Rating: Beware Level: Read at your own risk. This story contains rude language, "highly forbidden and seriously terrible scenes" not suitable to those youngins not used to reading stories like that. These two points were personally requested to be included in a new fanfic by fellow adult Skip Beat fans that are mostly used to reading this level. Thus, this was written especially for them from the creator.
Reminder: The characters chosen in this story were intentionally matched into groups in order to achieve the writer's goals. Hence, a miscast of the story. Events and new characters in chapters which may be similar in reality were entirely coincidental and were originally made by the creator of this story. None of this story should be duplicated or recreated in any other way without permission from the creator. Author note is not permitted and is against the site rules.
Disclaimer: Majority of characters in the story are from Skip Beat. Unfortunately, they're not mine. They're from Nakamura Yoshiki-sensei.
ONLY YOU
Created and written by
MrA2Z
This fanfic is dedicated to a special reader and a beloved fellow Skip Beat! fan… YOU.
PROLOGUE:
THE FIRST WORDS…
Only you
The only one I ever think of
The one I always dreamed of
Both of us always loving each other
My dream
That forever will not fade away
This love of mine
'Cause never ever could I keep myself away from you
Only you are my life
Hoping at least you'll hear
This heart of mine that wanted to say….
Only you
The only one I ever loved
The one I always prayed
I hope forever we will stay together
My heart
Be given only to you
This is my promise
From now on until forever and ever
Only you…
You alone are my life
I hope my love you'll hear
This heart of mine
That wanted to say….
ONLY YOU….
From the moment when we were born, everything has already been set for us. From the name, status in life, and even our future…
But sometimes, fate suddenly peeks in. He'll fight for everything that we ever believe in the things that has been set for us … He'll never stop until he succeed… And usually, it's true love that is his armor.
Of all this conflict, nothing can be easy. There will be pleasures that will be greatly spent and treasured… and there'll also be evil pleasures that are bound to justify the means to an end… For sure, somebody's going to get hurt. But sometimes, there will be death but only one thing is for sure in everything: nothing can ever be sweeter in the destiny that has been won… in the fate that has been fought. And part of that fate is the one, true, faithful love that conquers all limits and surpasses time itself…
In life, many will come that can be loved. But ultimately, in the end, there is only one that will be forever loved…
This is the story…
BOOK I
First Impressions Last – Part I
It all started in the year 1960. The time when rich people from the higher class in the society were set far apart from the poor. Two standard worlds that were heaven and earth for the people of Venna Madden, a country made up of three huge islands near the coast of Italy.
These three islands were named after the great Renaissance painters: Donatello, the north island, Rafaello, the south island, and Da Vinici, the capital and central island of Venna Madden. All the three islands were governed by an official called Governor with the sub-officials named Vice Governors. The supreme power of authority among the three, called the Lord or Lordess of Venna Madden, was at the capital– Da Vinici.
On the northern island of Venna Madden called Donatello, in a town named Ferrantino, lived the most distinguished and richest da Montefeltro family.
Wine business was already booming then. The brand name, Castello di Montefeltro, was the most famous because of its finest and highest quality red Chianti wine. The da Montefeltro family owned vast sections of land in the island of Donatello. In Ferrantino town alone, the 100 hectares of land stretched far and wide as you can see, which was covered with well-toiled grape plantations that gave da Montefeltro family a name in the history of wine industry.
The home of the da Montefeltro sat gloriously at the foot of the hills in Ferrantino. A large and high mansion made of stone in the form of a castle. All the tall windows overlooked the wide grape plantations surrounding the manor.
The head of the house, Don Loriando da Montefeltro, or most commonly called by the higher socialite people as "Don Lory" or "Don Lory da Montefeltro" by the commoners, was a great and noble man. He governed the island of Donatello for two years in a row. This year was his third win. The lucky star probably chose him, as Don Lory was also a man with a heart full of gold and kindness. In Donatello city, he strongly upheld peace and cooperation among his people. That was why, everyone who lived in this town were very respectful and honorable. People lived harmoniously and peacefully. Tourists who would come to visit Donatello would greatly appreciate such hospitality and love coming from the Ferrantino townsfolk. When asked if there could be anyone they admired, it would always be the governor whom the people would look up to with honor and pride.
In his grape plantation, his workers highly respected him. Although it would always be a shame that would taint one's name when someone from the higher class would even talk to a commoner, Don Lory would never think twice. He would always talk to people of all social status, despite others painted a bad picture about him behind his back. He always cared a lot for all his workers and made sure that they come to his grape plantation healthy and strong. Usually, when there would be a sick employee, he or she would be immediately terminated and someone will take his place. Not in the house of da Montefeltro. Don Lory would excuse his worker to give him time to get back his health, so that he would continue to work for the sake of his family. This was the strong pillar in the house of da Montefeltro. The father of Donatello, Don Lory.
Lory, in his lordship Venna Madden official uniform that always mistook him for a general, had just walked out of his manor and stood looking at his grape plantations. He inhaled the fresh morning air, walked down the stone steps and climbed on his black horse, a great stallion named after a great warrior– Alexander. He did his usual routine: Lory rode on under the generous warmth of morning light, his cape billowed red behind him. Riding slowly, Lory observed his farm workers harvesting the source of his wealth.
The farm workers were carefully taking off Sangiovese grapes from its branches with their gloved hands and placed them on the big baskets they carried. Others tended to the plants well to make sure they were growing healthy. As Lory rode slowly along the road, the farm workers looked up and greeted him cheerfully.
"Ah – it's the Don!" cried out one man from the far row of grapes. When the other workers saw Lory, they bowed low and greeted him.
"Good morning, Don Montefeltro!"
"Buongiorno, Don Lory Montefeltro!"
"So wonderful to see you this morning, sir!"
"Buongiorno, Don Montefeltro!"
Even Lory's great stallion was popular. The workers waved their hands.
"Ciao, Alexander!"
"Alexander!"
The stallion seemed to understand that, as he neighed happily and stomped his feet on the ground. Lory chuckled. With a handsome smile, he waved back to his workers.
"Ah– Buongiorno," Lory greeted. "Are you all doing alright?"
"Yes, sir!" they replied in unison.
"That's good. Good… I'm glad you're all doing well," Lory said. He continued to ride on the road, greeting his farmers and observing their work.
"You know, I'm just so lucky to be working here in Donatello for the Montefeltro," whispered a man as he went back to taking the grapes from the vines. "He's not like anybody I've ever worked for."
"Yeah, you're right," replied the woman beside him. "Don Lory is such a kind man. He's so kind, he even excused my ill grandfather from work. He sent some money too just so we could buy some medicines for him. Even if grandpa's gone right now, all of us in the family are indebted to the Don. Our lives aren't enough to repay his kindness."
"He's a great man," the main said with a smile. "My little sister is now graduating from school. All of that with the help of Don Lory."
At that moment, a servant of his house rode towards Lory. The horse stopped when it reached the Don, and the servant bowed his head.
"Excuse me, Don Lory sir," greeted the servant.
"What is it, Guilllermo?" Lory asked.
"The Doña and The Great Don are now looking for you," the servant named Guillermo replied. "You're called back to the house, sir. The guests have started to arrive."
"Alright, I'll come with you."
Lory bowed his head in goodbye to his workers who were watching him. He turned Alexander back to the road.
"Guillermo, I'd like you to take some grapes and bring them over to the house," Lory commanded his servant. "Then, please take them to Sebastian at the dining hall. He'll be the one to prepare them for the guests."
With that, Lory rode on. Guillermo bowed his head again.
"Yes, sir!"
The only one who was indifferent among the people of Ferrantino would be someone known in the house of da Montefeltro. It would be wrong to call her the light of the house than how the wives should be seen, because instead the shadows of her heart brought about total darkness in Lory's home. That would be his wife, Doña Saena Contessa da Montefeltro.
As guests of social classes from all over the country of Venna Madden had gathered around the central ballroom at the far wing of the manor, maids were busy inside the dining hall, carefully setting the long tables full of richest foods. Others were dusting off for the nth time the tall curtains made of pure silk from Scotland. The da Montefeltro family was celebrating Don Lory's victory and everyone from the higher class was invited. Doña Saena reached out her slender hand to a golden fork on one of the tables and held it up with scrutinizing eyes.
