27. Christmas Eve 1979 (Part 2)

O'Neil arrived at his mansion. As he got off his car, he looked at the line of cars that belonged to his cousin Jackson. He sighed as he saw the devil himself walking towards him with his usual stone cold expression. As he approached him O'Neil asked "So, you are here to escort me to your mansion tonight to make sure I am there for Christmas Day. Is that it."

Jackson stood tall towering over him looking down at him "Is this how you greet your family now Terrence?"

Emanuelle looked around "Where in the world is Trent?" He was glancing up at the windows and waved at his wife who was watching him from the top floor "My wife is breathing by the looks of it. That's good to know you."

Jackson said "Terrence. She is not having difficulty breathing but you would be for certain if you don't look at me when I speak to you."

Emanuelle kept looking up away from him "I prefer to look at my wife. I haven't seen her for the past few days... You know how it is... Or is it you don't know... My apologies. I forgot you have no woman. All you have is a photo of her and her memories..." He then glanced at his cousin who looked like he wanted to chop off his head any minute. O'Neil put his hands up and took a step away " Alright. I am looking at you now."

Jackson gave him a menacing smile "You know... if you were not my blood I would have fed you to my feral dogs to be ripped to pieces... I would have enjoyed my dogs feasting on your flesh tonight as I watched..."

Emanuelle could totally believe him. The O'Kanes were known to hand out the most painful tortures that made the rosarios and O'Neil's look like saints. He nodded his head and decided against arguing. He declared "I am aware of it. Aren't I lucky?"

Jackson warned "Don't push me Terence ... Your son is my heir but he has duties to fork out punishments for disrespect. You need to show me respect Terence. You also need to show your son some respect... Disrespecting me is directly disrespecting him..."

O'Neil nodded as he put his hands on his hips in the same manner that Tristan normally did. He sighed "I am aware of that. I need to be dismissed to see my wife. I need to take care of my woman first.... But first tell me, where on earth is Trent?"

Jackson declared "He is at my mansion with my nephew, Jonas."

O'Neil asked "I put him here to protect this place? What made him leave? Who told him to leave?"

Jackson said "Tristan..."

O'Neil understood. Tristan did send a lot of summon calls to his younger brother through others. He had avoided a confrontation with him. But one was coming and he knew it. If his son thought his old man was going to change his family principles just because the O'Kanes said so he was wrong "Really? So you came here to protect my family home while my younger son reported to his older brother. What is he doing there now? Reporting doesn't take this long."

Jackson said "He is keeping my special guest company. He has family commitments. But ... You will see him briefly at church tonight."

O'Neil always looked forward to the Christmas Eve midnight Mass at church. But for some reason now that he was made to attend with Jackson it didn't sound that great to look forward to it. Jackson always spent Christmas in Boston. O'Neil always refused to go to him. But now he was suddenly in New York. He could t avoid Jackson and he didn't need to either way. Jackson had managed to get his son to run his empire. Jackson had won his sons loyalty which said a lot about Jackson. So there was no need to hide from this side of the family he wasn't so fond of. After all Jackson had never offered Francesco or any other Italian families an alliance. It didn't help that he was wounded by Anna too.

O'Neil shook off his thoughts "Tell me who is this special guest?"

Jackson said "Sergei Santiago."

O'Neil laughed. He was joking. He must have been. But then he saw the serious look on Jackson's face. He stopped smiling and changed his tone to serious "Why would he be at your house? He won't come to mine."

Jackson said "My nephew insulted his daughter. So he is resolving that matter. He was found with Anastasia at my home a while back as you remember."

O'Neil said "Jonas doesn't seem the type falling for a Santiago. So I thought matter was closed. Why does Sergei need to make a big deal and what is my son doing there?"

O'Kane said "Precisely. He isn't. Sergei is a grudge taker. Your younger son is there to be the peace keeper just like how you have taught him to be like yourself."

O'Neil was confused "Peace keeper? You are using my son as a tool here with Sergei? You have just thrown my son to the deep end. But he will handle it." He just then looked up at Sancia who was staring at him from the windows "Sancia won't be happy about this." He then side stepped Jackson "You get what you wish cousin. I am packing up to come to your house. I need to explain all this to Sancia."

