Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2010 20:35:45 -0700
From: Jordan Faulkner <jfaulkner1992@hotmail.com>
Subject: Romeo and Julian, chapter 3

Disclaimer:

The following story contains graphic sexual scenes between underage
boys. If material of this nature offends you, then you should not read this
story. Additionally, if the law where you live forbids you to read such
stories you should not read this story. This story is purely a work of
fiction.  Any resemblance to persons living or dead, or to events that may
have occurred, is purely coincidental. Don't forget this is a story, not
everything that is done here is legal so I claim no responsibility on the
actions the reader might do as a result of reading this story. The author
claims all copyrights to this story and no duplication or publication of
this story is allowed, except by The Nifty Archive, without the express
written consent of the author.

Authors Note: I'm so sorry I took my sweet ass time writing this! I have
received many of your letters and everything is much appreciated! Please
know that I am in the process of moving and to hang in there. I have exams
coming up and studying to do! I try to write often, but I'm editing much
more now so you have something more solid to enjoy. Got a story idea? Run
it by me, and if I like it I just might incorporate it. The sex is coming!
I promise! Haha. Please send all comments to jfaulkner1992@hotmail.com,
with R&J in the subject line. Much love to you all. Xoxo- Jordan

The Fallen Angel

	The sun's rays were shining brightly today as they gently laid
across my face causing me to smile to their generosity. I looked around the
gentle town square and noted the fountain with its waters spurting
passionately. The town was going about its business and it turned out to be
a lovely and peaceful morning, but this began to concern me. There was no
such thing as a peaceful morning anymore. I walked swiftly across the town
square near the immense clock tower, with the large hands proudly
displaying the time. I was beginning to wonder where Victor was. I began to
notice a fervor among the crowd and I was terrified it was Hugo up to his
usual antics of terror but I was thankfully proven wrong- it was Xavier
Paris being fawned upon by the mindless crowd. I had begun to wish it was
Hugo causing trouble. I loathed Xavier for he relied on vanity, and he
possessed no intellect. He was mindless and drove me to insanity. He had no
clear passion for life and to think he would be the future leader of Acara
was the last thing I needed to worry about. However, in my mindless daze of
anger towards the narcissistic Victor had smacked me playfully with two
loaves of fresh bread. The fresh smell had made me forgive him for such a
cheap blow.
      "You daydream way too much my friend!" said Victor playfully. He
smiled with a gentle friendship that Romeo had grown so fond of. "What are
you staring at?"
      Victor began to look my direction and grunted a bit and muffled some
notion that I nodded to. We had the same ideas about things but we
expressed them differently. Perhaps that's why I liked Victor so much. We
just seemed to balance each other out.
      "Did you have any trouble getting your bread? You seemed to take a
bit longer than normal," I ask smoothly while taking a sigh of tiredness.
      Victor laughed and answered, "Yeah, everything was fine. I took your
advice though. I accidentally bumped into a Caps," explained Victor but
with the mention of a Caps I started to get worried for Victor was somewhat
of a hot head but I let him finish explaining his story before I
interrupted him, "and he ended up falling to the floor. He was absolutely
terrified I was going to hurt him! I felt so bad and I ended up helping him
up. I ,of course, ensured that this would never happen again and luck was
on his side, but I felt sorry for him. I guess you were right, this family
war is pointless. It seems like only specific people want to fight and I
don't want to feed into that need for war."
      With Victor's explanation of his morning in the bakery I began to
smile inside. I realized I had stopped the disease of ignorance in
someone. Maybe I really could spread peace; maybe I really could stop this
war. I smiled at Victor and thought that this morning wouldn't be so bad-
little did I know that I was wrong. I hugged Victor with intense friendship
and sighed. I began to feel uneasiness in the air and I knew something was
wrong.
      I began to look around the town and noticed Xavier talking to a man
sitting at the edge of the fountain. I couldn't quite make out who it was
but the man looked quite bothered. I felt like he needed my help in
escaping him. No, I knew he needed my help but within that instant an
explosion of terror filled the air. It appeared a riot had begun to break
out. A calamity swept through the sea of villagers. It was never ending
waves of chaos and at that moment I felt terrified. I knew this would end
badly, I felt it in the earth. I looked up at the sky and asked for
guidance, for peace, and in that instant I saw a dove fly by and hover over
the crowd. I knew I had to follow it, I had to fly.
