Forbidden Waltz

Dernière Danse

The next day, Monsieur Vincent returns home after a long voyage from England. "Welcome home, honey," Celine says as she kisses his cheeks.

"It feels so good to be back home. Where is my son?" asks Vincent, looking around the house.

Carlo comes downstairs and runs to hug his father.

"I missed you so much, Father."

"I am so proud of you for completing university. You have given me a new reputation in the city. Thank you for that, son."

"Always for you, Father."

Eric arrives and says, "The breakfast is ready. Will you be joining us, Monsieur Vincent?"

"Yes, of course. I will not miss a meal with my family," Vincent laughs.

As the family is seated at the breakfast table, Celine brings out some portraits of young women.

"Look at them and see who you like the best, son," says Celine as she places the portraits in front of Carlo.

"Mother, I don't think I am ready," says Carlo with a heavy heart. No woman can take away his heart, which already belongs to Viktor.

"Why, son? You are a gentleman now. I want the next big event in Paris to be your wedding," says Vincent.

"I am sorry, but I cannot choose right now," Carlo tells his parents as he stands up.

"Why is that?" questions Vincent.

"I... I am seeing..." hesitates Carlo.

"Alice," interrupts Celine.

"I think he is seeing Alice. The girl from the party. She is beautiful. I will talk to her family."

Celine signals Carlo with her eyes to sit down and not say a word.

After breakfast, Carlo walks in the garden thinking about Viktor. He wonders what Celine told him the day before and if she was harsh on him.

"So you really don't have time for me?" questions Eric as he walks towards Carlo.

Carlo looks at him and says, "I am sorry if you ever felt bad because of me."

"What is bothering you? You look very happy without my company."

"It is nothing like that."

"Tell me. I think you can."

"Actually, I like someone."

"So you are in love with a woman in Paris. That is quick."

"Not a woman, he's a man."

Eric thought Carlo and Viktor were best friends, but when he revealed this information, he realizes he was wrong.

"A man?"

"Yes. His name is Viktor. I love him so much. From the moment I laid my eyes on him, I was attracted to him. His pretty face, the way he plays the cello, his voice, the way he sips water, the way he paints... His smile, his touch, the way he spreads butter on bread. Everything. I fell in love with him from head to toe, every strand of his hair, every pore on his skin, every mole on his body."

"Does he love you back?"

"Yes, he loves me. But he is scared because he thinks this story might not have a happy ending."

"So, are you not best friends?"

"Best friend? That title is only for you, Eric. You have always been with me since we were kids. I share everything with you, but this was something that I couldn't. I am sorry for that. You are the first person I am saying this to."