It was was early morning on Sunday and it was after breakfast. The girls and boys who were invited by Bernardo and his sister Barbara were staying at the house of Benito Bianchi who was the father of Bernardo and Barbara and happened to be the eldest son of the head of the Bianchi family Benigno Bianchi. It was raining outside so staying indoors had been part of the plan for now until the rain stopped. Then they could go outside and have some fun.

All the girls now were all now sitting around Barbara's room talking. They all had different women's fashion magazines in their hands and discussing what was the new trend and what looks elegant enough. They excitedly talked about what type of new dresses they liked to perhaps order from their personal fashion designers who filled orders usually for their families.

Lena and Rose were sitting on the floor next to each other and looking through a fashion magazine together and talking about the dresses the models were wearing.

Rose said "I love this red dress..."

Lena nodded "It is beautiful..."

Rose said "I am not sure about the shoes. I think black shoes look nicer with this dress..."

Lena said "The Dress is so long though, no one hardly will notice the shoes..."

Rose smiled "You might be right..."

As they were commenting on dresses, they came across a picture of a woman next to a man.

Lena said "The dresses go well together. A well dressed couple. Isn't it?"

Rose nodded as she looked at the picture "Yes... A nice couple..." She then turned to Lena "I heard you now have a boyfriend now. How did you decide to say yes?"

Lena said "It didn't really take much time to think about deciding. I have known Gianluca since I was very young because our families are close. So I knew he was trust worthy and also my parents approved him. To be honest with you... I said yes... because there was no reason to say no... I had no reason to reject him..."

Rose asked "Weren't you worried that you might change your mind later and you break up with him... Some guys dont like rejection and feel insulted by that..."

Lena said "No. That was not my worry. That is not just a girl's worry. Is it though? I mean guys can change their minds as well sometimes..."

Roses nodded "I see your point..."

Barbara announced "Girls... I think we should decide what to do once we are done looking at my fashion magazine collection... How about we pick a book and act out the lines here... It should be fun... We all love a role play. Don't we girls... Rose, do you mind going to the library and pick a few books for us... You are the one who has read the most books out of our family library... I live here and I have not read half as many as you have..."

Rose smiled and said "Sure. I go now... I will pick a few books with some entertaining scenes for the role play... I may take my time though... I want to pick very good ones..."

Barbara said "Take your rime Rose."

Rose got up from the floor and said " I will be back soon girls..." She then walked out of Barbara's bedroom. She walked down the stairs to the main library of the mansion. It was a very nice library. She walked in and started looking through the shelves. A book in the top shelf got her attention. She reached her hand up to grab it but she couldn't reach. Maybe she needed to get a chair. Just then she felt a presence behind her and someone retrieved the book for her.

"Here you go..." Amerigo said.

Rose turned around and said "Oh. Thank you Amerigo." She then took the book from his hand. "What are you doing here? Arent you meant to be with the guys?"

Amerigo said "I was playing billiard with the guys. I decided to take a break and get a drink quickly. I was walking to the kitchen to get a drink and then saw the library door open and you reaching for this book. So what are you doing in the library? Shouldn't you be with the girls right now?"

Rose smiled "They sent me to pick a couple of books for them. You know because I have read so many books from this library before... I am meant to find a book with some entertaining scenes for the girls to role play with when I return..."

Amerigo said "Really? I would like to stay here and watch what books and scenes you would like to pick.. Sounds interesting..."

Rose said "Sure..."

Amerigo asked "What is this book you just picked?"

Rose said "A tale of a greek legend, the Helen of Troy..."

Amerigo said "The tale of a greek mythology character, the daughter of Zeus? The tale of the most beautiful woman in Greece?... What do you like about this book?"

Rose said "I like that there are so many accounts of this greek mythology legend... There is no set in stone story line. There are many adaptations of this story. So it leaves the reader to think with their imagination and believe the realistic version from the choice of accounts that is available. Helen of Troy is married to the King of Sparta... Then the Prince of Troy visits Sparta to attend a wedding ceremony he has been invited to. In some adaptations they say Helen of Troy is abducted by the son of the Trojan king and is taken to Troy and some accounts say she willingly left her husband... Then causes the Trojan war... I love how there are alternative endings based on different adaptations of the story written by different people. Some say after the Trojan war she retuned with her husband and lives happily ever after... Some have different endings..."

Amerigo said "Well, I tell you what I think... I think I do not agree with the versions that say Helen of Troy caused the Trojan war. Let's go through the facts here... The son of the King of Troy is the one who has caused the war by his unacceptable actions. This so called Prince of Troy over stays his welcome at a wedding he is invited to at Sparta. This Prince of Troy is a guest who takes advantage of the hospitality of the Spartans. He has eyes for the wife of the Sparta King. Either way it does not matter if she was abducted or went willingly with this son of the King of Troy.... The blame for the war and the destruction of Troy falls on the son of the King of Troy. Either way the home wrecker gets what he deserves and dies. Doesn't he? The King of Sparta does his duty and gets her back. Its a mans duty to protect his woman... I think at the end his wife came back to him after the war is won by this honourable Sparta King and then no one ever dares to have eyes for the Queen of Sparta because the King of Sparta has made an example of Troy. That is the version I believe."