      "Come on," I gasped as I grabbed Victor and ran towards the heart of
the battle, "You go and try and stop this, I'm gonna try and devise a plan,
but try to just buy me time!"
      Victor gaped at me in confusion but swiftly maneuvered through the
crowd. I too began to fly through the town square and had noticed my deadly
wish come true. Not far out of my vision I saw Hugo stumbling around the
chaos, adding fuel to the blazing fire of civil corruption. All I could
think was how I needed to act but I couldn't think of what to
do. Everything was happening so fast and a light breeze had pushed me
forward towards Hugo. He was moving towards the heart of the fervor. I
struggled between different brawls and defended myself when necessary and
in that instant a loud voice rang throughout the roars of the rioters.
      "Stop this!" the stranger yelled passionately, "Look at what you have
caused in our peaceful town square! This idiotic family war has gone far
enough!"
      I snapped my head towards the vigilante stupid enough to throw
himself in the middle of this war. It was a man of about 5' 11", ginger
hair and a soft face. I couldn't quite get a look at him due to Hugo
ranting about something. Then someone from my father's friend's family had
boldly charged forward and hit the brave man. He fell hard with a loud thud
that drowned out the violence. The town froze and suddenly erupted in
terror. There was a pathetic clash between both crowds but I knew there was
no stopping it. I had to save the man who had risked his life for he was my
hero. He did what I couldn't. I at least owe him sanctuary.
      I began to move through the crowds with ease as many of them stopped
rioting and it died down to only Hugo making a fool of himself. He ended up
stumbling away with his rat pack and the town began to clear out. I
desperately looked for the beautiful man. I noticed a younger man attending
to a man on the floor and immediately found my fallen hero. I rushed
towards them and saw a look of disgust. The man's face was gushing blood
and in that instant I ripped my shirt and wadded it, applying gentle
pressure to the man's wound. The crimson consumed the white cloth. I shed a
small tear in affection. I gently wiped the dirt from his face while the
small tear fell from my eyes and splashed across the angels face. Tiny
droplets of love caressed his wounds.
      "Thank you," the man pleaded, "I'm Johnny."
      "Romeo. Do you have a place we can get him too? Mine's too far," I
asked quickly.
      He nodded and made a gesture for me to follow him. I picked up the
fallen angel and cradled him in my arms. I followed Johnny and unknowingly
realized Victor helping me. I flew with grace and precision to keep up with
Johnny and after a few blocks Victor rushed up to Johnny trying to extend
any help necessary. I could barely hear what Johnny was saying to Victor
but Victor ended up running ahead of us. He shot swiftly over the streets,
gliding effortlessly through the crowded streets. With amazing effort and
intense stamina I began to catch up embracing the fallen one in my arms. I
noticed that although the riot was over, there was still chaos among the
townspeople. It was more controlled however; many were just visibly shaken.
      "It's just through the ally!" shouted Johnny, who began to gesture
the necessary route to sanctuary. I soon began to breathe easier, knowing
my angel was safe. He was knocked out cold. His wan appearance wretched at
my heart. Someone so brave received something so painful. The irony of such
actions made no sense to me. Why must man destroy?
      I approached the ally with precaution. I looked between the two
edifices and rendered them safe. Besides, I was with Johnny, and Victor was
just up ahead. I started to stride through the ally carefully. The darkness
consumed it, with various shots of light penetrating it. It guided me with
tender care, and each time it hit my face I had embraced it. The light
loved me. The stench was, however, unbearable. Trash cans lay overturned
and a few rats would scurry by, in and out of trash cans in search for
their next meal. The ends of the ally came nearer and nearer. I stepped out
onto the following street and noticed we were in front of our local
hotel. I had thought Johnny was of this town but I guess that explains the
long route to safety. Little did Johnny know that there was a quicker route
but I discarded this thought.
      "Follow me, my room's just upstairs," said Johnny who began to hold
the door open and ushering me inside the building away from the chaos but
before I could enter the building, someone called my name.
