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| The Homecoming | Started by: SophiaLucca on Aug 14, '08 11:30 |
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Sophia Lucca stepped off the bus and onto the bustling sidewalk of downtown Chicago. It had been years since she'd walked along these streets, and things had obviously changed quite a bit. Sohpie had changed, as well. She was no longer the little girl with dimples and curls raised in a music store. Sophia had grown nicely into herself- her curly locks straigtening themselves to lay smoothly over her shoulder. Her Italian heritage was featured in her deep, olive-toned skin and dark green eyes. She was not awkwardly tall, but she did have a bit more height compared to most women. She wore a conservative, blue skirt suit and low, bone-colored heels. Her long hair was pulled back from her face and in a bun, and a simple hat matching her shoes sat on top of her head. Her dress betrayed her age. At only 26, Sophie looked quite a bit more mature. Taking her two suitcases in her gloved hands, Sophie immediately started the two-block walk toward the old building on 29th Street. There, she would find a familiar place- the place of her birth, and the place of her childhood. For 20 years, the store below her family's tiny little two-room flat had been a music shop, run by Mr. Rathburn. When her mother and father came to America, Mr. Rathburn hired her father to take care of the shop- keeping it tidy and making sure all the instruments were properly taken care of, and that the sheet music was always in order. Over the years, Mr. Rathburn began to trust Sophie's father, and taught him everything about his business. After all, someone had to know- Mr. Rathburn never had any children to pass his beloved shop onto. In a way, he adopted Sophie as something of a niece- he even taught her how to play the violin. Sadly, the year Sophie finished High School, Mr. Rathburn died of a heart attack, leaving the store to Sophie's father. He loved that little music shop, and faithfully continued the business until his death two years after Sophie began attending Ithica College. That the building was never successful on the real-estate market was a mystery to Sophie. The interior was so beautiful. The floors were made of hardwood that was always polished to a jeweled glean. Even the shelves and display cases were custom made from rich, redwood that brought out the brassy shine of the various trumpets and trombones, and the sleek black of clarinets with shiny silver hardware. The walls were painted a soft green- which made the wood grain of the violins, violas, cellos, and guitars stand out majestically from their carefully mounted places on the walls. Sophie remembered thinking that it was something out of a dream. The beauty of the shop itself made her feel like she could pick up any instrument and master it with little effort. So, she could never understand why no one wanted to buy it. Now that she'd returned to Chicago and needed a place to stay for cheap, she was somewhat grateful that the old place was still there. After all, she owned it now, so no rent was just what she had in mind. Finally approaching the building, a smile spread across her face. She felt a wave of excitment, though she knew the building was empty. Her mind hadn't forgotten the details of the inside, and despite what it looked like, she would be able to remember the beauty. She slipped her key into the lock, turned it, and pushed the door open. Other than the absence of instruments and the canvas drop-cloths covering the shelves and display cases, the shop looked exactly like she remembered. The floor was not as shiny, but that would be simple to fix. She didn't know what she was going to do with the shop itself, as she had already been in contact with a lawyer in Chicago to begin work as a legal assistant. More than likely, she would rent the shop to an aspiring businessman, and keep the flat upstairs for herself until she could purchase a place of her own. Checking her watch, she realized that she needed to get going if she was going to meet the lawyer, Mr. Swinson, on time. Sophie put her suitcases down behind the old sales counter and quickly walked out of the store toward the law offices of Swinson and Morris. Mr. Swinson? Hi, I'm Sophia Lucca- I spoke with you a few weeks ago regarding the legal assistant position. She confidently offered her hand toward him to shake. Edward Swinson looked up briefly from his desk, but made no move to get up. "Right, Sophia. Just hold on a minute and I'll show you around." Nodding slightly, Sophie stepped back a bit and waited. She waited and waited and waited- probably ten minutes. Finally, Mr. Swinson put down his pen and stood up. "Come this way." He led her, quickly, through another door in his office. There was a small desk with a telephone, typewriter, a note pad, and a pencil cup. "I assume you can transcribe quickly- we do a lot of business here, and don't have time for slow typists. You will answer the phone and take messages. Never disturb me with a phone call unless it is my senior partner or my wife. Clients will leave their name and number, and I will return their calls. The coffee maker is across from your desk- you will probably brew 4 to 5 pots a day. Just make sure it's always hot. If we need you to run an errand, you will take care of them on your lunch break- you get an hour." Before he had a chance to continue, Sophie spoke up. Mr. Swinson, I'm sorry, you must have me confused with someone else. I spoke to you about the legal assistant's position- not a secretary. "Oh, it's all the same. Legal assistant, secretary- the only difference is what you ladies want to call it." Sophie's eyebrows were raised with disbelief at this point. Mr. Swinson, I have my Juris Doctor Degree from Ithica College. I am far over-qualified for a position of just a secretary. I was given the impression that I would be assisting the attorneys here with their actual legal work- not making their coffee and picking up their dry cleaning. For the first time since she had arrived, Edward Swinson stopped talking and looked directly at her; an expression of surprised confusion on his face. "Miss Lucca, I am truly sorry for the misunderstanding, but the position you applied for was for a secretaries position. I know that New York is a fancy, libreal-thinking kind of place, but here- in the real world- the work of the Juris is a man's job. I'm sorry, I know you