Power of Love

Chapter 20: Gisel is Alive

              Tessa came running down the stairs when she saw Gisel on her mirror and was hysterical wanting to tell all about it with Victoria who just came home from her meetings in the castle. Tes….Victoria said running over the lady who almost fainted, breathing harshly now. Tessa what’s wrong? What happened?

                I, I saw Gisel on my mirror and she’s very much alive, huh, ha, ha, ah haaaa!, Tessa now sobbing and so scared that she might be after her life or something. Okay just breathe and calm down, Em and  Leopold will be here at about 15 minutes, they called me just now. Hmm!, maybe you’re just seeing things, Tessa, Victoria said for comfort by hugging her and calming her down.                            

               I really don’t know when I saw mother and I was with Em, she was still young but never knew the pain I felt about the whole situation. Dad never said anything but I know he was mad and sad at the same time when the Montfort Family accused her of so many things. But mom never once held a grudge and now, she’s alive. What did happen to her? Dad said she left and died somewhere in Tunisia. Dad never told me where’s her grave but I felt that mom is still alive somewhere. In my dreams she is healthy and happy, but where is she now? Victoria asked in her mind while assuring Tessa all will be well.

                Mom, Tessa, where are you? Anybody home?, Em called out while putting one of their baggages on the floor in a summer outfit and a big hat with Leopold running to the kitchen and checking out the food for dinner. He was so hungry and advised Em to go straight home at the castle than buy snacks on the way. He wanted Tessa’s specialties, he missed it. Thought he loved Em’s cooking, Tessa has touch in backing and frying stuff, and that’s what he and Leonardo loved every time she’s cooking. Yum, pasta…

                Victoria came down the stairs and found Em and Leopold eating pasta with ice cream on the side. Hey!, what’s up? Em asked Victoria who is a bit worried about Tessa. Well, I’m good and hi honey, she replied kissing Em on the cheek and hugging Leopold. How’s the honeymoon?

                Leopold smiled and said, It was great, Victoria and …..Leopold cried happily but was stopped by Victoria when she called her by name.           

                Call me mom, since you’re married to Em now, you’re my son too and I’m happy you love my daughter so much, she added still face having less of an emotion. Mom, what’s wrong, where’s Tessa by the way, we want to thank her for the food it’s so delicious as usual, Em added looking for the elderly lady. She is asleep, and I let her take sleeping pills since she’s been having hallucinations or something, I don’t know!, Victoria explained with fear in her eyes. Mom, what hallucinations, what do you mean? Em asked walking closer to her mom and holding her shoulders.

                It’s grandmamma, my mom Gisel, she appeared to her inside her mirror, Victoria said. And it’s very weird. Mom wouldn’t do that unless she is in trouble plus I know she died because of a rare disease and dad assured me that’s the reason why she died. But now I think he was lying. What if she’s alive and we just don’t know where she is. Mom, let’s just think positive, okay, so calm down and rest now. I’ll be up in a bit, honey, please, Em cried asking Leopold to escort mom to her room, after reassuring her mom that everything’s going to be alright. Leopold helped Victoria up the stairs and tucked her to sleep. Em dialled a certain number on her cell phone and talked with someone. A woman’s voice was heard at the end of the call, okay, please check on that and make sure you update me if she is still alive. Thanks Judy!, Em authoritatively said to her assistant based on the main office of REVO in Switzerland. By the way how’s is everything there?         

                We are doing well, Ma’am. The factions In Europe and neighboring nations are having a meeting this week. I will be advising you on the time and date. We need your advice on something, and this concerns your dad the future king of Tunisia, Judy explained in detail. Alright, just send me everything about the meeting and I’ll study and handle it from here. I need to fix some issues here first before I tend to REVO. Thanks for the help Judy, I owe you one, bye, Em added smiling and as if telling Judy that she’ll get perks out of her hard work for REVO and a commendation from Em, as the leader of the powerful group in the world.

                Is grandma really alive?, why all these years she is coming back, for what?, Em asked in her mind and seems not have answers why all of a sudden Gisel is alive. Em went up the stairs to her mom’s room and sat beside her sleeping. She kissed her cheek then pulled the comforter so she can be comfortable, it’s a bit cold now since hale season is about to happen. Leopold was in their room unpacking their baggages. When Em came back to her suite, Leopold was already done unpacking and lying in the be reading a book Em was reading quite some time. You love romance novels and suspense thrillers, I didn’t’ know that about you, hmm, that’s interesting!.

                Yup and that’s why you need to be beware of me and my poison, waaaaaahhhh!!!, Em scaring Leopold and then laughing at Leopold. Haha! Okay, stop  I believe you, foxy woman…hehe, he added holding Em’s arms and tickled her back then pressed her back on the bed kissing her mouth full of passion and longing. Even though they just came from their honeymoon, as if they can’t get enough of each other all of sudden. Especially since Em saved his life and proved to him that her love is sincere. However, he has a weird feeling every time she’s talking with different types of people or strangers on the phone. She always tells her it’s about the work she does as an artist and restorer of buildings, museums and architectural sites.

