Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ Dangerous Wounds ❯ Stories of the Past ( Chapter 3 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: EikoOmoi 
Anime/Manga: Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 12.01.2001 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.5K | Visits: 223 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 12.01.2001 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.5K | Visits: 223 | Status: Completed
Author's Notes: Yay! Thank you for all of your reviews...they are much appreciated :D. For now, I'm gonna be dealing with the whole Chesta x Celena friendship, but I think by around Chapter 6 or so, more slayers will come in. Including Migel for the one who liked him the best ;x. Oh, yes...I've got things planned for him...muahahaha. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the chapter! :D
A week had drifted by and once again united the town at mass. Celena and Chesta did stay inside like good little children, no matter how much 'boredom squirming' either had done. It was like a child's nightmare to be there where they were forced to sit still and remain silently while some man with a monotone voice rambled on and on about how Dradichi watches over all...with of course the occasional song to follow. The youngest daughter of Leon Schezar had decided to entertain herself by making funny faces at Chesta, who did all he could to bite back laughter. Luckily, the thing about nightmares was that they all come to an end, and the church bells finally started up to signify the cessation of this one.
Celena beamed, pushing herself off of the pew and hurrying over to Chesta. The boy smiled in response and he looked up as all the others began to filter through the aisles. There was a great sense of relief between the two, since their prison sentence seemed to be over. With the crowd, Valeria came into view and she grasped Chesta's hand, waiting for the Schezar family to gather up their daughter. Once they did so, the two groups stepped out into the cluster of citizens, easing their way through with limited conversations spared between each other. Leon stuffed his thumbs in his pockets, moving toward Allen. Something was said between them and they exchanged snickers, offering a wave to Encia as they went in the opposite direction. She sighed, just allowing them to run off. Sometimes she wondered if children were more mature than her husband. Children...that reminded her. Shoulders went rigid and an ascetic glance was sent to her daughter.
"Celena..." Encia began in a tone that suggested she wasn't at all pleased.
The girl abruptly stopped her giggling with Chesta over the funny way the man behind them walked, and looked up at her mother swiftly, "Y-yes, mommy?"
"Proper young ladies do not stick fingers up their noses in church..."
"Wha...?" Celena blinked in confusion.
"You heard me. I saw you during the sermon...you were looking at Chesta with one finger in your nostril..." Encia stated plainly, backed up by Valeria's muffled laughs.
"I...uh..." Celena became flustered. "I was only trying to make Chesta laugh."
"I don't really care what you were doing. I just don't want it to happen again..."
"Y-yes, mother."
Chesta giggled somewhat, but was hushed by Celena's glare. He tried to silence himself completely, though it wasn't exactly that effective. The girl furrowed her brows and clenched her fist, swinging that into Chesta's arm. That made him quiet immediately, and he winced, bringing his hand up to rub the mark. The boy snorted, looking toward his friend with a faintly hurt expression. Chesta hated any form of violence, unless it was the necessary kind...like being a soldier or better yet-a knight.
It had been one of Chesta's dreams to be a hero. Like most young boys his age, he thought about the fascination of war. Fighting for a just cause...only to conquer and prevail in the end-the five year old's dreams were mostly about that. Well, plus the added bonus of knowing sword combat and how to pilot a guymelef. Something about guymelefs were just awe-inspiring to most young lads, and some even went as far as to learn about the different types (i.e., Ispano, Asturian, etc.), just so they could impress others with their knowledge on the subject.
Chesta brought his hand absently over the growing lump on his arm. He lifted those blue eyes to Celena, who had the most self-satisfied look on her face. The youth scoffed and then rushed up to be on the opposite side of Valeria. His mother and Encia had entered some conversation about King Aston's current plans, which Chesta couldn't involve himself in if he tried. So, the young lad found interest in the way his untied shoelace dragged along the ground. Acrimonious (and stubborn), Celena refused to apologize first and she dragged along behind, purposely moving in back of Chesta just to spitefully step down on the backs of his shoes. The blond gritted his teeth, trying with all his might to block it out. Thinking he was smart at one point, Chesta decided to snap his foot out of the way when he expected Celena to stomp downward.
