.
"Here is your $600, Mr. Williams. You will have to come back tomorrow for the other $215." His voice was slightly angered. Taking a hint that there was no way he could argue about the rest, Matthew thanked the Swiss and left the siblings to their discussion, quickly exiting before anymore shots were fired.
At long last, the night descended upon the nervous wreck of a man. Nothing could describe the twists and turns his stomach was facing as his palms sweated and his head became light. Without the money to buy the expensive meal he had hoped, Matthew had to make a tough decision: Wait another day to receive the money to afford it, or choose a new, inexpensive way to propose. He voted for the second; he was emotionally prepared to propose and so he couldn't wait another day. With his finest clothes pressed and fixed up, his glowing locks neatly brushed and the ring box present in his silver tail-coat pocket. The cautious lavender orbed male paced the floor quietly with careful mumbling to make sure he didn't forget anything, or mess up his words as his, much more relaxed, brother lounged humorously on the cushioned settee with an amusing grin plastered on him.
"Dude, will you calm down already?" Alfred mused loudly. Matthew only glared at him.
"Calm down? How could I be calm in this situation?" Although he tried to shout over his brother's chuckles, Matthew couldn't change his delicate voice from the lullaby whisper he was cursed with, "So much could happen…" His paces came to a complete halt, allowing him to face down to his blood relation, "I don't know what I'd do if something goes wrong."
"If something goes wrong, then you change it to make it go right." Surprising his older brother, the gleaming blue eyes spoke in a less obnoxious booming voice than usual, and though he still wore his stereotypical grin he replied in a serious way that Matthew could understand that he was trying to advise him.
"And… What if she says no?" This was something that neither men wanted to think about, but it was the worst case scenario.
"Then… She obviously will lose out. I mean, who would give up the chance to have me as a brother-in-law?" He joked with a roaring laugh. Matthew stared for a few seconds, but visibly relaxed; his brother knew a way to turn something serious into something comical and help him understand that he was just as worried, but optimistic about it.
"I hope Marian knows what she's going to get with you as a brother-in-law."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Alfred glared drolly.
"Exactly how it sounds, eh." Matthew matched his glare, placing his hands onto his hips with a broad smirk. The dusty-blonde man slowly rose from his cosy place on the sofa, matching his elder's height.
"Well, I'll be more of a hero to her than my big pushover brother!"
"You couldn't beat me, little brother. How many fights have you ever won against this pushover?" Matthew mocked whole-heartedly. Their bantering continued for a while more before Alfred had finally decided it was time to settle their debate, grabbing Matthew like an American footballer and punching his sides lightly.
"Alfred! You'll ruin my jacket!" Matthew laughed, trying to pry his brother off. Once he was removed, their chuckles lowered to hearty breaths as they calmed themselves down.
"Oh yeah, I wanted to tell you," Matthew spoke after catching his breath, "The bank was in utter chaos earlier! I wonder what happened… Even Mr. Zwingli said that there were problems. He couldn't even withdraw the money I wanted."
"Do you think it has something to do with the stocks declining? It's not like Vash usually has to deal with problems."
"It could be. The rumours are very harsh now days; I wouldn't be surprised if a few people were being extra cautious about it." Truthfully, Matthew was cautious too. He wished that all of his money could have been withdrawn, but it couldn't have been helped if Mr. Zwingli had encountered problems.
The heads of both blonde brothers quickly whipped towards the front door as the bell rang stridently.
"Looks like your bearcat's here." Alfred smirked, pushing against his back strongly with a brotherly pat, "You better not take any wooden nickels!"
"I'll try not too… I don't know if I'm ready for this."
"Dude," Suddenly becoming serious, Alfred threw his hefty hands onto Matthew's shoulders, grabbing his undivided attention. "You're going to go through with this. Marian is a lovely woman and I don't see her saying anything but yes to you. Don't be so scared about it." With one last smile exchanged between them both, Matthew unperturbed and answered the door.
"Good luck!"
With the one last call of goodbye, Alfred found himself slouching alone on his settee as he listened to his brother stride out. He shook his head and sighed; Matthew really was too panicky sometimes. Although he believed everything he said, Alfred was fearful for his brother too, but he knew from witnessing their love that she was most likely going to accept.
Frankly, the shorter-haired younger had enough of the nerves and wanted to settle down for the night. His boss had made him do the extra work to make up for the time loss from Matthew wondering out early, leaving the younger worn out to the bone. With a high-raised gorgeous moon resting behind the pillow clouds, Alfred watched the leaves of the trees rustle in the lullaby wind for a second before leaning over the end of his inviting settee to twist the knob of the recently placed radio. After the irritating static was sorted and the channel of the local news station found itself playing into the ears of the relaxing man, he collapsed back down - face first – into the silky pillows, only listening to the emitted voice as he tried to wonder to sleep.
"… And for the latest news, hundreds of banks and factories have had to close down in this catastrophe as the declining stocks that have been rumoured hit rock-bottom. Many citizens are in a wide-spread panic as they are trying to force withdrawals from banks without any more money…'
His head pelted up. Was he really hearing this? No more money in the banks? If this was the problem that Vash was telling Matthew about… Then did he even have the rest of his money anymore? Oh no… What about his own savings? He didn't save much, but he did store away a few dollars just in case! He leant in closer, catching every word the announcer said.
