Summary: Two stories of love. Both connected. It started with the affection between sixteen-year olds Laguna and Julia. But their dreams all shattered because of Julia's parents. After thirty-three years, the chance to build their dreams together came again. And this time, the paths of their children Squall and Rinoa crossed. Can love prevail beneath these old dreams?

BENEATH OLD DREAMS

Chapter One

Thirty-three years ago…

The last rehearsal for the high school graduation of Balamb High ended.

"Okay, very good, boys and girls," said the headmaster Cid Cramer. "But tomorrow, I expect even better from you. There should be no mistakes in our presentation tomorrow. Remember this is going to be you last gift to your alma mater. Can I expect you to give your best?"

"Yes, sir!" the graduating class said.

"Very good!" the headmaster repeated. "Okay, you may now march out of the quad. Remember, single file, and silently. You celebrate outside."

The graduation march played again and the senior students started to exit the quad one by one.When they reached the open grounds outside the quad, the merriment begins. The students looked for their respective cliques. They were all screaming in joy.

Cousins Julia and Edea belonged to the last batch of students who went out of the quad. They linked arms amidst the pushing and running around them.

They had been classmates since grade school. They were also the best of friends. Because of the same surname Heartilly, they had always been seatmates in class. Even in their graduation, they still sat beside each other.

The Heatilly cousins calmly walked towards the cafeteria.

"Last day," Julia said with a sigh. "Laguna and I can't see each other this summer vacation." Laguna was Julia's boyfriend. He was also their classmate.

Edea tapped Julia on the shoulder. "Don't worry," she answered. "We always find a way, right? I'll take care of it."

"The pains of being an only child!" Julia complained. "They always notice everything that I do. You're lucky, Uncle Edward and Aunt Lea are both understanding." Her Uncle Edward was the older brother of her father James.

"Look at us," Edea mused. "You complain because Uncle James and Aunt Renee are watching you like a hawk. I always get mad at my parents because they always ignore me."

"But they always give you a chance to be with Kiros," Julia answered. "You are Kiros' center of attention." Kiros was Edea's boyfriend. He was also one of their classmates.

"It's a good thing Kiros is always there for me," Edea sighed dreamily.

"Why is that it's okay with your parents that you have a boyfriend? Dad and Mom won't allow me to have one," Julia grumbled.

"It's because you're an only child," her cousin replied. "Maybe my parents want to get rid of me because they want less children around the house," Edea joked.

Julia frowned slightly at her answer but laughed. Edea was the third of eight children.

"And besides, you chose Laguna to fall in love with," Edea added.

Julia's face filled with sadness.

Her parents greatly disapproved of Laguna. When they learned that the young man was courting their daughter, they forbade her to speak to him. Laguna could not even come to their house.

They disliked Laguna because of the family he came from.

Laguna was a child born out of wedlock. A soldier from another country was his father. Rumors said that Laguna's mother was a prostitute in Winhill. When she became pregnant with Laguna, she went to Balamb.

Laguna's mother Carol came to Balamb alone. But with lots of money. She bought a small house and even managed to establish a store that sells clothes, shoes, and other accessories.

"Don't even think about getting together with that bastard son of Carol, Julia!" her mother sternly warned her when she confiscated a Valentine card that Laguna gave to Julia.

"Don't be charmed with his good looks," her father added. "Behind those is his rotten personality."

James and Renee Heartilly were proud that they both came from reputable families. Both their families were honored and not tainted with a single scandal or rumor. Her parents owned farms which were taken care of responsible farmers. They just sat back and waited for the revenue. And because Julia was an only child, they did not need to establish another business like the grocery of Edward and Lea who had eight children.

Wealth and honor were the two things that James and Renee were proud of.

But Julia could not accept her parents' opinion towards Laguna. She could not see anything wrong with Laguna's personality. In fact, Laguna was very kind and a true gentleman.

Laguna had also been their classmate in grade school. Laguna was the star in the class: very handsome and very intelligent. And despite the rumors, he was popular because he was very kind. Laguna and Julia had a crush on each other since their grade school days. And the funny thing was, they were always rivals – in the honor roll or even in declamation contests.

