A/N: …this fic is on a roll…
My Porcelain Doll
Chap. 9
The porcelain doll had mixed feelings for the three weeks that followed after Enrique's tita had left for good.
She was happy for many points. The young boy had ceased ecstatic talk about beyblades. She could be brought downstairs to eat with him at table like she did the last time Enri's father was here some four years ago. The large villa was more lively now that the governess was gone and more of the servants were seen up and about.
The downside was that, Enrique was so preoccupied with his exams, they couldn't take strolls together, or even talk at night. She would give anything to make him smile. It gave her consolation to know that it was this period that Enrique needed her the most.
It was a Friday, the eve of Enri's ninth birthday and the young boy was sitting his last exam. Him and the tutor were oddly alone in the large living room. The house seemed even more desolate than when the governess was in there. The white porcelain doll was waiting for her love on the couch.
It was the last item and Enrique knew very well what the answer was but hesitated to write it. He looked up at his tutor checking his previous exams.
"How did I do sir?" he asked softly.
The tutor was mildly startled at the interruption. But then smiled when he saw the boy's face.
"You did well Enrique, very well…" he was just smiling at him like that for a while when he came to and pointed to the paper.
"One last number. I'll be able to check it today and you'll be scot-free…" said the tutor and returned to his checking. Enrique nodded and wrote his final answer.
"Good…"
The Italian sat stiffly in his chair with his doll beside him. The tutor's luggage was waiting for their owner by the door. It was like he was going to check-&-run.
Then, at long last, "Im proud of you Enrique. You did very well these past few weeks. High marks." The tutor stood and kept his exams in a suitcase, then got his hat. Enrique, too stood up, followed by an anxious doll. He was at a loss for words. The tutor had collected his belongings and was heading out the door. Gustav was too busy to see him out; the servants knew nothing.
He was the only one to see him go.
"Sir!" Enrique called, having an urge to say something at the very least…It was like the hastiness of leaving was only sinking now.
The tutor looked back. "Hm?"
"Th-thank you…"
The man seemed surprised and touched. It was only for a while. His face broke into another smile.
"I'll mail your results to your father, okay? As of now…goodbye."
And the door closed shut.
Enrique was sincerely very sorry to see the tutor go. He never liked him, he knew that. But still he felt an odd sense of loss. He came to when a pair of white arms circled his waist and squeezed gently.
"Oh Enri…" the doll cooed softly.
He smiled down at her. "We have a full day ahead." He said and took her hand. "It's been a while since we took a walk in the Gardens…"
--
Enrique's ninth birthday was one of the best birthdays he had ever had. In the morning, he was roused by a smiling Gustav holding a happy porcelain doll. The three came down to a huge breakfast and birthday party prepared by all the servants. And even if they weren't technically his family, the young boy talked, ate, laughed and chatted with them as if they were like one. Then they played games and sang at the karaoke machine. After a fulfilling lunch, they all sat in the living room to watch a wicked boxing match between two of Mexico's most celebrated boxers (Morales and…Larios? Jowk…ahahaha!) Towards the evening, the servants dispersed to tidy up and prepare a special dinner. That's when Gustav presented Enrique with his first gift in how long.
"Your papa delivered this by mail."
The boy's eyes widened. He and his doll exchanged looks of great surprise and glee.
"I'll…I'll open it later after we eat." He said, resisting great temptation as he went to his room to place it there.
--
"Come on, love! Open it already!" it was about bedtime and the green-haired doll was bouncing excitedly on the bed.
Enrique held the box with trembling hands. It was a neat, fairly medium-sized box. The lid and container were a shiny orange. The whole package was sealed by a mere purple ribbon.
"Could this be the gift that would compensate for all my birthdays?" he asked breathlessly.
"Could be…" the doll shrugged.
Enrique delicately undid the knot and opened the lid, finding a folded letter inside.
"It's from papa!"
My dear Enrique,
I am very sorry if I have not visited you for so long. So I see to it that I have kept my promise. Here is your gift, my love. I made it myself just for you. Use it well and make me proud. We shall see each other again.
Love,
Your papa
The doll reread the letter while Enrique examined his gift. "'I made it myself, use it well?'" she quoted but got no response and looked up to find a stunned frozen boy staring at the box. She followed his gaze and saw what he was looking at. They were beautifully handcrafted, wrapped in a deep maroon silk.
"It's a…lt's a…!" Enrique stammered.
The porcelain doll was horrified.
TBC
A/N: …it's chapter nine right? After chapter ten…after chapter ten, not chapter nine. As in after chapter ten…Oliver's coming up.