That idea didn't exactly hold the intended results, and Chesta fell forward roughly, palms being scraped up on the upraised pebbles in the ground beneath him. The crystalline spheres watered over, burning from the salty, pain-induced tears. Celena stood back with the tip of her shoe pressed guiltily on one of those ties which Encia happened to catch sight of, and she gave a stern look to the girl. Aware of this, the daughter shifted self-consciously and released the trapped part. Valeria swiftly gathered up her son, comforting him and drying tears which seemed to stream down those chubby cheeks, leaving two glistening trails of moisture. Encia sighed, deciding to take that opportunity to teach her daughter some proper etiquette.
"Celena apologize to Chesta."
"I..."
"Celena..."
"But!"
"Celena Schezar, do you want me to tell your father...?"
"Fine..." She sighed defeatedly, mumbling out hastily to the boy. "Sorry..."
Before Chesta could accept the meaningless apology, Encia shook her head slowly, bringing one digit forward to tape Celena's chest, "From the heart..."
The girl sent a pleading glance in her mother's direction only to meet her determined gaze. Inwardly fuming, Celena put on her best 'regretful' expression, "I'm....very sorry, Chesta."
A few sniffly nods were what Celena received in response. Encia appeared satisfied with the effort and began to walk again. Valeria plucked Chesta's arm, bending and turning it to check for any deep scrapes. Since all injuries were minor, she smiled to her son and then moved briskly to catch up to Encia. Chesta started forward as well, only to be stopped by Celena's hand. She leaned in closely and muttered through gritted teeth.
"Baby..."
Celena held her head high with indignation and caught up to her mother in no time. The boy's eyes narrowed some. She was even mocking him with her back turned. Well, Chesta had had it! Because Celena was just being so mean to him, he decided inwardly that he wasn't going to be her friend anymore. And from that moment on, Chesta sealed off any form of communication with his supposed best friend.
"You should see this levi-ship I'm looking into getting, Encia..." Leon announced, spearing the prongs of his fork directly through one of the string beans on his plate.
The Schezar family was seated around the table, enjoying their dinner. Allen appeared interested in the conversation, occasionally scooping up some food into his mouth. He always wanted an airship. Next to a guymelef, it would be the greatest thing to brag about to all of his friends. Apparently, Leon felt the same exact way, but Encia was the true determinant as to whether either would be able to get it. Celena, however, found no interest in the conversation and sat there boredly, resting her chin on her hand while she made designs and patterns in her mashed potatoes. It was the absolute best food to play with.
"Leon...please, don't tell me you're planning on spending money on something that you don't even know how to pilot..." Encia furrowed a brow.
"But you don't understand! If I had this ship, I could learn how to work it. Think of how easy this would make things. We could travel to Egasardia to visit your relatives any time you want..." Leon bit off the end of that vegetable, sparing a glance to Allen with a practiced clear of his throat.
Allen took his cue, "Yes, mother...I miss grandma."
"I don't know, Leon. It's an awful lot of money to be spending. I just don't think it's a good idea."
The father and son sent frantic glances back and forth. Neither had expected her to object once they got that far. Both tried to think up anything to convince the woman, though just settled for pleading looks in her direction. Encia couldn't help but laugh at this display and she raised her hands to muffle it.
With a shake of her head, she stated, "You had this all planned out, didn't you?"
"Huh?" Allen glanced at her wide-eyed.
"No way!" Leon said at the same time.
"Mmmhmm...sure..." Encia smiled.
Celena looked between them with a roll of her eyes, "Can I be excused?"
"You didn't even touch your vegetables, Celena. What did I tell you about that?" Encia pointed out.
Celena sighed and narrowed her eyes, shoving a few bites of the dreaded food in her mouth. Shuddering at the horrid taste, she did all she could not to gag on the spot. Leon watched her in slight amusement, but then offered a sympathetic look the young girl's way. One that showed he knew far too well the disgust that lay in vegetables at a child's expense. The father caught Celena's attention and he shifted his eyes toward Encia to make certain she wasn't looking. Fortunately, his wife was busy finishing off her food, so Leon looked back to his daughter with a grin. Using his fork, he picked up another string bean and used the other hand to fold his napkin a certain way. Glancing up again to make sure Celena was watching, with a simple motion of the fork and thumb of the opposite hand, the bean was deposited in the napkin. He looked back to Encia who was still otherwise occupied and then back to the girl, motioning her to try. Celena's features brightened and she mimicked her father's actions a few times, stuffing away part of those vegetables. Allen had been watching the exchange between the two and chuckled as it seemed Celena had gotten away with it.
