How a Dimitrescu Heart Beats
Chapter 2:
Reflection, Regret, and Remembrance
Castle Dimitrescu
Romania
August 1940
Yellow eyes narrowed as the eldest Dimitrescu made her final steps towards the front door of her home at Castle Dimitrescu, as Bela began to bite her lip slightly. She was visibly nervous, after the depressing events that had transpired between her and her middle and youngest sister. All of this was a simple attempt to stop the two from tearing each other's throats over the result of a bad hunt. It was rare, generally Cassandra and Daniela would make an excellent team when they did go hunting with such good coordination and grace that it didn't matter if the victim was one or ten. The result was usually the same, but clearly they were not themselves and felt a sense of sadness because Bela wasn't there to make it truly feel like a family outing together.
Bela felt ashamed she didn't go with the two, she had just been so focused to help Lady Dimitrescu, her mother with her chores and administrative work because lately Mother Miranda had called for a frequent number of meetings with the Countess and the other Lords of the family. The blonde vampire had made it an absolute priority to remain in the highest graces amongst her mother so she would always do so much and more to make sure things stay that way. Bela could start to feel her eyes water with tears as she went into another round of deep depressing thoughts….
What have I done to my sisters… They hate me and I ran off like a child after Cassandra said the truth. I have not been here for them enough, I ignored an opportunity to go hunting and have sister time together, all for my need to be praised and valued by mother. I nearly drowned from my immaturity of running off because the truth is, I really have not done anything for my family except these stupid books, writing, assisting mother with her administrative tasks. But I do love my sisters and family...and I will prove it from now on, everyone matters to me I will not ignore any of you.
Upon completion of Bela making her own silent pledge of change, wiped her eyes quickly, straightened her still slightly damp, dirty black robed dress that she could smell which made her nose wrinkle in slight disgust. Her black robed dress had a slight tear in the shoulder and smelled of vomit, mud, and sea water as well as sand stuck to various parts of her dress. It clearly needed a good wash, but if she came across anyone she would dare not say anything about the most strangest encounter she had ever experienced in her life. Never had Bela ever thought she would have a near drowning experience, just due to the simple fact that she could form into insects to fly over small formations of water in the area, and wasn't too appealed with the fact if the water was that cold her insects would start to die slowly breaking apart her body. The blonde woman shuddered at the thought, but it was like she was granted a reprieve as if a guardian was sent to give her another chance at redemption in her existence in the form of all people, a man-thing which made the eldest Dimitrescu grin
That man-thing had a name too, Anton Raddu a young but very handsome man, dark haired, nice build, kind, well mannered, oh but those blue eyes that a woman could drown themselves in. A man who didn't view her also as a monster, vile, cruel, heartless but decided to get to know Bela as opposed to listening to the other villagers. A man who called her pretty, laughed alongside her, flirted, and that comment Anton said she relished so well, "A beautiful name for a beautiful woman." And his drawings were so incredible, she practically begged the man to come back to their property and continue his wonderful artistic talent. The blonde woman wished he could've stayed longer at the lake, for she was dying to learn more about the young man, as like he was a book that Bela could just read for hours and hours, digesting so much information from the man who saved her life. She felt a sense of butterflies in her stomach which brought back both excitement which turned into a sad depressed thought to herself….
Why would Anton want to see me again? I treated that man horrible. I yelled at him for saving me when nobody came. I blamed him for sneaking onto our land to draw up an attack plan as if to destroy the property, castle and our family. I threatened his life. Why would he want to see a monster like me...but I do want to see him again….I hope he knows I didn't mean it, I wasn't myself...I hope he does return.
With that thought, Bela snapped out of her moment, shrugged and gave a nervous sigh before opening the massive doors to Castle Dimitrescu. As she entered the massive main foyer of the majestic medieval-era mansion, Bela couldn't help but feel a sense of eerie desolate silence, although generally the castle was always like this with such small staff, and her sisters generally off in some far wing of the castle to their own activities. The eldest Dimitrescu entered and closed the front door softly but because of its massive size, Bela couldn't all prevent it from being sucked by the wind outside causing it to close a lot louder than it should. The blonde woman gritted her teeth, cursing to herself for not being able to prevent that moment, when turning around was greeted by Lady Dimitrescu's chambermaid, Elena.