They were in their junior year when Laguna gave her a Valentine card for the very first time—which was immediately confiscated by Julia's mother. Because of that, their relationship became a secret.

Julia learned from Laguna that his mother worked as a nurse in Winhill. It was always been his mother's dream to go to Esthar. An Estharian soldier came in town and met her. When he professed his love for Carol, she immediately accepted. Carol's family instantly disowned her when they learned that Carol was living together with the soldier. The soldier could not marry Carol because he was still processing his divorce papers with his first wife. Carol was already pregnant when the soldier got re-assigned to another country. He did not let Carol come with him. He just left, but he also left a large amount of money in Carol and their future son's names.

That was the story told by Carol to Laguna. And that was the story Julia chose to believe.

Julia promised to take care of their forbidden affair.

They could only be together and speak to each other in school only. And they had to disguise it. They pretended that they are just friends, that they belonged in a clique along with Kiros and Edea. Even if it was dubious that they were always together during recess and free periods, they saw to it that they did not go home together and they could not be seen together outside school. They could only express themselves freely in writing. In one day, they exchanged love notes at most twenty times. And Julia learned to hide Laguna's love notes in places she knew her mother would never find them.

When vacation came, both teenagers were despondent. Just like the past summer vacation and the last two Christmas breaks. Because they had no classes, they also had no reason to be together. During those times, only Edea could act as the bridge between the two lovers. The grocery of Edea's family was just a few steps from the clothing store of Laguna's mother. And because Edea's parents were not that strict, Laguna always came with Kiros when that latter visited Edea. Laguna could give a letter to Julia through Edea. Sometimes, but rarely, Julia went to the grocery to "chat" with her cousin. And, "coincidentally", Kiros and Laguna passed by and the four talked with each other. But that hardly happened because Julia's parents are very distrustful.

The cousins arrived at the cafeteria. It was packed with people. They saw Kiros and Laguna sitting at a table and waving at them. There were four sodas and four cups of chocolate mousse on the table.

"Chocolate mousse?" Wrinkling her nose, Edea pretended to be disappointed as she sat down beside Kiros. "I am craving for a slice of strawberry cheesecake."

"Laguna bought them," Kiros replied. "I bought the sodas. Sorry, Julia's favorite is chocolate mousse."

Edea raised an eyebrow at Laguna. "Hmp! Don't even think of asking me for a favor during summer. My 'post office' is closed for you!" she said as she feigned haughtiness.

"Edea, please," Laguna begged. "I'm sorry. If you like, I'll buy you a whole strawberry cheesecake."

The four teenagers laughed. Even if Laguna and Julia were saddened by the thought of not seeing each other during vacation, they were not that desperate. They had already survived last year's summer vacation. And they already had a plan for college. Laguna, Julia, Kiros and Edea all applied at the University of Balamb—and they all got accepted. Their plan was to take up Business Management together. And everything was okay.

"Don't forget tomorrow," Julia reminded her three friends. She was referring to the graduation party that her parents are throwing for her after their graduation ceremony. It was quite hilarious as Julia thinks about the party. She, as the salutatorian, had a big party. Laguna, the valedictorian, had none. Who in town will come to a party thrown by Carol?

"Are you sure I can come to your party?" Laguna asked Julia.

"Of course," she said. "Mom said to invite all the seniors. You're a senior, right?"

"I think even the whole town is invited," Edea added, slightly laughing.

"Will I get the chance to dance with you?" Laguna asked again.

"Just don't be obvious," Kiros said.

"I'll bring a camera," Laguna sayid. "This is our chance to take our picture as a group, then, by pair."

"Yes!" Edea burst happily.

Julia was getting excited, too.

~.*.~ ~.*.~ ~.*.~

"Salutatorian, Julia Heartilly," Mr. Cramer announced in the microphone.

