Augusta Fern's Blog - Posts Tagged "family"
Chapter ONE
Chapter 1
It’s August, and August in New Orleans is hotter than the bluest blazes of hell. It’s been six months. Six months since I last saw…a lot can happen in six months. The tattoo gun vibrates my hand as I work but my thoughts are on all that has transpired. Scarlet is back at school and thriving; utilizing her minimal gifts. Henri is talking a mile a minute; colors, shapes, letters and numbers. My little tape recorder. Mamma is all consumed with the children; which has been a bit of a blessing for me. Searching for a new place is never easy, though my parents are over the moon that we are living at the house.
Luckily I was able to talk Frankie into letting me buy into her Pardido location and set up my tattoo business. Certification was less than difficult and given my reputation in the city I was able to bypass the apprentice process. With a portion of the insurance money from the fire I was to not only able buy all my equipment but renovate a nook for myself and my clients inside the salon.
The most interesting event during this time is my Daddy’s debut back into society, human and vampire alike. Questions of course were brought up, but Daddy fabricated some non-sense about witness protection and plastic surgery for the humans. He needed no excuses for the vampires, his reputation preceding him. And how he got the city to relinquish the house is beyond me. The house is busy, but not with tourists; my Daddy’s vampire coven are in and out at all hours of the night. I know this because I’ve become a borderline insomniac since Cian left.
When I don’t sleep, which is often, I paint. Albeit manically and occasionally while crying incessantly. My old room is littered with canvases, paint tubes and brushes. Mamma made me cover the entire floor with a tarp so not to destroy the original hardwoods and Daddy takes each piece as soon as it’s complete. I take a picture of it and upload it to my tablet for future reference, but because of the fire and ALL my work going up in flames Daddy locks the finished pieces away in his fire proof vault room. So far I’ve painted and Daddy has locked away, eighteen portraits; most of the paintings are depictions of what happened that March night. I also painted Mamma and Daddy as they are now, along with portraits of Scarlet and Henri. The house grounds are the perfect backdrop.
On a personal level I had a friend permanently ink Mora’s final death on my left bicep. My tattoo shows human warrior goddess Collette, her spiked heels implanted in Mora’s clavicles, staking her from overhead. I embellished it a little. I get lots of comments on it, “Where did you come up with the idea?” They ask. Of course I cannot divulge such information, stating it came to me in a dream.
Another visible change is my hair, which shocks even me when I look in the mirror. I let Frankie talk me into an A-line razor bob. It looks great and I feel like a new person but I wonder what he will think when…if he sees me. I get a nauseous pinging in my stomach at this thought.
The good always comes with a little bad and the negativity of our new lives is small, but it’s relevant. Griffin’s mother attempted to blackmail my Daddy; claiming she knew he had something to do with her son’s death. She was so adamant that when she arrived at the house to discuss the situation she disowned Henri completely. If I was honest with myself I would say, Good Riddance. I know she didn’t like me when I married her only son; but she was always very harsh with regard to Scarlet. She showed her true colors and left with a check. The money wasn’t to keep her quiet; my Daddy didn’t care if she said anything to anyone, it was to keep her out of our lives.
My thought are interrupted by Calista LeBeau; my last client of the day,“Ooh!”
She and I attended high school together and she has always been one of the few girls I can consider a friend. She is a sprite of a girl. Petite and thin, she has shoulder length reddish brown hair almost the color of Dr. Pepper. I’m tattooing an intricate Celtic knot on her right forearm. She recently married into an Irish family and wanted to reflect her husband’s heritage.
“Sorry Calista,” I say hoping my hand didn’t get too heavy. I change the subject, “What is your new last name Mrs.?”
“Please, Babe. Tattoos hurt and I am officially Calista Keever.” She holds her head up pompously, then laughs as I continue.
“Keever; that’s a good, strong, Irish name. Congratulations; again.” I say smiling, keeping my eyes on her arm.
“Thanks!” I hear the elation of being a new bride in her voice.
