NYC

I am alive and I am well. It has been two very active days for me here in the city that never sleeps. I have been able to prove just that, considering that I've hardly slept. I must admit that traveling with someone is quite entertaining, gives you endless stories to tell.

After changing our flight plans several times to accomodate my schedule, we decided to leave early in the morning, since we had various things to do that same night. Customs was fine, the first class seats were fine but obviously Michelangelo wasn't fine. He had somehow memorized all this useless (equally frightening) trivia concerning the probabilites of a plane falling. Exactly what you need to hear on a six hour trip to New York from London. I practically forcefed him the pill and after two minutes of pure blabber and the occasional whimper for Thierry, he fell asleep. After that the flight was blissful. I watched Casino Royal and some news highlights. We then landed and arrived after 45 minutes to The Pierre Hotel right next to Central Park. The hotel is lovely but a bit too classy for my taste. And by classy I mean classic.

Michelangelo went off to his shoot in Central Park and I went to some meetings. We met up in the Majestic Theather to see the Phantom of the Opera. We arrived just in time to see the chandelier go up. It was fun, enthralling and quite breathtaking. I now owe him 250 dollars, since he bet that I'd like it. After that his photographer made reservations for us in Buddha Bar. I loved it. The music, the decoration, the beautiful people... everything. I knew that we both, as we chatted, would rather be with our respective others. Ahem. Well, he with his boyfriend and me with my....... Caterina.

Anyways... we danced a bit then we went back to the hotel around 3 in the morning. And let me tell you, sleeping with Michel... is quite unnerving. I admire Rink for it. He kept clinging to me, believing I was Thierry and whispering his name. So I was forced to sleep on the couch (which is something I am NOT PARTIAL to) because he was so annoying. Though trust me, that was the last night I slept on the couch.

The next day we had a delicious breakfast. I ate my traditional English breakfast plus some Belgium waffles. Absolutely delightful.

After that, Michelangelo went to his other shoot and I went to the American Museum of Natural History to see the Planetarium, the GOLD display and the Butterflies. I actually interacted with about a thousand butterflies. Caterina Maria... would've loved it. The museum was far too big for me to actually see it in it's completion (four FLOORS) but I quite enjoyed it. Then I went to see some of my friends in Queens. Olivia and Victor, they've been married for our two years now and I hadn't seen them since. I realized how much I missed them after spending a few minutes with them. It was minutes because I got lost using that wretched, DIRTY, FILTHY subway system. That smell... how can people USE that on a daily basis!?

I went to the theater again where I met up with Michelangelo to see Mamma Mia! That was a very fun musical. The music of the entire show is from ABBA and I could find myself singing a few songs without intending to do so. After that, Michelangelo went to another photoshoot and I went to a business dinner in a restaurant whose name escapes me.

Then I came back to the hotel, Michelangelo was already sleeping on the couch much to my relief. So I had a good night after all. Big bed all to myself.

Off I go now.

Hours prior to NYC

It's too bright for me to be coherent. But Michelangelo has been calling me nonstop. It's no joke that he gets anxious before traveling. I was just printing our electronic tickets and hotel reservations, trying my best not to wake Caterina Maria. She has a very deep sleep, luckily for me. She's really adorable.

I'm checking... and everything seems in order. Now I will bathe to see if I can recuperate my motor skills and then continue unto my breakfast. Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages,mushrooms, hash browns, and half of a tomato. Specific I know. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water, which can be a distracting thought since I'm fretting the fact that I'm leaving Caterina Maria.

Yes, I will stop talking like this soon. I promise. As soon as I wake up. Good Lord, I'm most definitely not a morning person.

And all because of a glossy lipstick...

Unfamiliar to many apparently, the code is my way of life. I suppose it does sound surprising to some people but I did attend the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. I served my rightful time and learned quite a few things. In them, I learned honor and respect. I'm also well aware that today's youth is being raised in a world filled with over the top liberties, they fail to grasp the concept of deference as it seems they were raised in the wild by a pack of wolves. I have managed to sail my way through all kinds of situations, people and scenarios; more often than not I am succesful.

But there's no need for me to rant and mention no names. Or maybe there is. Maybe I'm being ridiculous and childish by mentioning them both. Him, for ignoring the fact that you have to maintain some sort of decent distance with the woman that, you are consciously aware, is being courted by another man. Her, for provoking a needless and rather dangerous encounter between two men, one who is at a clear disadvantange. Though I suppose that it IS normal after all, most people love to ruffle the feathers of the quiet hawk, waiting to see if he'll react and finally poke their eye out as they have been so anxiously waiting for.