      "Romeo! Romeo!" shouted the stranger. Johnny began to look at me with
anxiousness until he finally muttered in sympathy, "Go, you've helped
enough, me and Victor will take care of the rest." So, with that line, I
handed the fallen angel over to Johnny and turned around to see who so
badly needed my assistance.
	I stepped back out into the cobblestone street and peered around
until I felt a firm, yet controlling hand grasp my shoulder and turn me
around. I swung around and landed right in the eyesight of Xavier Paris. He
glowed somewhat, but I thought it was a glow of stupidity. Me and Xavier
have a past, and he's a real idiot if you ask me.
	"Goodness, Romeo! I thought you we're hurt!" exclaimed Xavier with
fake concern. He began to put his hand on my arm, rubbing it
flirtatiously. I shrugged my arm as if in pain, and this caused Xavier to
cry out some sort of apology for hurting me. Tears began to fill his eyes
and he finally started to sputter out how he was feeling.
	"This family war needs to stop! Romeo, I could've been killed! I
was talking to that man you were carrying and...," he began to choke at
this point and slummed down to the sidewalk of the calmed street but my
interest sparked when he mentioned my fallen angel. I picked him with care
and hugged him, much to my dismay, but I needed to know who that man
was. Xavier cowered into my arms with random fits of crying. I pretended to
care and patted him nonchalantly. He smelled like something rancid. It was
callous to think, but the stench of his scent had caused me to gag
somewhat. I remembered his scent to be different, but feelings change the
smells of ones we view. I began to feel awkward holding him and he soon
stopped crying. With that, I began to inquire about my angel.
	"You said you were talking to the man I was carrying before the
riot?" I inquired softly.
      Xavier looked at me with strange curiosity as to why I wanted to know
about him but answered, "Yes, but that's not the point! Xavier I could've
been seriously hurt! You have to talk with my father. This ridiculousness
needs to stop!"
      "I'll try, but who was the man?"
      Xavier's eyes shot at me and soon began to realize I had an interest
with my angel and finally uttered the ironic words of, "I don't know."
      Bullshit.
      "Xavier, you know everything, don't lie to me," I said, "Please, just
tell me who he is."
      "Well, if you must know, he's a member of a family. I'm sure he has a
father, or mother or too. Perhaps even a sister or brother. But I do know
he has a husband" explained Xavier who began to fashion a sly smile. My
heart sank. I never believed in love at first sight, but I felt
something. That man did something I couldn't. There was just this
unexplainable feeling I had! The wind began to twirl around me, sending my
mind in an upward spiral. I got up in a daze, feeling somewhat crushed to
know the man I felt something for, was taken. In the midst of my transfixed
thoughts, Xavier grabbed my wrist and rubbed it with compassion.
      "Come on, let's get out of here," Xavier said. He began to lead me
astray. I wasn't paying much attention to where I was going, but I somehow
ended up on the steps of his porch. I was so caught up in the notion of my
angel, my fallen angel, but it began to make sense. Johnny. Johnny had to
have been his husband. He was at his side first, knew where to go, and
probably is seeing family here. Of course, my fallen angel doesn't even
live here. Oh, such heart filled anguish filled my body. I felt numb and
vulnerable like a baby flower who has yet to blossom. I was at the mercy of
nature and man, two very deadly combinations.
      I realized where I was and looked at Xavier who was eying me from
across the porch. The white house surrounded me, with flowers extending
over the banisters. The only pure and organic color visible. Xavier bent
over and smelled the flowers, until he plucked them from their
roots. Handing them over he whispered, "I miss you." He then bit my ear and
began to kiss my neck softly. This, of course like any other male, caused a
reaction in my body. But I was stronger with some restraint. Xavier had sat
on my lap, getting hotter with his kisses. I soon began to feel the pains
of sexual nature and tension between us. Xavier rubbed his hands all over
my body, along my back, up my shirt, and graciously over my thighs, where
my groin was eliciting excitement. My lips were then introduced to his. His
kisses felt rough and unpleasant. The stubble from Xavier's face was
brushing across mine. They felt like the thorns on a dead rose, scratching
away anything stupid enough to come in contact with. I stood up causing
Xavier to fall on the porch. His feeble face stared back at me with a heavy
scowl.