Rose nodded "Right... I like all the versions. Each one has a unique twist...." She put the book on the side table nearby...Now let me choose another book..." she then started looking "Hm, I think this maybe a simple fairy tale book and doesn't have any interesting dialogues but it has some scenes the girls will enjoy acting out in the role play."

Amerigo asked "A fairy tale book? Which fairy tale is it?"

Rose said "It is that fairy tale when a princess is locked in a prison on top of a tower which is guarded by a dragon. Then a prince comes along and rescues her. Then they get married and live happily ever after..."

Amerigo "I do not see it as a good fairy tale at all. I don't understand why the princess had to marry this prince who rescues her from this dragon. When a guy saves a girl from danger it doesn't mean the girl has to marry that guy. Being able so save a princess from a high tower prison guarded by a dragon is not the best criteria to choose a guy to marry for a girl in my view. The princess could say thank you to the prince for his bravery. But she could fall in love with another prince who maybe even more suited to lead her kingdom as her king. Bravery is not just enough. Leadership should be an important factor for a future queen when chooses her future king..."

Rose said "It's just a fairy tale. It's the whole point. In fairy tales things happen that we don't really see in real life." She then put down that book on top of Helen of Troy. She said "Let's see if I can pick another book..." She went around looking and then picked two more books looking at their fronts "Robin Hood and Zorro... These two books have some fun dialogues... These are the fun adaptations of the tale..." She then turned to Amerigo "What do you think of these books?"

Amerigo said "Robin Hood and Zorro are seemingly regular people during the day and vigilante during the night. Like the comic book superheroes in some ways... Like Batman... It is a lifestyle that they have chosen to be saviours. I think if anyone realistically lives such lifestyle at some point they get defeated by their enemies eventually. They take on many powerful people and make them their enemies. Those enemies may reunite to bring them down... These vigilante should think twice before taking on some of those enemies that they take on you know. They choose to be living in danger when they could really instead live in peace and have a life they are meant to have like the rest of the population. Who would choose to live this kind of lifestyle in reality?"

Rose put those two books on top of the other books she had picked on the small table and said "So...I wonder what book have you read that you have you found it to be closest to your liking in terms of story line?"

Amerigo said "I do not think any fiction books that I have read have been close to how I thought the storyline should have gone. I enjoy reading non-fiction books though. Knowledge is power. But when it comes to fiction books I find some of the plots to be pretty unrealistic and hilarious. Fiction books tend to make the characters I see as the protagonists into the villains and antagonists... Fiction books entertain me regardless..

Rose smiled "That is the main thing. Fiction books are supposed to be entertaining..." She said "I should head back..." She then walked to the small side table and picked up the books she had picked.

Amerigo smiled "I should head back too... Enjoy your role play session with the girls..."

Rose said "Thank you Amerigo..." She then walked away leaving the library as Amerigo watched her figure disappearing though the library door. He took a deep breath... He loved her so much. But he was willing to wait as long as it took for her to give him as much attention she gave to reading books that was her passion. She was one amazing girl. One fearless beautiful girl. He wished one day he was going to get her love. He lived with the hope.

****

It was morning after breakfast at the house of Benito Bianchi and the four boys were now sitting behind a round table playing a card game at the Bianchi mansion. Bernardo, the host alongside his best friends Tommaso and Amerigo had been having fun hanging out with Luigi so far. They looked at him as one of their own people.

Bernardo said "So Luigi... Me and the guys have been talking about you and your family alot lately. Your family have proved they have honour and take care of not only their own family but are capable of protecting the families of their fellow Italian Americans too who deserve their help. We all agree that we have never come across a man like your father in our lives. You have also shown us how loyal you are to your father's principles and following his ways. I know your father has been reluctant to accept an alliance between the Alessandrinis and Bianchis because he feels that is just too much and has promised that instead Alessandrinis will consider calling upon the Bianchis in future whenever he has favours to ask... Now what the Alessandrinis have done has impressed beyond the walls of the Binachi mansion..."

The two boys, Amerigo and Tommaso nodded in agreement. Luigi could see that obviously these guys had a long talk before and were talking to him with a united front.

Amrigo said "That is right. I know your father has agreed to call upon the Bianchis for favours as reward in future but I can assure you that whenever such calls come to the Bianchis, my family would back your father up to."

Tommaso said "You can count on my family too."

Luigi said "Thank you..."

Bernardo said "That is what our fathers have discussed with your father last night at the party too in the other banquet hall. It is official now that if the Alessandrinis call on the Bianchis any time for favours, the Albertinis and the Trentinis would back up the Alessadnrinis too. There has not even been one objection to this from any member of our families about this matter..."

Luigi said "Oh... I do not know what to say... My father just did what he thought was right..."

Tommaso said "He went way beyond that... "

Amerigo nodded "I agree..."

Bernardo said "Absolutely. Your father went beyond what any man we know would have done..."

Luigi said "I am sure your families would have done the same if they were in the same situation as the Alessandrinis..."