"Mirabella?!" called out Doña Saena sharply.
Her sudden loud, cold shriek sent a young maid to bolt up. She had just finished placing the last golden dinnerware on the table. She hurried to the strict lady of the house standing at the far end of the table.
"Mirabella!" Saena shouted louder.
The maid bowed her head when she reached her.
"Yes, Madame," she said politely. She clutched the white apron wrapped around her waist. "You called for me?"
"You wretched brat! How many times have I told you to clean the utensils well?" Saena scolded. Her green eyes wide with fury as Saena shook the fork in front of the maid. "You should know this cost much more than your life! This is a precious gift from the Duke of Spain!"
The maid slowly looked up to the fork. "I'm so sorry, Madame Saena. But I truly have cleaned all the forks and spoons a couple of times since yesterday."
"A couple of times, huh. Just how many are 'a couple of times', Mirabella!" Saena shouted. "If that's how it was, then why is this fork still dirty?!"
Now the other maids stole glances to the poor girl who was just recently hired to do the job of washing the dinnerware. All the maids knew the girl was very hardworking. They lost count how she kept thoroughly cleaned all the forks and spoons in the kitchen that she forgot to eat her snacks just for a while. The girl even slept late last night.
"But it is not, Madam. I really cleaned the forks and spoons well," Mirabella justified. "There are thirty forks and twenty five spoons that already have little scratches in them from constant use. And even the new ones I cleaned them all, Madam –"
"–You dare reason out with me and make such excuses?! How dare you! You filthy little brat!" scolded Saena as she grabbed the poor girl's long hair and dragged her. Mirabella's weak body slammed on the floor. Her hair was pulled as hard as it can be. Her hands reached out to keep Saena's sharp fingers from further hurting her head.
"You filth will go back to the kitchen and clean all the damn forks and spoons again!" Saena commanded furiously. She then looked at the rest of her maids. "YOU! Take all those utensils and bring them to the kitchen at once!"
"Y-yes, Doña Saena!" the maids replied in unison. They started dragging their carts to get back all the spoons, forks and knives that poor Mirabella carefully and beautifully arranged on the table.
"What is all this commotion about, Saena?"
Saena turned around in surprise. Her eyes stared at a tall, old man standing with curiosity in the middle of the dining hall, holding on to the handle of his baton. Even when standing, the 67 year old man was full of distinction and pride. But of different pride, as there was sinister that flickered behind his green eyes. One that hungered for power and glory for ages that he wasn't able to attain. The clothing he wore was of great resemblance to Lory's uniform. His silver hair was combed neatly back, and a good white beard around his mouth. If Lory was the beloved Don, this man was the great head feared in the house of da Montefeltro and in this town Ferrantino. Even his name was known all over the island of Donatello, and throughout the country of Venna Madden. One word in a strictest form of authority, and everyone would be under his merciless command. He got people that would answer only to him. He was Saena's father, Don Maximo della Scala.
"Papa…" said Doña Saena.
All the maids, except Mirabella who was still hurting under Saena's hand, stopped in their tracks and bowed low in greeting to the man.
"Great Don Maximo, it's good to see you, sir!" they all greeted together in one voice.
Don Maximo just stood looking at them with no regard at all.
"Yeah, yeah. Now Saena, what is all this?" Don Maximo asked.
"Papa. This filthy little girl has never cleaned the utensils that were set on the table!" Saena answered, pulling the girl's hair as she said it. Mirabella cried painfully.
"Her brain must've been squashed low! She simply couldn't understand– and just how many times I've been telling her. All those are my precious things that even I never dared to even let it fall to the ground!"
"Please, Doña Saena – you're hurting me. Please stop!" cried Mirabella. She struggled under Saena's strong grip. "Don Maximo, please have pity on me. I am not lying, sir! I truly washed all of them properly since yesterday–!"
"–SHUT UP, YOU FILTHY LITTLE SQUID!" Saena shot back.
Amidst the silence, Don Maximo walked towards the cart that one of the maids had held and took one spoon. He held it up with great scrutiny, one that was far better than Saena's eyes as he turned the utensil slowly, over and over again. The maid was right. The utensil was clean. Don Maximo cleared his throat as he placed the spoon back on the cart and turned to look at her daughter.
"Take the girl back to the kitchen," commanded Don Maximo with a straight face. Mirabella just cried.
Saena triumphantly flashed an evil sneer and laughed harshly as she quickly turned around and continued dragging Mirabella by the hair. The maids that had taken all the utensils dragged the carts in a rush behind their wake. When they reached the kitchen, Doña Saena kicked the two doors open and threw Mirabella to the stone floor, surprising all the main cooks and other busy servants inside. She got back to the cart, took one tray, and threw it to the poor maid who was hit hard with all the spoons, forks and knives on the air. Mirabella whimpered tearfully as she covered herself with only her hands.
"Filthy bitch! Now wash all those things and make sure that not one single mark appears on them!" Saena shouted in a shrill cold voice. "Wipe them thoroughly dry and arrange them back on the tray!"
The cooks and servants inside the kitchen were shocked. Some of them wanted to help the girl, but out of fear they only held themselves back. They knew they were not in the place to fight for what was right. All they could do was watch as Mirabella struggled to even straighten up. Her hair was now disheveled it almost covered her face. Dirt and blood from her scratched skin covered her uniform.
"DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME, MIRABELLA?!"
The voice bolted the girl. With a soft, shaking voice, poor Mirabella wiped her tears and answered her politely.
"Yes, I understand, Madame," Mirabella said.
"THAT IS NOT HOW POLITE YOU SHOULD ADDRESS ME, BITCH!"
The hot tears still kept falling, and color kept burning Mirabella's face. Tearfully, she bowed low and answered her.
"Yes, I understand, Doña Saena Contessa… da Montefeltro."
With that, Saena breathed heavily in a deep sigh and rolled her eyes.
"Very well. Your dullness has kept my wonderful dress from Paris dirty and my hair a rabid mess all over the place," Saena spat harshly. She then raised one eyebrow and wiped it with her pinky finger– a habit of hers when she gets irritated. Saena looked down and dusted off her short gold, silk couture dress with her white gloved hands.
"Just do your job for today and don't come back here tomorrow. That's my word."
Mirabella looked up at her with wide eyes. How can she ever help her sick mother and father and three younger siblings now? She thought all the servants that told her about the Madame was a lie and that she can keep up with her strictness. But they were indeed true.
Saena's eyes darted from the poor girl's head to her feet. She then held her head up high and lifted one eyebrow.
"That is all," she said and turned around, her high heels echoed strongly as she walked. Poor Mirabella couldn't do anything but cover her face with her hands and dropped to the floor, crying in misery. It was only then that the rest of the servants and cooks ran towards the little girl. Without another look, Saena slammed the door shut behind her. When she got back to the dining hall, the great Don stood waiting for her.
"Now, now Saena. You shouldn't be too harsh on the girl. She was just a maid," Don Maximo said.
"It's because she's a maid, papa," Saena shot back without remorse. "Of course, the world is not fair to people like her. I could still look for more bastards to replace that girl. And why should I apologize for doing that? I mean, she should be thankful she got a job. But I was never satisfied with that brat."
"She was just hired the day before and fully worked yesterday," said Don Maximo.
"And she is done today," Saena said. A servant walked towards them with a tray full of red wine. Saena got one glass from him and took a sip. "A low commoner must know its place in this world, Papa. This is our castle of splendor and luxury. We are the royals of Donatello. Here in Ferrantino, we are the leaders and our name made history all over Venna Madden, thanks to our huge wine business. All who works here in this mansion should abide by the rules and stick it to their heads. It drives me crazy when a dirty servant doesn't do the job to my standard. I don't want to be embarrassed in this town."
Don Maximo shook his head and smirked. "You've really learned your lessons I gave you, Saena."
Doña Saena laughed.
"I'm your girl, Papa," Saena said as she hugged her dear father. "I can't even put you to shame. I want to make you proud of me. My son also learned many things. It's all thanks to everything I've learned from you, Pa…"
"Of course," Don Maximo said with pride. "You're my only princess… And I'm proud of both of you, my daughter. Now let's head back to the ballroom, our guests are waiting. Loriando must've arrived by now."
"Hold on," Saena said as she stopped in front of a large, round mirror in the hall. She fixed her hair, opened one of the drawers and took out a small purse.