Jackson said as he turned to watch his retreating figure "Tristan already has. Your wife has to spend Christmas with us rather than the Giovannis this year. Tristan's recommendations."

O'Neil rolled his eyes as he heard that. Instead of orders, Tristan called it recommendations at times to sugar coat it. Tristan knew not to push it with him. He didn't stand for it if Sancia was ordered around by anyone.

As O'Neil reached the floor where his wife was he did admire Trent's strategic way of setting up security around the place.

O'Neil walked in and found his wife jumping into his arms. It was always like this when they were apart. It felt as natural as breathing to connect to her. He started planting kisses on her neck as he whispered "I have missed you."

Jackson could see O'Neil from where he was standing. He shook his head as he watched him the grounds. He had no idea how O'Neil and Sancia clicked together. They just did.

Jackson made a phone call to his mansion to check on Jonas. Jonas told his uncle not to worry and all was under control. Sergei was gone. He left it to his nephew to resolve. The children had to grow up fast. Any day he could get shot or stabbed. Times were changing.

Jonas put down the phone down and stared at his cousin who was giving him a death stare. Trent was standing at the other side of the room with his arms crossed over his chest. "You have to tell your uncle the truth. You have to tell him what you have done."

Jonas shook his head "No. silence is the best policy at times."

Trent said "You are mental messing with sergei's daughter. Just tell your uncle the truth."

Jonas said "No. I can't. Then he will tell sergei."

Trent said "You can't pretend to like Anastasia."

Jonas said "I won't. Not for long. I will just have to be nice to her and then I can say it's not working. It would be the end."

Trent sighed "Remind me again how you got into this mess in the first place?"

Jonas walked to his cousin "Look. It all started as banter and jokes. You have to believe me... My friend liked Anastasia. He wouldn't dare go forward. So I started talking to Anastasia and said I know someone who wants to ask her out and he likes her. I told her all the things Ashton said about her. Anastasia got the wrong idea and thought it was me who liked her. When I asked her will you go out with this guy that I know so I can tell him if he should go speak to her father, she kissed me and said sure and she feels the same. She actually thought this was my way of flirting with her...."

Trent rubbed his forehead and how did she end up in your uncle's house? By magic?"

Jonas leaned to the desk "She said likes to meet my family. What was I to say? I couldn't say no. I said ok. Let's go. You haven't met her so you don't know how persuasive she is. I brought her home and then was trying to work out how to get out of the mess when all hell broke loose."

Trent said "You had the chance to tell the truth."

Jonas said "No I didn't actually. I can't insult her more than I already have all accidentally of course. I just have to endure the relationship and then break up with her. I will try to say I like the opposite of what she likes. I know what she likes because my friend told me."

Trent said "Who is this friend? Tell him to come forward."

Jonas said "He has left the country ... he has a girlfriend now. He wasn't that serious by the looks of it."

Trent said "This is crazy. You tried to introduce a friend of yours to her that was wasn't serious."

Jonas said "He was out of her league... it happened a long time ago. I have changed now. I don't see anything with a friendship lens now. I see it with a professional lens. It was a teenage crush. Now it's over... See... I told you it could be a lot worse. Thank you for speaking up for me. I won't forget this."

Trent said "Jonas. I won't rescue you the next time. You are the one studying law and meant to be good at defence."

Jonas said "With Someone like Santiago the law means nothing. In our world the law is worthless. I am good at defence but not in our world. You are the best negotiator ever."

Trent said "You know... I really hope she sees right through your pretence and dumps you tonight at the midnight mass."

Jonas said "I hope she does."

Trent said "Me too. I hope she dumps you hard in front of everyone. You should have told the truth to her father. Just because you want to save that friend of yours you did this. You lied for him."

Jonas said "There is no harm done if she dumps me tonight."

Trent said "Good luck." He then picked up the phone "I don't have time for this. I need to check if I can find Tristan. He wants me to report to him how the meeting went. Just remember I won't save you from sergei a second time." Trent then dialled the Rosario mansion number asking to speak to Tristan. Trent explained all that he had done to Tristan. It was crazy how a small teenage issue could become a big deal if not handled well. Family was important. That was lesson one that his father had taught them. You didn't mess with anyone's family unless you didn't mind facing the consequences. Trent felt sorry for Jonas. He was innocent when it came to relationships. He was quite as cunning as his uncle Jackson when it came to business and law and even economics but he had hiccups in diplomacy and negotiation. But again his hiccups were with sergei Santiago. Not everyone could withstand his intense questioning but Trent did. Trent was trained by his father and his mother. He could handle anything.

