Preys and Predators 3 Love Binds, Family Destroy Chapter 42

 

42. 

 

Lorenzo appeared at the cottage where Romeo was in hiding. He looked to his surroundings before he reached there. He met Romeo, who was in the living area.

“Did you come with Juliet?” Romeo was looking over the other’s shoulder.

“No. I came alone. I come bearing news.” Lorenzo looked at his half-brother. “Father is returning to Genoa, as I was told.”

“That is good. I can leave here then.” Romeo turned to grab his belongings.

“Unfortunately, no.” Lorenzo stopped the other. “You are to remain here. Father will see to you then.” Lorenzo looked at Romeo. “Your life is threatened out there. You must remain here.”

“I must see Juliet. She may be in harm’s way.” Romeo argued back. “We are in love.”

“An act which led to today’s predicament.” Lorenzo said. “If you had not met Juliet, then this would not have happened.”

“I fear too early, for my mind misgives; some consequence, yet hanging in the stars, shall bitterly begin.” Romeo sighed. (Quoted from Romeo and Juliet Act 1.4)

“Our fate is decided by our action.” It was the words of the friar who appeared. He saw the expression on Lorenzo. “I was here with Jessica before. I am not your enemy or the friend of your enemy.”

“Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast.” Friar Lawrence said to Romeo.

“I am not, but my patience is edging close to naught.” Romeo sighed. “I want to see Juliet. When can I see her?”

“So, smile the heavens upon this holy act, that after hours with sorrow chide us not!” Friar Lawrence smiled. “Only when permission is given.”

“I do, Friar. I will not do the disapproval of eloping with Juliet. I will get parents’ consent, and both families will unite.’ Romeo smiled. Much to the silent thoughts of Lorenzo on his thoughts for Jessica. Their love was denied not because of family names but because of faith. He had contemplated eloping, but it would be harsh to their families.

Friar Lawrence saw the frown in Lorenzo and added his wise words.

"After-hours with sorrow chide us not," Friar Lawrence cautioned the young man on the perils of hasty union that may bring in disappointment in all.

“Our love, mine and Juliet’s, is so deep that even one moment together is worth paying the price.” Romeo defended his action.

“Of course, your love runs deep.” Friar Lawrence looked at Romeo and then at Lorenzo. “Moderate” love is wiser than fleeting love; it will call for loving in moderation that allows for a lasting relationship, where the couple should take time to explore their relationship, rather than ….”

“The depth of the water is never seen on the surface, but beneath. It may be shallow where they are not known.” Friar Lawrence sighed. “Take it from me. The path to my enlightenment began with a frail decision. One that I regretted to this day despite my sworn beliefs.”

“I do not understand, Friar.” Romeo looked at the elderly man.

“Sit down, young sires. Let me narrate you a tale that may add to your decision.”

“A long time ago, I was not who I am now. I was Turk by birth. My given name was Lamin Tarik, but my oath of servitude was to Wallachia later. I had my name changed to Dino Lawrence. You must be confused about why it was to be. Well, it was love then. I had loved a lady from Wallachia despite our differing faiths and origins. I discarded my loyalty and joined as a soldier in Wallachia under the leadership of Voivode Vlad Tepes. I wanted to protect my love and her family.”

“It was fine until I was captured and then discovered my true origins. I was to be executed but was saved by the Janissary commander. I was freed to serve as a spy for the Janissary, and I did that. I was then ensnared by my love and my deceit. Soon, my decision was made. My lover and her family were massacred. I could not bring myself to forgive my enemies, nor could I betray my friends. I left Wallachia for Genoa and took the life of a friar to repent my sins.”

“It was sad for you, but you should have no regrets. You did not ….” Romeo was to console the elderly man.

“It was not what you assumed. My lover and her family were killed on the order of Vlad Tepes, for they were a part of the boyar’s family. I was not there to save her. I was afraid then. I could have saved her if I had taken her away and stopped joining the war, but I failed. I was afraid of Vlad Tepes. Or hold not the pain if I had not loved her. I knew of the perils of the union, but I persisted in it. I had drawn my soul into the conflict. I have a love in my homeland, a Turk lady, and forsake her to go to Wallachia. In the end, I had lost them both. And my dignity.”

“What is your tale to do with us?” Lorenzo asked.

“My plight is no different from yours and … yours.” Friar Lawrence looked at them. “I had mentioned ‘after-hours with sorrow chide us not’; I was to mention that hasty love was a bad decision.”

“I do love Juliet.” Romeo sounded out.

“And who else did you love?” Friar Lawrence looked at the other. “I am a priest now and have had many who come to me for confessions. Your name is circulated among them. Your exploits are well heard. Romeo Capulet is a deceiving bastard, they told me.”

“I will not stand for this, Friar. You have outstayed your time with me.” Romeo was enraged.

“Have I? Then I shall leave.” The friar stood up.

“Stay, Friar. Romeo may have been wild in his earlier days, but I know he loves Juliet now. More than ever.” Lorenzo defended the half-brother.

“Lorenzo, you are …… faithful to the Capulet, and yet you were not born of one. You love Jessica, and yet your faith held a wedge between the two of you.” Friar Lawrence looked at the man. “Had you asked yourself if you had eloped with her, would it resolve your issues with the family? Or yours?”

“Stop picking issues with us. We are the Capulets and refuse to be intimidated by your words.” Romeo burst out.

“Youthful brash actions reflect on you, Romeo. Had you stayed your emotions and… desires, would you have succumbed to this refuge today?” Friar Lawrence looked at them. “I drew your true sides out to let you know yourself. I did not in any words object to your love intents, but to tell you, those intents held baggage that you will hold. Are you prepared for it?”

“I ….” Romeo struggled to find his words while Lorenzo remained silent.

“Find your peace inside you, and then tell me what you know of love.” Friar Lawrence stepped out of the cottage. He soon made his way to the city and then to the home of the Capulet. He met the lady of the house, Lady Sofia.

“Did you talk to them?” Lady Sofia asked of him.

“I did, and they will come to real terms on their feelings.” Friar Lawrence replied. “I had advised many young couples and even married some without their parents’ approval. I do not deny not all of them lasted in their union, but some did, for true love existed in them. ““Romeo is in love with Juliet as she is with him, but you knew that the two families are not to be united. He must recognize on that unless he is willing to let go of the heritage. Which does he desire more?” The friar sighed. “Lorenzo loves Jessica, and he has to leave the family name if he were to marry her, and whether the parents of Jessica could accept him without the Capulet’s name.”

“And be of which faith?”

“Friar, there is a secret I need to share with you. Lorenzo is not ……” 

“Not of Lord Gencio Capulet. We all know that. Who is his true father?”

“He is not mine but my sister’s, Rachel. Our family is Menzies. Rachel is dead, and her son is raised by me. When I became the mistress of Lord Gencio Capulet, I brought him along. Since then, he has been named Lorenzo Capulet.”

“Why do you tell me this?” Friar looked at the lady.

“He is not aware that his father is here in Genoa.”

“Who is he?” The friar asked.

“Lorenzo’s father is……” Lady Sofia wept at the thought.