Elena Benzar, was a very young but mature girl for her age. As the head maid for Bela's mother, Lady Alcina Dimitrescu, Elena she was just 20 years old with short brown hair, green eyes, and a very slim build, but more than capable of keeping up with almost all major tasks she was given, as well as her strong keen eye to detail. She also carried a very loyal, friendly personality to her making her very easy to get along with the other staff, and also someone Bela liked taking the time to speak with. It was by that reason as well as her loyalty and learning to well, that she avoided a deadly fate when she accidentally spilled a tray of hot tea on Cassandra, nearly being beaten to death and dragged to the dungeons Bela and Alcina Dimiterscu intervened together saying that this maid was to not be harmed. That day, Cassandra was flabbergasted as she knew any other staff member would be her plaything in the castle's cellar, but obligingly; though with annoyance she chose to let Elena live. To this day both Elena and Cassandra generally avoided each other, and she took her duties to ensure all other staff knew their place and avoided letting such mishaps happen around the middle Dimitrescu child.
Bela slowly walked into her family home, smiling and softly speaking "Hello Elena, I hope you are doing well, it's a beautiful day isn't it? Has mother returned yet?" Elena merely bowed at the eldest Dimitrescu before responding quietly, "Yes my lady, it is a very nice day, I am doing well. The Countess has returned from her meetings and is in her study with lady Cassandra, however lady Daniela has asked me to find you and ask you to see her in the kitchen when you would be able to make some time." The blonde vampire couldn't help but chew her lower lip at that request, feeling uneasy and very nervous, Bela prepared for her young redheaded sister's onslaught of harsh words of hate, anger, and resentment after this morning's argument. The eldest Dimitrescu knew she would also not try to defend or justify her actions, for she had brought it upon herself through such selfish actions over a lengthy period of time that Bela should've realized was only a matter of time before one or both sisters would break under such circumstances and an outpour of emotion would be expressed. Worse if she survived that encounter, she would feel such emotions that Bela could envision herself running to her mother for comfort, who was now occupied with Cassandra, the one who really tore into the blonde woman for not showing enough care. Bela could only think of one thing to do carrying conflicting thoughts...
I can't see mother right now, not with Cassandra there. I'm not ready for that yet. Perhaps if I face Daniela, maybe it will pass some time, before I can see mother and Cassandra is either a little calmer or even left mother's study….what am I saying Cass calm, she probably hates me so much right now...I hate myself for what I did not them right now…..mother probably hates how I've left them for so long right now too
The chambermaid gave Bela a puzzling look, before Bela snapped to giving Elena a soft smile and responded, "Thank you Elena, I will see my sister and if you see my mother please tell her I'd like a word with her. I'll see you later." With that Elena nodded and bowed before turning the opposite direction of the kitchen, to which the blonde vampire made her way towards slowly. Although in many circumstances, Bela would love to transform into her swarm as she would do many other days, she was so exhausted from her day at the lake and famished that she chose to take her time, also she had to gather her thoughts of what she could possibly say to Daniela to gain her forgiveness. As Bela made her final approach to the kitchen, she couldn't help but wrinkle her nose at a very unpleasant odour coming from the pantry. She could also begin to hear musical humming from her youngest sister, along with the sound of boiling water, oh but that strong smell was meat, definitely blood, but all these unusual spices. Bela could only pinch her nose muttering to herself, "Dani please do not tell me you decided to cook dinner tonight." One thing that the youngest Dimitrescu did take upon her to do at times when stressed or upset was indulge in keeping herself in her own world that Bela would notice Daniela either reading her childish tales in the library or around the castle, and even taking up cooking. Cooking was the last thing that Bela would wish Daniela to proceed with since there have been times, the redheaded Dimitrescu had made a large number of errors and even nearly burned the kitchen if it wasn't for Bela's quick thinking and intervention.