After Tristan spoke to Trent he went back to Vienna who was not in her room now. She had gone baking in the kitchen as Viggo announced when Tristan knocked on her door.

When Viggo watched Tristan turn his head to him, he felt strange. It was bizzare how he felt like Tristan was about to attack him. All he had said was "Vienna is in the kitchen to bake more." Wasn't he meant to say that? Vienna loved baking. He watched him walk towards him silently.

Tristan gave a dark chuckle "I know. I asked her to get busy. Viggo... We should spend some time talking while Vienna does what she enjoys... I like to do what I enjoy, which is talking some sense into you."

Viggo didn't follow. He found himself pushed inside a room and as he was too shocked to react, he saw Tristan bringing two swords out of no where. He threw one at his feet and held one in his hand "Lets talk."

Viggo said "What is with the aggression?" But he complied. Tristan had just challenged him. He wasn't going to back down. As he picked up the sword, he was attacked mercilessly. He fought back hard and felt this was strange. Tristan always held back but not this time.

Viggo found his jumper ripped as Tristan attacked harder. Viggo said "What is this?"

As the attacks were making Viggo lose his breath, Tristan carried on attacking Viggo "You raised your hand in Vienna. I raise my hand on yours."

Viggo now understood as he fought as he was cornered in front of the wall with no escape route "I was training her. Something she needs."

Tristan said "This is what you need." He then ripped Viggo's jeans "I should cut your head instead. Didn't I make it clear to you, no one is allowed to touch her but me?"

Viggo sighed "Yes. But this is for her safety."

Tristan said "That's it." With great force he attacked Viggo making the sword in his hand to fly away. Tristan pointed the sword at his neck "If you say it's for her safety one more time, I will scar you. If you were anyone else I would have carved it on your body that she is not to be touched by anyone but me. That's a good reminder. Isn't it. Viggo. Don't push it."

Viggo took a deep breath as he saw the blade close to his neck. He said "Fine. Agreed."

Tristan then threw the sword to the side. Viggo narrowed his eyes "You are over reacting. I over look the fact you touch me in my own home. Don't make a habit of attacking rosarios."

Tristan replied as he walked away to the corner "I didn't touch you though did I? Fencing is not touching. Neither is this..."

Viggo then watched him throw a dart at him with landed next to his neck on the wall. Tristan said "I can work around any obstacle to defend Vienna. Rules don't have meaning to me Viggo. I don't want her touched. I will teach her my moves today... Then you can train her without touching her. No karate. Get her to punch a boxing punch bag.

Viggo didn't reply as he weighed his words. Tristan was truly observant. Every single detail about her and how she was being treated mattered to him. Every specific small detail was there in front of him to see. Tristan was truly possessive of his sister in every way. Even he didn't want family members to be close to her. He knew the possessiveness was just going to intensify. He wondered how long Tristan was going to wait until he married his sister. Not long. That was for sure. He hadn't tried to argue with Tristan. He would have argued with everyone else if they challenged him but not Tristan. Viggo understood Tristan's intentions towards his sister. He didn't agree with the possessiveness but he understood it.

Tristan was about to open the door to walk out but then turned around "Get Vincenzo to give you some fencing lessons. You may need it next time you get on my wrong side Viggo." He let the threat hang in the air as he stared at Viggo.

Viggo smiled weakly at Tristan. Even though he had to deal with the adult world he had the hint of the teenager he was. Viggo was certain much more was going to greet him except for a light hearted fencing match if he ignored his request. Tristan greeted his enemies by showering them in bullets and knives. The skill at throwing the dart flying past him didn't escape his eye. Tristan was an O'Neil but now was also an O'Kane. The dart was the signature move of Jackson. He tortured his victims by playing dart on them. It was a good way of teasing them while interrogating them. Tristan was already skilled by the looks of it.