Frankie rounds the corner of my little nook, “Hey; your Dad is on line four.”
“Thanks Frank.” I say as she turns to go back to her client. I look over to Calista who is admiring her new ink, “You mind if we take a break Calista?”
“Take your time Babe.”
“Thanks.” I remove my gloves, discarding them in the trashcan by my door.
I don’t keep a phone in my part of the salon, it’s too distracting ringing off the hook all day. But that’s success isn’t it and Frankie is successful.
Very successful, the shop is still loaded. Every chair is full even though the sun has gone down and the hair is flying. I get hit with the smell of ammonia and sulfur; color, perm, and cuts; highlight and lowlight, waxing, tanning, nails…and tattoo. It’s a lucrative business for sure.
Frankie hands me a cordless phone from her station, “Your Daddy calling here is going to take some getting used to.” She laughs, I reciprocate.
“Daddy?”
“Hey baby girl, how’s your day today?” My Daddy is so sweet but I can hear something behind it.
“Good, just finishing up for the day.”
“Oh yeah? Who’s in your chair at the moment?” My Daddy is so fascinated by my newest endeavor.
“Calista LeBeau, now Keever; she said to tell you welcome home.” I sound just as sweet waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“She’s such a nice girl, good family the LeBeau’s. Tell her Congratulations from your Mother and me.” He says and then he is silent.
“Daddy, you there?”
“Yeah…sorry I was taking paperwork from Alistair. Babe, I have an actor friend from Sweden who will be in Wilmington filming a movie…” he trails off again.
“Wilmington, North Carolina? Daddy?” I hear background voices and rustling papers.
“Yes, would you be interested in taking an au pair job for the next couple of months? I know its short notice but you can paint while you’re there and I know for a fact he is interested in having you paint his son’s portraits.”
I’m silent at first swirling everything together. I would have a lot of affairs to get in order before I go, if I go. I would need to discuss it with Frankie…and Scarlet.
My Daddy doesn’t let me answer, “I’ve discussed it with Frankie and she agrees you need some time away.”
My brow furrows as I begin to feel as if I’m being plotted against, “You talked to Frankie?” My tone is harsh.
“Babe, before you get upset, we all feel that, you threw yourself into work after everything in March. You received the insurance money and immediately talked to Frankie. You got certified and boom started. You don’t sleep, we all know you don’t. You need a vacation, honey.” His tone is pleading.
I can’t say no to my Daddy, “Of course Daddy, a working vacation.” I laugh.
“Think of it as a way to expand your new portfolio, besides you may get some time to go back to Emerald Isle, since those paintings are gone.”
I gasp and I know this is a hint if not a coax from my Daddy, “Thanks Daddy.” I say like I did when I was a little girl.
“I love you, baby girl.”
“I love you.”
I hang up the phone and turn to see the entire salon staring at me. I feel flush as they all resume their previous tasks except Frankie who is waiting for me to tell her I will need some time off. She winks at me, I roll my eyes and a smile comes from the side of my mouth.
“Can we talk later?” I ask.
“Of course, darlin’!” She squeals before applying another foil.
The salon is finally closed and everyone but Frankie and I have gone. I’m cleaning my nook while she pours over the day’s numbers. I peek my head in her door after I’m done to discuss my “vacation” time.
“Hey.” I say sitting in one of two ultra modern chairs, my tone is wary.
“Hey.” Frankie says smiling.
“Okay, so what did my Daddy say to you?” I ask laying it all out on the table.
“He said he had an artistic opportunity for you and I agreed that you could use some time off. If not from the shop; the city.”
I nod my head silently.
“He said he could get a replacement, but I told him you wouldn’t like that. He understood.” Frankie is such a good friend and knows me so well. “I told him not to worry and I’m telling you the same. Babe, you need closure from it all. Griffin’s death, your studio and your Dad coming back. I swear girl, you are strong as steel. I would be in a straight jacket if it were me.”
Frankie exaggerates; she is one of the strongest women I know. Starting her business at such a young age and being a successful entrepreneur takes serious guts and Frankie has them for sure.