Upon entering the kitchen nearly tippy toeing in, Bela watched as her sister would hum to herself doing a slow movement with her hips, standing in front of a fair sized pot on the stove, steaming and bubbling. The blonde vampire watched as her sister then reached into the cupboard and selected a large jar of what appeared to be black pepper, and went over to the pot, nearly emptying the whole jar into the meal being prepared. The eldest Dimitrescu shivered at the mere thought of what else was being done to the stew, and feared if nearly drowning didn't kill her, Daniela food poisoning her might. As Bela slowly continued her way into the kitchen, during Daniela's twirl came across her sister who looked like she jumped out of her skin, with a loud high pitched noise gave a wide eyed stare with her golden eyes holding a wooden spoon, saying "Oh my god, Bela you scared the hell out of me! Glad you're home now, ohh you must try this meal I've taken the liberty to make for dinner tonight for us." At that, Daniela with lightning speed smiled brightly at Bela, went to the pot and dipped the spoon scooping some meat chunks, blood, and spices and practically sped towards the blonde Dimitrescu.
Bela with bad timing, only parted her lips slightly as if to try to say something but was interrupted by the redhead's assault with her spoon before being forced the food into her mouth. The blonde woman could only begin to chew the food she just got spoon fed, the taste was absolute revolting let alone the smell like old shoes, mixed with enough hot spices to burn a human's mouth off. Bela could only blink rapidly, while chewing, giving ever so a quick glance at her sister every so often, who was seemingly bouncing in excitement, waiting for the blonde vampire's review of the prepared meal. After having enough of the horrendous taste, Bela finally swallowed very slowly, while now looking at Daniela with a careful look so as to not upset her sister spoke quietly saying, "It's….nice." Daniela gave a puzzled look at first, then pouted finally looking back at the pot and then back to Bela replied with, "That bad huh?" The redhead finally shrugged before widening her yellow eyes and smiling from ear to ear declaring, "You know what, it needs a pinch more pepper." The redhead gave a firm nod, before turning back towards the stove armed with her wooden spoon.
At the point the eldest Dimitrescu didn't want to see her sister work on destroying the prepared dinner any further, and needed to get the shameful way she had behaved and treated her sisters, quickly walked up and grabbed the redhead's arm stopping her and nearly sending her flying back into her crashing into each other before speaking softly, "Wait Dani, I need to talk to you about something very important." The redhead could only give a puzzled look before giving a quick nod, which Bela continued while chewing her lip nervously and speaking again, "I wanted to apologize for what happened this morning, I wasn't there for you guys when you went for the hunt, and rather than take responsibility like the big sister I am, I just ran off like a child, and I really do miss all us being together and I promise I'm gonna stop thinking about myself and going after mother's good graces. I'm gonna be the sister you guys always wanted to have, spend more time together, I swear it." Daniela could only stare at Bela giving her a pout and sad expression before looking down at her black gloved hands holding the spoon for a moment before looking back at her blonde sister giving a warm smile saying, "Oh Bela, you don't have anything to be sorry for, I know you were busy and Cass...well Cass she loves her hunting but the truth is I screwed it up on purpose. I didn't want to hunt that herd of deer, they looked so beautiful and it was a family and I couldn't think of doing that to a family, we have already had people try to hunt ours, I don't wanna hunt someone else's even if it were a bunch of animals, they haven't done anything to us for me to hurt or kill them. And I truly miss you and all us being together, but if you're busy I respect that. You are always our big sister, and I love you Bela no matter what you do with your time and life, I forgive you."
Bela could only stare back at her redheaded sister with shocked wides beginning to tear up, "Really Dani, I've been so cruel not spending time or asking what you guys have been up to, I've just had my fake ass in books and books and more books as Cassandra put it, and it's true. You really want to forgive a failure of a sister like me?" Daniela could only raise her hand and close part of it, leaving only her pointy finger to land on her blonde sister's lips before saying in a whisper, "Shhh Bela, don't be talking like that. I do forgive and love you. Now stop that shit talk and come here before I whack you on the head to knock some sense into you with the spoon." At that moment Daniela grabbed the eldest Dimitrescu into a soft but bone crunching hug, and Bela wrapped her arms around her sister tightly while starting to softly sob. The blonde woman's thoughts trailing…..
