31It was on Lovino Vargas' fifth birthday that everything was set into motion, yet none of the players knew so. It was such an uncannily cheerful day that nobody would ever suspect the events that would later take place in their small town to happen, a town that honestly didn't deserve any of the destruction heading its way. The people there were kind, offering their hand to any wandering travelers in need of a place to rest. Although the people were kind, it was hard to become a close part of their community, especially to any persons just moving in. This little town, known as Bethridge by the inhabitants, will not show up on many maps, but it's there all the same, serving as a crossroads between a major city and a large forest.
It was there that our story began.
Lovino Vargas was well known in the Bethridge community, though his reputation was far less than great. He was a little bundle of emotions and could be easily compared to a ticking time bomb; however, the Vargas family in itself was respected, so nobody ever said anything. His fifth birthday was held mainly to welcome the newest Vargas family member, his baby brother Feliciano, into the world. The tiny Italian was born only two weeks before the party, and though Lovino pretended not to care, his five year old mind was intensely jealous, but he'd never admit to it.
"Lovino, you look just so handsome," his mother, Jacquelyn Vargas, cooed. She finished brushing the boy's hair and let him look at himself in the mirror. Lovino couldn't really see what she was talking about, they were just clothes, and he didn't care much for his hair to be parted like that, either. As soon as she turned around, he quickly mussed it up and let it hang naturally.
Jacquelyn turned and tsked at her son, but didn't fix his change, instead tying a bow around his neck. "This bowtie has been in our family for three generations. Did you know that?"
Lovino didn't exactly know what a generation was, so he didn't answer. The tie wasn't tight, but the feeling of having something at his throat bothered him greatly, "Is Bella going to be there?" He asked simply, turning his eyes up to meet his mother's.
She smiled softly, "Yes, she will be. Do you know who else I invited?"
Lovino blinked, "Who?"
"The Carriedo family," She smiled brightly, as if Lovino should know who they were. She must have recognized the look of confusion on her son's face, for she quickly explained, "The Carriedo family moved here just last week. They have a son about Bella's age, eight or nine or so. I thought it would be good for you to play with a boy for once."
Lovino said nothing, but scowled slightly, "He better not be a jerk."
She kissed his head encouragingly, "I'll bet he's not. Now come, let's go get your brother and greet our guests."
Lovino took his mother's hand, hopping down from the vanity stool to walk beside her until they reached the nursery where his brother slept. Lovino was just tall enough to see through the slots in the crib at his fratello, who slept there as if he owned the place.
It was my crib first; he protested soundlessly, his grip on his mother's hand like a vice. However, that warmth and comfort of her soft palm left, and he whimpered in confusion, only to have his answer in the form of her picking up the infant.
He didn't understand. Wasn't he good enough to be held like that? Wasn't he good enough to be cooed and coddled over? Or had this…this…thing come to take his place?
It was in that moment that Lovino learned how to hate.
. . .
The party was actually one of the better parties the town had thrown in a while, so everybody was having a good time. Most of the men went to the bar to get drunk, while the women stayed behind to congratulate Jacquelyn on her baby. Lovino was with neither, instead sitting at his table, staring at the place a few balloons were tethered to. The balloons were basically the only thing to signal the party was actually supposed to be his, a fat "happy birthday" painted onto them in some ridiculous font. The cake was good, though it said "congratulations" and had a baby bottle frosted onto it. He honestly couldn't tell if it was supposed to be his party or his brother's.
The thing was it wasn't even the cake or the moms that got to him. It was the fact that his biggest crush, Bella, had left him to join the women in worshipping the freaking baby. It was Lovino's birthday! Not the brat's!
Anger boiling over, Lovino ripped the cheap ribbon of the balloon strings, and then watched them as they floated up through the trees and eventually into the atmosphere.
He instantly regretted it.
Those balloons were the only things that meant the party was his…and he just let them fly away. Tears played in his eyelids and he squeezed them shut to prevent an overflow, turning his face back to the ground. Didn't anybody care? No. Nobody cared.