Julia stood up and went up the stage. The applause was deafening. From the other side of the stage, her parents emerged. Her mother was teary-eyed. Her father was beaming at her. They stopped at the center of the stage. The town mayor handed out the medals.

"Congratulations," the mayor said, smiling at her parents. Then he turned to face Julia. "Congratulations, Julia. And good luck."

"Thank you," her parents said.

"Thank you, sir," Julia said.

They faced the graduating class and her mother pinned the awards on her toga—on the space that was especially left for that particular medal. There were already three medals on her chest. This was their fourth climb on the stage. Her first three were to receive her medals for Best in English and Literature, Best in History, and Best in Social Studies. Bulbs flashed as the school photographer took their picture.

Julia's eyes wandered and rested on the fourth row of seats. Her eyes met with Laguna's. He was smiling at her. His eyes were full of love and happiness. Julia was overjoyed.

"Valedictorian, Laguna Loire."

Laguna was the next to come on stage for his valedictorian medal. It was also Carol and her son's fourth climb on the stage to receive the young man's medals for Leadership Award, Best in Mathematics, Best in Sciences and Best in Economics.

Julia wished she could tell the whole world that the most intelligent graduate in their batch is her boyfriend. She admired Laguna that much. But sadly, she could not tell everyone without telling them about their relationship. Nevertheless, Julia was very happy.

~.*.~ ~.*.~ ~.*.~

From the quad of Balamb High, almost everyone who attended the graduation headed straight to The Haven which was the most expensive and famous restaurant in Balamb. Everyone was there: the mayor and his wife, the whole administration and faculty of Balamb High, the graduating class with their parents. It seemed as if the whole town was in festivity. Julia, as the hostess of the party, had to greet and thank everyone who came. Her father and mother would pull her to acknowledge the guests. Her classmates kept waving at her.

When dinner finally came, Julia scanned the room for her cousin.

"Edea, I haven't seen him yet," she whispered.

"He's not yet here," Edea answered. "I told Kiros to tell me when Laguna arrives."

"What happened to him?" Julia worried. "It's quite impossible if his mother did not allow him to go here."

"Maybe his mother did," Edea replied. "Maybe she got fed up with all the rumors. You know, instead of the valedictorian, the salutatorian throws a major party."

"I thought Laguna said his mother does not pay attention to the rumors," she whispered back.

Edea just shrugged.

"He needs to be here," Julia desperately said. "We did not even get the chance to congratulate each other at the quad."

Edea patted her back. "Don't worry. I'll tell Kiros to go to Laguna's house after dinner."

"Thanks, Edea," Julia said, smiling gratefully.

~.*.~ ~.*.~ ~.*.~

It was time for dancing. Julia's first dance was with her father. Then, the mayor. After that, her Uncle Edward. Her cousin Fred, Edea's oldest brother, cut in.

"Fred, can you please tell the person in charge of the music to stop playing waltz? My classmates are getting sleepy," she asked her cousin.

"Okie dokie!" he said.

When the music ended, it was immediately replaced with a rock and roll song. The new graduates rushed to the dance floor.

"I'll go look for Edea. I have to talk to her," Julia told her cousin and she spun around, scanning, once again, the room for Edea.

Julia and Edea almost bumped into each other. They were both in a hurry.

"Where's Kiros?" Julia asked.

"They just arrived. They are outside," Edea said. "I was just going to look for you."

"Why won't they come in? They haven't eaten dinner yet," she asked again.

"Let's go," Edea said as she pulled Julia's arm. "You need to talk to Laguna."

They went outside and Edea pulled her into the parking lot. Julia saw Laguna sitting on the driver seat of Kiros' car. His face was buried in his hands. Julia rushed towards him.

"Laguna, what's the matter?" Julia asked.

Kiros got out of the car. "Edea and I will just be there by the gate," he said and the couple left.

Laguna looked at Julia. His face was wet with tears.

Julia got inside the car and sat at the passenger seat. "Laguna! Tell me… what's wrong?"

He grabbed her hand.

This is their first time alone. Their first time to hold hands.