I am not a failure of a sister… Daniela loves me after all that? Well all there is left is to find Cassandra and hope she's a quick one to let today be forgiven and give me another chance.
After a minute the two sister's broke off their embrace, as Bela took her gloved hand to wipe her eyes giving her young sister a warm smile. It was one thing the eldest Dimitrescu could come to appreciate, that during trying moments of fights and arguments around the Dimitrescu household, with someone's day full of darkness, the young Daniela Dimitrescu would always bring a ray of light into the room into anyone's day with her perky personality. Both daughters stared in silence at each other between Bela's sniffles, Bela finally brought the courage to ask the ever important question in a sombre but nervous tone, "How is Cassandra doing?" Daniela looked with her eyes narrowed towards the kitchen floor and back at Bela with a determined look into her eyes, "She is...well...we haven't spoken since you took off this morning...she had been in her room for most of the day until mother came home. Then she went into her study and they have been there together since. I don't know if she's still with mother now, I came down and decided to make a family meal to make everyone feel better. You should really go talk to Cassandra though Bela." The blonde woman could only give her sister a wide eyed frightened expression while rapidly shaking her head saying, "No Dani, she was really upset with me, she spoke so much truth, I think I should stay away from her for a bit because she has every reason to hate me." Daniela did not take that too well, before speaking up to Bela's hesitation approaching the middle Dimitrescu sister in a soft but firm tone, "No Bells, you're the big sister, you need to tell her how you feel about what happened. If she starts any shit with you, she's going to be facing a very pissed off Daniela Dimitrescu" while the redhead raised her hand holding the spoon in a defiant pose. Bela could only let out a sniffling giggle before lowering her sister's arm, "Okay easy Napoleon, I'll go talk to Cass now" The youngest Dimitrescu gave a light laugh before turning her sister around and pushing towards the kitchen exit saying, "Then get going nerd, and hurry up because this stew isn't gonna eat itself."
Bela just turned around before giving Daniela one more hug and giving a warm smile before speaking in a sarcastic tone, "Ok Dani, well don't start without me." The redhead gave her sister a wink and returned to the kitchen stove continuing her interesting meal preparation while humming and dancing with herself again. Bela departed and made her way to the staircase while nervously grabbing at her fingers and going up towards a very frightening moment. With thoughts grabbing at her….
Bela you've got this, you're the big sister, you're not a failure….oh my god what am I doing, Cassandra is never going to forgive me, I should just turn around and find something else to do….but Dani forgave me right? I hope mother may have eased Cass's mood after she came home….please Cassandra, please..okay let's do this.
By the time Bela reached the top of the stairs and down the hall to Lady Dimitrescu's study, she felt her knees beginning to buckle and felt her stomach start to turn. The blonde woman felt she was gonna be sick, as she approached the oak made large door to Lady Dimitrescu's study room. Bela heard light voices on the other side lightly speaking, along with the soft melody of something jazzy playing in the room. It was something that Lady Dimitrescu would find herself doing at times when she had returned from meetings with Mother Miranda frequently, usually coming into the castle visibly angered before retreating to her study, bed chambers, or even the opera hall usually with a bottle of her most vintage Sanguis Virginis to ease the tension, likely caused from her frequent arguments with Bela's Uncle Heisenberg. The eldest Dimitrescu, straightened her messy hair, dress and approached the large door, breathing in and knocking.