worked hard for that degree, but I'm afraid you just aren't equipped to practice law...here." It was all Sophie could to to keep from stammering her reply. Instead, she raised her chin, set her jaw, and gave Mr. Swinson a polite nod. Well, Mr. Swinson, I suppose that I should be goind- no need to keep you from your search for a secretary. Good day, sir. Without a second glance, Sophie turned and let herself out of the office. She walked down the street back toward her new, old home. How dare he! Not "equipped?" Just because she was a woman? She had the same degree he had- why was she "ill equipped" to practice law? She was in such a rage that she walked right past her building- only realizing it almost a half a block away. Sighing, Sophie turned around and made her way back. Inside the building, she walked back to the counter to retrieve her suitcases and take them upstairs. She stopped, however, and looked around. Hopping up on the counter, Sophie sighed. Well, Papa, what am I to do now? Who knew a woman couldn't get a job as a lawyer? I really thought the world had changed. Discouraged but not defeated, Sophie sat on the counter and thought about her next move. She thought for about an hour, then began to get hungry. It was nearly dinner time, and she needed to get settled in. The rest of her belongings would be arriving tomorrow. Tomorrow- another day. As long as she had that, she knew she would be alright. |
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Comes walking down the street in the city he calls home and comes across a empty store with an attractive young lady inside. He walks into the store and looks artounds a bit. He waves his bodyguards off and speaks in a heavy Russian accent Nice place you have here.....what is it....you sell? Either way, I like what you have on display... Gives a wink while he smiles Czar never was good with talking to women. No time he figured, business always came first. But in a pinch a smile and some enuendo would do the trick |
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| Reply by: Czar at Aug 14, '08 13:48 | |
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Chuckling, Sophie hops off the counter and smooths out her skirt. Unfortunately, sir, it seems this display piece isn't exactly "sought after." To be quite honest, I've just returned to Chicago. This was my father's business two years ago- it was a music store. Unfortunately, he passed away while I was in school, and I wasn't able to return. The building, strangely enough, never sold, so it's in my hands now. She smiled softly, as if daydreaming I'd love to re-open the store, but I'm afraid I do not have the financial backing for that. I don't suppose you're needing a space for business? I've never been a landlord, but I'm sure I could figure it out. After the earlier encounter with Edward Swinson, it was quite refreshing to Sophie to speak with a real gentleman. |
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| Reply by: SophiaLucca at Aug 14, '08 14:22 | |
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Looks at her and smiles Well, business is sort of my...business. Especially local business. What kind of store was it? Last time I checked pretty girls didnt need store fronts to get dates. Chuckles to himself And I certainly hope your not selling display cases and tarps. |
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| Reply by: Czar at Aug 14, '08 15:02 | |
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With a sly grin, Sophie picks up the corner of one of the drop cloths and shows it to him Are you kidding? These are the highest quality dust cloths around! They're made of only the finest burlap/canvas blend in production today! Laughing, she lets go of the corner and looks around at the big, empty room. No, this old place was a music store- a palace full of every instrument or piece of music you could imagine. I grew up just upstairs- and it was here that I learned to play the violin and cello. Of course, my degree has very little to do with music, except for a minor in performance strings, so I don't know how well I would do as a shop owner. |
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| Reply by: SophiaLucca at Aug 14, '08 15:08 | |
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Looks at the drop cloth and nods at the fine quality. Then turns his attention her her words Violin eh? I have been thinking of learning, the violin that is. Calming I hear, and calming is exactly what I could use. My business gets very stressful and my outlets are very limited and not always the wisest routes to take. Looks around the store and nods Place isnt bad, it has potential. So what is it you went to school for? Not textiles I assume. |
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| Reply by: Czar at Aug 14, '08 15:40 | |
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Propping up against the counter and quite comfortable talking to this gentleman (despite his entourage of body guards), Sophia give him a brief bio, not wanting to bore him too much with details. After all, this man was a stranger and, though he seemed quite charming, life in New York had taught her to be cautious of everyone. I graduated from Ithica College in New York- I have my Juris Doctorate degree. Unfortunately, it seems like no one in this city believes a woman's place is in the courtroom- just behind a desk. A vague look of disgust crosses her face as the memory of Ed Swinson passed through her mind, but she quickly dropped it So, here I sit in my father's building pondering what to do with it and myself. However, I would offer you some advice. There is nothing more soothing than the music of stringed instruments. Learning is not as easy as listening, but the product of hard work is more valuable and rewarding than one can imagine. Just saying the words made her want to pick up her cello and be lost in the music, but alas, her cello wouldn't arrive until tomorrow. If you're really interested, though, I might be able to show you a few things. |
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| Reply by: SophiaLucca at Aug 14, '08 17:40 | |
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Philosophical was walking down the road on a beautiful Friday morning. Suddenly he comes along an old building he knows all too well. He sighs as he approaches reminicing about how the music used to flow through the doors years ago. And how his mother always took him there to tune his guitar. Ah the good ole memories i can still count on... He hangs his head yet smiling as he continues on down the street. |
