YOURS

A Past.

Van's pov :

I stood on the edge, looked down.   I was permitted a moment to say my final goodbye....Tears fell, but, I had to quickly wipe them aside. My farewell had to be formal, not me sobbing like a child. I would never see them again.  I never say never, we will meet again....But, not in this lifetime.    The service was standard, thoughtful.....Respectful.  Family and friends gathered, respects were paid.   Quiet words of comfort.        I was hugged, spoken with/spoken to.       Offered help.      But, I will be alone.    My fate has already been decided, planned.  I'd heard whispers, but were quickly hushed.

I will be informed. Not asked.    I have been told, I am too young, too ill-inform of such matters.   I am only in my eighteenth year of life.....My future is now to be carefully worked out, no direction should be taken lightly.     My parents have connections, property.....A wealth that needs to be managed, no details are to be left to just sort themselves out!

It was whispered, I could have a "break"....Then, continue my higher education.     A year was discussed, family wanted my presence. It was also discussed....Some mild thought, I should throw myself right back into the grind.        What I was unsure of, my family were not the "working" kind.   A future career could come together, I could start to make my way in the world.    A service of some sort. I would have no time for idleness.    That's the devil's past time!

I was stationed in the centre of the room, I was given a cup of very sugary tea.   I was viewed, I was introduced to associates of my father, friends of my mother...They told me, I was the absolute joy of my parent's life.      Strange, I only ever saw them at appointed times.     They knew I was related to them, I was useful in some way.            I was allowed to attend my parent's Will reading.    The family lawyer did all the talking, uncles and male members did all the answering, papers were signed.    Everyone seemed remarkable pleased with themselves.       

I felt cold, I knew my parents cared to a point.     My father wanted me to do well, study hard.....Make a name for my self.

"..A man need's a name, a strong standing in his local community. He needs to be humble, and honourable.    Remember that, Van.    Repeat it daily, till that's all you know!..."         

I think, I loved my parents.   I know my mother loved me.    In her eyes, I never grew up.     Now, it is just I.    I will remain in my family home for now, I've heard voices say till the end of the week.     Then, servants will be cut-back, the house will be closed.    Family will still use it.....But, only when the need arises.         I haven't cried.    I want to, maybe I don't. Do men cry?       Could they cry a little if their parents pass away?    

My head is dark, I'm thinking.....But, every time  I open my mouth, someone tells me...."You can't do that dearest.    Stop frowning, stand straight....Smile a little.    We can't have people thinking things, now can we!..."         I don't know what I was doing/just about to do/what I should do next!

An uncle came to the house. He had a man and a woman with him.    He made everyone leave.    He told everyone, the house was his.....He had now returned.     There was some commotion about my parents money, the uncle told all...."It is sorted.    All will receive what is coming to them..."        There were words uttered about me, my uncle smiled..."The boy is mine.   Don't worry about him..."            With that statement, family found themselves in carriages, bags packed.

I was bought before my uncle, and his two companions.      The uncle introduced himself....And gestured to his friends.

"...Who am I?    I know, your thinking that.   I am your father's brother. Older.     This is Victoria....And Dante..."     A finger was gestured to the speaker, then to either side of him.     "...You have never met your grandfather, on your father's side.  Good reason. He was old.   And, cursed......Had an odd sense of humour.    But, we are not discussing him.     We are here for you!..."          I just stared at the elegantly dressed man before me.

Now, that I was close enough.....All three were well fitted to their clothes.    Good fabric, solid style.   Dante and Victoria both smiled at me.        My life was about to change.   It was already "changing".....But, now it was going to take an extreme turn.

• ¥ •

Victoria gracefully sat deep within the armchair, glanced at Dante.

"..The master has done well. We have a home, at last.    The boy is suitable.    He is learning quickly.   He now let's me care for him.    He is old enough to be "played" with.   But....Young enough to still look at me with innocent eyes..."      Victoria sat forward...."He keeps his eyes respectfully down as well. I like him a lot. He is just simply perfect!..."

Dante nodded, pulled Victoria close to him..."You should be the one to teach him to love.    Women know what women want.."        Victoria slightly pulled from her friend's arms.

"...Yes, you make a good point.   But, a man should show another how it's done.   We give him the skills.    Master will embrace him.     I can't believe, he has a child!..."         Victoria cupped Dante cheek.      The two hugged, stood.       They then moved without a sound to the garden....Stood before the Grand Duke.    He turned to them....Smiled.

"...So. My child pleases you?     Very good. Excellent!    Well, he is not to be spoiled.     Or to be scared in any way.   He still has some fight within him. I am proud of that.....But, I will diminish it.    He will be made thankful...."        All eyes fell to Van.

(I did everything asked of me.   I questioned at first, but learned listening was better.      I allowed Victoria to treat me how she wished. I started to love her.....Her touch, my mother could never give.     Mother was scared of me. Victoria told me, she understood me best. I was her perfect child. The Duke, I called sir.      He had the strongest/oddest effect of my new family.      The Duke loved his companions equally......But, his care of me was of ownership/a familiarness I couldn't explain.     There were secrets.....Which I eventually learned)

~€~

Olive was given to me.     She did have choices.   But, not great ones.    Give herself to the lord, confess all her worldly sins - Beg for his mercy.     Her village would bear witness, the priest would take her in.      A convent would be found.....She would then give her life to the greatness of our Heavenly Father, and from that day forward...Be forever known as Sister Ten.   Ten for short.    Or....She could go into the forest. Never to return.    

The one, I thought was laughable......Fill her pockets with rocks, walk into the village lake.    But, Olive came to me.      I found her on my steps.....She was crying, tried.     Asked for me to make it swift (She wouldn't fight me) I simply looked down at her, then helped her in the door. My girls gathered, each comforted her in some way. Olive at first wouldn't allow herself peace, kept saying...."Sir. You don't understand! The devil lives within me. End me now....Don't wait!..."

The devil didn't live within her.    She was about to live with the devil!

Please Comment and Vote.