Not even a split moment, when the door opened but was not answered by Bela's mother, but her middle sister Cassandra as she gave Bela an annoyed glare with her golden amber orbs, before turning her face and beginning to walk away from the study and the blonde woman. As the brunette Dimitrescu continued to slowly walk away from both Lady Dimiterscu's private study and her sister Bela, the eldest Dimitrescu stopped at a silent Cassandra Dimitrescu, "Cassandra stop." The brunette sister did so and turned to face her older sibling who was approaching slowly finally breaking the silence as she glared still angry daggers at the blonde woman, "What do you want Bela? Mother is home now, shouldn't you rush in there and go kiss her ass like you always like to do..I don't have time for you, just leave me alone." The eldest Dimitrescu frowned slightly, before finishing her approach just inches from her sister, giving Cassandra a sniffled tone with deepended sad yellow eyes staring into the brunette, "I wanted to apologize for not being out with you guys with your hunt. That I have not been much of a sister, but always turning my nose up towards your offers to spend time just to seek mother's praises and do stuff only for her, or my fake ass head in my books or working on her ledgers. The truth is I do miss being around you two, and I hate all the fights we have had or the ones I have to break up. I just want us to be happy and live our lives to the fullest. And I swear I will spend time with you and Dani more and more. Just please forgive me, I won't fail you guys."
The brunette Dimitrescu could only stare back at Bela finishing her apology, before pulling her sister into a tight embrace, shocking Bela to the core as she never figured Cassandra as being one for expressing emotions openly around her. After a split second, finally broke the embrace, in which the middle sister spoke first, "No Bela, I'm sorry for really ripping your ass this morning. I just get so angry, when we don't want to spend time, I barely see your face for so many days. But listen, if you want to read your books or want to help mother with tasks, then do so but please let me or Daniela know not after we make plans to do something, and leave and stand us up, or hear us out when we wanna talk with you. I do love you Bela, and I know you love other people in the family too, and I was above all wrong to think you don't care about anyone else, when you sure do. I feel sometimes I don't as well as you, and the truth is I get so jealous of that trait you carry, I really do. You have always been better than me, so much more compassionate, caring for others while I...have always been the rash, angry bitch that I'm sure everyone looks at me like."
Bela immediately went wide eyed at that last point, for here was her middle sister admitting to being jealous of her, this was a once in a lifetime event that anyone let alone Bela would ever imagine Cassandra jealous of the eldest Dimitrescu, being so openly about it bringing her into her own deep thoughts…
Cassandra forgives me? Cassandra is jealous of me? I never would imagine my middle sister feeling this way, how long has she felt this way? I will truly make sure she matters to me and we can talk about it for as long as she wants, and I will always listen...thank you Cass.
Bela finally spoke up in a neutral tone, while placing both her hands on her sister's shoulders "No Cassandra, you are not a rash, angry bitch to me or anyone in this family. We all love you, you're smart, funny, and I love spending time talking with you, our conversations. But you don't always need to be angry, I've always got a nerdy open ear to listen to you." The middle sister could only giggle at that moment, giving Bela a soft smile, before turning her face, making a disgusted look and wrinkling her nose, speaking softly, "What the hell is that horrible smell?" Bela could only give a small chuckle before responding quietly, "That would be Daniela, making dinner for us downstairs….it's an interesting meal, I was forced to taste and thankfully still alive after it." The brunette just laughed lightly alongside Bela's giggling before speaking, "I think I'd rather eat my insects if that's what Dani is up to." Cassandra then dawned her eyes looking at her blonde sister up and down, seeing the tear in her dark robed dress, covered in patches of dried sand with wide eyes, finally asking after a mere second, "What the fuck happened to you, did you go out to pound sand literally? Looks like the sand won." The blonde woman could only give a shy smile, her eyes clearly going into a daydream mode and responding softly, "Yeah I guess you could say something like that." Cassandra could only give her sister a look of slight confusion, before speaking up again, "Well I guess I better go make sure Dani doesn't burn the house down, see you at dinner sis." All Bela could do was smile back before both sisters departed, one to try to ensure no fires were erupting in the kitchen, while the eldest Dimitrescu approached her mother's private study and opened the door while whispering, "Thank you Cassandra, love you sis." And with that softly closed the door behind her.
