Okay! Hi guys! So guess what, I actually had views and junk on the first chapter! I would have updated sooner, but I have been so busy with finishing my art portfolio for college and tennis meets. XD Enough with the excuses, here it is. Oh, and this is barely edited, so stupid mistakes are present. It's becoming a bad habit, I'm sorry.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything of Hetalia.
Last Year to the Rest of Our Lives
Chapter Two- Shopaholic Italians and a Piano Playing Gentleman
It was a long day in crowded mall, and my feet hurt. I just want to go home. The whole day was episodes where Feli, Kate, and Natalia dressed me in all sorts of clothes. I think they picked the most outrageous, frilly skirts because they finally had a chance to.
I finally got to escape when Feli got sidetracked and went into a kitchen appliance store where a French guy was cooking food, and laughing weird. He kept hitting on Kate and even Natalia! I think he might be a pedophile. Which he better stop, because Natalia was giving him a look like she was going to scratch his eyes out. Regardless, I'm finally free! I love Feliciano, but really annoying, and I needed to get away.
I walked around the plethora of stores slowly, watching the groups of people interact around me. Then past the food court where the Japanese food and pizza booths were releasing yummy smells. Then I walked past an indoor park where parents could bring their children to play while they took a break to sit down and gather their sanity. That's when I could feel the sinking feelings of memories surfacing.
It was time to go to the park. It happened like this for years. Every other day at four o' clock we would come here. It was a small, old park, and not a lot of people came to it because a new one was built on the other side of town. When we arrived Mom would tell me to go play, so I did. I'd play soccer or basketball with the boys and beat their asses. Sometimes Gilbert would be there and we'd wrestle. I got a lot of respect on the play ground. There was one time this one girl Tanya made fun of me for playing with the guys and I shoved her off the jungle gym. She wasn't hurt though it was only like a foot from the ground. It did make Tanya's Mom angry and ended up with her yelling at Mom because she didn't watch her child. The sad thing is, is that it was the truth.
The reason we went routinely every other day was so Mom could make her sales. I didn't ever really understand it at the time. Mom would stand by the restrooms or sit in the car off from everything and a few people would come by. It was only the same few people; a tall lanky guy, a skinny brunette with too short shorts, and a business looking guy. Usually I didn't even pay attention to what happened, but there were a few times when I would show up and the would give Mom a bunch of money and she would give them small bags of stuff. When I was caught Mom would yell at me and then told me not to tell anybody especially the police officers.
The police officers were the bad people. No matter what school said, they were bad to me. It was because they would take Mommy away, and they were mean to her. One time, when I was about eight, after our outing we driving back home and the police stopped Mom's car. When that happened she looked so scared. She threw her small paper bag full of the smaller bags to me, and told me to hid it in my underpants. I was mortified and felt it was wrong, but then she looked so sad and I remembered her telling me the police could take Mommy away so I did it. When he was done questioning her he made us get out and looked in our car. He didn't find anything so he let us go.
We got into the car and drove silently back to the apartment. When we got out Mommy hugged me, took her little bag from me, and we never said another thing about it. It was true though, about the police. One day they did take Mommy away.
A beautiful tune overcame the depressing memories in my head. It drifted around the open space and I could almost imagine music notes swirling in the air. It sounded like one of Chopin's etudes. I looked around and saw that in front of me was a little music store. On impulse I got up and walked into the store. The music was just so lovely I didn't give a second thought.
In the front part of the store, and no one was there at the front desk. Just random instruments like Clarinets, Flutes, Trumpets and a few small pianos were displayed. At the back of the store I found a hallway where the etude lulled even louder. I walked practice rooms till I found one with the door barely cracked. Inside the room the player was getting to the climax of the song. I could feel the goose bumps rise on my arms with the intricate phrases being played. It could feel the confusion, and uprising in the song, till it came to an abrupt high note. Making the air come to attention.
Then there came low, slow notes. The higher notes joined making a sad lullaby. I closed my eyes and swayed with the musical beat. It sounded soft like velvet, but cold at the same time. I was enjoying the song till a squeak from a clarinet in another practice room startled me. I jumped a little too much and crashed into the partially open door.
I fell half way onto the floor and what I think was the piano. My head contacted with a hard corner and began to throb.