We all know that you, noiseless watchers of our little drama, are waiting for the big fight. Why wouldn't you? Two grown men after the same awe-inspiring woman. Only one gets to keep her. As the old saying goes "let the best man win" and we all know who the better man is.

Alas, it is partly not his fault. I suppose we'll label him as an unfortunate victim of circumstance. I'm not as mad at him as I am at her. It is her I like. It is she the object of my affection. It is she who looked positively ravishing with her new look and tempted me to take her right then and there. I suppose it is my fault for not being fast enough or with a quick tongue to sample her glossy lips. Yes, I am guilty of being slow in that sense. I can't express myself as eloquently as I would've liked. I would've loved to take him away and be with her alone. We'll call it my payment for taking a trip on a whim to another continent to see her. I will admit I am very sorry I couldn't stay longer with her, whisper to her ear how splendid she looked and steal a kiss or two.

Though I cannot let her go unpunished. It is not in my nature. We'll blame my anger. And my pride.

E-Cards have special powers

Who would've thought that an e-card could do that? ;) She is certaintly the most original and entertaining person I know. And such a darling. I'll be on my way to plan an entire agenda just for us. Can't wait.

Michelangelo is coming with me to New York. That sounds pretty good, I am not usually fond of traveling alone. Though with Michelangelo that is usually the case, he's not exactly very awake during the flight. He's scared of planes and heights you see. So I can only talk to him while we're at the gate then he slips on a pill and slips into sleep. Quite amusing to watch actually.

I ate sushi today. I felt I needed to vary my menu at least for ONE day, after a while you get sick of cous-cous, kedgeree and salmon filet. And also, Eleanor dared me. She suddenly feels superior to me because she can enjoy raw foods. I tried, and for the 10th time I failed. I cannot find any kind of enjoyment in something uncooked. Though I must admit, like my good friend Thierry said, there is nothing par to the french cuisine.

Happy Earth Day to you all. Time to think green and plant some trees. Me? I'm in dire need of good weather. My flowers need some sun, desperately.

happy birthday jean-luc bellay.

Long days and phone calls

I have been exposed to torture today on so many levels, it's not even fair. First, my Polo match (against Doctor's orders) didn't go as I planned, mostly because I didn't win. The pain in my wrist didn't allow me to swing the mallet freely. I think I must've broken it or at least made it worse. Doesn't hurt though, probably because it's numb.

Before that I was my father's escort to some assemblies that are in charge of our multiple charities. It's that time of the year where we review costs, funds and other idiosyncrasies. I myself have a mountain of paperwork I need to review/sign and trust me, I am surely not inclined to do so. I'm dying for a change of pace... alas, my 'physical' change of pace is far away from me at this moment.

I went shopping today. Strange, I know. I bought something for me and a gift but I don't feel like sharing what it is just yet. Heh.

Caterina Maria and I talked on the phone on this very night. It was remarkably relaxing listening to her on the other side of the phone. Yes, I know that by now, you must be tired. Well, for me, it was delicious. The relaxation I was desperately yearning for. I'm afraid to believe that I am inclined to have a bit of a dependency problem. Though it's ridiculous to entertain such a thought... I can't deny that I get a satisfaction par to none when she laughs only for me.

Quirks

I am completely exhausted yet wired. Good Lord, what a bloody long day.

I have a lot of quirks and I'm wired enough by the coffee, vodka and... (I can't remember the rest) to write them down, because let's face it, you hardly know me. Though to be honest, I'm a very private person. Blame the spotlight, I've been under it's light since I was a child. I don't like people messing around and wanting to squeeze information out of me. Though... today shall be an exception.

- I have a serious caffeine addiction. As in I cannot live without a cup of coffee in the morning. I don't function as I should when I don't have it.

- I don't smoke but I binge drink all the time. I suppose it's my way to alleviate my stress.

- I'm addicted to sweets. Cakes, cookies, brownies, muffins, scones, crullers... everything. My all-time favorite cookie is the Moravian Spice Cookie. The thinnest and most delicious cookie I've ever taste. To this day it remains one of my top guilty pleasures.

- I prefer candle light over normal light. Much more romantic and adds mystery. My, I guess I'm tilting a bit here into sexual territory.