      "Now what's this all for?" asked Xavier somewhat shocked and annoyed.
      I looked down on him and he just stared back shocked that I was
resisting him, again. The thing about Xavier is that he relies on his
intense narcissism to trap people, like myself. He promises them the world-
life, youth, money, and worst of all, love. He almost made me believe
him. I almost believed he was capable of love. Sure we were teenagers, but
he still made me feel like I was loved. He whispered sweet nothings in my
ear, and embraced nature with me. We made love with such intensity that
made flowers bloom over night. This was all until one April night. It was
stormy, and inclement. Clouds blocked any type of light causing me to
fashion a melancholy disposition. I walked to our secret cove inside the
forest. It was placed behind a waterfall where we shared our most intimate
moments. I was going to set up a picnic with freshly prepared food. I
trudged to the cove before rain started to pour. When I had approached the
waterfall it had begun to trickle here and there. The roars from the
waterfall had drowned out the sounds of my approach, and the sounds of
Xavier's lovemaking with his father's secretary Jackson. I was close to
damp from the rain, and stumbling in the cove I dropped everything at the
sight of betrayal. There was Xavier spread eagle with Jackson thrusting
himself inside him. I heard my heart split, shatter, and wither away. The
crunch echoed through the cove. There was of course a screaming match, only
drowned out by the clangs of thunder. The storm was roaring profusely. I
was so crushed that I just ran. I ran as fast as I could. The cold pains
from the rain whipped across my face and I ended up slipping. I hit the
ground hard with a wet thud. My tears were intertwined with the rain. I had
just lain across the damp grass until I had the strength to pick myself
up. That strength never came. My body became a bed of dead flowers upon the
earth. I believe I lay there for hours, cold and wet, possibly near
hypothermia and death until I felt someone pick me up. There was intense
shouting and I just simply, blacked out. I don't remember much. But I woke
up in Victor's room, with a nasty cold I might add, but no pain was
measuring up to the betrayal I felt. Victor comforted me, and occasionally
cursed Xavier's name. I just trudged each day along until I healed, but the
truth was that I hadn't fully healed. My heart still has that final crack,
but only true love could heal that. Something I thought was possible with
my angel, but obviously not. I stared at Xavier, who was still on the floor
gaping at me with confusion and annoyance. I sneered at him and stepped
over him walking swiftly down the steps of his porch. He began screaming
something at me but I didn't register it. I didn't care.
      I ran into the forest. I let nature protect me. I knew it wouldn't
deceive me. I slowly calmed my pace and simply began to stroll through the
enchanted forest. The distilled light embraced me whenever it could. The
shadows kept me safe whenever possible. The aromas from the flowers had
warmed my blood again. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going until
I heard a faint sound, a faint roar. I began to stroll closer to the sound
until I started to notice familiar ground. A sudden gust of wind pushed me
forward through some berry bushes where I fell to my knees. I looked up,
and there was the waterfall roaring as proud as ever. I surveyed the
surroundings as I hadn't approached this site since the night of my
heartbreak. The river was running just as it always had been. The
wildflowers bloomed with youth and beauty and had little bees buzzing above
them doing their springtime jobs. I maneuvered my way around the waterfall
towards the entrance to the cove. After I had struggled a bit to work my
way to the rocks that led into the cove I noticed an inscription on the
stone wall. It was a heart that had my initials, but it had a small crack
down the middle. I ran my fingers over the markings only to feel the icy
sting of truth. Xavier was a monster. I climbed back down towards the
grassy patch of flowers and made my way back through the forest. I was
leaving my past behind and moving forward. I was ready to heal. I walked
through the forest and back into civilization. I had somehow ended up on my
side of town and gracefully rejoined life. My mind fresh and clear from the
pains of heartbreak, I breathed in the fresh air and smiled and embraced
the warmth of the sun. I was glad that I would always have the sun's love
and the forest's guidance. I was forever thankful.
      As I made my way through town which had returned to its normal state
of busyness and business, I noticed I had a few stares here and there. Some
of the townspeople began to whisper amongst themselves which I brushed
off. I was not about to subject myself to town gossip. I had bigger
problems to worry about since the Governor had made his way towards me. He
had the look of idea in his eyes. He wanted something, I knew it. But, to
my swiftness I evaded him. I just wanted to go home and recollect my
time. I needed to talk to Victor.