"Hola!" A sudden new voice greeted, startling Lovino enough to jump a little. He whipped his head up to see a new boy, somebody he had never met before, which was strange in itself. Everybody knew everybody in this town, it was just that small. He was Spanish by the sounds of it, and Lovino only knew that because his father had business with Spaniards sometimes.
"My name's Antonio!" the boy said cheerfully, plopping himself down on the bench. He was a bit older than Lovino, with dark chestnut hair that fashion a slight wave to it, and cheerful green eyes the same shade as the balloon that flew away without him. Immediately, Lovino brought his fists up to wipe his eyes dry, and then glared at the other boy.
"What do you want?" He grumbled, attempting to sound intimidating but just coming off as a grumpy kitten.
Antonio was obviously an idiot, for he merely laughed and tilted his head, "I came to say happy birthday, duh."
Shocked, Lovino's glaring eyebrows raised and his mouth fell slightly, "Wait…what?"
The older boy smiled and ruffled Lovino's hair fondly, "Happy birthday."
Lovino tried to wrap his young mind around it. Here was this boy, a stranger boy, whom he had never met in his entire life, and he was wishing him a happy birthday. Firstly, how did this kid even know it was Lovino's birthday? Secondly, why wasn't he off gushing over the baby? He stared at the boy—Antonio, was it?—in mild shock and confusion. That quickly wore off as he got a grip on the fact fingers other than his mothers were still in his hair. He jerked his head back, sending a very intimidating five year old glare at the elder, and said very pointedly, "My mommy told me not to talk to strangers."
As Antonio blinked and processed the statement, the tiny Italian folded his arms and faced away.
"Hey," Antonio protested, "We're not strangers. I know your name and you know mine, and we've been talking all this time. That means we aren't strangers."
Though this was true, Lovino still refused to turn around. He was much too stubborn to be swayed by five minutes of conversation. After a minute, Antonio picked the conversation back up, "Why did you let your balloons go?"
Wincing at the memory, Lovino shot a pout (for lack of a better term, he still hadn't perfected glaring) at the Spanish boy, "Because…'cause…'cause I could, alright?!"
Antonio sent his gaze heavenward, shielding his eyes from the glare of the sun, as if he could still spot the balloons. He frowned, "Hmm…well I saw some others over there!" He emphasized direction with a pointed finger, "We could go get you a few new balloons!"
Lovino frowned, staring at the ground as if it were at fault, "Those are for the baby."
Antonio blinked, "But isn't it your party?" Silence was Lovino's answer. "Well I came to a birthday party, so those balloons are yours. Let's go get them and explore the woods!" With a beaming smile, he stood up, offering hand to the younger boy.
Lovino contemplated the hand, then apprehensively took it into his own, standing up shakily. "Okay but don't get me into trouble."
Antonio grinned and crossed his heart, "I promise."
That being said, the two boys weaved through the crowd hand in hand. A few looks were sent their way, given Antonio was a new face, but no stares were made. Eventually Lovino could see the target Antonio was leading him to: a small cluster of balloons tied to the white picket pence. He could almost smile as they reached their prize and Antonio set to work on untying the cheap ribbons.
Though he was young, Lovino still couldn't understand why this boy was being so nice; they barely even knew each other. Were people outside of town always so thoughtful, or was it just this particular boy? He simply could not understand, but as he watched unskilled fingers work at the knots, he decided it was just the boy. Not many people were that nice.
Soon, a balloon was free, and Antonio handed it over to Lovino. The younger took it, ducking his head to hide a sheepish grin and muttered, "Grazie."
Antonio smiled sweetly, cocking his head to the side. His mass of curly hair fell with the movement, skewing the view of his bright eyes, "Don't thank me. Anyways, you said we could go exploring!"