Encia looked toward her son, arching a brow, "And just what is so funny, Allen?"
Celena appeared alarmed and Allen quickly stifled the laughter, shaking his head somewhat, quite unsure of what to say. Luckily for the Schezar children, Leon jumped to their rescue, "Nothing hon'. Allen simply found it amusing when I made a face due to too much salt on one of these beans."
"Oh..." Encia apparently bought the excuse and shook her head with a smile. "Well who's fault is that then?"
Leon offered a sheepish grin, "Looks like you caught me."
"I'm done!" Celena declared, showing off the suspiciously empty string bean area. "Can I leave the table?"
The mother inspected Celena's plate and then looked toward her, "Can you leave the table what?"
Grinding her teeth at the forced politeness, she muttered out the desired response, "Can I leave the table please?"
"Yes, you may..." Encia smiled proudly.
The chair was pushed away from the counter and Celena swung her feet over the opposite side, planting them on the wooden floor. One palm raised to the back of the seat and she eased it in it's respectful spot. The youth started away, only to hear her father clear his throat. Celena spared a glance over her shoulder toward him as he motioned to that napkin with the end of his butter knife. Though, this time Encia caught him in the act and she tilted her head some.
Leon looked toward her with a hint of nervousness, but quickly covered it up as he spoke out the words, "Celena, you're getting to be old enough. I think you should help out your mother by taking your plate and napkin into the kitchen..."
Celena smiled. Once again her father saved the day, and so she offered a well-mannered 'yes, father' in return. She moved back to the table, collecting her plate and other items. Then, the girl turned and headed for the kitchen which Encia watched with an utmost astonished look. Allen had to bite down on his lip to keep from laughing. It was far too easy to put one over on their mother, he knew that from experience.
"H-how did you get her to listen to you so well, Leon...?"
"Just my luck, I suppose. Now...about that levi-ship..."
* * *
"Let's see how far we can throw it this time before he catches it!" Celena exclaimed, clutching a bright red frisbee in hand as she watched the new, mostly black puppy dancing about anxiously.
"Okay!" Chesta was quick to agree.
The great, ignoration feud between the two children had lasted about three days, which was a lot for a five-year-old fight. They had pretty much been thrown together when Encia and Valeria met for tea, and just made the best of the situation, patching up their friendship again. As for that new puppy they were currently playing with, Leon had brought him home one day on the spur of the moment. Encia wasn't at all pleased, but the man insisted that if he couldn't have his levi-ship, well then he would have the puppy instead. Celena and Allen enjoyed the new addition to the family, but Encia still didn't really appreciate having the animal around. Unfortunately out ruled by the others, she was forced to put up with "Max" as they had all agreed to call him.
Max was a slightly dopey animal who had a tendency to get a bit too hyper. Still, he was beautiful to look at with his shiny, midnight coat that had only one strongly contrasted blob of white on his chest. The children loved him, but Encia worried that sometimes he might get a bit too excited and wind up hurting someone. Leon insisted that he would grow out of it. That all puppies got a bit crazy at times, but Encia didn't believe that all puppies went tearing around the house and breaking things in the early hours of the morning.
For the moment, Encia decided it was best to take the children to the field where Max could run around safely. She even packed up a picnic lunch and invited Valeria and Chesta along. Allen went as well, but it was really for the food, not to mention all of his friends were currently busy. A white and blue checkered blanket was spread across the ground and this provided a seat for the two women who were conversing as well as keeping an eye on their youngest children. The eldest Schezar son was leaning back against a tree, munching away happily on a few carrot sticks his mother had cut. As for the two friends, they were busy seeing how high the pup could jump up to retrieve the thrown frisbee. He managed to do fairly well, until Celena just threw one way above his reception level.