"I think I won't survive without you, Jules," Laguna whispered. His voice was shaking with emotion.

Jules. Only Laguna called her Jules.

And this is the first time she heard that name from his lips. Laguna used Jules in the letters he wrote her. If anyone hears him calling her Jules, they might wonder why.

Julia wanted to cherish that moment, but it was more important for her to know the problem that was causing Laguna to weep in front of her.

"Laguna? A-are you leaving?" she fearfully asked.

"Mom said that we'll be leaving for Esthar. It's her surprise gift for me," he tearfully began to explain. "Our passports are processed and complete. She even bought the plane tickets. Her penpal in Esthar arranged that. She said he will marry her as soon as she gets there. We'll be leaving in two weeks."

Julia just sat there in shock. She felt her heart shatter.

"I don't want to go," Laguna said, embracing her. He buried his face in her neck. "I love you, Jules," he said as he cried. "I love you so much."

Julia started to weep. She embraced Laguna back.

"I love you, Laguna," she tearfully answered. "Don't go. Don't leave me."

Holding each other, they cried for a few minutes. They cried until they felt they can't cry anymore. Julia's face was buried in his chest. His head was resting on top of hers. Their fingers were entwined tightly.

"I wish we could elope," he said.

"I'll go with you," she answered.

"No," Laguna said. "I can't do that to you. I don't have a job. How are we supposed to live? We'll just suffer. I don't want you to suffer. I can't do that to you," he repeated.

"Even if we suffer… as long as we're together," Julia answered. "I can bear with that, than you leaving."

He shook his head. "I don't want you to regret everything in the end. I want, when we get married, to give you a good life. Even if it's not affluent, as long as it's proper… and decent. And that will happen. I promise, Jules. That will happen."

"How will that happen if you're going away?" she asked.

"I'll come back," he answered. "Wait for me. I'll finish college there. I'll look for a good job. Then, I'll get you. And perhaps, at that time, we're in the right age so that your parents won't get in the way of our marriage."

"That could take years…" Julia said.

"I know… It's difficult and tormenting. But we have to. They can't break up the love we have for each other. Just wait for me, Jules. Maybe it'll take five years… or maybe even seven so that I can save up enough money for us."

"Five years? Seven years?" she asked, her eyes widening.

"We'll write letters to each other," Laguna. "Promise, everything that will happen to me, everything I think of, I'll write to you in a letter. It's like we're still together."

Julia embraced him tightly. "That's different. I'd prefer you beside me."

Laguna kissed the top of her head. Julia lifted her eyes to meet his eyes. Laguna slowly leaned in to kiss her. Julia closed her eyes.

And they shared their first kiss, full of sweetness and passion of first love. And at that moment, their sixteen-year old hearts knew the meaning of love.

Laguna pulled away. "I'll come back for you, Jules," he whispered. "You'll be my wife. I promise. Wait for me."

"I will," she answered. "Promise."

And that promise was etched into their hearts as they kissed again.

"JULIA!"

Julia knew that voice well. It was her mother. The two lovers quickly parted away.

Julia's parents hurriedly approached them. Her mother's face was red with rage. Her eyes blind with anger. Her father looked like he was going to have a heart attack. His eyebrows were knitted together and his face was very dark.

Julia got panicky. "M-mom… D-dad…"

"You get out of that vehicle this instant," her mother demanded. "Don't you have shame?"

She followed her mother. Laguna also stepped down from the car.

"Mrs. Hearilly…" he began.

"Don't you have manners?" Julia's mother said angrily. "And you do something like this in this place!" she gestured to the dark parking lot. "And both of you graduated at the top of your class and this is what you want the whole town to see?"

"M-mom," Julia said again.

"Julia, go inside," her father said. "Go with your mother. Fix yourself and see to your guests. We'll talk later at the house."

"But dad…"

"I will talk with this boy," he said.

Julia looked at Laguna. He nodded.

"Let's go," her mother said.

