Retake Our Home

Chapter 2

In a grey uniform with a red arm band baring a swastika Adrien stood with a rifle in hand. He showed no emotion like a heartless killer. Staying like that for a moment he waited for a flash. When it came he relaxed his muscles. Applause rouse from all watching.

"Another great shot Monsieur Agreste." The photographer smiled. "A German uniform looks fitting on you."

"Yes." Adrien said looking to his Father and the Major.

His Father nodded and the Major simple smiled. He was their toy to flaunt around to the Parisian people. Adrien felt like a traitor, but he did what he had to. The Agreste name may be tainted as a result, but his family would live somewhat normal lives. He had to do it for the best outcome in the future. Adrien needed to become a Nazi supporter. 

Gabriel seemed to notice his son's displeasure and made a note to deal with it. His child needed to know of German greatness. He didn't have to like it, but he did have to live with it.

"Well," The Photographer said. "That's it for today."

"Wonderful," Gabriel nodded. "Adrien must return to his studies."

"Come now Gabriel." The Major laughed. "You've been working that boy all week like a dog. What classes does he have today?"

"English, German, and Chinese." Gabriel responded. "Most trade is done in the English language and the Materials for my clothing come from the Chinese. If Adrien is to inherit my Company he must be able to do these things himself. German is like a second language to my son, but he still has much to learn."

"Surely he could rest for a day." The Major insisted. "Why don't you come to lunch with me. There's a bakery not far I've grown fond of. I just love their sweets."

"Thank you Major but I must decline." Adrien smiled trying his best to act normal. "I must continue my studies if I wish to meet my deadline. Father has been having me take these classes for years and if I prove I've learned all I can by Christmas then I'll be permitted to take only weekend classes. Perhaps another time."

"I see," The Major nodded. "With a deal like that I could see why you want to study. Very well, so when might you two be available?"

"Today is Friday the 10th." Gabriel said. " How about next week, on Thursday the 16th." 

"Sounds like a plan." The Major agreed. "I'll keep my scheduled open on that day. Well I have work to do gentle-men, so until we meet next Thursday."

Major Hans turned and walked away. Adrien followed his Father back to their car. A large man who reminded Adrien of a Gorilla served as a driver and a body guard. He was a man of few words.

"Home." Gabriel simply said getting in with Adrien close behind.

They traveled the thirty minute drive in silence which was nothing new. The Gorilla, as Adrien called him based on his looks, said very little as he always does. And Gabriel only ever talked business which he hardly ever included his son. The famous designer had been like this ever sense the death of his wife. 

"Adrien," Gabriel said as the drew near the Mansion. "Get changed and meet me in the Attic."

Adrien turned to his Father with a puzzled look, but the man said nothing. He simple got out of the car when they parked and went strait upstairs. Confused as he was Adrien followed his orders. When he gladly put away the German uniform Adrien put on normal cloths and went to the attic.

The room was lit by a few lights and the floor was covered in dust. Most of the stuff up here hadn't been touched in years and were covered in sheets. Adrien spotted his Father staring at an old crib that use to be Adrien's.

"You're Mother and I," Gabriel began after noticing his son. "Had always wanted a big family. Two boys and a girl she would say. Only she wan't strong enough."

Adrien stood in silence letting his Father continue. He had heard the story before. After his birth her health slowly got worse until she died. It was probably around the time his Father joined the Nazi party.

"I promised her I would protect you." Gabriel sighed. "Which is one of the reasons I joined the Nazi party."

"You don't need to tell me Father." Adrien told the man. "I know you've done this all for me."

"No," Gabriel said shocking Adrien. "Not just for you. I also did it to regain our birth right."

Gabriel moved to the back of the room and Adrien followed. They approached two rectangles covered by grey cloth.

"I've been meaning to put this up in my office." Gabriel said revealing one of them to be a portrait of Adrien's Grand Father. "My Father, Stefan Agreste the second, followed in his Father's dream of being a designer and I after him. I have the utmost respect for your Great Grand Father, The first Stefan Agreste for following his dreams, but not his great mistake."

"What mistake?" Adrien asked.

"His old name, before he changed it, was Stefan Yeager." Gabriel explained. "Son of a wealthy military family in Germany and next to be named Count after his Father's death. He was forced to follow in the family tradition and join the army like his fore Fathers. Instead he ran to France to make his dreams come true. He should have stayed in Germany."

"Then we wouldn't be french." Adrien said.

"No," Gabriel nodded. "We would be better. Not as inferior."

"So what was Mom?" Adrien yelled at his Father causing the man to step back. "She was French not German! Was she inferior as well?"

"Of course not!" Gabriel yelled back then lowered his voice. "I want to bring back the Yeager family greatness, but I would burn it all for your Mother. Now that she's gone my only reason for loving this country is gone."

Adrien stared at his Grandfather's painting and said nothing. Gabriel placed his hand on his son's shoulder.

"Think of the future and accept the German in your blood." Gabriel sighed. "I've had Nathalie  cancel your classes so you can rest just as the Major suggested. Think about what I said while you do so."

Gabriel then left leaving Adrien alone. He stared at  his Grandfather's face think of what his Father had asked him to do. Adrien looked at the second covered painting and threw off it's sheet. It now showed a young women with long blonde hair and green eyes like beautiful emeralds.

"Mom," Adrien said on the verge of tears. "I'm so sorry. I want to fight but the only solution I see is to become a Nazi like Father. To wear a blindfold to their horrors. What would you do?"

When no reply came Adrien left and turned out the lights. Darkness covered the room much like the shadow over Adrien's heart. If nothing changed soon then all hope would really be lost. For Adrien most of it already was.