Don Maximo raised an eyebrow in surprise as he watched his only daughter.
"You even placed a bag in there?" he asked.
Saena laughed. "It's not a bag, Papa. Just the same small things I place in the drawers around the house," Saena said. "Just to prepare something like this for sudden occasions, you know."
She took out a lipstick and put on her already painted red lips.
"And you're one vain creature, you know that," Don Maximo said as he placed his hand on her shoulder, watching her reflection don the touch-up beauty routine on her face. "That is why all the males of Donatello couldn't help their monsters from screaming mad just by looking at you. You got this from your dear mother. You're lovely."
Saena tightened the straps on her chest more, so her big cleavage would show off more skin. They looked like they were about to burst from her gown. Then she took out a small bottle of perfume, poured a little on her finger, and placed across the center of her cleavage.
Don Maximo's great guffaw of laughter echoed in the dining hall as he walked away, leaving his busy daughter behind.
"Hahaha! Oh Saena! And I thought only my wife ever did that!"
Saena smiled gorgeously. "Mhm. I got this from her too. This is every man's favorite."
Doña Saena stared at herself in the mirror and admitted that her long, wavy hair held up in a high ponytail with the curled bangs on the sides of her face was beautiful. Her green eyes twinkled when she blinked. Her lashes curved at the ends and looked thick black against her fair skin. Her lips were deep, bold, luscious red. The young Doña da Montefeltro is a slender, curvaceous woman, with perfect hourglass curves at the right places. The short gold silk dress was fitted against her body to reveal and enhance her assets; her breasts tight in a big cleavage against the cloth. Doña Saena clutched the diamond necklace about the throat and studied the effect. The small stones sparkled and the great jade pendant glittered almost savagely against the creamy softness of her bare chest, and when she caught her breath she noted with admiration that her breasts swelled provocatively beneath the glittering jade stone. She turned around slightly, and admired at the perfect reflection. The slit on the lower back of the short, fitted dress made her buttocks and thighs even more tempting in the eyes of a man who might catch such a sight and might love to stare at the seductive Doña. This was why short dresses were Doña Saena's all-time favorite; skin-fit to present her perfect hourglass body, feminine, a bit conservative on the sleeves, yet open on the chest area and short enough to reveal a good view of her thighs, with a slit on the back for her buttocks. On her feet were sparkling gold high heeled stilettos.
A sultry voice from the back of her head spoke. "If you only knew, Papa… If you only knew…You'd be prouder of me. All the delusional wives of Donatello never realized how much of a whore I've always become, when their rich husbands secretly come to me on a wonderful rendezvous. All the time, Papa… and they're always satisfied with me. They even told me their wives couldn't give that much pleasure to them. They kept begging me for more, and I always enjoyed the game. They never think twice of settling our affair with a huge amount of gold. How could I not agree on a good deal? From handsome men I can get a sweet taste of life, I can get the gold I want and I even get richer."
"And more gorgeous in the eyes of men," Saena muttered. She sighed, "I'm just so beautiful…"
She gave out a hearty laugh and walked alone on the hallway, towards the celebration at the grand ballroom.
During the party, all the guests have gathered around Don Lory and Don Maximo in a big circle, with the two Dons of the house at the center. The fresh red wine that was served straight from the winehouse bore deep, bold red in the glasses that everyone held.
"I was quite happy and feel very proud," Don Maximo started with a smile, looking at all the guests. He then turned to Don Lory standing beside him and patted his shoulder. "And this, my beloved son-in-law has won again."
While Don Maximo made his speech, Doña Saena glanced around and noticed her son had just arrived at the ballroom. He was a little 7 year old boy with silky blonde hair under a small hat. He looked dashing and formal with his white suit, black tie and black shorts. His brown eyes darted to the tall figures surrounding in a big circle, until they stopped at the familiar woman who had stared at him. His eyes immediately fired up with joy. . It was only then that Saena's eyes turned warm.
"Ah–Mother!" the little boy said, rushing towards Saena. She smiled and reached out her hand.
"Come here to me Sho," Saena said. When little Sho came to her, he hugged his dear mother.
"…Because of my hardwork… Bueno… All of us that may Governor Don Loriando reach the pillar of success," said Don Maximo. "This is the greatest wish that a father could have for his son. A great honor in the house of da Montefeltro and of course to mine, the della Scala house. "
Right at that moment, amidst the tumultous applause that echoed thoughout the mansion until the entrance, a shining black Rolls-Royce Phantom V limousine had just parked right in front of the mansion. Lory's Arabic butler named Sebastian hurried down the stone steps, opened the back door with his gloved hand and bowed low as a tall man got out first.
"It's good to see you this morning, Don Kuu Gustav and Doña Juliella Rebecca Chiaramonte," greeted Sebastian from behind the cloth that covered his face, except his eyes.
Don Kuu Gustav Chiaramonte, a tall and handsome man full of honor and pride, looked up. His eyes the color of Azure, sometimes the color of deepest seas, stared at the high manor in front of him. He looked neat with his suit and his blonde hair combed back.
The Chiaramonte family was another prestigious family on top of the social class in the country of Venna Madden. If there was a competitor for the da Montefeltro wine business, that would only be Castello di Chiaramonte, owned by the Chiaramonte family who lived at Manfredi, another town near Ferrantino. The family also owned 100 hectares of land full of Moscati grape plantations, which produced the most revered Moscato d'Asti wine, an elegant, high quality, rich and sparkling white wine that can compete with the da Montefeltro's red wine.
The head of the Chiaramonte house, Don Kuu Gustav, was the only person who competed with Don Lory for the position of Governor in Donatello. Twice, Don Kuu lost to him by mere thin line of votes. It was always Don Lory who won the hearts of all people, especially where half of them are commoners. On this special occasion, it was hard for Don Kuu to suffice everything in to simply celebrate the victory of his political enemy, right at his mansion. His eyes flickered with fires of hatred and disappointment. Today was not a better day for such a good mood.
Don Kuu turned back to the car and reached out his hand. Doña Juliella held his hand and carefully stepped out. This woman, was the true light of the house that all wives in the island of Donatello looked up to with great respect and honor. In the house of Chiaramonte, Doña Juliella was a very patient and understanding wife. The face of a goddess that could not even level that of Saena's, Doña Juliella was of great beauty with small features. Her eyes gleamed like autumn sunset, a wonderful pair of hazel. The warm neutral tones of eyeshadow matched them perfectly. Her thick eyelashes curved long and brown against her mother of pearl skin. Her small lips were painted with shining, luscious pink. Her silky soft curtain of curly blonde hair was held up in a beautiful petaled bun, with a few tresses on the sides of her face. All the diamonds on her ear, neck and hands sparkled perfectly as though these jewels were meant to shine bright only for her. It would be better to liken her demure, conservative, dignified and subtle movements to that of a fine swan. Today, instead of formal short dresses like the one Saena worn, Doña Juliella had made a perfect choice for her clothing that best described her as truly Donatello's goddess; her arms were covered with white gloves. Her dress signatures: cloths in Chiffon and Silk. She was dressed a flowing, soft lavender evening gown that can also be worn on formal day occasions, which featured a geometric back panel– another one of her clothing trademark that people can easily identify her– flows dramatically from the back shoulders as she walked the front steps with her husband. At least, Don Kuu had little of his pride left in his heart, for this woman who walked beside him was the only person he greatly admired. Don Kuu Gustav was the object of envy in the eyes of every men in the island of Donatello, for truly– they just couldn't find an answer how and where on earth did Don Kuu found such a gem, for he alone possessed such a lovely wife, the most elegant, kindest and living goddess in the country of Venna Madden, Doña Juliella Chiaramonte.
When the Chiaramontes reached inside the wide ballroom, a group of women– spittingly, their neighbors– hid their lips behind their wine glasses, a trademark of gossip. Doña Juliella and Don Kuu pretended not to see them. When Juliella turned her head to look at the other far side she rolled her eyes. The Chiaramontes could hear every word.
"Hey… is that Don Kuu Chiaramonte there?"whispered one fat woman.
"Yeah. Is that he the enemy of Don Kuu for the Governor position here in Donatello?" answered the second woman. She took a sip.