- My lower back is my most erogenous zone. I also get weak in the knees when my scalp is massaged, makes me unwind.

- My favorite season is spring. I would think that I don't need to explain this one. Spring is normally my rebirth, in more ways than one.

- Sports clear my mind, that's why I practice so many. I also enjoy working out at the gym but I like going to them when they're completely empty, which is why I have my own in my basement.

- As much as this may be surprising to some people, I do not consider myself an overly serious person. Though compared to the average person, I am serious but with a light heart. I have strong mood swings, not to mention, I have a strong will and I have a tough time changing my opinion about things.

- I'm a big fan of the classics, both music and movies. I love to dance though today's concept of 'music' has so far escaped me but if I must be truthful, I can listen to it a bit more thanks to someone. I don't need to say any names. She knows.

- I do not enjoy raw foods though I can take the occasional sushi.

- I normally drink my alcohol neat i.e. no ice.

- I abhor nicknames. I cannot tolerate it when my sisters or my mother call me "CHRIS" or "CHRI" or "DOM". I am the one that thinks that if you have a NAME, use it. Your parents must have thought about it before naming you that (though I admit, there have been some cruel and mean-spirited parents out there).

That's all I can think of for now. Tomorrow I plan to undergo more in depth discoveries of myself through liquor. Hmm... it's rather amusing that in the dark of the night I think of her. Things have been too quiet. I'm leaving to New York City next week, that might spice things up. It's no London, but it's a marvelously fun city. I just wish I had...

You know what. I'm not going to finish that sentence.

Dating and Coffee

Caterina Maria left for Miami today. It was rather heart wrenching bittersweet for me, particularly after our discussion of the previous days. It's amazing to me how we fight and make up in a relatively short time. She had made a conscious decision to not date either of the two men I was aware she was dating which were myself and Jean-Luc Bellay, this flimsy childhood friend of hers. We had been going out for a while now but nothing committed. I thought it would be reminiscent of past relationships but it wasn't so. I feel this extraordinarily strong pull towards Caterina, it's amazing. I can't think properly when I'm with her. It's baffling for someone like myself. I'm a very rational person.

So we stopped "dating".

I decided to respect her decision, much to my dismay. And I concentrated on other things. Gardening, chess and polo. Unfortunately for me, Midnight's Dream (my gorgeous and favorite horse) was rather obnoxious and made me fall during one of the practices. She had other plans than performing well obviously and giving me a massage was a top priority. I didn't hurt myself that badly, except for a broken wrist and a few scratches here and there. Trust me, I've had worse. Mum had a fit. She tends to worry when she sees her only son on the floor and not moving.

Seeing Caterina though made me feel much better.

Ugh, I disgust myself with this talk but it's the truth. She does have this magical touch to make me feel lighter. I live with such stress...

But not to worry, Michelangelo and I are going out for coffee. That'll clear my head up. Nothing like taking some shots to relieve the stress.

Intoxicated

I'm currently quasi-intoxicated. I had one too many jelly shots at this very peculiar get-together I attended alongside Caterina Maria. Everyone was so consumed in stress and tension, I could barely enjoy my surroundings. Between Veronique being there with Caterina's ex, Veronique fighting with her older brother, Thierry; then an array of mishaps and uncomfortable situations.

I'm not a sociable person. I try to, but I hate being around so many people. I suppose it's because I don't know them well enough to relate. Though they're quite an entertaining bunch. Now that I think about it, I'm in need of someone to talk to.

I haven't seen Philippa in over a week, strangely, I don't find myself missing her except when I need someone to listen to. Caterina Maria is wonderful to talk to, if I managed to form concrete sentences. Nevertheless, there's something about her voice that acts like catnip for me. I adore listening to her silky soft voice, speaking in an agitated flurry of words. I'm still trying to pinpoint why I can't speak with her as I would with anyone else. Again, having taken about 15+ jelly shots, doesn't help with the mind OR proper spelling at the moment.

Yet it's not fair to dedicate a pissed entry to someone like her. Tomorrow's sunday, the most boring day of the week. I think after a few hours, I should be more than qualified to do a worthy entry.

