Forte of the Opera chapter 69

Maestro Charles Forte was born October 28th, 1700 to Felicity Forte and an unknown biological father. His birth was just a simple birth but already, his dreary life was ruined. Right as he was born, Vincent Forte had returned from battle to reconnect with his family. He was thrilled to hear he was having another child, but once he saw Charles didn't look a thing like him, he was heartbroken. Despite being a baby, Charles could remember the argument Felicity and Vincent had before splitting up.

"Vincent, please, I'm sorry! It won't happen again! It was the alcohol!"

"Yeah, right! You're a slut, Felicity, as long as I'm concerned, Charles isn't my son!"

"Please Vincent, you could just love him and accept him. The boy needs a father in his life!"

"We're through, Felicity! I never wanna see you again!"

SLAM went the door. Charles gripped on the bars on his maple wood crib and was concerned about his parents. He didn't understand it quite yet, but he was born from an affair. He knew something would be wrong though, since his mother never liked talking about his father once he was old enough to understand. She never told him Vincent wasn't his father until late in their lives.

Felicity came in a little after the argument and picked Charles up. She smiled at him and sat in her rocker to feed him by the warm, crackling fire. Charles gently took his mother's milk as he looked up at her with his deep black eyes full of wonder and curiosity. Felicity then sighed as she realized she couldn't take care of three children alone and would have to get two jobs just to keep them all on their feet. Braxton, being the oldest, was often put in charge despite his younger age, but would come in handy as time passed for the Forte family.

Charles was now six years of age. Angelina was eight and Braxton had just turned 12. The three of them often walked into town for food since their mother wasn't there to cook their meals and they weren't old enough to handle the stove yet. Felicity often gave them pieces of silver each so they could help themselves. Charles finally asked a question he's wanted to know all his life.

"Brother, sister," Charles stopped them in their tracks. "Do you know anything about Papa?"

Braxton and Angelina eyed each other, then turned at him with a sneer.

"Yeah, he left because of you." Braxton hissed.

"What?" Charles' eyes widened. "That can't be! Papa wouldn't leave because of a child's birth!"

"Well he did." Angelina added. "He'd still live with us if you hadn't come along."

"Why don't you leave now, Charles?" Braxton huffed as he shoved the child down. "You'll just make it worse on the family. If it wasn't for you, Maman would be home with us and Papa would be working so we could have toys, clothes and a decent scrap of food!"

"Yeah, get out of here, Charles!" Angelina spat in the boy's eye and the two left off, laughing.

Charles didn't feel like following them. He just stayed in his spot and tears stung his eyes as he was alone. Charles took out his silver coins and walked around the poor, provincial town. He looked all around with wonder and curiosity. He then accidentally ran into someone.

"Oh, I'm sorry monsieur!" Charles piped.

"That's alright, child." the man looked down at Charles. He had on a musician tail coat with dark-colored britches, white tights and black buckled shoes. "Where are you off to?"

"I'm not sure what to purchase before luncheon." Charles looked down at his coins and back up at the man. His hair gray as the child's coins. Charles noticed his tail coat. "You play music, sir?"

"Oui," the man nodded. "I play the organ for the church."

"Oh..." Charles scratched his chin. "Yes, I believe I've seen you play. You are very good at it, sir."

"That's a nice comment for such a rascally lad," the man patted his head. "Do you play any music?"

"Non," Charles sighed. "I want to play piano, but we can't afford to give me lessons or even a toy piano."

"Why don't I discuss it with your father? Where is he?"

"I don't have a father." Charles revealed.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, boy." the man frowned and knelt beside him. "You have a maman?"

Charles nodded. "Oui, oui, monsieur."

"Why don't I talk with her about lessons?"

"Merci beaucop! I'd appreciate it!" Charles' eyes lit up.

"There's a smile," the man smiled and stood straight up. "I'll be seeing you boy."

"Alright." Charles smiled and he looked around. He spotted his siblings and dashed off to them.