Haereditas: The Lost Art

Chapter 4: The Odd Vacation

"I still don't understand!" Francesco exclaimed as he pulled his hair with severe intensity. He still can't fathom how he was not able to clearly recognize his dearest cousin Alexsandr. Right now, he is sitting beside Lorelei on his queen-sized bed as he tries to recall every ounce of memory he has of Alexsandr that he could remember.

How could he forget Alexsandr Senaviev? Going back to their childhood, you would see Alexsandr wherever Francesco is. The difference of their nationalities, with Alex being Russian while Francesco being Italian, doesn't seem to hinder the bond growing strongly between the two of them. Every family gatherings, you wouldn't miss seeing young Francesco and young Alex playing with paint brushes and chisels together from the moment they meet until it's time to say goodbye. They would ignore the judging looks and violent whispers they usually receive from their relatives as everyone knows the future that lies ahead between these artists. Even at an early age, it is evident that the young hands and minds of these children seem to inherit the skills of every artist in their bloodline for they would share tips and tricks on how to create a better work of art. However, with things getting out of hand, it was very unfortunate for their lives to go on separate ways because of mere jealousy and hatred.

"Everything's going to be okay," Lorelei softly whispered to Francesco as her left hand grasps his right hand, reassuring him that there is nothing to worry about. With her mesmerizingly sweet and innocent smile, the tightened knots formed by his eyebrows loosens and the grim, sullen expression on his face is replaced with the glowing radiance of comfort that he constantly feels whenever she is around.

"Maybe it's just at the back of your head. You had so much information to process in one day. That reuniting with a raging, mad relative would be more difficult to handle than expected," she further explained as his arms wrapped around her waist.

"What would I do without you?" Francesco brushes his hand over Lorelei's. "I guess Grandma's right that I've grown ever since you became a part of my life, and I am becoming more and more grateful every second that passes by," he continues. "Whatever happens throughout the journey, I will be always right by your side."

"Whatever happens throughout the journey, always remember that I am very excited of the future we're going to share together," she promised in return.

With the uncertainty of what lies ahead, both of them managed to let out a burst of laughter for at the moment, nothing could break them apart. They believe that they can go through anything as long as they stay side by side.

***

A streak of light shone through the windows, giving a clearer view of what is inside the four corners of Francesco's bedroom. He may not have given his grandmother's collection that much attention, but he could not deny that he also has an obsession of his own. Rather than exploring the vast ocean of art styles and paintings, he intends to focus on the works of the single artist that truly inspires him the most: Michelangelo.

With the heat of the ray of sunlight radiating through his eyelids, he couldn't help but to flutter his eyes open as he let a yawn escape from his mouth. It's always a good morning for him as the Sistine Chapel ceiling painting is what he first sees in the morning and is what he sees the last at night - even better now that he has Lorelei by his side. This painting is one of his most challenging projects, which he recreated when he was just 16 - giving him utmost pride and joy upon completion. Along with this are the small, marble replicas of Bacchus, David, and Pieta, displayed around the four walls of his room that he sculpted with all his heart during his free times while growing up. His obsession with his hero, Michelangelo, grows bigger as the time goes by; he even dreams to go to Italy, where his idol was born, so he could fully understand the depths of Michelangelo's creations.