As Tristan walked out he saw the teenager he once knew with authority and determination walking away to seek his innocent sister. Was he meant to stop him? She was way too innocent for him. What was she going to do. Tristan was more complex than before now. Tristan was analysing every move Vienna made abs every person she spoke to. Tristan reacted to Viggo who was her brother so drastically. Viggo could only imagine what Tristan did to anyone else if they did anything that he saw as insult to his queen.

Tristan walked to the kitchen putting Viggo at the back of his mind. He made his warning to Viggo. Now it was time to have fun. He entered the kitchen and saw Vienna working on baking as her hands were covered with flour and cookie dough. She looked adorable in her apron. He walked slowly to her and stood behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind startling her as she jumped "Tristan...."

Tristan kissed the side of her forehead "Say my name again."

Vienna said "I am working... I told Viggo to keep you busy so I can bake..."

Tristan frowned and lifted Vienna up in his arms. He carried her away as she protested "Stop... I need to bake."

Tristan turned her around and sat her on the kitchen counter as he put his hands on either side of her on the counter top "So tell me, have you been trying to keep me away?"

Vienna bit her lip as she started playing with the wooden stirrer in her hand that had cookie dough on it "Sorry ..."

Tristan said with a frown "I don't forgive..."

Vienna said "I give you kisses..."

Tristan said "Payment accepted..." He then leaned forward and kissed her. As he was kissing her he felt the cool liquid on his face. He pulled away and watched Vienna bite her lip again "Sorry... The spoon touched your face..."

Tristan touched his face but then he watched her touch the cookie dough on his face with her soft hands making him revel in her touch. She then put the dough in her mouth. "You now taste like a cookie... delicious...Maybe I should decorate you like a cookie. Do you like chocolate chip or smarties?"

Tristan said "Vienna. Don't tempt me to make a cookie out of you... Stop teasing me..." She was teasing him too much now. He was willing to totally do it to teach her not to tease him like this.

Vienna said "Ok.. I stop... Maybe I like comparing you to a cookie... But again cookies are sweet... You are a grumpy bitter one..." She then laughed "And when you go into the oven the heat will make you hot .... "

Tristan said "Vienna... Don't make cookie jokes with me... I don't like it..."

Vienna knew to stop... Tristan was very masculine. He did not like to be associated with a cookie. She got the message "Sorry Tristan ... Ok. Let's change the subject... I know it's hard to make you laugh... Why don't you open your present I made for you."

Tristan looked at a small wrapped package that was in the corner of the kitchen where Vienna was pointing.

Tristan walked to the package. He opened it curiously. It was a jumper.

Vienna explained "I knitted it for you..."

Tristan was in awe of the details she had used. It was beautiful. Tristan put it in the package and said "It's so beautiful."

He walked to her "I love you." He then kissed her lips.

She then made her spoon touch his face again as they were kissing. Tristan sighed as he pulled away "Vienna.". She tjumped off the counter and ran to the other side of kitchen.

Tristan liked this side of Vienna that was rebellious and joked but he had his own principles. He didn't like some lines to be crossed. If she joked with him, he was going to retaliate too. He felt the urge to unless she paid him with kisses. He wiped his face with a handkerchief and turned to her "You think you can laugh at me and run from me?"

He walked to the chuckling form of Vienna. He took a box out of his pocket and opened it "Here is a hibiscus flower Necklace."

Vienna gasped at the beautiful necklace with diamond red hibiscus . She had eaten hibiscus before with drinks. They were so delicious and also beautiful with amazing scents for decorations. Hibiscus was also the symbol of Tristan's trade goods unofficially. He dealt with the Irish in Australia and hibiscus was a code name also. The red diamonds shined under the light. She loved it.

Tristan put it around her neck "So maybe it reminds everyone who you belong to when you are away from me."

Vienna sighed "Tristan. No one needs to be reminded of. Everyone knows who I belong to. I belong to you Tristan." She then wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

When they pulled away Tristan said "How do I make you pay for comparing me to a cookie and trying to make one out of me?"

Vienna said "Accept Payment with kisses please. Are you convinced?"

Tristan said "I need convincing. Convince me."

Vienna then touched her lips to his again for a lengthy time.