Please note; this chapter will talk about family history so i guess guys if it is alright - i just have to... thanks in advance...

Chapter 21         A Different Kind Of Love Story…

      JP Owen’s History

Point in time:     JP Owen’s era…

Location:             Somewhere in  Europe

It’s the usual mellow spring time when the nights are peaceful and silent, yet everyone in this particular area is in a bright and brilliant spirit – except for a certain someone…

“Urrgghhh… what am I supposed to do in this kind of situation… My face hurts, am kinda shaking – Jean keep it up! You need to work for your studies, need the money to pay for the fees – just be patient and endure sacrifices. After this life will be easy for you – you will make your dreams come true – just bear with it…Do good and be good – this is your motto – Mother and Father in heaven, please guide me…”

It is a normal sight for this place to get rowdy and loud when evening comes. It’s the haven of relief for people to unwind from their own exasperations and stressful interactions. Working in this place expects you to be at your best foot forward always – no room for gloomy and sourly moment because if you do – then you’re gone. It would be a waste to throw a pretty lump sum of money in an instant…

All are focusing on what to do next, when suddenly a loud crash is heard…and a yell follows after… At the same time Jean glances at the source of the noise…

“Hey you stupid lady, this is not a place to doze off and what’s with your cloak, are you kind of somebody that needs to hide your face to everyone – shoo, you are weird, get out from my sight”

Jean walks towards where the angry customer is and tries to pacify the situation gently pulls the lady’s hand and at the same time signaling the lady to hide behind his back.

Jean:               (nervously approaches the annoyed customer and says to himself, “oh what a moment for
                        my first day in this work, good luck here”) We are so sorry sir, but this lady here is quite 
                        new and still in the process of learning her way around. Please to counter that, may we
                        offer you something that would appease your resentment as of this time…

                     Customer #1:   (eyes on Jean in a very suggestive manner and smirks) Oh, you work here; you have such
                                              a pretty face… I would not mind having you for a night, eh?

 Jean:               (hiding his annoyance by maintaining his cool) Sorry Sir, but please observe proper
                         courtesy – I am also just a working staff handling customers complaints… The probable
                         least we can do is to have whatever you have ordered previously free… but after will be 
                         put in your bill…

Customer #1:  Hmm… isn’t that good… well... have it your way then…

Jean leaves the place feeling relief of the outcome take hold of the lady’s hand asking her to follow him far away from the scene…asking…

Jean:               (hugging the lady for comfort) Are you alright? Here, drink this, your hands are still
                        trembling… stay here and don’t go out alright… I will handle it for you… My name is Jean
                        Pierre by the way…

Lady:               (In a trembling voice she responses) Thank you very much… this is my first time working –
                        I have never tried working in my whole life. I am so sorry for causing too much trouble.

Jean:               (smiles reassuring the lady) hush… it is fine, it is my first time as well – so we are just the
                        same and mind you, I am pretty nervous as well. Good thing that jerk customer didn’t do
                        you any harm and hhmmm me as well… oh, Is he some kind of ert? What an ugly fat
                        pig! Aahh… he fits well with one of the deadly sins…. gluttony…

Lady:               (laughs at Jean shrewd remarks) ppffttt…. You are funny…

Jean:               (look at the lady in amusement) Aahh… I like that you are laughing… ok just stay here…I 
                        am afraid that guy will make a big fuss at you again…ok?

Lady:               (nods) Ok. By the way, My name is Maria Antoinette Cheau Pilliard, Mr. Owen…

Jean:               (gets confused, shakes his head) Your name is nice but long can I call you Tonette
                        instead?

Lady:               (laughs) Sure… I don’t mind…

                     Jean:               ok, have fun watching these uncommonly obnoxious people – some only – study their
                                             behaviors and observe how the other servers handle difficult situations – alright? And if you
                                             are tired – you may go home, I will cover for you… (then leaves Tonette)

Tonette:           (smiles) I will, thank you very much but….waaiitt…(sighs when she sees Jean leaving her)
                        now, what will I do?

Jean gets back to his place of post and watches the whole night goes by. It is indeed a tiring night – smiling incessantly, endless pleasing and soothing angered customers’ – he is still thankful he got through the day.  Goes to the locker room to change into his casual outfit then heads toward the exit door, surprise to see Tonette squatting on the ground…

Jean:               (in a curious face, squats to face Tonette) eeerrr…. Why are you still here something the
                        matter?

Tonette:           (nervously replies) hmmmm…. I don’t… I don’t... (stutters more) could..you…

Jean:               (wondering) hmmm what is it? Could I what?

Tonette:           (cries) I am sorry for troubling you…. But the truth is, I don’t know where to go – I don’t
                        have a place to stay… I don’t have money… I don’t have food… I don’t have clothes…. I
                        don’t have anyone but myself….I don’t (then stops by Jean)

                      Jean:               (sticks his tongue out in astonishment) aaayyayayayay… hold on …slowly too many I
                                              donts….I hear… now you see… I don’t understand what you are trying to mean… say it 
                                              short…

Tonette:           (hugs Jean tightly) Can I stay with you?

Jean:               (confused and dazed) WHAATT??!!!

Tonette:           (doesn’t let go of her hug) Please, I will be good – I know I will be safe with you. Don’t
                        worry, if my parents find me – I will pay you with diamonds and golds…

Jean:               (shakes his head) oh my oh my… diamonds and golds – see lady we are both paupers so
                        no need to promise anything…but is this true what you are telling me – you don’t have any
                        relatives or place to go – live?

Tonette:           (nods her head in agreement – wipes her tears) yess….

Jean:               (sighs) aahhh… just my luck… ok – but can you trust me?

Tonette:           (hugs Jean back and nods) YES….YES…. I do!! (says to herself, "I'd be the one probably
                         to you he heh he...oopsss behave Antoinette - gosh - he is just so handsomely 
                         pretty")

Jean:               Ok then, let’s go home… but don’t expect a mansion, ok?

Tonette:           (nods) don’t worry (and slaps Jean’s back) you are really funny!!

Jean:               (shocked) uugghh… your hands are strong – you wrestler?

Tonette:           (laughs) don’t be silly…

They finally reach Jean’s place. A small house behind a huge Victorian Manor, surprised Antoinette asks Jean…

Tonette:           I am sorry for being rude – but behind a beautiful and large Manor…this your house?

Jean:               (sighs and looks at the Manor) long story and yeah – any problem...?

Tonette:           (turns her head to face Jean surprised by the latter’s sad face) uuhmmm… I am sorry – I
                        won’t ask again… it’s just that they normally don’t allow a house near a Manor especially
                        this huge and beautiful.

Jean:               (shakes his head)… hhhmmm Tonette, stop it, will you…?

Tonette:           (looks at Jean and notices his sad face) ok… I understand…

“knock…knock….knock”, says the one knocking “ankle Jean, are you here?”

Page 1 Ends here...

 Page 2 follows next..... thanks