Edward Anthony, only heir to the Masen family fortune, was as handsome and intelligent as he was wealthy and refined. He unintentionally invited the affections of many maidens, and even those of some betrothed and married women, in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois, much to the annoyance of the local bachelors. Although he was not ignorant to the attention, which he acknowledged with a wave and an occasional smile, Edward never cared for any of the ladies who wanted him.
The Prominence Saga
by: Can of Tuna (FanFiction-net)
Chapter 1: The Childhood of Edward Masen
Elizabeth Masen was immensely proud of her son. As a young boy, Edward brought few problems to his mother. He was a careful, well-mannered child; unlike other boys his age, who got into fights and scrapes regardless of their upbringing, Edward preferred to stay quietly at home, with his books and his pens and study desk. He was obedient and respectful; on the rare times when he was otherwise, he was easy to discipline. Possessed of a love for music, he often wrote and sang songs for his mother, who listened to them with great delight.
When Edward was nine, he showed interest in learning how to play the piano. He would stand by the grand piano in their mansion living room and slowly grope a familiar tune, while his mother secretly watched and listened, amazed at her young son's talent. He is just as musical as his father, Elizabeth would think to herself, fondly recalling the past years when she used to write poems while her now-husband played the piano, marrying tune with word to create beautiful love songs.
She wished her husband were home to tutor their son. Unfortunately, Colonel Masen had abandoned music for the military, and was often away for long months on skirmishes to God-knows-where.
She decided to hire a piano teacher. On recommendation from a friend, Elizabeth obtained the services of Felix Dante, who at 21 years was already one of the most famous pianists at the start of the century. As a young boy, he was playing solos in the theaters of America. As a teenager, he had written three critically-acclaimed operas. Charming, young, a child prodigy himself, Felix immediately established a good rapport with the shy, gifted Edward.
As the days passed, Elizabeth noticed a change in her son. The quiet boy became more cheerful. He smiled often. He talked a lot about his piano lessons, always in an excited voice, and always praising his piano teacher. Elizabeth, pleased with this development, continued to encourage her son in his lessons. Every evening, Felix taught Edward what he knew about playing the piano. Edward learned fast; in four years, he had equaled his teacher.
One night, in 1914, while sitting with his teacher at the piano, Edward received a letter from Colonel Masen. A war had broken in Europe; troops were ordered to be on high alert, as America may enter the war at any time. Apart from that, the details were scant. The words lacked the cold tone that Edward was accustomed of his father. Then, towards the end, the letter said: Take care of your mother. I am proud of you, my son. Edward placed the piece of paper upon his chest, as he treasured the few warm words his father had ever said to him. He was unaware of the tears that formed in his eyes until Felix lent him a handkerchief.
His teacher's shoulder, broad and strong, was the only source of comfort that night; and, on it, thirteen-year-old Edward Masen cried his heart out.
His father had loved him, after all.
(to be continued)
All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
"The Prominence Saga" is based upon the Twilight novels by Stephenie Meyer. All characters and situations other than my own are sole property of Stephenie Meyer.