--
Raddu Farm
Romania
August 1940
Continuing down a small dirt road, on final approach towards a fair sized farm situated on the outskirts of the isolated Romanian village, Anton Raddu continued his journey home, while whistling to himself. The man's head was completely in the clouds over today's events, for Anton had come back from a very unique encounter. His return brought thoughts of peace, serenity and relaxed state of mind over not just the beautiful scenery he was a witness to, but an incredibly gorgeous woman, who just happened to be the daughter of the Dimitrescu family who is always associated by the village as someone who brings swift death. In Anton's journeys across Europe, he had met many pretty girls who had frequently considered the man himself to be a sight for sore eyes. But he had never met anyone like today, that captivated his feelings the way that the woman today did, Bela. Smiling to himself, Anton couldn't hold back his smile while thinking of the blonde Dimitescu and her striking features, the golden long hair with locks, beautiful figure, warm gorgeous face, soft looking pale coloured skin, those divine looking dark lips, her alluring golden eyes. Anton's thoughts running deep…
Bela, you are quite the young woman indeed...your funny, smart, even like my drawings, I don't care what this village calls you, you are definitely not a monster, but a person that has emotions, feelings, thoughts, dreams...they just label you with a title and hate you...just like those Nazi buffoons that are tearing innocent lives to bits across occupied Europe...I will never see you like that.
Anton's attention finally came to, as he snapped out of his thoughts and approached the house on the farm. It was his uncle's cotton farm, fair sized but provided the village and region with a great amount of supplies of cotton. The property had been bought by Anton's uncle just prior to the Great War breaking out, and had survived the years during and after. Anton had entered into the door to the fair sized but aging house, before placing and hanging his coat on the hangar, Anton's thoughts tracing back to his encounter where he saved the beautiful blonde Dimitrescu from drowning and covering to warm her shivering body with that exact coat making him smile. The man then picked up his satchel before entering a small room and opening his bag, extracting his drawings out and placing the ones done from years past on the small nightstand, and holding the page of a rough sketch of the Dimitrescu property, staring at it deeply and smiling with his thoughts running…
Oh Bela, I thank you for such a wonderful time today. I will be returning soon, I look forward to our next meeting. Such a beautiful home you have.
All of a sudden, a figure approached from behind and grabbed the page out of startled Anton, wide eyes with mouth agape. The man who had taken the page out of Anton's hands was none other than his Uncle, Mihai Raddu. Mihai Raddu was a smaller, large sized man, with hair as grey as the blonde Dimitrescu's skin, had a fair sized beard, and wore tiny spec glasses. His appearance was that of a mean looking school teacher, but he was genuinely kind to most people. Mihai's drawback was he was quick to anger, and carried such a temper that he could scare away even the deadliest of lycan beasts that have attacked the village.
Anton's uncle held the page and looked down for a mere second, before looking back at his nephew with shocked and horrified eyes before loudly speaking, "Have you lost your mind boy. What in the blasted hell were you doing entering that evil disgusting place? More importantly, how did you survive from going there? Have you not listened to the people of this village, it is nothing more than a place of misery, blood and death." Anton turned to his uncle, with a frustrated sigh grabbed the sketch of the Dimitrescu property and replied, "Uncle please, people talk about that place all the time, and it isn't the place they say it is, I was there yes, at a lake taking in some of the most beautiful scenery. Even met a beautiful, charming woman, beautiful face, very attractive yellow eyes, and showed her my work she was indeed fascinated with."
Mihai was absolutely horrified by what Anton was speaking of and felt sickened and extremely angry, waving his arms as if in a panic before responding with, "So you met the devil's princess did you boy? She must have cast you under some kind of spell that vile beast. I don't understand how you are still here and not on their dining room table as they feast on you." Anton became annoyed at this accusation, and felt anger in him to rise, "No uncle, she is not a vile beast, she is almost as human as us, she has feelings.. and no I'm not under a spell. And I am not a boy, I'm a man at 25 years old, standing in front of you. I know how to take care of myself, thank you." With that Anton made an angry huff before leaving his room and entering into the kitchen which was slightly larger than the three rooms of the farm house. Upon which, Mihai approached slowly before speaking in a softer tone, "Anton I know you are no longer a boy, but you must be careful around those people, many have died being around or in castle Dimitrescu. It's that kind of arrogance that cost your parent's lives that unfortunate day." Anton now deeply annoyed and in an emotional outburst raised his voice, "Uncle I don't wanna hear anymore about that day, please I've had a heck of a day."