“Two months though?”
“Yes, but how long have you been trying to get back to North Carolina? Thirteen years?” Frankie eyes me speculatively.
“That’s true.”
“And Cian?”
Again the sound of his name brings butterflies to my stomach and my heart in my throat. I will never forget the conversation with Frankie and Molly about my Scottish friend.
_________________________________________________________________________________
My cell vibrates in the back pocket of my jeans as I walk through the grocery store and I know by the ringtone it’s Frankie. Queen’s of the Stone Age “Little Sister” plays until I press the talk button.
“Hey girly!” I say with exuberance because I know exactly where this is headed.
“Hey yourself, Babe.” Her tone is humorously inquisitive.
“What are you up to today?” I ask
“Nice try Babe, what is up with that gorgeous man you were with at Molly’s party?”
I laugh, “He’s just a friend.” A friend who has me irrevocably vexed. A wave of sexual tension rises when I remember our kiss.
“Mmhhmm.” She says and I hear the laughter coming. “A friend of Aunt Estella?”
“Yes.” I say pushing the cart mindlessly. Henri is pointing and trying to grab everything.
“Where are you right now?”
“The grocery store, why?”
“Come have lunch with me and Molly. Its 10:30 now, meet us at Gazebo Café at 12:00.”
“Okay, I have Henri though.”
“Aw, petite Henri!” She shrills.
“Ha, he’s not that small anymore. Listen, I will finish up here and head back to Estella’s to unload. I’ll see you girls in an hour and half.”
“Yay! Okay, Luvies!” Frankie sings.
“Luvies.” I mirror.
I get what we need for the week, pay and load my car. After securing Henri in his seat I drive back to Audubon. Henri at two is already a big helper, carrying the bread for me. I pile the bags on the granite counter and begin to unload the groceries. All the while I am checking the time, it’s nearly 11:15 and I definitely can’t go to lunch with the girls in jeans and a t-shirt. I scoop up Henri and head upstairs, he points at the cannon style bed and I oblige him after removing his shoes. He jumps up and down on it while I slip on a pair of crimson and cream damask shorts, boat neck long-sleeved shirt and flip flops. I gather my hair into a ponytail and grab Henri off the bed to make my way down the stairs.
Back in the car the clock reads 11:36. If I can make it to Gazebo before the girls, I can settle Henri with some French Fries and ranch dressing. Parking isn’t the easiest feat near the Square, but I get lucky. I hold Henri’s hand as we walk through the vendor tables, bending to him when he points to something. I explain what it is and he repeats. We luckily make it to the café before Molly and Frankie; I immediately order Henri’s fries.
“Fries!” He says, “My fries.”
“Yes, your fries. They have to cook.” I explain.
“Ooh Hot.” He says eyes wide, tensing his body.
I laugh; he’s so dang cute, “Yes they will be hot.” I say.
Henri looks over my shoulder while I pay; his little voice is so loud under the open air space. “MoMo! Fanky!” I feel like I just lost an eardrum.
Molly and Frankie come up and nuzzle Henri who squeals with delight. I take the tray of fries and ask for a dish of ranch dressing; Henri’s favorite. I don’t get three feet from the table before he is staking claim on the slivers of fried potatoes. “My fries.” He says taking one between his chubby digits. “Hot Mamma; blow.”
I blow on the fry; he smiles and aggressively puts it in his mouth. Frankie and Molly locate a table close to the small jazz band playing. I set Henri in a seat and take a fry for myself as the girls decide what to eat.
Frankie puts the tiny menu down, “So…spill Babe.” She says attracting Molly’s attention as well.
“Ooh yeah, who was he Babe? Frankie is convinced he’s playing for the proper team.” Molly says smiling.
I playfully avoid the inquisition by shifting in my chair to engage Molly, “Your hair looks so great! Did I tell you that last night?”
They both roll their eyes, before Frankie humorously demands, “Confess!” They are both staring and I can’t help but laugh out loud.