"Mein Gott! Vhat are you doing in here?" A frantic German accented voice exclaimed.
I looked up and was shocked. The pianist I heard was a man maybe my age or a little older. He was tall and looked like he had money. Dressed in a black sweater and fashionable jeans I know Gilbert would definitely make fun of him. He had dark brown-black hair, glasses, and startling violet eyes. Which were now shocked, or furious I am not sure.
"Uh," I gulped. The victim of my intrusion was up against the wall breathing heavily.
"Do you mind telling vhy you just literally fell into my practicing?! It vas rude, really!" He looked at me for an answer.
I didn't know what to do. I was always clumsy, but never this bad. I just looked down blushing. It's one thing to trip, but pretty much onto a tall, handsome guy? Good job Elizabeta.
"Mmm... Vell." He started.
I looked up shyly, unsure of what to do.
The pianist stood up and ran his hand through his slicked back hair. Despite the movement a long curl popped forward anyways. He finally stood up straight and looked at me with a gentler expression.
"Here," he held out a hand to me which I took and stood up shakily.
"Uh, thanks." I looked at the ground wanting to die right there, "I am so sorry."
"I am still wondering how you just fell into the piano."
"I, uh, well," creeping isn't the best thing to say, "I tripped into the door while walking by."
He looked at me skeptically, "I must say, you ruined quit a good song," he scoffed, "How is your head though? I saw you hit it."
"Oh," I felt my the back of my head, "There will definitely be a bump."
"You should be more careful when you listen in next time." he smirked at me and began to gather up the music on the piano, "I am sorry it hurts though."
I blushed again, "I thought you didn't know?"
"I asked how you fell, I knew you were outside the door. I have been playing for years. You come to know when someone is observing." he stacked the final papers and turned to me.
"Oh... Really though! I am sorry."
"I understand, and I am sorry for being so uncouth when addressing you. It was just a startle when you came in the door." he made low chuckle.
"Yea," I tried to laugh a little, "You playing was amazing though. I didn't know boring old piano music could sound so... emotional."
He gave me a slightly peeved look," I don't find it boring, but thank you. Please, my name is Roderich Edelstein. Yours?"
"Elizabeta. Elizabeta Hedervary." I smiled.
"Well, Miss Hedervary I have no ice or anything to make your head feel better. So would you like to go with me to get some coffee from the little shop just outside? It's all I can do for practically yelling at you earlier." he asked.
I stood there black for a second. He was just being polite, right? He was kind of really attractive so how could I say no? He was being so polite for offering though I almost felt rude. Gilbert nor any of my illegitimate brothers would ever do anything like this. I pulled out my cell phone and looked at the time. 2:34, I still have time probably.
I put my phone back, " I think I would like that, thank you."
"So my father wants me to at least finish one year of 'normal' school, and since it's my senior year it's now or never." Roderich put down his cup of coffee.
"Wow, so you and your family are from Austria and you travel back and forth that much?" I asked.
It almost made me bashful at how much money Roderich's family must have. To travel back and forth to different continents at least once a year they had to be rich. Not to mention this will be Roderich's first year in public school, the rest being academies and private schools. My Mother and I left Hungary when I was eight, but I still miss it. I would give almost anything to go back, even for a short trip.
"Mhm, so it seems we both have some things in common. We will be seniors and we are from Europe then." he smiled slightly, "But truth be told I am not all that happy about it, nor is my Mother. She honestly thinks that the Americans have corrupted his brain. It's true that even though it is a good school I will go to, I am so used to boarding schools in Austria or Germany and such the like. I would've like to finish out my last school year there."
"That's understandable. So I am guessing you are going to major in piano performance?" I took a sip of my latte.
"I thought about it. My dream would be perform on all the big stages around the world and settle back in Europe eventually. What about you?"
I thought for a moment and blushed a little, "I really don't know... I kind of have an interesting home life."
I was being honest. I am terrified for the next year. I am nervous that I will be left alone when I turn eighteen. I know Kate wouldn't do that, but there is only so much she can do. I think about college or moving back to Europe, but I have no idea how to pay for it. When Mom and I left Hungary when I was little I'd promis myself I would go back and at least visit. I have a small job at the small diner near our house, but that barely saves up enough. I usually, help pay for things I need because the state doesn't really give a lot for extra things.