      I scurried through town towards the northern gate and made my way
home. I walked with worry on my shoulders. My father would have to have
known about the displays in town. I began to wonder if I would see another
sunrise, and to think many would never get the chance to say goodbye. My
father was a ticking time bomb, and I was terrified, but I wasn't
leaving. I would pass this test. I approached the Villa with good pace
until I noticed a familiar carriage of some sort. It marked my cousin's
presence, which was not needed at the moment. I had three female cousins
that would tend to drop by from time to time, each one vicious and
beautiful and dominant in their own elegant way. The first daughter of my
Uncle, from my mother's side, was Victoria Renee O'Brian, who was married
to a wealthy Scottish man who treated her with grace and dignity. She had a
fierce mien to her, soft but deadly hazel eyes, and lavish blonde hair that
bounced with every carefully skilled laugh. He ran the business of
agriculture while she ran the house, the slaves, and often the finances,
but all of this was under speculation of her husband of course. He would
never give her credit for a brilliant notion. It was the man's duty to be
brilliant, and the woman's to be glamorous- obviously. The second daughter
was Eleanor Mayella Harris, who often went by Ellie May. She was married to
a peaceful American man who treated her equally. I suppose she got a fair
treatment in her marriage, she loved him, but I felt like she yearned for
more. However, with her auburn hair and blue eyes, she couldn't help but
make her husband love her irrevocably. The third daughter was Scarlett
Catherine Davidio, who was married to a bright Italian thinker. She was the
wildest, the fiercest, and the most cunning out of all her sisters. Her
pitch black hair, striking green eyes, and sculpted nose gave her the
appearance of a slick cat, mysterious and graceful. She was married,
however, her bright Italian thinking husband developed a not so bright
plan, and thus perished in his death. He left her millions, and she was
determined to conquer the world. Whenever faced with a problem, she always
knew how to handle it, but in the most ostentatious and conniving way
possible. We were the closest out of her family, and she would do anything
to protect me, even from her dear Uncle Jorge. My father could never really
conquer Scarlett, and he tended to give in easier with her. Through all of
this thinking I had walked up the steps of the villa, noting the blooming
roses. Spring was here and that gave me some sense of hope. I walked to the
door which was opened by our house servant Patricia. She was blonde with
blue eyes and a cute baby-like feature about her. She was always perky and
punctual and gave the house something bright. However, my father didn't
always need brightness, he just needed manners and a good ass kicking. I
walked further into the villa, and through the hall. There in the lounge
sat one of my cousins who was being overshadowed by my father's gigantic
chair, and across from her sat my mother who smiled at my entrance.
      "Romeo darling, you have a visitor," said my mother warmly while
motioning to my cousin.
      After my mother's welcoming gesture my cousin Scarlett had turned
around flashing me a sly pearl white smile, her green eye's piercing
through my soul, "Hello Romeo, I've been waiting for you," said Scarlett
softly with the upmost control, "Where have you been?"
      "Yes darling, where have you been? Were you in that tussle this
morning at the town square?" added my mother Piper sweetly.
      "Oh please Aunt Piper, the whole town's buzzing about it, and him"
snorted Scarlett. My mother shot her a disapproving look which she then
shrugged her shoulders at. It was her way of silently apologizing for
breaking the ice with her bluntness. She knew everything about
everything. Even if she didn't know anything, she still always made the
correct conjectures. I envied for her ability to read people and
situations.
      "So dearest cousin, tell us all about it!" cried Scarlett who shifted
her body towards her cousin in order to fully listen and take in the
wonderful display she was about to hear. Her eyes were bright with
scandal. They glimmered across the light from the windows and gave her a
soft appearance, which was quite rare.
      I began to shift my stance awkwardly as both my mother and my cousin
stared at me with the hunger and soul of gossip. "I don't really have much
to say, it was just a normal tussle. You know, Hugo was drunk as usual, and
yeah," I said with discomfort due to the immense pressure I felt. With
those words my cousin's face shifted to boredom and her usual conniving
smile she fashioned. She was disappointed, but she knew there was more.