"The Doñas of da Montefeltro and Chiaramonte are best of friends, you know," added the third woman. "There's no day that you couldn't see both of them together. Everywhere you go. That's how close Doña Saena and Doña Juliella's friendship is."
"Yeah, even their only children are good friends too," the first woman said.
"Ah… The little Chiaramonte child," the third said. "She's such a kind, cute and beautiful young lady, just like her mother. And polite too, I may add."
"Unfortunately, Don Kuu have bad luck," the first woman chuckled. "He almost won, but then he lost. He didn't inherit luck from his father."
The women laughed. Don Kuu wanted to walk straight at them and just slap all sides of their faces hard, one by one. Breathing heavily and furiously, he grabbed a glass from the servant's tray and drank the wine in big gulps. All Doña Juliella could do was to caress her dear husband's arm she held on.
A while later, Don Lory walked forward and everyone gathered closer. This time, Don Maximo stood behind him. It was now the Don's turn to give his speech. Lory took a deep breath and smiled.
"First and foremost, I thank my family, for promoting themselves to me and their support during the last election," Don Lory said, looking at all his guests around him. Doña Saena and little Sho looked up to him with joy. "Now also, I wish to give thanks to the nationalist party–"
Lory's eyes drifted to Don Kuu, who stood quietly and turned his head to the other side, ignoring his glance. Servants walked here and there to serve wine to the guests. Saena smiled at everyone, and her eyes caught sight of the only woman she respected and jealous of, Doña Juliella. Saena's best friend stood beside her husband, looking glamorous as ever and undoubtedly such a sight that even other women in the ballroom stole envious glances at her. Saena smiled widely and gestured her head in greeting. Doña Juliella's hazel eyes twinkled as she smiled back at Saena and bowed her head.
"–It was a tough competition, but in the long run, I thank you for the peaceful election," Don Lory said. "But most of all is my heartfelt thanks… to all the people of Venna Madden, for choosing me to govern you again. I will give my best to do my duty as your Governor. Thank you all."
Everyone gave their applause to the Governor. Don Maximo held his wine glass up.
"Let's all give a toast to my son-in-law," Don Maximo said. "For the future of Donatello!"
Everyone held their wine glasses up.
"For the future of Donatello!" they all cheered in unison.
"To the Governor, Don Loriando da Montefeltro!" Don Maximo added as he raised his glass higher.
Their voices grew louder this time.
"To the Governor, Don Loriando da Montefeltro!"
Meanwhile, as he was watching the guests, little Sho noticed two guest boys playing with a familiar toy car. They ran outside the ballroom. Sho quickly followed them.
The two boys reached a courtyard and stopped at a round fountain. They knelt on the stone floor and were happily playing with a toy car they had just found on the hallway minutes ago, when they played tag at the east wing of the mansion. They knew this toy wasn't theirs, but they took good care of it just in case another kid might be looking for it. If the owner will come and find them, they will just return the toy car. Surely, the owner arrived.
"Hey! You two!" Sho shouted at the boys. "What are you doing?"
The two boys were surprised to see the young master of the house. The boys stood up immediately.
"Ah– Sho Fernand, it's you!" said one of the boys. He smiled. "We're just playing. You want to join us? Come."
"Call me master Sho, you bastards!" Sho said furiously. "And you're playing with my toy. That car is mine!"
The boys looked at each other. The other boy holding the car spoke.
"Um– Sho, we're just borrowing it–"
"–NO–! I SAID THIS IS MINE–!" Sho shouted loud. He pushed both of them with his hands. The two boys fell hard on the stone floor. They struggled as their backs hit the stone it pained them.
"Don't you ever dare touch things that are not yours–!" Sho said. He looked down at them with cold eyes. "This is my car– and it is mine! And don't you treat me like I'm your friend. I don't have bastards for friends like you! You thieves–!"
The other boy trembled with fear. The other was embarrassed he bowed his head.
"We're not thieves, Sho!" the scared boy said. But his voice held an ounce of strength. "Like he said, we're only playing with it. We didn't steal your toy!"
"Thieves!" Sho accused loudly.
"Sho Fernand!" called Doña Saena. "Your father and I kept looking all over for you."
Saena ran towards her son. She saw the two boys with the car on the ground. Her eyes grew wide with shock.
"Sho! What is all this!" Saena asked. "What did you do to these boys?"
"Mother! These bastards stole my car!" Sho said, pointing to the poor boys.
Saena shook her head. "But Sho, they're just playing with it! And for Christ's sake Sho, they're not bas–!"
"–What happened, Saena?" asked Don Lory, who arrived behind Saena and Sho. He walked towards them and noticed the two boys still struggling in pain on the ground.
"Lory," Saena said, holding Sho on the shoulder. "It was just a toy. The boys were just playing…"
Don Lory glanced at his son. Sho trembled under Saena's hands as he stared back at his father. To him, only his father could give him such a discipline that only Sho ever knew. Only a glance and Sho felt fear. Don Lory's voice may be calm, but it was stern for Sho.
"Why do you have to hurt them, Sho?" Lory asked in a straight voice. Sho kept quiet. "First there was Lucy– that was even a girl you hit, and now these boys. Have you no respect for people around you, son? If these boys were only playing with it, then you should have just let them be. Friends don't hurt each other this way."
Don Lory bent and picked up the car. "Or better yet, son, why don't you just give this car to them?" he said. "You have a bunch of these in different brands back in your playroom that I lost count."
Don Lory placed the big toy car at Sho's chest that the little boy held it with both hands.
"Let's stop it and give that to them," Lory said. "I bet you are tired of that toy and don't want to play with it anyway. That's why you just left that at the hallway at the east wing."
Saena stared at her husband. Why? All the time, does her husband don't defend their son? But Lory never glanced back at his wife. Instead, he looked down at his son. How does Saena cared for his son all these years that he grew up into such a spoiled, cruel brat instead of a smart, kind boy? Well, the brat was only kind to his mother and grandfather.
"Listen to me, son. There are children out in the streets right now that didn't even have a toy to play with," Don Lory added. "But Sho, you never cared for the ones you have and just easily threw them away… You treat your toys like they are a bunch of trash. The money paid for it was entirely wasted. Like the money that was used to buy them all was truly from you, and you didn't even work a sweat to earn money. These boys are much happier to play with this toy car than you. Do the same mistake over and over again Sho. Keep doing it. And you will have no friends at all. You don't know how to treasure a simple relationship like that."
Sho bowed his head, feeling guilty. How does his father knew how he dealt with things? This made Sho even more scared of him. It seemed as if he has third sense for his only son.
Don Lory turned around and walked back inside.
"We should get back. It's embarrassing to keep our guests waiting and look for us," Don Lory said flatly. "Now hurry up and give that toy to them, Sho. Then bring them to Sebastian so their wounds will be treated. Let's go, Saena."
Saena nodded and hurried in Lory's wake. Sho was left alone with the boys. Right when Don Lory and Doña Saena were out of sight, Sho quickly bent and picked up the car. Fuming mad, Sho broke the car with his hands. Then, he dropped it hard on the ground and stomped it a couple of times with his feet. He picked it up again. Sho walked back towards the courtyard's entrance and stopped. He turned around, facing the boys.
"Right. Here is your toy!" Sho shouted as he threw the car towards them and left.
The torn car flew on the air and slammed on the ground in front of the boys. Sadness filled the boys' faces. The toy was nowhere a thing to be playable. But most of all, it was the young master who had done that. So that was the true attitude of Sho Fernand da Montefeltro? That meant, that the sweet, friendly, smiling face of his back then the first time he introduced himself cheerfully to them, was just a show?
The boys looked at each other and, as if they understood what they had thought, both of them shook their heads in dismay. Today, they will go to their other playmates and tell them about Sho. Next time, they will never see that kid again. They will never play with him. Who does? They don't want to be friends with a brat like that. Ever.
While the island of Donatello was celebrating joyously the victory of their new governor, the south island of Venna Madden– Rafaello, in a small town called Fenica, was calmer and more peaceful.
Under the scorching heat of the sun, farm workers were busy at a wide plantation harvesting grapes. They had covered their heads with a cloth made from an old shirt or thrown rags that had been cleaned well. Their only clothes were just two or three sets that were passed down from generations. To keep the clothes still wearable, the farm workers wore the first set in layers, also to cover themselves from the bright sunlight during the day. But only that will not be enough when the temperature gets high. That was why, the farm workers' skin was more tanned, slightly darker which made them most distinguishable in the society, and sets them far apart from those of the higher, more royal class.
