Monica
An Ordinary Princess
I was a spoiled child since I was young. My Papa would read me a book of fairytales or children's books before going to sleep. And I love hearing his voice while reading. He always puts characters in each story and he also changed his voice to suit the narrative.
I just hope that those books are still in my father's library. How about his chamber? Who uses that?
I left the room and immediately found Carter guarding my door.
"Are you really going to stand there every day for almost twenty four hours?" I got slightly annoyed.
"I'm just doing my job," he simply answered back.
"But at least you should sit down. They should give you a chair or someone should switch post to you so you can rest." I said.
"I'm fine, signorina. Do you need something?" He changes the subject.
"It's nothing. I just need to go to the library." I pointed to Francis's next room.
"Tell me what you need and I'll get it for you," Carter offered.
"Carter, I have legs. I don't have to walk far to get there. It's a library, nothing's gonna happen to me there." I said sarcastically.
Seriously, security in this house is very tight. Almost every move you make is watched and observed. There are those waiting in case there is danger coming to you. In the loon of this house? Will anyone else try something crazy in my life?
Carter let me go to the library alone again. When I entered there I was stunned at the door. The layout of this room has changed. But I think the number of books here are just the same as before. There may be gains. They told me that this is Francis' office. So it turned out that there was an open laptop on the middle table and some folders on its side.
This place is neat and smells nice.
Hmm ... what should I read today?
Romance? Documentary? History? Educational? There are so many options!
The shelves are two feet taller than me that's why it has a ladder attached to it. And even at the highest shelves are filled with books. I am curious about the books on the top shelves and there is this one book that catches my attention there. I climbed the ladder at the very top and scanned my eyes with the books. Same genres but a lot of choices.
I noticed the familiar book just by the corner and immediately reached for it. As soon as I touched the book, good old memories were flashed in my mind. My father used to read this story to me when I cannot sleep. And I used to snuck in his library just to get this book and read it all over again. I didn't get tired of it and I even memorized the whole words of this story.
I hugged the book and placed that near my chest. I looked down and never realized how high I climbed. I trembled a little so I hold the ladder tightly.
"What was I thinking?" I asked myself.
I slowly went down the stairs without looking down. Whenever I see the distance of the floor to where I stand now, I tremble immediately.
"Oh Lord, help me ..." I chanted.
I almost closed my eyes as the movement of the stairs added to my nervousness as I descended.
Just a few steps and my feet will feel the floor. Just a little patience.
"I wonder what book you got," said Francis when I finally reached the ground.
"Oh, this? My favourite book." I said.
I showed him the hardbound cover of the book and he took it from me.
"The Ordinary Princess," he recited.
"Yes, and it was my favourite because my Papa used to read it for me." My eyes are glittering because I remembered one happy memory from my father.
"You have come all the way up just to get this book. Why didn't you let Carter do it for you? What if you fell?" He's scolding me.
Here we go again.
"I didn't fall. And I wanted to do it by myself. I don't need to order someone else to do it for me."
Can't we have a day without arguing or making each other mad?
He sighed, "Fine, but please be careful. I saw how you trembled while going down."
"I will. You don't have to worry anymore." I reassured.
I rolled my eyes across the room. A lot has changed and other things have been relocated as far as I can remember. What remained in place was the grand table in the middle. I approached it and my caress applied to each side of the table and chair.
"My father used to sit here," I was referring to the swivel chair, "and he used to write something or work on this table," I was referring to the mahogany-coloured table.
"It just feels different now that you are the owner," I sighed.
I don't really know if it's right that I'm here in this house. In every corner of every room, there is a memory floating when I was there. I want to stop them but I can't control them.
"Would you care to tell me about this book? Seems pretty interesting." Francis changes the subject.
"Why yes, I'd love to." I tried to be bubbly again.
I took the book in his hand and sat on the long sofa not far from where we were standing. I turned it to the page in the first chapter of the novel.