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| Reply by: Philosophical_Psycho at Aug 15, '08 09:50 | |
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Before he rounds the corner something catches his attention.. A sound. "That is weird" he thinks to himself, "noone has been in that building for over a year." His curiosity gets the best of him and he turns around... Faceing the building he looks in through the window and there is a woman playing what looks to be a celo. What on earth? He checks the door. Its open. He slowly walks in. I hope i am not intruding on anything but what are doing in here exactly this place has been closed ever since the old man passed away. |
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| Reply by: Philosophical_Psycho at Aug 15, '08 10:32 | |
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Sophie looks up at the gentleman who has just entered. Something about his face is familiar- as if she'd seen him before, but a long time ago. She stepped toward him a little and offered her hand to shake his Oh, please- no intrusion at all. I'm Sophia Lucca- this was my father's shop before he passed away. I've come back to...well...I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do with it, but I'm working on it. She gave him a pleasant smile, still trying to place him I'm sorry, have we met? |
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| Reply by: SophiaLucca at Aug 15, '08 10:43 | |
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My name?? Well no one has used my name in a long time. He took her hand turned it palm down and kissed the back, bowing while he did so. When i was little they called me Dominick. It has been a long time Sophia. I am glad to see your doing ok... I am also sorry to hear about your father. He was a good man, and sadly my guitar has been out of tune since his passing. He looks around the shop. Perhaps your love of music could inspire a few others to pick up an insturment. |
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| Reply by: Philosophical_Psycho at Aug 15, '08 11:09 | |
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Suddenly, she remembered exactly who he was Dominick! I remember you! Your mother used to bring you here with your guitar, and Papa always wanted to hear what you had learned. She smiled as she fondly remembered those days. It seemed funny to her- she's returned to Chicago with a law career in mind, but all signs are pointing her back to the shop. This is something she'd have to consider, but she knew she'd need help. I have to be honest with you, gentlemen, I came here to start practicing as a lawyer- since that is what my degree is- but within the last hour, this old place seems to be drawing some attention. Any of you superstitious at all, or is it just me? She flashed them a smile |
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| Reply by: SophiaLucca at Aug 15, '08 11:31 | |
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| Wandering the streets Brittney sees the new shop in the distance / she figures she'll see what it has there once she turns a few more bags. | |
| Reply by: Brittney at Aug 15, '08 11:53 | |
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Looks at the young man walk in and start talking to Sophia, He wonders what the hell he pays bodyguards for. He laughs and shakes his head Well Sophia I can see you have business with old company. But if I heard you correctly did I hear you say lawyer? Having seen the young man on the streets he pulls her away from him and speaks low I think we may be able to work out a trade. Ill give you the money for the music shop and make sure that no one messes with you here....ever. In exchange for your services. In my line of work we have a leagal problem or two we usually have to deal with. You would be very valuable to me. How that sound? |
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| Reply by: Czar at Aug 15, '08 13:22 | |
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Philosophical waits until Czar finishes speaking. Why the hushed tones? Your Czar right? Tell Aunt Alessia I said hi, and could you remind her that she owes me a car. Philosophical laughs to himself a bit. |
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| Reply by: Philosophical_Psycho at Aug 15, '08 16:06 | |
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Philosophical then turns to Sophia. Well Miss Lucca, I must be going. I will stop by again later if you don't mind, perhaps we could get some coffee or something? |
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| Reply by: Philosophical_Psycho at Aug 16, '08 10:04 | |
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She listens very carefully to Czar's proposal. It seems almost too easy to be true; then again, Sophia got the feeling that she was in the presence of two rather powerful men- and from her experience in New York, it is a good idea to be on the "good list" of such men. She answered Czar with a tone not so hushed as his own That is a very kind offer, Signore. Let me think on it a bit, perhaps a day. Though, I will be more than happy to begin lessons whenever you like. With a polite nod and a smile, she turns to Dominck, who is inching toward the door. Dominick- about having coffee, I think I'd like that. Meet me here tomorrow morning around 10. With a final look around, she takes her suitcases in hand Now, if you kind gentlemen would excuse me, I need to get a few things settled before the rest of my belongings arrive tomorrow. It was a pleasure to meet you- both. |
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| Reply by: SophiaLucca at Aug 17, '08 11:41 | |
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Looks at her and slips a business card into her pocket with his HQ address on it \ Come see me soon, we will talk buisness. Oh.....and bring that violin. Looks at the gentleman and shakes his hand I will give Alessia your respects. You take care of yourself eh? Oh and ill let her know to take care of that car situation. Chuckles Tips his brow and heads out the door, his bodyguards partially surround him as he starts to walk back to his place of business |
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| Reply by: Czar at Aug 17, '08 15:42 | |
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