Acquaintanceships - Veronique

Out of my many acquaintances, I have been frequently asked about a Veronique Reinard Lexington. Some would say we are best friends; I myself like to call her my favorite enemy. We met on the streets of London on a hot summer day. I accidentally bumped into her, which she mistook as intentional. She's quite self-centered you see. After a long diatribe, mostly her trying to convince me that I owed her some kind of apology for what I did, I invited her for coffee. I must admit that her stand-offish demeanor was of no surprise to me but there was something about her attitude that caught my attention. I suppose it was the spunk that emanated from her.

“So what is your name?”

“What is yours?” I asked “Since you’re so insisting on finding out about me.”

“Are you always this evasive?” she asked, quite poshly.

“Are you always this persistent?”

“WHY do you answer my question with another!? It vexes me to no end” she replied.

“I’ll keep that in mind for future encounters”

She quirked her eyebrow with suspicion.

“I highly doubt it. You refuse to tell me your name and I will not tell you mine.”

“Wonderful. Then it will be two perfect strangers sharing coffee in the vast city of London”

She said nothing as she sipped her coffee. I smiled as I did the same, whilst my eyes surveyed her. She looked at me but I could see that I caught her interest by the way she tilted her body towards me.

“Since we are perfect strangers... tell me about you”

I tilted my head to the side. “You’re flirting”

She flinched and sat back. I laughed.

“By your attitude, I say you’re a Taurus... or an Aries”

“By your attitude” I said “I say you’re superstitious”

She appeared surprised, and suspicious.

“Why?”

“Your bracelet for one. It’s filled with good luck charms and... the first thing you threw on the table it’s some rubbish about astrology”

She was obviously displeased with my comment, not to mention offended as most girls get when you put into question their beliefs.

“But you’re right I’m a Taurus”

She continued to question me, not hiding her interest in figuring me out. We managed to stay two whole hours, mostly trying to impress each other with witty banter. At least, she was trying to impress me. I was amused.

She downed yet another cup of coffee. I had lost count by then. She looked at me after looking at her expensive watch.

“Well sir...” she made an emphasis on the sir “I’m afraid I’ll have to leave you. I’m late” she gently stood up and took out her purse; I raised my hand.

“Please. I’ll take care of it”

She looked amused.

“So men like you still exist”

“Gentlemen? We’re dying breed I know” I put the money down on the table and stood up along with her. She extended her hand.

“Pleasure to meet you...”

“Christian. Christian Dominic Percy”

Her eyes widened. As quickly as she was surprised, just as quickly she recomposed herself.

“Earl Percy, heir to the Dukedom of Northumberland...” She spoke as if unfazed.

“Though I prefer Christian. I’m surprised you know that.”

“I know everything about our nobility” she said, her tone getting haughtier by the second.

“So you can marry well?” I quipped. She looked outraged.

“How dare you!”

“Don’t get your knickers in a bunch”

After that, we became fast friends. At some point, we became involved for a short period of time. She was desperate to become a woman, in her own words. It was a one-time thing though I’m pretty sure she had feelings for me when I ended it. Either that or she’s just naturally overzealous and possessive of her friends.

Introduction

My name is Christian Dominic Percy, Earl Percy. I am the heir of the Dukedom of Northumberland. As it is custom, I will introduce myself. Or I’ll try, considering I’m not inclined to share personal information. I was born May 2nd under the star sign Taurus. Not that I believe in any of that trash but it seems to be important to some people. My parents’ names are Hugh and Edith. I have three sisters. I was born in Northumberland, England and I currently reside in Alnwick Castle with my family.

I enjoy the great outdoors and I firmly believe in exercise because it keeps me healthy and active. I am quite the sportsman if I do say so myself. Polo, cricket, fencing, rugby and tennis are my favorites; though I do enjoy the occasional game of badminton with my mum. Softie, I know. And chess with my younger sister, Eleanor. She is the only person who can beat me in that game, which is quite a feat for a ten year old girl.

Being born into privilege as I was, I have a certain appreciation for aesthetics. Due to this, I am quite the arts collector. I love collecting paintings and sculptures. I'm also an avid gardener, in case my name didn't give me away. True, it is hard for me to pin point where exactly this obsession started. I did actually study botany, and trust me, it has come quite in handy. But I'll talk about my green tendencies later.

I am very strong-willed, it is incredibly difficult, not to say practically impossible, to get me to change my mind once I have made it up. More often than not, I’m more practical than intellectual because I am a firm believer of the quick thinking. I am patient but to an extent, trust me, you wouldn’t want to be there when I loose my temper.

That'll be good for now.