Peter Rakoczy: The Music of My Life

Chapter 7: An Awkward Dinner

After a wonderful and quite filling dinner, Count Rakoczy patted his stomach and tapped his wine glass with a fork to get everyone's attention. As soon as he had it, he addressed his entire family:

"My dear children and grandchildren... I cannot tell you how happy you have all made me today. Being here, with all of you, reminds me of Christmases from my own childhood, when my Papa and Mama would gather me and all my brothers and sisters together." He wiped the corner of his eye, overcome with emotion. "Alas, those days are long gone, and so are my parents... and most of my siblings... God rest their souls."

"Amen," everyone whispered reverently. The Count continued:

"And then there were those Christmases spent with my beautiful wife Wilhemina and our precious little girls," he nodded toward Judith and Erzy. "And... when she left us... God rest her soul..."

"Amen," everyone whispered again.

"... I had the brief but wonderful company of Clara, who gave me my precious sons," Count Rakoczy nodded toward Stellian and Peter. He paused again, dabbing at his eyes with his handkerchief. "Now, I am an old man... almost at the end of my days..."

"No, Papa don't say that," Erzy patted his hand comfortingly.

"But it's true... I am old... and grow weaker every day..."

Judith rolled her eyes. Her father was old, but strong as an ox. He was obviously fishing for extra attention from Erzy and her children, and knew how to manipulate their emotions.

"But when I go... I will at least know that I was well loved by all of my family: my parents, my siblings, my wives, my daughters, my sons and all of my beautiful grandchildren," the Count finished, looking at each of his family members in turn. "God bless you all, my dears!"

"God bless you, dear Papa," both Judith and Erzy spoke at the same time, but only Erzy was tearing up.

Stellian snickered, but also raised his glass: "Yes, God bless!"

Peter stood up and raised his glass too. "Thank you Papa for always taking such good care of all of us, and for sharing those lovely words with us. We love you very much!"

"Hear, hear!" All but Stellian raised their glasses and drank. Stellian gave his brother a dirty look, but then took a mandatory sip as well.

"Thank you, Peter," Count Rakoczy nodded appreciatively. "You have become quite a well-spoken young gentleman. Though I must admit it was mostly due to your sister Judith's efforts."

Judith blushed at the compliment and blew a kiss toward Peter who caught it in mid-air and pressed it to his heart, smiling back.

Stellian rolled his eyes before almost shouting as he slammed his wrists on the table: "Yes! Thank you everyone for everything!" He slurred his words. He had obviously partaken freely of the wine and liquors, and it showed.

Bogdan raised his eyebrows while gazing at Stellian sideways. Peter sat down and cleared his throat uncomfortably.

"What? Are you ashamed of me, little brother?" Stellian leaned menacingly toward Peter. "Do you find me... disagreeable?" His feral smile revealed all of his teeth.

Peter watched him coldly. "Not at all. Why would you say that?" It was an obviously sarcastic remark.

Stellian turned beet red. "Oh, poor little brother... I make him uncomfortable," he fake-wiped his eyes. "Boo, hoo, boo..." He reached toward the wine decanter, but Peter caught his arm.

"I think you've had enough to drink," Peter told him quietly but firmly.

Stellian yanked his arm away, and almost spilled red wine all over the white tablecloth. "Get your hands off of me," he yelled at Peter. "You don't tell me what to do!"