Even their salary for the day was only enough for them to buy one meal serving. Their Masters– the contractors who hired them– gave them such low wages when it was supposed to be a justifiable, even amount. When the Dons give out the monthly salary, the contractors would receive them and take 50% from it. The other 50% would be divided for the workers. Whatever was divided that will be what the poor farm workers would receive, each one of them. The Dons would never found out. This was why; the farm workers were batches of one or two families, even the entire clan and the older ones can be hired as long as they can still move. The farm workers toiled so much during the day.
Plus at night, at the winehouse, the farm workers worked for hours processing the grapes until the wine was settled inside the large, heavy barrels. Then they made sure to group them into batches in the storage room, according to the correct number of months it took for the wine to age. The longer and older wines would be placed at the far end of the cellar. These farmers were the same people who harvested such a large number of grapes during the day. They only had three short breaks: in the morning, the afternoon and evening. Those breaks will be the only time they could properly eat their meals. No snacks. They will sleep together by batches in small cottages. So usually, there would be two to three families who stayed in one cottage. Inside, there were no beds at all, only a table and a few long chairs. Tired and exhausted, the farm workers would sleep late at night on their thin mats on the cold, wooden floor. They sleep like that despite the heat with no fans at all. They were used to it. They had no time for other extra activities to do, since they only had five hours of sleep. Then at 5:00 AM, they wake up to start the new day.
All of this was the everyday routine. A long, hard day of continuous suffering that these poor grapefarm workers endured. There should be someone who will bring about good fortune and a brighter future for these farm workers… Well, there was. The only destined one…
Under the bright sunlight, a young, tall boy of twelve years carried a big bottle of water as he walked on the small path between long lines of grapes. His small feet had little scratches and callous for constantly moving with very thin rubber slippers that looked like it would tear apart in a few days, but it seemed this had no effect at all to the boy. He just walked in a hurry to give this water he was holding to someone important, and to keep the water from falling out, the young boy skillfully balanced the bottle on his shoulder with just one hand. Because the beads of sweat that fell on the sides of his face bothered him, he stopped for a bit, took off the cloth covering his head and wiped his face. His black hair now looked quite disheveled and unruly, but the boy never cared. He hung the cloth on the other side of his shoulder and continued walking.
His black eyes looked around the plantation. He had to stretch up on his toes so he could get a better view above the grapes. Unfortunately, the grapes were taller than him. Struggling to balance himself on his toes and the water bottle at the same time, the young boy groaned as he stretched some more. At last just his eyes can finally see. He squinted under the bright light, until he finally saw the person he had been looking for.
"Mama!" he cried out.
The short woman was bent under the vines, concentrated hard on taking out some grapes with her gloved hands and put them on her big basket. When she never looked up, the young boy cried out louder.
"Mama!" the young boy called. "Mama!"
"Oi. Jelliana!" called out a middle-aged man beside the woman. The other farmers laughed. "It's your son. You didn't hear him?"
"Haha, that funny little kid," added one of the farm workers.
"Huh?"
The woman named Jelliana looked up as she heard the funny small voice calling out to her in the air. She placed the grapes on her basket and stepped on her stool, squinting under the hot sunlight. With her short height, it was hard to look for smaller things in this wide canopy of greens and violets.
"I'm over here!"
When she finally saw a small hand waving to and fro from one of the aisles, Jelliana laughed.
A farm worker smiled. "Oh, Jelly– was that your son's little hand?" she asked.
"Yes. Ah– Renando!" Jelly said happily, waving her hand. "Come here, child!"
Renando smiled and hurried along the path towards his mother. When he reached him, Jelliana knelt.
"Ma, here's your water, ma," Renando said tenderly as he bent over. He placed the water bottle on the ground. Then he stood up and untied the clean cloth wrapped around his waist. He knelt again.
Jelliana was untying the knot holding the small cup from the bottle when her son suddenly moved towards her.
"Ma... Here, Ma," little Renando said with a warm smile as he wiped his dear mother's face. Jellliana laughed. "Your face is wet now, Ma. Didn't you bring a towel with you?"
"Ren! Really! You little child, you!" chuckled Jelliana.
"Ma. You know, you should stop working now and let me finish this job for you," little Ren said, tying back the cloth around his waist. "You and the sun are always fighting. You'll never win."
Jelliana shook her head. She stood up and poured the water to the cup.
"Thank you for this water, son," thanked Jelliana as she took a drink. "Now, where's your Grandpa Hiroaki and Grandma Haruki?"
"Well, they're still out there taking out more grapes with Kanae and Yashiro," little Ren replied as he watched his mother. Ren felt happy to see her relieved face as she took big gulps of water. She had been out working for hours, so she had been really thirsty.
"Ma, do you think Grandpa Hiroaki needs more rest than taking out more grapes with Grandma?" asked little Ren curiously. Jelliana's eyebrow rose up. "It seems the grapes are tougher than his knees."
"Ren, my child, we have to work hard," Jelliana answered, looking down at her son. "This isn't for us. This is best for you... Your future is more important to us than anything. You know that, right?"
Little Ren watched as Jelliana covered the bottle with the cup and walked back to work. She carried the half filled basket and took more grapes from the vines.
"Ren?" Jelliana said, never looking at her son.
"Yes, Ma," little Ren replied. This time, Jelliana looked straight at him.
"Didn't I tell you to stay at the tree back there and practice writing?" she asked, placing the picked grapes to the basket.
"I did, Ma," little Ren replied honestly. His black eyes twinkled. "I even tried practicing on the big roots, then to the trunk. But Ma… I've been there under the tree for hours. My hand is even cramped from practicing too much! I stayed there for a long time–!"
Other farmers around Jelliana started looking at the young boy. They smiled at him while others shook their heads as they listened. They all loved this part, the time when the little boy explained his mistakes. When he reasoned out, he reasoned out well. The boy was honest, though. Jelliana looked at them and rolled her eyes. This little boy sounded sense that of a big man.
"–Sometimes, Ma, I think I'm a crazy loner," little Ren complained, furrowing his brows. "When I'm bored, or when I feel tired from writing, I talk to all the birds and butterflies on the tree and they seemed to understand me. I also lost count how many times I swung over and over again to all the branches and hang myself upside down like a mad monkey. I even ran out of songs Grandma Haruki taught me, just so I can have something to write about. No children out here wanted to write with me. Maybe it's because of that, Ma... They might be scared of me talking all by myself…"
Everyone laughed and went back to work. Jelliana placed the filled basket on the ground and grabbed an empty one. Little Ren walked towards her and squatted on the ground. He examined the grapes that Jelliana picked.
"But…Ma? Why do I have to learn how to read and write?" little Ren asked. "I could just stay with you and plant grapes. I can work on them like you and the rest of our family did, so I can help you…"
Surprised, Jelliana stopped her work and turned to face her son. She walked towards him and bent over so she could look properly at him in the eyes.
"No. It can't be that you'll only plant grapes. What I want is for you to be schooled," Jelliana replied. "I don't want you to become like us…"
Little Ren thought for a moment.
"Ummm… Ma, will it make a big difference if… I would become like you?" he asked, looking up at his mother. "I'm a good person after all, right Ma?"
"Renando Edmund Moretti, my child, listen to me," Jelliana said. "This is why I and the rest of our family worked very hard… What your Grandpa Hiroaki and Grandma Haruki want from the moment you were born, is to give you a better future…"
"Your future is so bright we don't want you to lose it just by being a grapefarm worker alone… Not this, Ren… Not this way… Your education is more important. It is the only treasure we could ever give you, son. When you have that knowledge– no one, no single person, can ever take that away from you. And you will never lose it, because you can use it for good. Do you understand me, my son?"
Little Ren blinked as he stared back at the genuine expression of his dear mother. He nodded obediently.
"You are a good boy. So, Ren, have hope," Jelliana said. Then her eyes sparkled of the sudden thought that came to her mind. "You know what, son? I have something to tell you. This Friday, is our salary day. So, we can finally go together to the town and I'll buy a writing pad and pencils for you."
Little Ren's face lit up and his eyes sparkled bright.