                Em’s now sleeping and Leopold is found at the terrace on the third floor lying on the floor and star watching. He remembers Leonardo with him doing the same thing when they were children. Uncle Maxin would always be there to tuck them in since dad was banished from the castle due the fact the he fell in love with mom, a commoner, actually a slave but mistaken as a slave but in fact a doctor in her own right. Haaaa, dad I hope you’re still alive and I wish you and mom are still alive.  

                Alexander lives and the wife, the twins mom died but happily since he made sure she’ll forget the scorns of the former king Cronus. She lived and died taking care of the people in a village in Polynesia. She even took care of Gisel when she got pregnant and delivered Victoria when she was just a baby. Victoria knew about this and learned that when Gisel explained to her what happened when she was still alive before.

               Tessa woke up early in the morning as usual and readied the pots and pans for breakfast, but Victoria who went out for a walk smoking her cigars, called for her. Tessa, I think you should rest for now, maybe you need to have a vacation. I think you mentioned before that you wanted to travel the world. Why not start visiting Asia and perhaps you can start with Polynesia. It’s just near Tunisia and besides we have a mansion there. Maxim bought one when he sort of died one time, right, so he can immediately escape if needed and if someone’s going to attack him or kill him then. He called it MV’s Mansion and I wondered why he did that. Now I know why he lived there for many years. It is a beautiful place and you’ll know when you get there. Rodolfo can escort you to the mansion, tomorrow morning, okay? Tessa?. I care about you ad this family loves you, so please, use your gold to travel and start with Polynesia. I’m sure you’ll love it, Victoria said lovingly reaching for her hand when Tessa still insisted on cooking for them. Then she cried when Victoria hugged her tight. Em and Leopold came down and went to the kitchen seeing the ladies being emotional and all, they smiled at each other. They heard from Victoria about Tessa’s vacation and it’ll be for about two weeks time. Oh no, the who’ll cook in the house? Leopold asked in his thought. The house help, now we’ve got a new cook, meet Marissa. When Tessa  comes back from her vacation, she’ll be managing Marissa, the butler and house helps from then on. She is not getting any younger so we need to leave her out of the stresses in the castle, Victoria addressing everyone including Em and Leopold. Both sighed since they really loved Tessa cooking and the meals she prepares for them. But she will be the one to help the cook in preparing for our meals too so don’t worry. Okay!, good, Leopold said and hugged Tessa since she’ll be leaving tomorrow for the trip. Em second emotioned and sweetly hugged the lady in front of her who is happy and sad crying at the same time now.

                Why would mom thought grandma’s alive, maybe because she felt it just like I feel grandmama’s presence where ever I go, Em thought when her phone rang while all is emotional about Tessa. Yes, Oh, Judy, Em now walking farther away from her family and down to the front porch. Everyone is at the living room chatting about the trip and the food Marissa’s going to prepare for the Montfort Family for the next two weeks as instructed by Tessa. Victoria laughs at seeing Tessa really happy but at peace at the same time, smiling at her as if saying her thanks. Then she thought of Em since Leopold was talking with the new butler, James, since Rodolfo is now Maxim’s new assistant, confidant and bodyguard. Both were out to meet leaders of certain nations such as Singapore, South Korea and Japan. Asian countries to help him out to unite other nations in Europe and the Americas. Maxim hopes for peace and a united kingdom for a untied world.

                 Oh my God, she is alive, Grand ma is alive, mom should know about this, but..  Em shouted in her thought yet having second thoughts  on telling her mother about Gisel. Judy disclosed that Gisel is in a home in Polynesia, but was out of the place when a certain guy took her and cared for her in a mansion named MV. Since then Gisel recovered and knew who her daughter was but haven't seen her granddaughter. Not yet, Em said happily, now sobbing her heart out knowing that her grandmother is still alive and well. She is turning a hundred in two weeks. Where will Tessa stay in Polynesia, anyway, hmm!, Grand ma's alive and that's what's important. I'll visit you there soon, Mamu, I love you, Em's looking at Gisel's photo appreciating her life now since she's really alive. Does mom know about this and knows about grandma’s situation? I wonder.

