A Royal Memory

Seem Familiar

Marie

The first month of our stay here in Maine is really a breath of fresh air for me. Like literally. Its far different from the congested streets of New York. And since Christmas is just around the corner, I'm quite excited.

Nathan got a job in a local bank as a clerk. We'll its far different from being a president of a huge publishing company, but it pays good enough for our daily needs.

I also got a job in a small bookshop as a cashier. I love my job. I love the smell of books. It made me feel comfortable. Like being around so many books is a regular thing for me.

But as days pass by, I cant help but feel guilty. I saw Nathan struggle everyday. He's not used to this kind of life. He was born into luxury. Even though he finds our daily life harder than before, he said he finally feels free. Free of heavy responsibility, and his mother's evil clutches. His words not mine.

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Im currently bidding my customer a great day after purchasing a couple of books. Nora, the owner of the bookshop approached me.

"How was my favorite employee doing this day?" She asked.

Nora is a middle aged woman who's love for books are quite like mine.

I smiled at her.

"Given that I am your only employee, I would say that I'm doing great." I told her.

She chuckled.

"Gary will be here to bring us some coffee and cookies." She told me.

I smiled at her.

Gary is her husband. A tall and bulky man who is the town's known mechanic. Despite his huge and intimidating appearance, he's really a big sweetheart. He loves Nora so much that sometimes I get goosebumps. He loves to bake cookies too. I really love the couple. And I hope Nathan and I will be like them.

Grace, their teenage daughter helps here in once in a while. She's a darling like her mother, but can be intimidating like her father. She's like a little sister to me. We're like two peas in a pod.

The bell by the door chimed signalling someone just walked in. And it was Gary.

He walked towards us, placing a brown bag on the counter before, pulling Nora to his arms and kissing her lips.

I have to fake a gag just pull them apart.

The couple laughed at my action.

"I'll be leaving for work now." Gary told his wife.

"Don't over work yourself you hear me." Nora said.

Gary gave Nora a mock salute.

"Yes dear."

Nora rolled her eyes.

"I mean it dear. I don't want my husband tired by tonight." Nora said with a wink.

Gary smirked.

"Ok. I'll just pretend I did not hear that." I said.

Gary chuckled.

"I'll get going now. The coffee is still hot and the cookies are freshly baked." Gary said before giving Nora a peck in her lips.

"Take care."

Gary gave me a curt nod before leaving. I begun pulling out the contents of the brown bag and placing it in the counter.

Nora and I grabbed our cups of coffee and smelled its rich aroma. I took a small sip while she took a piece of the oatmeal cookies.

I took one and ate it. I savored the reach taste of the cookie.

"You're lucky to have Gary." I said.

"Of course. And I thank all my lucky stars that I met him." Nora said.

I smiled at her and continued to nibble on the scrumptious cookie.

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After our delicious snack, I helped Nora place the newly delivered books and magazines on their respective shelves.

While arranging the magazines, one magazine cover caught my eye. Its a foreign magazine with a family on its cover.

They pose with elegance and sophistication with a bit of intimidating stature.

"Ah. The royal family of Monaco." I heard Nora said, looking over my shoulder.

"There are other royal families except the one in England?" I asked.

Nora chuckled.

"Of course! But the Britain monarch is the most well known royal family." She said, taking the magazine out of my hand.

"The Grimaldi family is well known in Europe too. Not only they own a successful chains of hotels and casino all over the world, they also have charities that helps those who are in need."

She paused.

"But according to some history I've read and heard, the Grimaldi family was known for their brutal punishments during the Victorian era. They also said that, that family has connection with the biggest Italian Mafia, making them the most powerful monarch in the world." She added.

"Wow. Even more powerful than Queen Elizabeth herself?" I asked.

She nodded.

I turned my gaze back to the magazine cover. The Grimaldi patriarch doesn't look vicious to me. He looks so warm and loving. But I can also see that there is pain in his eyes.

If I look closely, I say each and everyone of them held pain and sorrow in their eyes. Especially the Queen.

The Queen. She looks so beautiful. She looks like a goddess sent from Olympus or something.

The three men, standing behind the king and queen. They all looked equally handsome like their father. Their sharp facial features may make them look arrogant and cold, but somewhere in my heart I felt like they are just big Teddy bears.

I don't know why but I suddenly felt longing in my heart towards these people. Its weird considering i don't know them.