"Once upon a time, there was a kingdom called Phantasmorania. There lived a benevolent King and Queen who was blessed with six beautiful daughters. The daughters were described with rippling blonde hair, fairest complexion and jewel blue eyes. They named their daughters after the precious stones - Diamond, Opal, Emerald, Sapphire, Crystal, and Pearl. "
"How come that the title is 'The Ordinary Princess' if she was the same with her sisters?" He asked in the middle of my storytelling.
This is what I am annoyed at. Someone who's spoiling the tea.
"Let me finish. I'm not yet done. Questions shall be answered after the story." I said firmly.
I stand with my belief and that is the proper order.
"One fine evening, the royal cannon was heard to boomed out twenty times signifying the birth of the seventh princess. The townspeople believed that it was common knowledge that the seventh princess was a good omen, and destined to be the most beautiful of them all. To celebrate her birth, the King and Queen throw a grand celebration and invited all the fairies to bestow their presents on the youngest child. "
"So, she's the ordinary princess?" Francis asked again, interrupting my storytelling and referring to the youngest child that's born.
"You are spoiling the story!" I hissed.
"Ha! Okay, continue." He cackles.
"The fairies started to bestow their presents to the youngest child. Princess Amethyst Alexandra Augusta Araminta Adelaide Aurelia Anne was given charm and wit and grace and courage, and many other traits that will be suited by her beauty. But then, an old and most powerful fairy arrived - the prickly older fairy Crustacea with a notorious temper. She bestowed her final gift on the young princess. "
"Can you guess what it is?" I asked him. Since he likes to interrupt me.
"An ordinary life?" He simply answered.
"It's really hard to just shut up, right? You seemed to know about this story so well and yet you are asking me to tell you about this!" What kind of person is he? Really?
"No, I didn't. I haven't heard of that book. The story is just predictable." He protests while defending himself.
"I really hate you!"
I stormed out of the room while stamping my feet. I didn't finish the story because of him. I didn't notice that the book is still in my hand while entering my room. Carter saw my expression and I knew he wanted to ask me but was forced to keep quiet and just open the door for me.
"That sly fox! He really has a day with me too." I screamed as I covered my pillow with my face.
I don't know why I was so annoyed with him. In fact, it would be superficial if my reason was that he was ahead of me in guessing the content of a novel. And the most unique was my favourite book that he said he had never read or touched.
"Is she inside?" I heard Francis' voice from outside my door. I also saw the shadow of the feet just under the door.
What could he be wanting now?
"Yes Sir," said Carter with a simple answer.
Right after he said that I heard a soft knock.
"Do you want to do something today? I'm going to town to buy groceries. Do you want to go with me?" He asked.
The offer is tempting. I did not go outside this house since I arrived. Maybe it's a good thing to see other environments once in a while.
He has a lot of maids here that can do that chore for him.
I even thought carefully about whether I would come or not. Before I could answer, the shadow of the feet under my door had disappeared. I quickly got up from my bed and ran the distance to the door. Carter opened the door for me when he heard my running footsteps.
"I'll come," I replied.
I never thought of wearing slippers so I ran to face him. I saw the drop and rise of his eyes across me and the change of his expression.
"Okay. I'll wait for you downstairs." Said Francis before turning his back on me.
I smiled at what he said and couldn't help but show it. For the first time after eight years, I smiled again because of him. I don't know what the real reason is. Carter saw the curvature of my lips as I showed my teeth. The astonishment was obvious in his eyes.
Fifteen minutes passed before I came down the stairs. Francis was there in front of the main door and waiting. We're just going to the grocery store but we're still in posture. In his white T-shirt and denim jeans just paired with New Balance trainers, he looks like a model on a runaway. I was also wearing a white T-shirt and a denim skirt that was up to my knees and I paired it with my favourite Nike Airmax.
"You don't need to go, Carter," ordered Francis.
I was stunned. I looked behind me and didn't notice that Carter was following me.