"Darn!" Celena laughed, watching the frisbee whiz past the animal's head.
Max took off after it, determined to grab it at some point. It landed on the ground and the dog dashed forward, clamping down on the saucer. He dragged it back to the children and Chesta grinned, moving closer to take the item from him. Max immediately dodged the boy, going near Celena who tried the same. The puppy sprinted away from them both and then plopped beside Allen, refusing to give up what he had chased after. Though, Allen smirked, reaching forward and grasping the end of the dog's toy. Max was surprised, but growled in response, trying to pull in the opposite direction. However, it was the eleven year old who was victorious and the two children saw that, racing over to him with a fit of giggles. Max trotted back, looking between the three as he waited for one of them to throw the disk.
Celena extended her hand, "Give it to me, Allen."
"No," Allen rose to his feet, moving out to the center of the field. "I'm going to throw it this once."
"Allen!" She whined. "Ches and me were playing first!"
The brother shook his head, bringing his hand back and then thrust it forward, releasing the frisbee. It sailed through the air and the black pup tore after it, springing upright with his hind legs as he caught the saucer in his mouth. Celena and Chesta teamed up to get the red disk with a few laughs. Valeria looked after them for a moment, before her gaze moved back to Encia.
"It looks like they're having a lot of fun."
Encia nodded softly, "Yes...but I wish they wouldn't get that pup so rowdy..."
"I'm sure they'll be fine. Allen's over there...he won't let anything happen to either of them..." Valeria smiled. "I'm really glad Chesta has Celena as a friend. He really needs a friend after all that has happened in our lives before..."
"You've mentioned that before, Valeria...but you've never said what was so terrible a few years back. What is it?"
"Encia...you must understand. It isn't exactly the easiest thing to talk about..."
"I promise I won't tell anyone. You can trust me, Val...you know you can," Encia reached forward, grasping her friend's hand softly and giving it a reassuring squeeze.
Valeria lowered her gaze and then sighed with a nod, "You're right. If I don't tell you...who can I tell?"
The other offered a smile of encouragement.
"This won't be easy though...and it's a fairly long story. But, I suppose it all started a year or so before Chesta was born. Things were so wonderful, Encia. I met Zaccheus Templeton at the festival in Meram, Asturia. We bumped into each other and instantly I knew that there was something special about him. We walked around and talked for a while...and things just got so amazing. It didn't take long after that for a relationship to develop, but things were moving a bit too quickly. I know now that Zaccheus and I became intimate far too quickly. But, at the time we were so young and full of hope, that it just didn't seem to matter.
"Only a few months into the romance, Chesta was conceived. Zaccheus wasn't at all pleased, but he did the right thing and we were married that upcoming Orange...on the eighth moon to be exact. It wasn't a fancy wedding...just Zaccheus and I...and his sister as our witness. Afterward, we found ourselves a small place. Just a quiet cabin in the woods. Now, things weren't exactly perfect any longer, but at least they were livable.
"I found out, however that Zaccheus had a problem with alcohol. When he drank he was like a completely different person. He got so angry at times that it was frightening. Once Chesta was born, that was when things got bad. Zaccheus got drunk all the time after work. And...he started to get violent. I made certain to hide it from Chesta, but over the years it got worse. The last day...was particularly bad. Not because of the hit, but because Chesta saw it all. Zaccheus left that day and he vowed that he would never come back, which he never did. I suppose it was a good thing for our son's sake, but I miss him, Encia..."
"H-how? How could you miss someone who was that horrible to you?" Encia finally questioned, running her thumb comfortingly over her friend's knuckles.
"Because...I loved him. I still do. I'll always love him. No matter how he acts or what he does. It can never be enough to stop me from loving Zaccheus deeply."
"Oh, Valeria..."
"I...I didn't want to tell you that story. I don't want you to feel sorry for me. I'm not sorry. I got a wonderful son out of all of this..."
"Valeria...can you answer a question for me...?"
"Of course, Encia."
"What if Zaccheus were to come back? After all these years...after all this time that you spent getting yours and Chesta's life back together, if he came back...would you allow him in your life again?"