"Really, Ma?" cheered little Ren. "No more sticks for writing on the ground and tree trunk?"
"No more of that, son," Jelliana chuckled. "So you have to do your best, okay? So that one day, you'll finally learn how to write."
"Yes, Ma," Little Ren said, smiling up her mother. Jelliana hugged her dear son tight.
"Mmm! I love you, Renando, my child," Jelliana said.
Little Ren closed his eyes and smiled happily. "I love you too, Ma."
Then she noticed his hair ruffled. "Look at how mess your hair is! What did you to do? Come here and I'll fix that!"
Little Ren laughed as her mother fixed his hair with her hands.
"There– you're neat now," Jelliana said, settling a stress of his bang away from his eyes. "And, I hate to say it but… My, you look handsome too!"
"Ma–!"
Right then, Jelliana turned chibi and suddenly felt thrilled. She quickly hugged her son again and continued to ruffle his hair, much to little Ren's surprise.
"Mmmm! Such a good kid! My little son is still so gorgeous even if his clothes and face get dirty!" teased Jelliana. She sighed as her chibi face rubbed her son's soft cheeks. "Mmmmm– no wonder the little girls on this team have a thing for my kind and cute son! Reeeeeen–! Reeeen my boy!"
Little Ren groaned blankly in his mother's tight embrace. "Ma just stop it, please. You're embarrassing."
"Ah–! I'm not!" fought back Jelliana. Holding her son squarely, she added. "Renando, when you grow up and become an even taller, more gorgeous man and smarter, you must–"
"–marry a rich, smart and gorgeous girl, yes," finished little Ren flatly. He rolled his eyes. For how many times does his mother ever said this line to him?
"But Ma, that's so far-fetched," he said. "It won't happen. Someone like me and a rich person together is ridiculous. That's impossible."
"No! Nothing is impossible with God, son!" said Jelliana. "That's why, you have to work hard on your writing from now on. Who knows, that impossible dream might become a reality. All you need to do is just–"
"–believe, son. Just believe," little Ren and Jelliana said in unison.
Jelliana stood up and dusted off dirt from her pants and shirt. "That's right. Come on and stand up. It's time to go to your Grandpa and Grandma."
Along the path of grapes, little Ren and Jelliana are walking together. The cup tinkled against the water bottle in Jelliana's arm. But as they walked, Jelliana noticed something that brushed against her waist. She knew what it was, so with the other hand, she quickly rummaged through the wrapped cloth that little Ren was holding and picked up a thin, folded comic. The little boy was surprised.
"What's this? This is what I meant! It's comic again that you're only concentrating on instead of writing after all!" Jelliana said. She gave back the paper comic to him.
"Sorry, Ma. But I'm just only looking at the pictures," Little Ren said. "I couldn't read the lines anyway."
Jelliana sighed.
"Okay, but you have to be careful with that, alright?" said Jelliana. She laid her hand across her son's shoulder. "We just borrowed that from the town's library. We still have to go back later tonight and return it."
"Okay, Ma… But I wish I could understand more what the story was all about," little Ren said. "The pictures alone are not enough."
"That's why I told you Ren, you have to learn how to read and write," Jelliana reminded again. "And that's why I'll teach you how to read, even if it means sacrificing the remaining hours of my sleep for teaching you."
Little Ren reflected the consecutive days Jelliana stayed up late at night, teaching him how to read. She used up the few hours left just so that her son will learn. Little Ren thought about Jelliana working tiringly for hours during the day, exhausted and tired with no sleep, and still awake at night.
"Umm… Ma? Let's not do that," said little Ren with worry. "It's a waste of your time and energy… I don't want you get weak."
"Don't say that Renando. I'm only doing this for you," Jelliana insisted. "Just remind me later when we get to town. I'll buy you pencils and writing pad, so that you'll finally learn to how write your name."
Little Ren scratched the back of his head. Jelliana arrived at the middle of the plantation, where a group of farm workers was tending to the grapes. Little Ren and Jelliana walked along the wider path and moved to the side as a farm worker riding on a horse passed by. It dragged a cart loaded with big, heavy baskets full of freshly picked grapes. Jelliana and little Ren walked more until they saw the old couple crouched on the ground, carefully arranging grapes on their baskets.
Grandpa Hiroaki and Grandma Haruki had covered their heads with hoods, instead of wrapping a cloth around it. A few tresses of silver gray hair fell on the sides of their pale faces. It was Grandma Haruki who was more identifiable from afar, because of the shining gold glasses on her eyes. The two looked loving at such stage in their lives; even with a tiring job, they're the only people who could still laugh and happily talked to one another while working with the grapes on the basket. Grandpa Hiroaki always found humor in every little thing he did together with his beloved wife. While holding up a bunch, Grandpa Hiroaki whispered something to his wife while pointing his frail finger at the grapes. Grandma Haruki giggled and shook her head. Then a few seconds later Grandpa Hiroaki murmured things by himself, talking about the grapes until Grandma Haruki blurted out loud– startling other serious farm workers near them, which drove the old couple to laugh more. It was such a lovely, happy sight that Jelliana and little Ren admired.
"Grandpa! Grandma!" called out little Ren. The old couple looked up and smiled at their grandchild running towards them.
"Ahh… Renando, my boy!" Grandpa Hiroaki said happily. Little Ren sat on the ground and hugged his grandfather. The old man kissed his grandson's forehead while holding him in his arms. "What took you so long? You're late!"
"Mhm, I know now," Grandma Haruki guessed with a laugh. She pushed her eyeglasses back up her nose and arranged the grapes. "It's the boy arguing with his mother about writing practice again, am I right?"
"How do you know, Grandma?" little Ren asked with a surprise.
"Even at uuh– that distance and I'm in my age like this dear, I could still hear both of your voices. Loud and clear," Grandma Haruki said. "I always know."
"So uuh– is my handsome boy been practicing his writing at the tree?" asked Grandpa Hiroaki as he held little Ren at an eye's angle. "How's the progress?"
"Oh, Papa, Mama," Jelliana sighed. "I don't know what I'll do. Every time we discuss about study, all this kid could mention was cramps, swinging on the branches and talking to birds– he look like he'll turn ill!"
The old couple laughed. Grandpa Hiroaki patted his grandson's head and stood up slowly. The old man groaned as he stretched his back. He had been crouching on the vines for hours that he could feel pain across his back and hips. He could also feel his knees would give up any moment for standing so long. Jelliana and little Ren helped him. Grandpa Hiroaki felt relieved and smiled as he laid his arms on the two important persons he loved.
"Uuh – are you done with that now, Haruki dear?" asked Grandpa Hiroaki. Grandma Haruki placed the grapes on the basket and stood up. She was still stronger than her dear husband.
"Yes, dear. Uuh– I'm done and these baskets are ready to be picked up," Grandma Haruki replied. She called to her working neighbors and noted of the baskets. They nodded and waved at her.
"Alright, let's go. It's uuh– time for lunch," Grandpa Hiroaki said happily to the group. "I bet uuh– all those 'talking to birds, swinging tree branches and cramps' are just 'ill' signs that you're hungry. Even I am shaking. Come on and let's eat."
During lunch, the farm workers sat on the ground under the canopy of big trees that lined across the side of the plantation, right at the foot of the hills. The Moretti family had gathered together on a big mat made of dried coconut leaves, in a circle around the only same serving they had prepared for the day: a pot of rice, a small container of salty dried fishes and jugs of water. The only fruit they had left on a small round basket was the rejected small bunch of grapes that were of lowest quality in the eyes of their Masters and Don Petricino, but were just fine for these people.
The family washed their hands properly from the largest jug of water behind the tree and with soap. Then they sat back on the ground. Jelliana had taken out wooden plates from the folded covers of thick cloth that formed a bag and passed them out to everyone. Grandpa Hiroaki was the one to divide the servings and placed them in each plate, while Grandma Haruki poured water to the wooden glasses.
At that moment, teenaged Yashiro arrived. He was seventeen years old, with short blonde hair. His deep brown eyes sparkled behind the small square eyeglasses when he waved his hand to his beloved family under the tree.
"Hi, Auntie Jelly!" greeted young Yashiro happily. He was still cheerful despite the hot weather. Exhaustion was formed under his eyes, but Yashiro did not care. He bent over and kissed Jelliana's cheek.
