Chapter Five: The Godfather

"Wow, this is a paradise!"

Clarisse widely smiles while looking at the tranquil beach. The waves sounds like a wonderful music to her ears, and it calms her heart and soul... They are the only people at the beach, and it makes her even more excited. It means that she will be able to enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean... 

Michele, smiled at her in return, while looking pleased at her reaction.

“You're right. This is like a paradise on earth. My parents actually call this place as "Paradis du Soleil..." he tells Michele the history of the beach resort. 

Clarisse puts her full attention towards Michele, while looking interested. 

“And what does Paradis du Soleil mean?" she became intrigued with the name. 

“Well , my mother told me that Paradis du Soleil means "Sun Paradise." She usually goes to France twice a year for a vacation, and this place reminds her of the ocean in France. So that's why she decided to name the beach as Paradis du Soleil." Relayed Michele. 

"Oh, that's interesting!"Clarisse said in amazement. 

"I suddenly have an idea! Why don't we take a dip in the water?" Michele suddenly suggested. 

"But I don't know how to swim!" exclaimed Clarisse. 

"We're not going to soak ourselves. We're just going to walk by the seaside, just making our feet a bit wet." Michele reassures Clarisse. 

“Okay, then!" Clarisse finally agrees. 

Michele and Clarisse started taking their shoes off, and they started running around like children...

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After a hour, Michele and Clarisse decided to go back to the ancestral house to clean their feet and then go back to the Metropolitan City. Henry, the butler, greeted them.

"Welcome back, Master Michele and Miss Clarisse. By the way, your parents are now back home." 

“Where are they?" Michele inquired. 

“They are waiting for you at the living room." Henry answered. 

Michele and Clarisse silently followed Henry, as they are making their way to the grand living room.

"Oh, here they are, darling!" 

Michele's mother smilingly stood up, then afterwards, she went straight to her beloved son and gave him a tight hug.

“It's been ages, my dear son!" she happily greeted Michele. 

“Mother ... Father. I want you to meet a good friend of mine, Clarisse Marshall." Michele introduced Clarisse to his parents. 

Michele's mother warmly smiles at Clarisse, as her eyes twinkled with excitement.

"Oh, wow! You have a very pretty friend, Michele. Nice to meet you, Clarisse." Mrs.Montserrat welcomed her with open arms.

"A pleasure to meet you as well, Ma'am." Clarisse politely answered. 

Mr. Montserrat started talking, without any expression on his face. 

"Kathy honey, Michele and his friend might be a bit hungry. Let them sit first and have snacks and coffee with us, alright?" Mr. Montserrat joined in their conversation. 

Clarisse gulped down an imaginary lump on her throat because of extreme nervousness. There's something about Michele's father that makes her quiver in fear. He looks calm, and she doesn't see any expression on his face. And there's something about his voice that makes her feel that something terrible is going to happen.

“For goodness' sake, stop overthinking, Clarisse! You and Michele are only friends, and you won't be seeing each other after tonight!" she thought to herself. 

Clarisse's train of thoughts stops in a halt when she heard Kathy's voice again.

Oh, my apologies! Please take a seat and warm ourselves with a cup of coffee... Henry, please prepare some delicious pastries and four cups of coffee for us." Kathy made a request towards Henry. 

“Certainly, Madame." Henry quickly made his way towards the kitchen to prepare some pastries and biscuits and coffee for Mr. and Mrs. Montserrat, Michele and Clarisse. The four of them all sat at the living room. Aunt Kathy started the conversation.

"So tell me, Clarisse. How did you and Marco became friends?" Michele mother started with the interview. 

Michele and Clarisse looked at each other.

“Well, we just met few days ago. I was had a working shift at the convenience store when Michele suddenly came in and he is suffering from hypoglycemia. I saw his medical id bracelet, and that's how I knew about his condition. Michele looked so pale, he is shaking uncontrollably and he is sweating a lot. The first thing that I did was to give him some sweets to somehow alleviate his pain, and thank heavens, it worked. I also called an ambulance and everything went well..." Clarisse them everything that happened. 

"Oh, that's very romantic and exciting! Just like what we usually watch in a romantic movie!" Mrs. Montserrat dreamily exclaimed. 

"Yes, that's right. You know the typical kind of romantic movies wherein a regular girl meets a boy who came from an influential and rich family." Mr. Montserrat sarcastically stated. 

Clarisse was taken back after she heard Michele's father. It was obvious that he is implying something, but she didn't want to start any trouble, so that's why she decided to stay silent. 

Clarisse thought that Aunt Kathy was so welcoming and she is really kind towards her. She welcomed her with sincerity, and she really appreciates it.

On the other hand, she feels the total opposite for Michele's father. Well, just like what they say, you can't please everybody.

Clarisse's train of thoughts stops in a halt when she heard Henry's voice.

"Here's the coffee and the pastries."

Clarissa was somehow thankful to Henry because he was able to break the tense atmosphere.

"Thank you very much for saving our son's life, Clarisse. You see, Michele has been suffering from hypoglycemia since he was a child. It's already part of his life, but sometimes, I can't help but to feel worried about him." Mrs. Montserrat gratefully said. 

“I’m old enough to take care of myself, mother. And besides, it only happened once. I won't let it happen again, I promise." Michele smilingly said. 

Michele and his mother continued on talking. At the corner of Clarisse eye, she can see Michele's father staring at him as if he is trying to survey her. He had this serious look on his way, and it's clearly obvious that he doesn't like her. And she doesn't have any idea why...