Valeria pressed her lips together, before she responded, "I've...never really given that much thought to that. I suppose, if he came back and was really sorry about what he did, then I would. I really do love Zaccheus and I think that if he gave up his alcohol that he would be a wonderful husband and father. Chesta does need a father's influence...so to answer your question simply...I guess I probably would...take Zaccheus back...if he ever returned."
A week had drifted by and once again united the town at mass. Celena and Chesta did stay inside like good little children, no matter how much 'boredom squirming' either had done. It was like a child's nightmare to be there where they were forced to sit still and remain silently while some man with a monotone voice rambled on and on about how Dradichi watches over all...with of course the occasional song to follow. The youngest daughter of Leon Schezar had decided to entertain herself by making funny faces at Chesta, who did all he could to bite back laughter. Luckily, the thing about nightmares was that they all come to an end, and the church bells finally started up to signify the cessation of this one.
Celena beamed, pushing herself off of the pew and hurrying over to Chesta. The boy smiled in response and he looked up as all the others began to filter through the aisles. There was a great sense of relief between the two, since their prison sentence seemed to be over. With the crowd, Valeria came into view and she grasped Chesta's hand, waiting for the Schezar family to gather up their daughter. Once they did so, the two groups stepped out into the cluster of citizens, easing their way through with limited conversations spared between each other. Leon stuffed his thumbs in his pockets, moving toward Allen. Something was said between them and they exchanged snickers, offering a wave to Encia as they went in the opposite direction. She sighed, just allowing them to run off. Sometimes she wondered if children were more mature than her husband. Children...that reminded her. Shoulders went rigid and an ascetic glance was sent to her daughter.
"Celena..." Encia began in a tone that suggested she wasn't at all pleased.
The girl abruptly stopped her giggling with Chesta over the funny way the man behind them walked, and looked up at her mother swiftly, "Y-yes, mommy?"
"Proper young ladies do not stick fingers up their noses in church..."
"Wha...?" Celena blinked in confusion.
"You heard me. I saw you during the sermon...you were looking at Chesta with one finger in your nostril..." Encia stated plainly, backed up by Valeria's muffled laughs.
"I...uh..." Celena became flustered. "I was only trying to make Chesta laugh."
"I don't really care what you were doing. I just don't want it to happen again..."
"Y-yes, mother."
Chesta giggled somewhat, but was hushed by Celena's glare. He tried to silence himself completely, though it wasn't exactly that effective. The girl furrowed her brows and clenched her fist, swinging that into Chesta's arm. That made him quiet immediately, and he winced, bringing his hand up to rub the mark. The boy snorted, looking toward his friend with a faintly hurt expression. Chesta hated any form of violence, unless it was the necessary kind...like being a soldier or better yet-a knight.
It had been one of Chesta's dreams to be a hero. Like most young boys his age, he thought about the fascination of war. Fighting for a just cause...only to conquer and prevail in the end-the five year old's dreams were mostly about that. Well, plus the added bonus of knowing sword combat and how to pilot a guymelef. Something about guymelefs were just awe-inspiring to most young lads, and some even went as far as to learn about the different types (i.e., Ispano, Asturian, etc.), just so they could impress others with their knowledge on the subject.
Chesta brought his hand absently over the growing lump on his arm. He lifted those blue eyes to Celena, who had the most self-satisfied look on her face. The youth scoffed and then rushed up to be on the opposite side of Valeria. His mother and Encia had entered some conversation about King Aston's current plans, which Chesta couldn't involve himself in if he tried. So, the young lad found interest in the way his untied shoelace dragged along the ground. Acrimonious (and stubborn), Celena refused to apologize first and she dragged along behind, purposely moving in back of Chesta just to spitefully step down on the backs of his shoes. The blond gritted his teeth, trying with all his might to block it out. Thinking he was smart at one point, Chesta decided to snap his foot out of the way when he expected Celena to stomp downward.