"Ah– hello, Yashiro," said Jelliana. "You're finally here. Come, let's have lunch. Get your plate from Grandpa… But wash your hands first."
"Yes, Auntie," Young Yashiro said. He then went to the old couple and kissed their cheek.
"I'm back… Grandpa, Grandma," greeted young Yashiro.
"Mmm, it's good to see you Yashiro Armand, my child," Grandma Haruki said, and gave the young boy a warm hug. "How's work? Are you tired now, my dear? We're still preparing lunch for you…"
"Ah– I'm doing fine, Grandma," answered young Yashiro politely. "But it's really hot."
He then went to the far back of the tree and washed his hands.
As soon as he was done, Young Yashiro then sat beside little Ren and he patted his head in greeting.
"Hello! Cousin got cramps again from practicing writing?" asked young Yashiro. He then took his plate. "You'd better stop reading those comics, Renando. It won't do you any good. Auntie Jelly's taught you well and sacrificed her precious time so that you'll learn, so give your best. Thanks for serving this, Grandpa."
"You heard your elder cousin, Ren?"said Grandma Haruki as they began to eat. "If you uuh– continue to complain to your mother about that, it's better to listen to your cousin here who's like an only elder brother to you."
"Well uuh– the little boy hardly complains about anything now," Grandpa Hiroaki said. "Before he does, but now the little boy has changed. He only gets like that when learning is mentioned, because he's more concerned about his mother's health than his welfare…"
Grandma Haruki nodded as she ate. "Mhmm… he's very thoughtful. Uuh, I hope someone out there will teach this boy."
"Yeah, I think so too, Grandpa," agreed Yashiro. He grabbed his glass. "Cuz is a great kid. Ren has the potential to succeed someday. We always believe that."
When little Ren received his plate from the old man, little Ren thanked his grandpa. He picked up most of his fishes to Jelliana's plate– leaving behind only three of his fish on his own.
"Renando–? This serving is yours," Jelliana said, surprised to see a second batch of fishes on the side of her own on top of her small mound of rice. She took out those fishes and placed them back to her son's plate.
"But I want you to have it, Ma," argued little Ren and placed them on Jelliana's plate. "I'm fine with just three. Well, you can even have this too, Grandma! Grandpa! Cuz! Here – one for each of you!"
Little Ren placed each fish on Yashiro's, Grandma Haruki's and Grandpa Hiroaki's plates, leaving the three speechless. The old couple and Yashiro looked at each other and smiled. Jelliana just looked at her plate. She fought back.
"But, Renando–"
"–I don't want you to get hungry the rest of the day, Ma," little Ren said. "You've been working hard along with Cousin, Grandpa and Grandma. So please have them and eat well…"
Jelliana blinked. "But, how are you going to do with yours? You only have rice…"
Little Ren stood up and went to the bag.
"Ren–? What are you doing?" young Yashiro asked in a warning tone. He knew his younger cousin was always full of surprises and experimented with things, even food.
Little Ren never spoke anything and continued to rummage inside the bag until he took out a small container. He sat back on the ground, opened the container, and poured the mix of soy sauce and vinegar that Grandma Haruki made on his rice.
"Hmm?" murmured Jelliana. She looked at Grandma Haruki, Grandpa Hiroaki and young Yashiro, but the elder cousin just shook his shoulder.
With a big smile, little Ren mixed the rice together with his hands, as the family even had no spoon and fork. Skillfully, he gathered a big mound with his fingers and ate his rice.
For a moment, the Moretti family looked at him silently and waited patiently. They never experienced Little Ren complained anything about the same food that was served, since he understood their welfare. Unlike other farm workers' children, little Ren was a kind boy.
Little Ren furrowed his brows, a first expression the Moretti family had seen him eating. Maybe the boy poured too much sauce?
"So? How's the uuh– rice, my child?" Grandma Haruki asked, looking a bit worried at her grandson. The huge mound was still inside little Ren's mouth it made two big balls on his cheeks. When he chewed, he could hardly move them. Yashiro reacted first and blurted out loud with laughter. The rest followed.
"Mmmm!" Little Ren murmured. He chewed for a while and swallowed some of it. Still mouthful, little Ren could still speak.
"This is just soooooo good, mm!" Ren exclaimed and picked up more rice with his fingers. Jelly patted her son's head.
"Oi oi, Renando. Careful or you'll choke yourself," warned young Yashiro, still giggling.
"Mmmm– I don't know what this is called, Cuz. But I made a new dish!" exclaimed little Ren, still chewing his rice. "I'm the first one to make this. I'm the best! There's more seasoning, Cuz. Try it!"
Everyone laughed while watching him. Their giggles filled the air with happiness.
"This tasted just like chicken rottisierre! Mmm!" little Ren said as he ate some more. Yashiro ruffled his hair.
The rest of the grapefarm workers' day followed, until the sun had set across the horizon. Inside the warehouse, the Morettis worked on the final job phase of processing big wine bottles for transport. Young Yashiro was at the entrance, working together with a fellow farm worker friend. Both of them carried wooden racks of wine bottles that were being unloaded from a big truck. The bottles inside the rack felt heavy on their hands, as the grapes that were picked during the day had been carefully chosen, pressed to be made into finest wine and left aged inside the wine house. The grapefarm workers couldn't even get a taste of their hardwork. This batch of wine was not aged longer than the ones inside the Riserva house. These bottles needed to be processed right away to be sold out in the market all over the country.
Sweating profusely from constantly carrying such heavy racks, young Yashiro stopped. He closed his eyes and breathed heavily. He held the stitch on his sides. Young Yashiro felt his arm would rip off from his shoulder. He took off his eyeglasses and wiped his wet face.
"Are you still alive, Yashiro?" asked his friend, watching his young friend put back his eyeglasses.
Young Yashiro bent over, placing his hands on his knees. His short, blonde hair covered his face like a small curtain. A sea of sweat covered the entire back of his shirt. When young Yashiro never spoke a thing, his farmer friend grew worried. Even young Yashiro's secret admirers who were working watched him with worry.
"Are you okay, man?" the farm worker friend asked again, holding Yashiro's shoulder. Just in case his fellow teenaged friend might faint.
But young Yashiro held his gloved hand up close to his friend's face and looked up. The farm worker friend stared back at the furrowed brows, until he saw fire sparked behind those brown eyes. All the members of the Moretti family really have a thing in common, in terms of strong eye expressions.
"Let me– Let me catch my damn breath!" said young Yashiro angrily, still breathing heavily. "Do– do you think me and the rest of the Morettis– die easily pal? Hell no! We've got strange blood!"
The farm worker friend felt relieved and laughed. He patted back Yashiro's shoulder. "Man you scared me! I thought something already happened to you!"
"Don't be worried, man!" Young Yashiro assured. He walked back towards the truck. "I'm okay. It'll be a thousand years before you can see me die… Now, come on and let's get back here! I want to finish this ahead of time."
"Aah… so you can teach the Malatesta girls, right?" guessed the farm worker friend. A big smile flashed across his face. "Man… Those two must be lucky. You're so thoughtful, Yashiro. You've been thinking of their welfare more than yours, too. Ever since their parents died, you looked more like a father to them than just their friend. To think you're still seventeen. You make a wonderful teacher…"
Young Yashiro kept silent. What a compliment. He felt the color suddenly rose up his face, driving the farm worker friend to laugh more. Of course, there was only one person that was the apple of young Yashiro's eyes. After the Malatesta girls' parents died, young Yashiro had already begun teaching them how to read and write. After his work, young Yashiro would head straight to the cottage where the Malatesta girls stayed and taught them. The eldest one, Kanae Constanza Malatesta, was the smartest among the two. She had short, silky straight hair, a wonderful black, like the color of the night. Her eyes were black too, and they gleamed like little black pearls when she was happy. When she smiled, her small teeth were perfectly white. She was still 7 years old, yet she talked with more sense and acted mature than her age. Maybe this was because she had to take good care of her younger sister, the 5 year old Ruriko, alone that she was already both a mother and father to little Ruriko. Plus, young Kanae learned every topic at breakneck speed. She was so smart. In just one month, young Yashiro was impressed at his little student Kanae who can already recite and acted half of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and she was able to write all the verses. She used her time studying and memorizing the play and practice writing while young Yashiro was at work, so when he came back to begin their lessons, little Kanae would show off what she had learned.