~.*.~ ~.*.~ ~.*.~

Julia tried to explain. They were already home. Laguna just disappeared. She did not even know what happened when her father talked to him. She just forced herself not to cry in front of her guests. She didn't know that people were talking about her. Someone overheard the confrontation in the parking lot earlier.

"Mom, we were not doing anything wrong. We were just talking."

"I saw what you were doing, Julia," Renee said.

"That happened only once, that one time only. We were just saying our goodbyes because Laguna is leaving for Esthar. You don't have to worry about anything because they'll be leaving in two weeks."

"Yes, he told me that," her father said. "And what will he do to you? A bastard like him will just leave you with a broken heart."

"Dad…"

"If we will not protect you, you will be a shame to the town," her mother said. "We did not raise you to make out with that boy in the dark parking lot of a restaurant where your graduation party is being held! If you can do that deed with him, certainly you'll be spreading your legs wide open for him! That's just a step away from disgrace, young lady."

Julia shook her head. "Laguna respects me. He does not even want us to elope," she cried. "He'll come back for me once he saves up enough money to start a family with me."

"Hmp. Let's see if he can fulfill that promise," James said. "That boy talks braggadocio. Just because he is the valedictorian in your batch doesn't mean he can deceive everyone."

"In the meantime, I don't want you seeing that boy," her mother sternly said. "You'll wait if you have to wait. But I don't want you to take chances that he'll leave you once he gets what he wants from you."

"Mom, can he please come here to talk, to our house? You can even watch us. Please, Mom," she begged.

But her parents would not agree. "What you did was humiliating. I bet everyone is talking about you. And then we will let that disrespectful boy into our house? What kind of parents are we? Do you really want to put our family name in shame?"

~.*.~ ~.*.~ ~.*.~

Even Edea suffered. Even Edea and Kiros' relationship got affected. Julia's parents blamed Edea's parents for what had happened. James and Renee said that Edea influenced Julia to get involved with a boy. Edea was soon prohibited from seeing Kiros.

The two families helped each other guard the two young women. Even Edea's brothers followed their parents. The four lovers was not able to communicate with each other. The cousins cried together.

Laguna once tried to stroll around Julia's neighborhood, waiting for a chance to get a glimpse of his beloved Julia. But when her father saw Laguna outside, he called the police. He wanted them to pick-up Laguna. The young man wasn't detained, instead he was just lectured by the men in uniform.

His mother Carol was furious. She stormed the front of the Heartilly residence. She was screaming.

"You assholes! Who gave you the right to arrest my son just because he was standing a few feet away from your house? Is this town your property? Is there a law that tells that anyone who looks at your daughter will be arrested? What can you do if your daughter is in love with my son? Go on and make her life miserable! My son and I will leave this fucking town! My son will meet other girls in Esthar! More beautiful and more intelligent than your daughter!"

James called for the police again. But Carol was already gone when the police arrived. James wanted to file a complaint but the mayor talked to him.

"Let them be," he said. "They will leave in a few days."

It turns out that the mayor is also a close friend of Carol. His wife can get jewelry on an installment basis from Carol.

And the Loire family left Balamb. Julia did not even know where in Esthar Laguna will stay. She just told herself that Laguna would find a way. He knows where he can address his letters to her.

~.*.~ ~.*.~ ~.*.~

What Julia was not expecting was the next thing her parents did. A week after Laguna left, she realized her life would change drastically.

Her parents got downhearted because of the rumors around town. Maybe because their families were one of the prominent families in town, the whole town fed on the rumors that greatly affected the Heartilly family.

That's the thing with small towns. One day you're the star. The next minute you're a disgrace to everybody. The couple decided to move away and go to Deling. James sold their house and farms. When they left Balamb, Edea was with them. Her parents decided to send Edea away with them so that she won't be able to see Kiros anymore.

A/N: Hi everybody! This is my second fic, which mostly focuses on Laguna and Julia, and, in later chapters, on Squall and Rinoa (of course!). This fic is adapted on a Filipino book written by Maia Jose. Of course, this is a romance! Please R&R! Thanks!