That idea didn't exactly hold the intended results, and Chesta fell forward roughly, palms being scraped up on the upraised pebbles in the ground beneath him. The crystalline spheres watered over, burning from the salty, pain-induced tears. Celena stood back with the tip of her shoe pressed guiltily on one of those ties which Encia happened to catch sight of, and she gave a stern look to the girl. Aware of this, the daughter shifted self-consciously and released the trapped part. Valeria swiftly gathered up her son, comforting him and drying tears which seemed to stream down those chubby cheeks, leaving two glistening trails of moisture. Encia sighed, deciding to take that opportunity to teach her daughter some proper etiquette.
"Celena apologize to Chesta."
"I..."
"Celena..."
"But!"
"Celena Schezar, do you want me to tell your father...?"
"Fine..." She sighed defeatedly, mumbling out hastily to the boy. "Sorry..."
Before Chesta could accept the meaningless apology, Encia shook her head slowly, bringing one digit forward to tape Celena's chest, "From the heart..."
The girl sent a pleading glance in her mother's direction only to meet her determined gaze. Inwardly fuming, Celena put on her best 'regretful' expression, "I'm....very sorry, Chesta."
A few sniffly nods were what Celena received in response. Encia appeared satisfied with the effort and began to walk again. Valeria plucked Chesta's arm, bending and turning it to check for any deep scrapes. Since all injuries were minor, she smiled to her son and then moved briskly to catch up to Encia. Chesta started forward as well, only to be stopped by Celena's hand. She leaned in closely and muttered through gritted teeth.
"Baby..."
Celena held her head high with indignation and caught up to her mother in no time. The boy's eyes narrowed some. She was even mocking him with her back turned. Well, Chesta had had it! Because Celena was just being so mean to him, he decided inwardly that he wasn't going to be her friend anymore. And from that moment on, Chesta sealed off any form of communication with his supposed best friend.
"You should see this levi-ship I'm looking into getting, Encia..." Leon announced, spearing the prongs of his fork directly through one of the string beans on his plate.
The Schezar family was seated around the table, enjoying their dinner. Allen appeared interested in the conversation, occasionally scooping up some food into his mouth. He always wanted an airship. Next to a guymelef, it would be the greatest thing to brag about to all of his friends. Apparently, Leon felt the same exact way, but Encia was the true determinant as to whether either would be able to get it. Celena, however, found no interest in the conversation and sat there boredly, resting her chin on her hand while she made designs and patterns in her mashed potatoes. It was the absolute best food to play with.
"Leon...please, don't tell me you're planning on spending money on something that you don't even know how to pilot..." Encia furrowed a brow.
"But you don't understand! If I had this ship, I could learn how to work it. Think of how easy this would make things. We could travel to Egasardia to visit your relatives any time you want..." Leon bit off the end of that vegetable, sparing a glance to Allen with a practiced clear of his throat.
Allen took his cue, "Yes, mother...I miss grandma."
"I don't know, Leon. It's an awful lot of money to be spending. I just don't think it's a good idea."
The father and son sent frantic glances back and forth. Neither had expected her to object once they got that far. Both tried to think up anything to convince the woman, though just settled for pleading looks in her direction. Encia couldn't help but laugh at this display and she raised her hands to muffle it.
With a shake of her head, she stated, "You had this all planned out, didn't you?"
"Huh?" Allen glanced at her wide-eyed.
"No way!" Leon said at the same time.
"Mmmhmm...sure..." Encia smiled.
Celena looked between them with a roll of her eyes, "Can I be excused?"
"You didn't even touch your vegetables, Celena. What did I tell you about that?" Encia pointed out.
Celena sighed and narrowed her eyes, shoving a few bites of the dreaded food in her mouth. Shuddering at the horrid taste, she did all she could not to gag on the spot. Leon watched her in slight amusement, but then offered a sympathetic look the young girl's way. One that showed he knew far too well the disgust that lay in vegetables at a child's expense. The father caught Celena's attention and he shifted his eyes toward Encia to make certain she wasn't looking. Fortunately, his wife was busy finishing off her food, so Leon looked back to his daughter with a grin. Using his fork, he picked up another string bean and used the other hand to fold his napkin a certain way. Glancing up again to make sure Celena was watching, with a simple motion of the fork and thumb of the opposite hand, the bean was deposited in the napkin. He looked back to Encia who was still otherwise occupied and then back to the girl, motioning her to try. Celena's features brightened and she mimicked her father's actions a few times, stuffing away part of those vegetables. Allen had been watching the exchange between the two and chuckled as it seemed Celena had gotten away with it.
