The Fall Of House Farouk

Chapter 5 : Damian

The exterior of the building resembled a rustic cottage in the woods, made of modern brickwork but with the paint job done in the same shade of brown normally seen in forest trees. An open balcony is seen on the second or top floor of the building, with lush and majestic greenery draped over the railings, complete with a few tables set up. A modern-looking signboard was plastered above the modern-looking glass door, the signboard reading the name of the establishment, The Cottage. Seeing the familiar name here in another home away from home I couldn't help but smile to myself. This place has always been a part of my life in South Korea, whether discussing homework with Min or just hanging out with my cousins. Bruce had a hand on my shoulder, noticing the smile on my face. "Happy birthday." he whispered softly in my ear. 

"Thank you." I smiled, kissing him on the cheek. "For the gift." 

"About that... I didn't buy it, " he said, probably still guessing what I had been thinking. "I happened by the news of their opening here in London." 

"By chance?" I say. "No matter." 

"How about we head in for some breakfast?" he asked. "A little bird told me that you liked their baked pastries." Smiling in agreement he took my hand and stepped into the establishment. The establishment is deserted, except for the employees who are running about getting their shop ready for the day. The scents of fresh tea, coffee and newly baked pastries filled the atmosphere, the same happy memories I had when I was still a high schooler and occasional visitor while growing into adulthood. The pastry display cases are still being filled up, row by row, with name cards of the pastries they make. 

Cakes are in the first row of the display case, with blueberry cheese, strawberry, vanilla with rainbow sprinkles, sakura or cherry blossom, classical chocolate and Japanese matcha. Jam and fruit tarts shared the second row, while bagels rounded up the last row of the display case. Unlike modern coffee shops with LED signs or televisions that display their menu, the menu here in The Cottage is often drawn on chalkboards by hand. Coffee is still their trademark beverage but they also serve tea, smoothies and fruit juices. Taking the tray alongside the pair of tongs I chose my own pastries, taking a sakura and Japanese matcha-flavoured cake each. Still, I preferred their bagels. 

I set down the tray at the counter, while Bruce took his time to make his choice. "I haven't seen you for a while now." noted the employee while he counted the pastries on the tray. He used to be one of those working in the home branch of The Cottage, so he had always remembered me whenever I dropped by. "The usual drink of choice madam?" he asked. I said nothing and handed him a membership card. He put the pastries in a small wicker basket, similar to a bread basket and a glass of beverage soon finds its way on the counter. With payment done and my things ready I sat by the seats not too close to the window as I waited for Bruce. 

"That looks nice." Bruce commented, sipping his cup of coffee. 

"It's blueberry with milk." I say. "Life in high school can be tough. Min is trying his best not to flunk American history, so we spent much time in the original cafe."

"Never knew that he's that bad." Bruce mused. An old-fashioned black vehicle stopped just behind Bruce's convertible as I sipped the warm milk, Bruce turning to look outside while holding a cheese bagel in hand. The driver's side of the door opened, and out steps Alfred, with an umbrella in his hands. I thought that Alfred had stayed home to look after the manor, even though we had asked him to come along. The passenger door also opened and out stepped...

"Damian?" I blurted out in surprise. Bruce smiled but did not say a word as both of them entered the cafe and headed in our direction. 

"Master Bruce, Miss Isabella." the butler greeted. 

"Father." Damian greeted, but unsure of how to greet me. I gave him a polite nod, quietly sipping the glass of blueberry with milk. 

"Why don't we move the conversations upstairs?" Bruce suggested. 

Later

Bruce and I sat in the convertible while Alfred and Damian followed in the old-fashioned black vehicle from behind. After the reconciliation at Bruce's birthday party Bruce and Damian's relationship is on the trend toward recovery as he has grown to accept the presence of our children, his half-siblings that is. With Damian back in the fold I can at least spend time getting to know him, as my legally adopted son. Even though I get along with Bruce's other children, I struggled to know them, as far as I know, they would have known and shared things with Selina compared to me, as I was never there during their younger days and would have been acquainted with her compared to me. At least I get along with Kate and Luke, as we all share a military background and training. Bruce knew about this, but we never discussed it, and neither did we raise the issue independently. 

The gates of Blenheim Palace opened upon our vehicle approaching, entering the palace compound and stopping at the stairs leading to the main entrance of the ducal residence. Bruce got out of the convertible and opened the door for me, giving me a hand to hold on to as I got out, very much a gentleman. Snipers lined the rooftops, with explicit approval from my grandaunt, the Dowager Duchess of Malborough. She was initially uncomfortable with the news when I first became vice president but soon grew to accept reality and allowed Secret Service snipers to post themselves on the rooftops of Blenheim Palace. We climbed a few steps to wait for both Alfred and Damian. Damian was dressed in usual teenage clothes with a pair of headphones on his neck and a backpack on his shoulders while Alfred remained dressed in his suit, still in the English cut, carrying his luggage. Bruce held my hand in his as they climbed the stairs as well, never letting go, even when in Damian's view.