"But sir-"
"I can take care of Monica," said Francis.
The moment Francis said those words, I felt the tension in the whole lobby. It's like a volt of electricity were covering us right now. I watched the two closely as they exchanged bold glances.
What's going on?
I felt that Carter wants to say something but I got in the way. I don't know what could happen if I let the two talk. With the tension between them, I knew they weren't going to lose.
"It's okay, Carter. I'm with Francis and we'll be back before you know it." I'll just confront him.
He turned his gaze away from me in frustration and did not fight back. At my words, he softened and just left in front of us. He didn't say anything again and just walked away.
"You can take the whole day off as well," Francis said.
With those words, he stopped walking but didn't turn around. He clenched both of his fists but I never got to see his expression.
He stopped for a while before walking, completely disappearing out of my sight.
"Let's go," Francis commanded.
I just followed him to the side of the house where the cars were parked. He will use the white Jeep Wrangler. When he unlocked it, we both got in.
I've been here at the mansion for a few weeks and I haven't even been out once. Just now. Matteo still doesn't visit me because he hasn't been able to get out of Manila yet.
"Where exactly are we going?" I asked when the car was ready.
"In the public market," was his simple answer.
"Public market? With this outfit? Don't tell me that you will shop meat or poultry there also?" I asked.
"Of course. I don't see why I can't." Shrugging its shoulders while driving.
"I shouldn't have come with this outfit. I thought that grocery shopping means at the mall." I crossed my arms over my chest.
"Don't act like that. It's good to be exposed to such places so that you can get used to it as well. It's not just your mall and expensive places that you get to know." He says.
"It's not my fault that I was born like this. I never got to experience that. We have maids that would do this chore for us." I answered.
"That was before. It's different now and you also need to open your eyes to this thing because this won't be the last time I'll take you to the market."
He looked so serious while saying those. He already has plans for me for staying here.
"Wait. Are you planning to bring me whenever you wanted to that crowded and smelly 'market' you're talking about?" I sounded upset. It's not about acting but that's not the thing I'm used to.
"Yeah. Otherwise, the maids will be with you."
"No way. No fucking way, Francis."
"While you're here in La Union, you can do the things you want. You can go to all the places you plan to go. You can eat all the food you love. But only on one condition... I should know those and just in case you want to leave you will bring five bodyguards. "
"Five bodyguards ?! What am I? The first lady?"
The strict one. Five more people can be bothered just for my liking. This is where I grew up so I'm sure nothing bad will happen to me.
We have arrived in town and are now just looking for parking for our car. Because it is crowded and small space in this area, we can definitely find parking far away.
"We have no choice but to walk. We should have come here early." I'm complaining.
"Monica, the market never sleeps. There will be a lot of people here anytime."
I just rolled my eyes in annoyance. I grabbed my little bag and hung it on my body.
"Be mindful of your belongings," he reminded.
We walked and walked for hours while he was negotiating with every vendor he can find. He already brought vegetables and fruits that will be good for one week for every person in the house including the drivers and the security. He ordered lots of boxes of them and have them delivered to our address. We can't take it all. And all I do is just follow him wherever he goes.
"Oh, Francis! Come here, take a look. My fish is still fresh! Buy it now."
We stopped at a station full of fish. I wanted to cover my nose with the slimy smell but I didn't. I don't want to offend them.
Francis is wearing branded clothes and shoes but he doesn't care a bit if it gets dirty.
"Yes, father. They're delicious for grills."
"You're right there. Dip it in soy sauce seasoned with garlic and onion and calamansi!"
"All right, father, one day we'll grill. Please wrap for me four kilos of it."
"That's what I want from you, son! All right and I'll take care of it right away so we can send it to your house."
"Thank you very much, father"
He took paper bills in his wallet and give them to the old man.
"Wait for the change, Francis." Said the old salesman.
"I don't have anything in return, father."