Anton then pulled out a chair at the kitchen table before resting his tired body down, and looking up at his uncle with apologetic blue eyes, before speaking "I'm sorry Uncle, it's just that day that has haunted me for so many years. You seem not in a good mood, is everything okay?" Mihai could only slowly shake his head before looking at the ground with saddened eyes, speaking, "Your aunt….she's ill once again...we have ran out of medicines in the village, and you will need to find the Merchant to acquire more...I do not have enough Lei, please use the fresh cotton bags to trade for some of his medicines, you can find him just a few miles down the road. Also your brother, Victor has written to us a lengthy letter and sent a picture."
The mention of Anton's brother's name put him in a very cheerful mood. Anton's younger brother Victor was in many ways similar to the looks of Anton. Victor Raddu however had lighter brown hair, slightly shorter, but had the same bright blue eyes as Anton. Both brothers had not seen each other for six years, Victor had traveled out Romania to live with his Aunt Ludmilla's place in Essen, Germany. Victor was one of a high risk taker, making bold decisions often with little regard for his or other's safety, a trait their father was known to carry. But he had a caring, yet strongly loyal personality to family. Ludmilla Stahler was their mother's sister who had resided in Germany since the early 1900's, but was a widow after her husband was killed during the Great War in Belgium in 1915. A compassionate but sad woman since those depressing times and those after when her country was in chaos following the end of the war, and the sanctions of the Versailles Treaty that were imposed on Germany. Despite these times, it all changed when the Nazi party rose to power in the 1930's and elected a new leader, Adolf Hitler restoring order, employment, and sense of pride in the people. Mihai was aware of these times that were present in Germany, and carried that saddening expression as he glanced at both Anton and the letter with a photograph, before turning to the window.
Anton picked up the photo looking at it carefully, seeing his younger brother in a military uniform, looking very sharp, hair combed, and could see there were two medals attached to his tunic. Anton gave a slight smile, before looking at Mihai's direction "He looks in good health, and very sharp and smart in his uniform." At that Mihai turned back to Anton, in a sharp dagger with his finger slamming it into the picture before shouting in a disgusted manner, "For God's sake Anton, your brother, my nephew is a damned Nazi. Have you read the letter? He went marching with Hitler's legions across western Europe. The chaos and destruction they caused. Have you heard what the Nazis have done to Warsaw? Rotterdam? And now even London? They are bloodthirsty, savage, and won't stop till they finish the world off." Anton could only give a saddened blue eyed stare back to his uncle, softly speaking "Maybe when England is defeated, the chaos and suffering will stop, because Hitler will finally have all of Europe, right? Where else does he want to go?" Mihai just gave a defeated sigh, "Let's hope you're right, in any case it's getting late you should meet with the Merchant and pick up the medicine for your aunt before he closes."
Anton looked back at his uncle, before placing the picture back on the kitchen table, nodding and making his way to the front door, where he grabbed his coat and walked out the door. Before Anton reached three steps out the door, Mihai stopped him and said "You should take the truck to take the supplies to the Merchant, also your sister Lucille called and she said she shall be arriving by train in Lasi at 8:00 pm, make sure you're there to pick her up." Anton smiled and nodded before making his way to their uncle's older red pickup truck, aged but still ran sufficiently well. With that Anton started the truck and left the Raddu farm before driving off the property and down the road.
Author's Notes:
-I do take note that my last chapter, although a blast to write had a number of errors and meant to correct as best I can. I hope you enjoy this chapter, as we are just getting started. The next one will have another encounter with Bela/Anton. Leave comments, ideas, suggestions below. Thanks for continuing to read.