"Yeah… I'm proud of that kid," young Yashiro said with a warm smile. "As long as those two will learn, I'd do anything to help them…"
"Well, I wouldn't complain if little Kanae grow up someday and become such a lady than all of your plain secret admirers put together," teased the farm worker friend, pushing a rack towards Yashiro. "I hope that your heart will learn how to love a lady, and don't come to me for help when the time comes."
Young Yashiro furrowed his brows in surprise as he looked back at him. "What?" he said.
"You know that little Kanae is already cute, Yashiro. Most kids change when they get to be a teenager and are plain, but rare breeds hang on to cute."
Young Yashiro just shook his head.
"What crazy things about breeds were you thinking about?" he said. "Little Kanae's still seven years old– Seven! And you're now thinking about love and relationships! And that's impossible, little Kanae's more like a sister to me."
"Who knows?" teased his farm worker friend with a big smile. "You're best of friends but… Time flies so fast you'll never notice the little changes of life around you–"
"–Just give me that rack and hurry up!" young Yashiro shot back.
Meanwhile, the other three older Morettis were at the far end of the warehouse. With her gloved hands, Grandma Haruki dabbed the cloth on a container of perfumed wax and wiped the bottles to make it shiny and clean, and placed them on the table, where Jelliana sat across from it. She took a piece of printed label from a box and brushed the back of it with glue. Then she stuck the label to the wine bottle and placed it to the batch of bottles. Grandpa Hiroaki took a soft, brown twine from a basket, a native piece of rope made only from this town, Fenica. Grandpa Hiroaki tied a good knot around the cap of the bottle and placed it inside a nice box designed with a brand name of the rich family the farmers worked hard for.
"You know, Jelliana… Uuh– I heard news that the uhh– contract of our batch will end within this week," Grandpa Hiroaki announced sadly as he tied the twine around the bottle. Grandma Haruki watched him. She knew of this, but kept silent and let the man of the house have his word.
"We'll receive our salary this Friday… So uuh– that means, our job is done on Saturday," said Grandpa Hiroaki.
"What? This is so sudden," said Jelliana with a bit of surprise. She slowly brushed the back of the label with worry. But Jelliana's head started to fill with thoughts, she could no longer continue. Jelliana placed down the brush.
"Papa, we can't stop working… I need to save," Jelliana said, looking at her dear old father. "What I want is to take Renando to a good school, Papa… What are we going to do now? We're stuck…"
Grandpa Hiroaki placed the tied bottle inside the box and turned around so he could see Jelliana.
"I've been thinking of places where we could go back to work… But uuh– there was just no vacancy here in Rafaello," Grandpa Hiroaki said.
Grandma Haruki stopped her job. She placed the perfumed bottle and cloth on the table.
"Uhh– Dear… Jelliana my child… uuh– we need to look for a new place of work at a grapefarm," said Grandma Haruki. She eyed Grandpa Hiroaki. "I'm sure there is one…"
"Then we'll just find vacancy somewhere," Jelliana said. The old woman's eyes lit up.
"At Donatello!" exclaimed Grandma Haruki.
But Jelliana's eyes widened. There were many more grapefarms in many places to look for a job… Why not instead at the capital, Da Vinici? Just not Donatello, please, begged Jelliana in thought. Donatello was the only place she couldn't go back to. A lot of her painful past happened terribly on that island that many people close to her life were affected. She felt badly hurt. Everything at a certain place in Donatello was too much to bear for Jelliana, especially when her wounds need not be opened a second time again. That was why, the entire family left that past behind and traveled far and wide– away from Donatello.
"What uuh– I know right now, during this time is uuh– harvest is almost near at Donatello," Grandpa Hiroaki said. "Why don't we try it there? There's also a huge hiring rate there now compared at Da Vinici…"
"Well we haven't even gone back home at Donatello for a very long time, my daughter," Grandma Haruki added. "Please, let's at least go back home…"
But Grandpa Hiroaki had other things on his mind. He was more concerned for his daughter than their home that hadn't been visited for many months. The family kept transferring to different places and traveled very far from home. It was hard for all of them at first, but then they were able to adjust to the new environment and culture. That was still when Grandpa Hiroaki and Grandma Haruki were still young. Now that the married couple had aged, it was now hard for Grandpa Hiroaki to travel to far places. But if he had to travel far and not go back home for the sake of his daughter and grandson's better future, and that everything that will be done was for the best of the family, Grandpa Hiroaki will not insist. More than anything else, his daughter's feelings are more important right now.
Jelliana would do anything and would not insist on working on a new place, if it meant doing so for the sake of her dearest son's future, as long as not back in Donatello again. She painfully looked at her father.
"If you aren't comfortable… well uuh– that's fine," Grandpa Hiroaki said, staring back at Jelliana. "We'll just find other places to apply…"
Jelliana closed her eyes and breathed heavily. Jelliana had to make this most important decision of her life. Whatever she decided now will change the course of her future– including her son Renando and the rest of the Moretti family. Jelliana thought about Renando and the rest of her family, her job and all the places they could go… But just as the old man said, only at Donatello that they could save more money for Renando's future compared to the capital. She thought about herself– the current state of her mind… and her heart. Her mind was set, but her heart was still not fully healed. It still bore the scars from before, and Jelliana feared it will pain even worse again.
"Jelliana, my child… we will not force you," Grandma Haruki said.
There was no other choice. If her heart was meant to feel the worse pain by facing her past on that island again, Jelliana had to accept it. Maybe it was in that place that the entire problem will finally be solved. The problem that she had beared all these years has to be solved once and for all. And that would be at that place…
"Mother, father… Alright," Jelliana finally spoke softly. When she opened her eyes, hot tears cascaded down her cheeks.
"It's all because I need to work… I have to work hard, all for Renando," Jelliana said. "I raised him together with you, the best we could…"
Jelliana looked at her parents.
"Let's go back to Donatello…" Jelliana said tearfully. "But I'll ask this favor of you, Ma, Pa… Please, give me strength and guide me along in this…"
Grandma Haruki and Grandpa Hiroaki smiled warmly at their daughter. They nodded silently.
"Of course… we always do. We'll do everything for your best, Jelliana," Grandma Haruki said, holding her daughter. Grandpa Hiroaki held Jelliana's cold, trembling hand with both of his weak hands.
"Don't worry, child… Everything will be alright," assured Grandpa Hiroaki. "Everything happens for a reason… There are reasons why God let these things happen… And only He knows… All of this will come to an end someday, Jelliana… Just endure more… Believe and hope for the best."
Jelliana looked up at her parents. She nodded silently.
Grandpa Hiroaki placed Jelliana's head on his shoulder and patted her head, calming his daughter while Grandma Haruki cried with her and hugged both Grandpa Hiroaki and Jelliana.
They will endure together all the hardships and pain that may come along with this journey. None of them knew what awaited them at Donatello…
==#~#==
Next on Only You…
"A painful past that was long forgotten and left behind for years will be faced again… A new journey will finally begin."
Book 2… First Impressions Last, Part II… Right here, on Only You.
==#~#==
End Credits
The Cast of Only You, Book 1 in order of appearance:
Starring…
Tsuruga Ren as Renando Edmund Moretti
Fuwa Sho as Sho Fernand da Montefeltro
Also Starring…
The da Montefeltro family, owners of red wine business, Castello di Montefeltro:
Takarada Lory as Don Loriando da Montefeltro
Mogami Saena as Doña Saena Contessa da Montefeltro
Don Maximo della Scala
Butler Sebastian as Sebastian
The Chiaramonte family, owners of sparkling white wine business, Castello di Chiaramonte:
Hizuri Kuu as Don Kuu Gustav Chiaramonte
Hizuri Juliella as Doña Juliella Rebecca Chiaramonte
The Moretti family:
Woods Jelly/Ten/Jelly as Jelliana Moretti
Director Ogata Hiroaki/Date Hiroaki as Grandpa Hiroaki Moretti
The Prisoner music video director and Ogata's close friend, Director Haruki as Grandma Haruki Moretti
Yukihito Yashiro as Ren's elder cousin, Yashiro Armand Moretti
The Malatesta family:
Ruriko as Ruriko Malatesta
Kotonami Kanae as Kanae Costanza Malatesta