Lovino's temporary grin fell and he looked towards the group of mothers. He was specifically searching for his mom, but she was lost somewhere in the crowd. He knew that she'd never approve of his exploring without an adult, the woods were too dangerous. But jeez…Antonio was looking at him so hopefully…and he didn't know where his mom was so he could go ask…
Somehow, the decision was made in the back of his mind, and he nodded affirmatively. "Come on, I know where to go."
Antonio's smile beamed, and he stuck out his hand, "¡Bien! Let's go!"
Lovino grumbled, taking the hand grudgingly. This kid had a serious thing for holding hands, and the Italian wasn't too sure how he felt about it. He supposed he'd teach the Spaniard his place sometime later, for at that very moment he didn't feel like chewing out a stranger.
The boys left the yard, Lovino glancing back only once. He still couldn't see his mom.
He doubted she'd care anyways.
"So what's fun to do around here?" Antonio asked, making Lovino turn his attention back to him. The older boy was taking large steps, trying to hit each sidewalk crack every time his foot fell. His legs were so short he didn't quite succeed but he didn't seem to mind.
Lovino shrugged, "Mama doesn't take me out much. I'm still too young," with the last sentence he puffed out his cheeks, "but the park is fun."
Antonio stopped his awkward hopping and looked at the younger, "The park? Would you take me?"
Lovino shrugged, not wanting to commit himself to the task, "maybe."
Antonio looked back forward. 'Maybe' was better than 'no'. "How old are you?"
Lovino stuck out his chest proudly, "I turned five today!"
"Really? 'Cause I turned seven this year."
"Five is better."
"Nuh uh! You can't do anything when you're five."
Lovino huffed, "Yes you can, I can watch TV all I want now."
"My Mama has always let me do that." Antonio replied with all the coy a seven year old could possess.
Pouting, Lovino retorted, "I don't need to be leashed anymore."
"My Mama lets me to take our dog for walks."
"Well Mama has let me help cook before!"
A small moment of silence passed between the two before a smarmily grinning Antonio gave his reply, his gloating and bragging tone leeching from each word.
"My Mama lets me pick out my own clothes."
Lovino had to stop there. There was no way he could top that and both of them knew it. However, instead of admitting defeat, the youngster quickly steered them towards a path that would lead them directly to the forest. Before her belly started growing, Mama would take him on this path many times a week. He could remember those days very distinctly and he craved for them to be back, wishing with an almost desperation that she would just put the baby back wherever she got it from and things could go back to normal.
He knew that would never happen though.
But he still hoped, he still prayed. Maybe one day his wishes would come true and he could walk down this path with Mama once more.
In fact, he could almost pretend that Antonio's hand was hers. It wasn't quite the same, of course. He was much too short and his hand was way too small, but if he just pretended…even just for a little while, then maybe it wouldn't hurt so much.
"Lovino! Your balloon!" Antonio's cry brought Lovino back to reality, but not in time enough to watch his new balloon slowly drift up into the canopy. He must have let it slip out of his hand while he was daydreaming…He observed it as it kept going higher, disappearing like his Mother's love for him.
Finally, all of his tears he had worked so hard to keep in started pouring out, his emotions following the balloon into the trees. Letting go of Antonio's hand, he rubbed his eyes fitfully to stop the hot tears. Broken sobs left his mouth, filled with loneliness as much as they were filled with sorrow. He wanted everything to go back to the way it was, back to when Mama cared only for him, back to when balloons stayed in his hands, back to when his parents weren't so tired all the time. He wanted his crib, even though he was too big for it; he wanted to be cradled like Feliciano did; and most of all, he wanted his Mama.
His sobs increased in volume and his little body shook, and for a moment, Antonio stood in shock. He didn't quite know how to handle the situation, nor did he know exactly what set the meltdown off. He assumed it was the balloon, and he immediately sympathized for the poor boy.
"Hey, it's alright…" Antonio said in his best soothing voice, the kind he used on that lost kitten he found once, "You don't need to cry. We can get you another balloon…"
Lovino only shook his head, shoulders quivering from weeping.
Frown deepening, Antonio looked up to where the balloon had drifted off…and saw it!