      "Well, I'm glad you weren't hurt. Darling, where's Victor? He came by
looking for you a while ago. He looked like he had the world on his mind,"
explained my mother. She gave a face of concern; her eyes glistened with
love for me.
      "Yes, dear Victor did look troubled," smirked Scarlett. She tossed
her hair in flirtatiousness. She was always determined to have the last
word to whatever sentence was said before. She was always determined to be
in control. She was simply always determined to do something. She brushed
her red dress with daring and provocative manner. Her soft hands held a cup
of tea which she sipped gracefully.
      I began to stand silently awkward in front of them. Victor came here?
How long ago? What could he possibly want? I simply turned around and left
the room, not uttering a word, leaving both my mother and cousin in shock.
      "Well, that wasn't very dignified," snorted Scarlett who sipped her
tea once more.
      "Oh hush Scarlett! He's obviously distracted by something," said
Piper.
      "Oh dear Aunt Piper, leave that to me to figure out. It can't be
anything to grand. Besides, everyone is entitled to a secret," shared
Scarlett with a sly smile.
      "Darling, there is no such thing as secrets with you," huffed Piper
causing Scarlett to let out a humble laugh. Piper was right though,
Scarlett was always able to figure out something. It was just a matter of
time until that secret didn't remain a secret anymore.
      After walking out of the villa and down the steps I looked
outside. It was beginning to grow dark. The sun was just about to set,
causing explosions of orange and yellow to conquer the sky. They were at
war with each other. Both determined to be the last color standing, and the
most dominant color for that matter. Sunset was always upsetting to look
at. It reminded me of the situations at hand. In the midst of this
daydreaming I heard footsteps behind me. Light, determined, and devious
footsteps that could only belong to one person.
      "So, are you going to tell me about him?" asked Scarlett bluntly.
      I turned around and tried to hide my feelings on the situation. I
could weasel out of this. The last thing I need is my cousin poking her
nose in foreign ground. I at least want to map out this new territory
first.
      "What are you talking about?" I asked, hiding my silent smile.
      "Oh please Romeo, you know very well what I am talking about. Don't
lie to me, and don't try and evade the situation either. I've only seen you
this distracted when there's someone on your mind. So, it's either a
special someone, or a certain someone whose flame has yet to die. So, which
is it?" asked Scarlett with determination.
      I laughed inside knowing why my father never tries to fight with
her. Scarlett magically has her way with conversations. Maybe I'm just too
nice. I looked at my cousin who flashed me a warm smile. She smelled the
roses in the miniature garden we had. She delicately handled them with her
dainty hands, but still in a form of control. She turned her head and
cocked it to the side, still waiting for my answer. Scarlett never liked to
wait.
      "Scarlett, I..."
      "Romeo! Romeo!" shouted Victor who was walking up the walkway. I felt
so good that he saved me. I turned to look at Scarlett who wasn't happy
about someone interrupting her mission, but she remained ever so delicate
and in control. Victor was vastly approaching with looks of concern on his
face. He looked as if he had been running, with bright red cheeks and a
tired appearance.
      "You are so hard to find sometimes! You move like the wind!" gasped
Victor, who was huffing and puffing. He arched over to catch his breath. He
paid little attention to Scarlett which she was never fond of. He knew that
was her weakness. Scarlett could never fathom being invisible. It just
simply wasn't done.
      "Hello Victor," muttered Scarlett who had a look of annoyance across
her face, "What brings you here?"
      Victor looked at her with a playful smile and said, "Hello Scarlett
didn't see you there." I bit my lip with that comment and waited for
Scarlett to obtain a witty remark.
      Scarlett pursed her lips and calmly spoke, "Nice to see things
haven't changed with you Victor. I would have at least hoped you would have
gotten some form of eye treatment from my last visit here," she said
graciously with a fake smile.
      Victor laughed and hugged Scarlett. The look on her face was one of
shock. I could only imagine what she was thinking. She probably hated him
at the moment. After some lighthearted reunion Victor began to speak.
      "Romeo, where did you go after everything happened?"