Bernardo said "It is hard to say... I am not sure if that would have been the case... But let's talk about your role and Lena's role while Rose's case was being handled by your father. You and Lena were so kind to her. She said your kindness and attentiveness did not change at all when you found out who she was. You had treated her with as much respect as you had done ever since she was brought in. You and Lena made sure she was comfortable and even personally spoke to those who worked for your father making sure they attended to all Rose's needs while they were guarding her. That says alot about your character and Lena's. Rose has also spoken highly about your mother Mrs Alessandrinis. She said how much she also was always there and made time to always check on her very frequently. Rose has never forgotten."

Luigi did not know truly how to respond. Such actions came natural to everyone in his family.

Bernardo said "Now, let's get to the point. We and I mean me, Tommaso and Amerigo have been thinking about this and talking to each other regarding this matter... We really would like you to come over here and hang out with us more. You live by the principles that we value. We want to invite you to more events. I know your father is busy mostly with business and it takes along time to plan to come here to visit with his family. My grandfather would continue to send your father invitations for our social events that we host here... But what about you? Maybe you could come more often.... on our.... personal invitations."

Luigi could see what they were implying now.

Bernardo said "Maybe your father was not convinced to agree on an alliance but maybe one day we can convince you with an alliance. We want to see you more often. You do not have to answer now. My grandfather has already approved it. We can send you invitations to hang out with me, Tommaso and Amerigo.... And you can bring any guest with you including Gianluca... I spoke to my grandfather and asked him about whether he would ever invite Gianluca to any social events as Lena's boyfriend. He said we have no relations of any kind with the Belaggios but the Alessandrinis can choose to bring any guest with them that they want whenever they are invited to any event hosted by the Bianchis. My grandfather trusts your family with our lives. So if you choose to bring Gianluca or anyone else with you when you accept our invites, we would welcome them." He then looked at Tommaso and Amerigo "We agreed that we would be welcoming to anyone you decide to bring and we actually look forward to meeting any friends of yours. It would be interesting to see the kind of people the Alessanrinis choose to interact with... What I just discussed with you applies to your sister Lena too. I am sure my sister Barbara will also inform her about what I told you..."

Luigi spoke while looking at all the three boys at that table and said "Thank you... I appreciate your kind gestures..." He knew what such offer meant. This was the highest honour and only was given to the the Bianchi family members and their closest allies. So if they could not have the Alessnadrinis as part of their family or part of their alliances they wanted to make sure, the Alessandrinis were treated as good as.

****

It was Sunday morning. Christian was having breakfast with his grandfather. They were seated behind a table eating breakfast.

Christopher Kavannagh was now reading his newspaper at the breakfast table while Christian was eating silently.

Christian Kavannagh spoke as he was looking at his paper "Christian. I heard that Gianluca came early morning to see you today. Is that correct?"

Christian stopped eating and looked up "Yes. He did come to see me grandpa."

His grandpa was still looking at the newspaper "That is unusual... He normally does not stop by at such unusual times in the day..."

Christian shrugged " I can ask him not to come this early in the morning again if it is a problem."

Christopher Kavannagh was still looking down at paper "Christian. As long as you don't do anything with Gianluca that you are not supposed to be doing I don't have a problem with him dropping by any time. As long as you are never upto no good in your meet ups with Gianluca, he can show up even at ridiculous hours like he did today..."

Christian asked "Grandpa. When have I ever been upto no good? I am a good grandson and always do what I am supposed to be doing... I do not get upto mischief grandpa..." He then got on with eating his breakfast. It was not mischief if you didn't get caught.

Christopher Kavannagh said as he was looking at his newspaper "Let's keep it that way."

Minutes later a servant came to announce an arrival. He addressed Christopher Kavannagh "Mr Dean O'Brien is here to see your grandson sir. I told them that you were having breakfast and therefore I needed to check if it was ok for them to disturb you..."

Christopher said as he was still looking at his newspaper "Tell him that Christian will decide to see him after he finishes his breakfast."

The servant respectfully bowed and said "Yes sir..."

Christian ate as quickly as he could, finished his breakfast and announced "I go see him now..."

Christopher said not looking up from the paper "Christian. Are there more friends of yours dropping by this Sunday morning? We have plans shortly coming up today..."

Christian said "No. I don't think I expect anyone else. There would be no disturbance to the plans today grandpa. I assure you..." He then walked away "See you shortly grandpa..."

Christian saw Dean waiting impatiently in a corridor. Christian said "Man of the hour... To what do I owe this pleasure I wonder..." He then reached his hand and messed up Dean's hair "Follow me man... We need to talk in my room."

Dean said "I could not wait any longer...."

Christian opened the door in his room "I was meant to call you." He closed the door "Gianluca came very early morning to come see me... But just when I was about to call you one of the underbosses who mentors me saw me and said now that I am awake I should do my training now. The guy was busy the rest of the day. So yeah I went with him... I was planning to call you after I finished my breakfast..I knew you would get here fast... My grandpa does not like his breakfast time with me being disturbed..."

Dean took a deep breath "Any news?"

Christian nodded "Yes..." He then sat down on a sofa "Its a long story... I am betting you want the long version and not the short version."

Dean sat opposite him on a sofa "I want the long version..."