                Mamu, mom, where are you?, what happened to you?, Victoria called Gisel when she was like running happily in a garden and the place where she’s staying is beautiful. She is fed well and taken cared of by a man. Victoria wanted to say I love you mom when she suddenly woke up, crying for Gisel. Haaa, it’s just a dream but mom is alive, she thought having high hopes of Gisel being alive. Mom, hey, what’s wrong? Who are you calling to? Em said rushing towards Victoria since she heard her shouting and moaning like crazy. Oh, ah, I dreamt about your grandmother and I believe she’s alive, Victoria said not hesitating about the issue. Mom, I think grand mama is truly alive, I wanted to tell you after dad’s coronation but I think it couldn’t wait much longer. I checked It out from a friend, and she is living in Polynesia in a mansion where a certain guy took her out of the home. She was placed in caring facility with her own nurse to tend for her to get well. And for five year, grandma did get well. She is turning a hundred in two weeks time, Em explained to Victoria who’s now crying hard and beating her chest while calling grandma Gisel’s name. Mama, mama, huh u hu!, Victoria cried and Em hugging her so tight to comfort her while she too is also crying with her mom. They feel so happy that Gisel is alive, but most of all that she is safe in Polynesia.

                Tessa smiled at everyone and cried a bit leaving the family she knew ever since she worked with the Montfort’s. Rodolfo finished placing her baggage at the back seat.  Maxim told Ralf to accompany Tessa at the mansion so she can have someone to assist her there. Though he isn’t there to say goodbye, he was at the third floor in his study room working on a lot for the upcoming coronation. Maxim hired Waldo as his right hand and body guard, confidant and wing man for his businesses to deal with tycoons like Lala’s dad. He was the man who took Gisel out of the nursing home and cared for her when he placed her in his own mansion in Polynesia, the MV mansion which was the biggest and grandest home to make Victoria’s mom happy and make amends for what his uncle Cronus did to her. Maxim hated his uncle but later forgave him for all the people he killed and made to suffer including his dad Cronan. Since Cronus is family, he forgave him with all of his heart and chose to correct all of the wrong things he did to so many. He vowed to make everything right and hoped that his crown would restore his kingdom, his people and his country.

“Victoria and Em don’t have any idea that Gisel is alive. I want to surprise them before my coronation so we can celebrate it and Gisel’s birthday in Polynesia at the same time. But how will I disclose it to my family,”  Maxim thought deeply but is very happy to have helped Gisel, her daughter, who is my wife and granddaughter, who is my daughter. And will always support and protect his family including Gisel since by law she is his mother now.

                Rodolfo and Tessa flew to Polynesia and it is a the most beautiful country second to Tunisia. Ralf, have you known and visited  this place before?, Tessa asked when the plane is about to reach the tarmac. Yes, Maxim told me about this place and more. You’ll know any minute now and I’m sure you’ll love the place with someone very special living in the mansion, Rodolfo added assisting Tessa down the stairs to the car who’s driver is one of Maxim’s at the mansion. Tessa helped Ralf with the baggage but … I’m Mario and Lord Maxim’s assistant. I am at your service during your stay at the mansion, I’ll help you with the luggage sir Ralf, the driver added politely. Thank you Mario, right!, Tessa said happily. Tessa and Ralf rode with him on a Black Bentley. Polynesia is an amazing country that its nature is rich of trees and flowers, lakes and mountains. A road leading to MV mansion is like riding somewhere in wonderland and an island. The mansion is standing alone in a wide range of flower beds with rainbow colours. You can also see a real falls where waters flow on a mountain where the mansion is at the top of it. Going up that height is as scary as hell, yet when you reach the top is heavenly. When Tessa and Ralf reached MV, there you can see a mechanical gate that only opens with a code. Mario gave a pin  through a voice command which automatically opened the gate. The car went in and up front are all Maxim’s cars, three Rolls Royce and two Bentley including the car they’re riding on now. There’s a three storey round fountain in the middle. Since it’s almost dark, the light on the fountain is lit along with the mansion that is lighted  all over, it is so fascinating to see. Tessa and Ralf were escorted by Mario in the house. Both wowed the place and when they looked up they saw a lady looking a bit elderly but wore a gallant dress  and is very classy for her age. Tessa wanted to be sure and came running to get a closer look at the woman. Gissseeellll!!!!, Tessa asked so shocked she wanted to faint like she’s seeing a ghost brought back to life. Rodolfo also was surprised and speechless then turned to Tessa looking for answers.

                Hello!, Tessa,  Ralf!, welcome to MV Mansion, Gisel said walking proudly down the stairs. It was very long that it took Gisel a minute to reach the ground floor, where Tessa and Ralf are still standing in awe because she is alive and well after so many years that she was reported dead in the news 20 years ago. It is a pleasure meeting you both again. Thank you for coming to visit me, Gisel added sitting at the huge and long sofa. Please sit down and make your selves comfortable!

                 Since both of you will be staying here in a little while, tell me something about you, Tessa, Ralf  and about my daughter, granddaughter and Maxim. What's happening now with my family? Please tell me cause I am happy to see both of you, so much I can't contain my feelings. I am so overwhelmed!, Gisel said as if she doesn't want to stop talking. It's been a while since she has someone close to her to chat with. And it's exciting. The woman insisted to tell more about her family back in Tunisia. She asked for the house help to prepare dinner for three. Ralf and Tessa are so surprised that they remained silent the whole time Gisel was talking.