Mario The Music Box (Fanfiction)

Chapter 16: We Meet Once Again, Old Friend

                    Mario was instantly taken to a very different setting, where he was back inside the mansion, but it was a lot brighter. He could see his younger self again, or, Marchionne standing next to a tall man sharing his same features, most likely his father. The mother was there as well, standing next to the father. Marchionne appeared to be about six years old at the time. And in front of them was a blond-haired man, who's hair was in a tight ponytail, with thin-rimmed glasses, and a serious expression.

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                    "Birino? Dear? Who is this?" the mother asked Mr. Evangelisti, who was looking at the man in front of him.

                   "Ah, right, I still have yet to introduce you to Riba, Eva." Mr. Evangelisti answered. Mrs. Evangelisti looked at Riba in confusion.

                  "Who is he?" Mrs. Evangelisti asked. Riba bowed in front of them while answering,

                 "My name is Riba Aduraice, Mrs. Evangelisti. Your son will be my new protégé." Mrs. Evangelisti widened her eyes. She then looked at Mr. Evangelisti.

                "Birino, is this true?" she asked, shocked. He nodded.

                "With all the work I have lately, I need someone to help keep order in this home, and to look after Marchionne." He then looked at Marchionne, who was standing behind him with a shy expression. Mr. Evangelisti then turned to his son while explaining,

                 "Marchionne, this is Riba. He will be your caretaker. He will get direct orders from me to you. So you are to obey and respect him, until you are old enough to take care of yourself. Do you understand?" Mr. Evangelisti said sternly. Marchionne nodded. Marchionne then glanced at Riba, who gave him a nonchalant expression. Mrs. Evangelisti then turned to Riba, and gave a small nod to him.

                 "It's nice to meet you, Riba." she told him. Riba nodded.

                "Likewise." he replied. Mr Evangelisti then told Riba to take Marchionne to the study room, and Riba nodded, while taking Marchionne's hand towards the other room. Mrs. Evangelisti then looked at Mr. Evangelisti.

               "Where did you find him? I never heard about someone applying for a position here." she said to him. Mr. Evangelisti sighed as he closed his eyes.

               "Actually, he came to me about a few days ago, begging for a position here. At first I refused, but he told me he didn't need income. He was just looking for some work to busy himself with." he replied. Mrs. Evangelisti frowned.

             "Do you believe that?" she asked him. Mr. Evangelisti stayed quiet for a while, before answering again.

            "I'm not sure Eva. But I really needed the extra help around here......" He could then see his wife's worried face. Mr. Evangelisti's face softened a bit. He then walked over to his wife's side, and took her cheek in his hand, gently.

           "Hey, he's not going to find out about Luciano. I made sure that the maid would hold her silence, and keep to herself. We've managed to keep it hidden for this long. We can hold out a little longer, alright?" he whispered. She lifted her head in surprise and looked at Mr. Evangelisti, before nodding and laying her head on his shoulder.

           "Y-yes, I know, I just get worried....." she said as she closed her eyes, hugging her husband tight.

          "I know Eva..... I know......" he replied. The scene then cut to Marchionne doing his studies, as Riba watched him, patiently. It was right now about 5 minutes after 7 PM. Marchionne then looked up at Riba.