"Lovino, look!" He smiled hopefully, pointing up at the canopy. The balloon had somehow drifted into a few twigs and its string had tangled itself amongst them. Lovino looked at it with bleary eyes and sniffled. Didn't this idiot understand he didn't care about a stupid balloon?
"Hmm…" Antonio got a thoughtful look, then walked over to the tree the balloon had caught itself on. "I'll bet I could get it down for you!"
Despite his want to cry more, he gaped at Antonio. This guy was crazy…right? That tree was really tall. Most of the seven year olds he knew could barely conquer the tiny apple tree in the town square.
However, Antonio continued on, placing one foot on a low knot in the trunk. Then up went the other foot. Then the other. Repeat. He was by no means skilled; in fact, he was rather shaky as he kept climbing higher and higher…
All Lovino could do was gawk. By this point, Antonio had reached at least ten feet in the air (or a hundred as far as Lovino was concerned), and that wasn't even half the distance to the balloon.
Taking deep, even breaths, Antonio grasped the branch above him and used it to hoist his weight to a nearby limb. He then pulled himself over to the trunk, shimmying around it until he found a foothold that would take him to the next bough. He continued this, refusing to look down, until a particular balloon string was just beyond his reach.
He was going to die, Lovino decided. The crazy idiot was going to die. All for what, a balloon that wasn't even supposed to be his? Lovino couldn't decide if he should run and help, or stay and watch. His body seemed to make the choice for him, eyes refusing to even blink as the seven year old above him reached out for the string…
Got it. Antonio smiled triumphantly to himself as he ripped the balloon string away from the twigs and close to him, wrapping it around his wrist to prevent it from ever floating off again. It was a good climb, too. Definitely one of his best. This wasn't the particular thought on his mind, though, as he began the trek down.
Going down was always worse than going up. When you went up, you had a broad view of every option you can take. Going down, your view was hindered by your own behind, and you couldn't see where to put your foot next, which could prove to be bad. Very bad.
However, Antonio scurried down the tree from limb to limb easily, and was only eight feet from the ground when his foot slipped. His arms flailed and eyes went wide as he tried to find some sort of purchase, but the nearest branches were all at least a foot above his head, and his fingers would not grab hold onto the bark.
Lovino screamed as he fell.
The silence that followed was eerie. It seemed as if every creature within a mile radius had stopped to listen and watch to make sure Antonio was still alive.
"…Hey…" Lovino said tentatively, stepping forward with a slight shake to his physique. Don't be dead…please don't be dead…
He reached the limp body after a few minutes and stared down at the once brilliant face. No…it can't be…
However, Lovino let out a loud sigh of relief as Antonio stirred painfully.
"You're crazy! You nearly die-" he was cut off as a bright green balloon was shoved in his face.
"…I got your balloon…" Antonio said, smiling wearily.
Lovino didn't know how to react. How could he react? This kid he hadn't even met two hours ago nearly risked his life to save some stupid balloon!
"Why?" He found himself asking simply, eyes wide with confusion.
Antonio sat up, a painful expression crossing his face as he looked at the spot he fell from. He lowered his gaze back to the Italian after a second and answered calmly, "So you wouldn't cry anymore."
That answer made no sense. It couldn't make sense. Maybe Lovino was just too young to understand… Shaking his head, he crouched next to his new friend. "Are you okay?"
Antonio nodded, flashing him a bright smile, "I just fell… not a big deal."
Lovino scoffed in a five-year-old fashion, helping the other to his feet. He wasn't quite comprehensive enough to understand that a normal kid would be crying, or even have some sort of broken bone.
Antonio was lucky that Lovino wasn't old enough to get that yet. He'd have to be careful in the future; but he could stand to save those thoughts for later. He allowed the tiny Italian to do his best in helping him back to the party, where both their mothers waited with hugs and worried chastisements.
That was the last either boy saw of each other that day, but both knew that they would play together again soon. Despite the momentary terror, they had more fun with one another than they ever had in their lives.
Thus, the gears of our story groan to life.