      Scarlett's ears perked up at that question. She was glad she wasn't
the only person interested in the secrets that lied within me. It was just
another method of keeping her hands clean I suppose. I looked at two very
curious pairs of eyes, both scanning me viciously for an answer. I sighed
and decided to share everything with them, but thankfully we were
interrupted by a messenger. We all turned around to see a man scurrying up
the pathway with a large satchel across his arm. He was a short and stout
man, with hair white as snow. His fashions were formal with little sense to
style or taste. He spoke with an annoying voice that none of us found
pleasant at all. It was like a mousy scratchy squeak.
      "Romeo Mantz I presume?" asked the messenger. Both Victor and
Scarlett pointed at me quicker than the shot of a gun. I silently raised my
hand in a kind gesture and a half smile. The messenger handed me a letter
that was sent by the Governor. After that the messenger turned right around
and scurried out of our lives. I felt eyes burning through my back. I
turned around to find a hungry Scarlett and a confused Victor. I stared
blankly at them.
      "Well what is it!" shouted Scarlett.
      "It's a letter from the Governor."
      "The Governor? What's he want?" asked Victor.
      "Well he obviously doesn't know yet since he hasn't opened the letter
stupid!" snapped Scarlett.
      They both began to argue in half-seriousness and half-playfulness. I
looked back and forth at them swinging comments at each other's appearance
and intelligence. I couldn't wait for them to be married.
      "Quiet!" commanded my Mother. Both Scarlett and Victor turned around
to see my mother presiding over us on her balcony. "Now Romeo, please open
the letter."
      I began to open the letter and read it silently.
      "Dear Romeo, Due to your swiftness you were able to evade me earlier
in the square. I have something important I need to discuss with you about
today's displays of violence. I have an idea that I think will promote
peace between the two families and I would like your input. You're smarter
than your father when it calms to rationality. Please come to the manor
when you get this letter. The plans are urgent and I request you bring
Mr. Croft as well. He could be of use to us. Sincerely, Governor Paris."
      After I read the letter I simply stared at the parchment in my
hands. Why on would Governor Paris want my help with anything? What was
this plan of peace? And how could Victor help? Either way I'm sure the
Governor would propose an idea to me, ask me for my input, then simply deny
any counterarguments that would surface. He had a plan and he most
certainly would stick with it. He wanted my reaction. I felt like this
would benefit his image more rather than the family wars at
hand. Nonetheless, I reluctantly looked up to pairs of greedy
eyes. Scarlett's were the hungriest of course.
      "He wants us to go to the Manor" I said calmly.
      "Who is `us'?" asked Scarlett impatiently, "And for what at that
matter!"
      I looked at Victor and watched a look of confusion spread across his
delicate face. His brows furrowed and he too was pondering the same exact
questions as me. I really didn't want to go. I really didn't want to see
Xavier. I sighed nonchalantly and waved Victor to my side and in no time we
were walking down the cobblestone driveway that led to the main
road. Leaving a huffed Scarlett and a concerned mother we began our short
walk to the Governor's Manor. We walked silently until Victor finally
spoke.
      "What exactly does the Governor want with us? Or with me at least?"
      "I'm not sure," I lied. "But I'm sure it has to do with what happened
today in town."
      "Well what did the letter say?" he asked.
      "That he had an idea and he wanted to run it by us," I stated calmly.
      "Why does he want our opinion? Doesn't that seem somewhat biased to
just consult us? Hugo is the one that started everything!" said Victor with
a tint of annoyance.
      "He wants to promote peace, and he has a plan," I finally said with a
large sigh, "I just want to sleep. I'm exhausted."
      Victor wrapped his arm around me and patted me on the back. He held
me for a few seconds until he kissed my cheek and finally said, "I know
things are stressful, but I don't know what I would do without you. You
feel like you don't do much, but so many people look towards you for
answers. I know I do."
      With that said I embraced Victor as my best friend and replied with,
"You are my best friend. Now let's hurry and get this out of the way!"
      Victor nodded his head in agreement and in short time we were at the
steps of the Governors Manor. It seemed like I hadn't been here in ages,
even though I was giving into lustful desires with Xavier that same
afternoon, the darkness had created a new tone, a new setting. The porch
was stronger in appearance. The dark corners appeared as a void of space. A
dangerous adventure into the unknown. The little light from the outside
lamps had only illuminated the apprehensiveness felt. The darkness defeated
the light as I watched Victor walk ahead of me. No matter what the light
wasn't strong enough to embrace Victor. He was forever lost in the darkness
ahead of me.