Encia looked toward her son, arching a brow, "And just what is so funny, Allen?"
Celena appeared alarmed and Allen quickly stifled the laughter, shaking his head somewhat, quite unsure of what to say. Luckily for the Schezar children, Leon jumped to their rescue, "Nothing hon'. Allen simply found it amusing when I made a face due to too much salt on one of these beans."
"Oh..." Encia apparently bought the excuse and shook her head with a smile. "Well who's fault is that then?"
Leon offered a sheepish grin, "Looks like you caught me."
"I'm done!" Celena declared, showing off the suspiciously empty string bean area. "Can I leave the table?"
The mother inspected Celena's plate and then looked toward her, "Can you leave the table what?"
Grinding her teeth at the forced politeness, she muttered out the desired response, "Can I leave the table please?"
"Yes, you may..." Encia smiled proudly.
The chair was pushed away from the counter and Celena swung her feet over the opposite side, planting them on the wooden floor. One palm raised to the back of the seat and she eased it in it's respectful spot. The youth started away, only to hear her father clear his throat. Celena spared a glance over her shoulder toward him as he motioned to that napkin with the end of his butter knife. Though, this time Encia caught him in the act and she tilted her head some.
Leon looked toward her with a hint of nervousness, but quickly covered it up as he spoke out the words, "Celena, you're getting to be old enough. I think you should help out your mother by taking your plate and napkin into the kitchen..."
Celena smiled. Once again her father saved the day, and so she offered a well-mannered 'yes, father' in return. She moved back to the table, collecting her plate and other items. Then, the girl turned and headed for the kitchen which Encia watched with an utmost astonished look. Allen had to bite down on his lip to keep from laughing. It was far too easy to put one over on their mother, he knew that from experience.
"H-how did you get her to listen to you so well, Leon...?"
"Just my luck, I suppose. Now...about that levi-ship..."
* * *
"Let's see how far we can throw it this time before he catches it!" Celena exclaimed, clutching a bright red frisbee in hand as she watched the new, mostly black puppy dancing about anxiously.
"Okay!" Chesta was quick to agree.
The great, ignoration feud between the two children had lasted about three days, which was a lot for a five-year-old fight. They had pretty much been thrown together when Encia and Valeria met for tea, and just made the best of the situation, patching up their friendship again. As for that new puppy they were currently playing with, Leon had brought him home one day on the spur of the moment. Encia wasn't at all pleased, but the man insisted that if he couldn't have his levi-ship, well then he would have the puppy instead. Celena and Allen enjoyed the new addition to the family, but Encia still didn't really appreciate having the animal around. Unfortunately out ruled by the others, she was forced to put up with "Max" as they had all agreed to call him.
Max was a slightly dopey animal who had a tendency to get a bit too hyper. Still, he was beautiful to look at with his shiny, midnight coat that had only one strongly contrasted blob of white on his chest. The children loved him, but Encia worried that sometimes he might get a bit too excited and wind up hurting someone. Leon insisted that he would grow out of it. That all puppies got a bit crazy at times, but Encia didn't believe that all puppies went tearing around the house and breaking things in the early hours of the morning.
For the moment, Encia decided it was best to take the children to the field where Max could run around safely. She even packed up a picnic lunch and invited Valeria and Chesta along. Allen went as well, but it was really for the food, not to mention all of his friends were currently busy. A white and blue checkered blanket was spread across the ground and this provided a seat for the two women who were conversing as well as keeping an eye on their youngest children. The eldest Schezar son was leaning back against a tree, munching away happily on a few carrot sticks his mother had cut. As for the two friends, they were busy seeing how high the pup could jump up to retrieve the thrown frisbee. He managed to do fairly well, until Celena just threw one way above his reception level.
"Darn!" Celena laughed, watching the frisbee whiz past the animal's head.