Roderich's face faltered a little, and he adjusted his glasses nervously, "I am sure you will find what you want to do soon."
"Lizzy! There you are! We were looking all over for you!" Kate yelled waving as she waked over.
"Hey Kate!" I smiled.
"Eliza, where were you? You should see the scarf I bought brother." Natalia shoved a white cream colored scarf in my face.
I grabbed the scarf so I didn't smother, "That's nice, Natalia. Ivan will love it!"
"Of course! I know him better than anybody in the world," She took the scarf back and snootily folded it and put it back in its bag.
"Oooooh, Elizabeta! Why did you nota tell us you were going to go on a date today?" Feli popped up from behind Natalia and pointed at Roderich.
Roderich blushed and looked around at the ambush of people.
I blushed too, "Feliciano! This is not a date! I just met him! I had an accident so he wanted to do something to make me feel better."
"Well, that's nice of you," Kate sat in the extra chair, and threw her long brunette hair over her shoulders. For being thirty some Kate looked pretty good for her age.
"Oh, it was my pleasure," Roderich still had a tint of blush, "Really it was the least I could do. My name is Roderich Edelstein, gnadige Frau."
"Ooh, polite too," Kate cooed, "My name is Kate. I am Elizabeta's guardian."
Roderich didn't even flinch at the word guardian, "It's an honor to meet you."
"Ciao! And I am Feliciano Vargas! I am Elizabeta's Fratello!" Feli yelled loudly.
" And I'm Natalia," Natalia randomly glared.
" It's wonderful to meet you all as well," Roderich looked a little lost. I think all the pushy introductions were off setting his mannerly decorum.
"So, you had an accident?" Kate asked
I looked at the ground, "Yea, I sort of fell into a piano."
Natalia and Feliciano busted out laughing.
"How did you even fall into a piano?" Natalia asked.
"It's really a long story..." really I was just too embarrassed.
"Well, if you say so. I don't mean to be rude, but we need to get going. I have to get dinner started. Yao and Romano should be home now." Kate stood up, "Not to be rude or anything since we just met you, Roderich. But thanks again for helping Elizabeta and everything."
"Oh, of course really it was nothing," Roderich stood as well like the gentlemen in 19th century movies.
"Well, bye now!" Kate started to walk away.
Feli and Natalia echoed byes and followed Kate. I turned to Roderich, "Uh, really thank you again, but I better get going before they leave me. Sorry if they seemed a little loud. They are always like that. I guess I am like that too sometimes!"
"Your very welcome. They were a little loud than what I am used to but they are nice," Roderich smiled, "Good-bye Elizabeta."
"Bye Roderich," I shook his hand and started to walk away.
I flopped on my bed. It had been a long day and I was full of spaghetti. Feli helped cook dinner and of course his choice was something pasta related. It was still delicious. Diner was also full of teasing about Roderich. I mean he was handsome, polite, and talented but when am I ever going to see him again?
My phone buzzed on my night stand. Natalia grumbled and flopped over in her bed on the other side of the room. I grabbed my phone and saw it was Gilbert.
"Hey, Gilly!" I whisper yelled.
" Hello skut, how vas your girl day?" Gilbert laughed over the phone.
"Ass," I hissed, "It actually wasn't that bad."
I didn't want to tell Gilbert about Roderich. I know he would tease me to no end about it, and really I didn't feel right about telling Gilbert about it. It kind of confuses me.
"So, I just wanted to say good luck tomorrow! You're pretty much terrible at everything so you'll need it. My house, 7:15?" Gilbert said.
I smiled spite my anger, "Yea, you too and that sounds great."
"Gut," click.
The jerk hung up on me.
"Well, good night to you too," I shut my phone and set it on the table.
Natalia grumbled, "Go to sleep or I will cut you."
I shivered slightly. Sometimes Natalia freaks me out really bad. With fear that her threats could at anytime come true I laid down and waited for sleep.
End of chapter two! Also, some exciting news for all of you... This will end up being a PrussiaxHungary story! Eventually... Give 'em some time. Also, to my first reviewers I did promise free kittens. First, Hopefaith11 you get Germouser, and to Shadowspring, my first reviewer, Itatabby! Please let me know if I made mistakes, R&R, and remember free kittens!