      "Are you coming?" asked an invisible Victor.
      "Sorry," I said as I followed behind him. He rang the bell and the
door swung open to a flood of light. I felt safe again.
      We walked inside the Governor's hall which was decorated in fine oak
and fashioned portraits of different kinds. Some were family, some were
still life, but the majority were self portraits. Some were serious, some
were playful, but all were equally handsome in representation. A crystal
chandelier had hung above us and was gushing light from every direction. A
servant had led us down the long hall and into the Governors study, which I
was too familiar with. Nothing had changed at all. A large self portrait of
the Governor hung directly above his desk while the walls displayed books
he never touched. The Governor was all about putting forth an illusion and
I was certainly not falling for it. Victor, on the other hand, seemed to be
engrossed by the ostentatious display of wealth. A loud gruff was heard
from behind the large chair and was followed by the cackling of a freshly
lit fire. I watched the newly born fire dance and spout. It transfixed my
gaze to the fluid movements of burning desire.
      "Romeo, Victor, how glad of you to come on such short notice," said
the Governor, "Although we could have been done with this if you didn't run
away from me earlier Romeo."
      "Sorry sir, I just needed to get home. What is it we can do for you?"
I said in reply. I watched him spin around in his chair taking huffs from
his pipe. He furrowed his brow and I watch the wrinkles on his forehead
crease over. That was probably the only imperfection I would ever see on
his appearance. He seemed so much more vulnerable behind closed doors. With
the weight of a family war on his shoulders, I suppose my forehead would
crinkle too.
      "As you may know, this family tussle you have going on is beginning
to reach new heights. With the death of Mr. Caps it's important we
distinguish this fire before it burns out of control, again. I have an idea
that I believe will help bring peace among not just the two families but
the town as well," explained the Governor. I became intrigued at how
eloquent he was speaking. I was eager to know more of this plan and I just
hoped it was a good one. He handed me a piece of paper and finally said,
"Take a look at that and tell me what you think."
      My eyes scanned the piece of paper and Victor peered over my
shoulder. He gasped with excitement. My eyes grew big at the proposal and I
felt only disaster would come. I looked back at the Governor with skeptical
eyes. I looked at Victor who seemed excited but had felt my skepticism. I
noticed him thinking somewhat until he finally spoke.
      "How can you be sure this won't turn into a disaster?" he asked
firmly.
      "I can't, but I can only hope, can't I? We haven't had such an event
like this in quite a while and I feel like it will do good. Spring is here
and why not celebrate it? No one needs to know about the true meaning of
doing this but us," he explained.
      "Alright," I said.
      "It's done then!" exclaimed the Governor who slammed his hands down
on his desk, "Everything will be known in due time then."
      "In due time," I repeated cautiously. I felt Victors hand on my
shoulder in an effort to ease my mind. I just prayed this wouldn't turn out
into a disaster. I looked once more at the paper and I just hoped the
Governor's plan would work. The Governor gave us a shake and a short pat on
the back and we were on our way. I was walking out of his study when I
bumped into Xavier.
      "Sorry," I mumbled.
      "It's not a problem," he said shyly.
      We stood there in an awkward stance which was fueled by Victor's
curious glares. He made a weak groan to grab my attention that he was ready
to leave. Victor was not very fond of Xavier, and he had no problems
showing it. Just then, the office door opened behind me to reveal the
Governor.
      "Oh, I'm sorry I thought you gentleman had already left," said the
Governor.
      "We were just leaving," I said.
      "Right then, Xavier I will need your help in planning for the
event. I plan on announcing everything tomorrow morning!" exclaimed the
Governor.
      "Tomorrow morning?" I said in shock, "Doesn't that seem a little
early?"
      "Well yes, but the sooner people know, the greater the excitement!"
      "Right," I said. I couldn't be more apprehensive at that moment.
Maybe I was just too nervous. But I knew something was going to happen. I
just couldn't figure if it was good or bad yet. With that, Me and Victor
walked out of the Manor. My head was buzzing about the events to come, but
thankfully the moon was out and it was burning ever so bright.