Max took off after it, determined to grab it at some point. It landed on the ground and the dog dashed forward, clamping down on the saucer. He dragged it back to the children and Chesta grinned, moving closer to take the item from him. Max immediately dodged the boy, going near Celena who tried the same. The puppy sprinted away from them both and then plopped beside Allen, refusing to give up what he had chased after. Though, Allen smirked, reaching forward and grasping the end of the dog's toy. Max was surprised, but growled in response, trying to pull in the opposite direction. However, it was the eleven year old who was victorious and the two children saw that, racing over to him with a fit of giggles. Max trotted back, looking between the three as he waited for one of them to throw the disk.
Celena extended her hand, "Give it to me, Allen."
"No," Allen rose to his feet, moving out to the center of the field. "I'm going to throw it this once."
"Allen!" She whined. "Ches and me were playing first!"
The brother shook his head, bringing his hand back and then thrust it forward, releasing the frisbee. It sailed through the air and the black pup tore after it, springing upright with his hind legs as he caught the saucer in his mouth. Celena and Chesta teamed up to get the red disk with a few laughs. Valeria looked after them for a moment, before her gaze moved back to Encia.
"It looks like they're having a lot of fun."
Encia nodded softly, "Yes...but I wish they wouldn't get that pup so rowdy..."
"I'm sure they'll be fine. Allen's over there...he won't let anything happen to either of them..." Valeria smiled. "I'm really glad Chesta has Celena as a friend. He really needs a friend after all that has happened in our lives before..."
"You've mentioned that before, Valeria...but you've never said what was so terrible a few years back. What is it?"
"Encia...you must understand. It isn't exactly the easiest thing to talk about..."
"I promise I won't tell anyone. You can trust me, Val...you know you can," Encia reached forward, grasping her friend's hand softly and giving it a reassuring squeeze.
Valeria lowered her gaze and then sighed with a nod, "You're right. If I don't tell you...who can I tell?"
The other offered a smile of encouragement.
"This won't be easy though...and it's a fairly long story. But, I suppose it all started a year or so before Chesta was born. Things were so wonderful, Encia. I met Zaccheus Templeton at the festival in Meram, Asturia. We bumped into each other and instantly I knew that there was something special about him. We walked around and talked for a while...and things just got so amazing. It didn't take long after that for a relationship to develop, but things were moving a bit too quickly. I know now that Zaccheus and I became intimate far too quickly. But, at the time we were so young and full of hope, that it just didn't seem to matter.
"Only a few months into the romance, Chesta was conceived. Zaccheus wasn't at all pleased, but he did the right thing and we were married that upcoming Orange...on the eighth moon to be exact. It wasn't a fancy wedding...just Zaccheus and I...and his sister as our witness. Afterward, we found ourselves a small place. Just a quiet cabin in the woods. Now, things weren't exactly perfect any longer, but at least they were livable.
"I found out, however that Zaccheus had a problem with alcohol. When he drank he was like a completely different person. He got so angry at times that it was frightening. Once Chesta was born, that was when things got bad. Zaccheus got drunk all the time after work. And...he started to get violent. I made certain to hide it from Chesta, but over the years it got worse. The last day...was particularly bad. Not because of the hit, but because Chesta saw it all. Zaccheus left that day and he vowed that he would never come back, which he never did. I suppose it was a good thing for our son's sake, but I miss him, Encia..."
"H-how? How could you miss someone who was that horrible to you?" Encia finally questioned, running her thumb comfortingly over her friend's knuckles.
"Because...I loved him. I still do. I'll always love him. No matter how he acts or what he does. It can never be enough to stop me from loving Zaccheus deeply."
"Oh, Valeria..."
"I...I didn't want to tell you that story. I don't want you to feel sorry for me. I'm not sorry. I got a wonderful son out of all of this..."
"Valeria...can you answer a question for me...?"
"Of course, Encia."
"What if Zaccheus were to come back? After all these years...after all this time that you spent getting yours and Chesta's life back together, if he came back...would you allow him in your life again?"
Valeria pressed her lips together, before she responded, "I've...never really given that much thought to that. I suppose, if he came back and was really sorry about what he did, then I would. I really do love Zaccheus and I think that if he gave up his alcohol that he would be a wonderful husband and father. Chesta does need a father's influence...so to answer your question simply...I guess I probably would...take Zaccheus back...if he ever returned."