'… Shops have been ordering payment for furniture upon customers who have been paying monthly; anyone who cannot afford to pay off their debt will be forced to have their belongings repossessed. Not only the shops, but banks have also asked that all mortgages and debts are paid…'
Repossession! No… There was so many items that Alfred had been paying off monthly; there was no way he could afford them all instantly! Not only that, but the house too? They were still paying off this house. This was bad.
His sky eyes grew wide.
He may have acted dense and optimistic, but even Alfred knew what would happen if they didn't get the money. They'd lose everything: The settee, the radio, the furniture… The house. The home which they had worked so hard to finally achieve… It was going to be taken away.
'… And so, these horrific chains of events have lead to the destruction of many businesses and, consequently, many lives too. It has just been discovered that this unfortunate day has been named as a title that shall go down in history: Tuesday the 29th of October, 'Black Tuesday'."
She giggled kindly and entwined her arm gently into his own. With a gleaming smile gracing her lips, her tender eyes sparkled for his liking, her love emitting through her affectionate voice as they casually gaited along the park's stony walkway. Her prodigious white dress swayed in the little wind, giving a meritorious vibe of relaxation between the pulchritudinous couple.
"It's okay, Matthew; I don't need to be treated in some ritzy restaurant to be happy with you." Marian grinned cutely as she played childishly with Matthew's fingers with her own. All the older male could do was blush at her kindness.
"I wish I could treat you, though; you deserve the world." He gently pulled his hand closer along with her own and kissed her temple affectionately.
"Even if I did, I don't want the world… I only want you." Keeping her eyes gleaming into his own, she leant slightly forward to return the favour to him, but stopped when there was a considerably diminutive gap between their precious lips, "By the way, if we are not going to where you had originally planned… Where are we going?"
"I may not have been able to afford the original plan, but I can still surprise you, eh." He teased handsomely. She elatedly pinched his nose, feeling his serene skin basking between her knuckles benignantly, tempting her to kiss along his lenient features divinely. There was something tantalizing that attracted the young lady as his musky maple scent wandered beyond her sense of smell. Such a beautiful masculine smell he had…
"Come on, this way." He led her along the darkened path into a smaller, secluded area of their destination. Not too long after, Marian found herself being pulled down a stone lane towards an over-whelming, outstanding, gorgeous view over a shimmering lake under the harmonizing moonlight. Surrounded by resting flowers and climbing trees, no one could bother them in this mellow time as the scintillating diamond of the atramentous blue sky aluminized against the reposing blanket of water.
"Oh… Matthew, it's-"
"It's for you, mon amour." Taking her precious hand in his, he brought it up and kissed it gently, not once removing his alluring gaze off of her bashful eyes.
"Thank you… But why do you want to treat me so badly? You know that you don't need to." She shy-ed away with every word, taking her gaze off of his from only a split second to take in the beauty of their surroundings again.
"I told you: You deserved to be. I love you, Marian… and, I want to prove my love for you." He took in a deep breath, still holding tightly onto her hands, "So, Marian Roberts," In one swift motion, the taller male swooped a lengthy leg under, falling onto one knee before his love.
"Oh, my g-"
"Will you marry me?" Before she could answer, he removed the ring from his pocket and presented it to her.
"Y-You want us to be wed? Matthew, I… Yes. Yes!" She threw herself down to his level and closed their gap in a tight embrace. It took a few seconds before Matthew had fully comprehended her answer. She said yes… She said yes! With the widest smile he could have ever created, the moved his arms to hold her against him, so close that he could feel both of their hearts hammering against each other, reaching out for each other. Suddenly, he could hear a strange noise from beside him: the sniffling of a tearful girl. Matthew unlocked their hug and brought a tender hand to her cheek.
"Please don't cry." His voice was pure. Gently wiping a tear that had fallen down her pale cheek, she held it in place.
"I'm just so happy." Marian's orbs glistened towards the emerald ring still in its case, hinting carefully just what she was thinking of to her beloved. Listening to her want, he let her go and removed the band from its protective casing, then held her left hand to glide it on effortlessly.
"It's so beautiful, Matthew. I love it so much. I love you!" Without warning, she forced her body forward once more and kissed him passionately. The purity of his courteous lips against her gelatinous own swoon the courting couple intensely, allowing their minds to race along with their magnificent heartbeat and keep themselves interlocked with one another; all they could feel between them was the love emitted exaltedly from their fiancé. The proud male carefully glided his arms down her back into a tighter embrace whilst the truculent female fiddled lovingly with his silken locks.
"I love you too, Marian."
Everything was perfection for the young lovers. A new engagement, awaiting a new life together as the rising moon shone down… Little did they realize that the callous moon shone a blood-red curse upon the clueless individuals of the disastrous world which they lived in. Every abounding plant rustling around them tried to warn the pitiful humans of the reckless years to come, but why did no one take the time to look around and listen?
Hello everyone, my name is xlilslayerx and this is the first chapter to Once A Dream; Always An Achiever. Thank you for reading it, I would love to hear your feedback! It took me close to three months to complete, so don't expect the next chapter in a hurry, unfortunately. However, I hope to be able to make the future chapters longer than this one (Prologues are usually short anyway). This is a NON-PAIRING story, with the small exception to the OC Marian.
Mathew Williams = Canada
Alfred F Jones = America
Vash Zwingli = Switzerland
Little Sister = Liechtenstein
Jewellery Shop Owner = Egypt
Thanks for reading, I'll see you soon!
-xlilslayerx-