"But it's too much, son." Opposing it.
"Keep it. We'll go first and we'll need to buy more things."
"All right, thank you very much and be careful."
This man was also gallant. If anything, he has a lot of money to give away so that's not a problem for him. He can still sleep soundly at night without thinking about it.
Although I have wealth, it's not mine to declare it. It was my husband's. My credit card already has his name on it. My debit card was only credited on the last day of the month because of my husband. He's a good and caring husband. He does not let me beg. I can still live in luxury as I used to when I was still a Carluccio.
But it's just weird and very improper. I wanted to be independent and earn my own money but I do not know how to start.
I used to be like Francis. I can easily give cash to those in need even without expecting any return. Because I know that they need that more than I do.
It was noon when we finished buying all the things we need. I am so tired when I get back in the car. I immediately turned on the air conditioner and turned it on me. Due to a large number of people, accompanied by intense sunlight, I feel sticky. Only then do I get sweaty like this when I workout.
"Do we have everything we need now? I want to go home and shower... or maybe toss my body in the bathtub for hours to relieve my tiredness." I can't wait to go home!
"I believe that we bought everything. Are you hungry? We can eat before returning to the house." He said while wiping himself with his towel.
Didn't I tell you before that he's goddamn hot? He's husband material. Look at his face, his build, his complexion and... his status. He's so worthy. If I lived a different life, he might be my boyfriend right now. Getting all his love and attention would make me a lucky woman in the whole universe.
I couldn't help myself staring at him while he was wiping his own sweat. He's so hot while doing that that I miraculously touched my lips and bit it.
"What do you want to eat?" He asked.
"You-" what the hell?
Cazzo! What did I just spit?!
"You! I mean- I'm asking you if there's anything you have in your mind that you wanted to eat."
I just hope that he will not get a different idea.
But what the hell am I thinking? Did I just thirst over him? Oh hell no!
"I'm okay with anything. I'm asking you because we will order via drive-thru." He simply said.
That's a relief. He did not suspect anything.
"There's a-a nearby fast-food chain on your left. You can order there." Did I just stammer?
Why am I like this?
Since I set my foot in that house, sharing the same roof with this man, feeling the attention and protection he's giving me; I am acting differently.
While hitting the road, I received a text message from Paris. Unusually, he is sending me a message.
Paris:
Ciao Monica. Come stai? Come ti stai godendo la tua vacanza nelle Filippine?
He is asking how am I doing right now.
Hmm, very unusual.
"Who is it?" Francis asked.
I immediately hid my cellphone in my small bag.
"It's Paris. He's just asking how I have been." I sighed.
I only plan to stay here for six months. Paris was asking about my vacation here. And after six months, I had to go back to Italy to fulfill my duty as a wife of Paris Marchetti. We had an arrangement before I flew here. After our wedding, we didn't do a honeymoon. It was my decision, but Paris wanted a child. This marriage is just a business between two families; the Marchetti's and the Carluccio's, decided by my grandfather to save the company. The two families agreed with the deal that's why I am here in this situation.
Paris gave me some time to think it over and to change my mind. He gave me six months to unwind, take a vacation and spend my time without him. But I used that freedom to go here to the Philippines to execute my plan to get back the Carluccio's. If I succeed, I can divorce Paris and be myself again. But if I failed, I have to go back to being an official wife for him. But he didn't know about my plan. All he knew was I was taking my sweet holiday away from him.
You might be thinking that I didn't have to do this kind of stuff. But if you were in my shoes, you would do the same thing. Even if you don't want to. In my desire to get my family's legacy back, I can take extra measures just to suceed.
And about my progress, I haven't even started yet.
I did the first move, but I failed.
And now, I don't know how to execute this plan anymore.
Paris:
Spero che trascorrerai la maggior parte del tuo tempo in quel paese. Sono così entusiasta che tu torni a casa.
Another text appeared on my screen.
He's waiting for me to come home.