“Okay, okay. No, he’s not gay.” I relinquish, taking another one of Henri’s fries.
“See, I told you!” Frankie howls sitting back in her chair.
“I’m sorry ya’ll, I just…wanted to avoid this conversation last night. By the way Molly, it was a great party.”
“Thanks, I sold every piece.”
“That’s wonderful, congratulations!” I exclaim.
“Thanks.” She says adjusting her glasses.
“Uh uh, Babe. I want to know more about Cian.” Frankie says his name like it’s a sexual mantra.
I laugh, but every time I hear his name my body resonates with desire. I can’t hide anything from my girls and this is no different.
“Estella works late, so he and I are always hanging out. I asked him to your show, Molly, because he is a huge fan of your work.” I explain. Molly makes a “who knew?” face and picks up the menu.
“Aunt Estella? I’ve known you your whole life. Who is she?” Frankie asks.
I’ve got this. Anything regarding my father is a conversation killer amongst my friends, “She is my Daddy’s illegitimate sister.” I say sadly.
“Wow, really?” Molly exclaims.
“But, Babe. Isn’t it strange she shows up after Griffin…?” Frankie trails off.
“I thought that too, but after I talked to my Mamma, I felt better about her.”
“So, your Mamma knew?”
“Yeah. You know how families keep things like that under lock and key. Beauregard’s are no different.” I say nonchalantly
“Okay so that is Estella. Cian…he’s got this air about him, a strange aura. Do you pick that up Babe?” Frankie asks.
Molly chimes in, “Yeah and he didn’t take his eyes off you all night, like he was your bodyguard or something…” she trails off but I can see her gearing up.
I hold my hand up to stop her rendition of the famous song from the famous movie, “Don’t.”
“Aw, come on,” Molly is playfully disappointed; “I do a great Dolly Parton.” She folds her arms across her chest.
Frankie takes a fry from Henri who smiles at her as she does so, she then corroborates Molly’s observations, “Yeah, when you and Braxton were talking it looked as though he was going to have a coronary.” She finishes chewing.
“What do you mean by strange aura?”
“Well, I saw how he was watching you and I grabbed his arm. It was cold, like unnaturally cold.”
“Yeah, I don’t know what that is.” I lie. “You grabbed him?” I ask humorously.
“Sure did, he didn’t seem to like it either.” She stops to gaze at Henri, “We are just concerned for you is all Babe. We love you.”
“I love ya’ll, please don’t be worried about me.” I say and I hope that this conversation is over.
It is, Frankie reaches over and snatches the menu from Molly’s hands. Henri sees this; Molly sees Henri her eyes widen and opens her mouth as if what Frankie did was a surprise. They both laugh.
________________________________________________________________________________
Frankie is still watching me closely. After eventually explaining EVERYTHING to her and Molly about Cian, Estella and my Daddy my girls were more concerned for me than when they met Cian. Eventually after many glasses of wine, they came to understand and all was copasetic.
“My Daddy hinted at going back to Emerald Isle. I think Cian may be there, of course I will know for sure once I cross that state line.” I say rolling my eyes.
Frankie is smiling, “I’m glad you are going through with the test. I still don’t know why you didn’t tell us in the beginning?”
“Frank, you know I couldn’t, mostly because I really didn’t grasp it all myself. Where I really come from? Who I may be and what I might be capable of? If I had said something and you or Molly were hurt or killed because of me, I don’t know...” I begin to tear up.
“Oh, my Lord, Babe I didn’t mean to upset you!” She says chastising herself.
I take a deep breath to calm myself, “No, it’s not you. I’m sorry, I guess that proves you all right; I do need to…” I trail off, shake that and resume with a smile, “But as far as seeing him again I too think it will strengthen us.” I say shrugging.
“It’s all so crazy.” Frankie is shaking her head and smiling.
“Crazy is the understatement of the century.” We both laugh.
Frankie sets the alarm as we walk out of the salon. On the way to our reserved parking Frankie says, “So when do you leave?”
I unlock my car and throw my bag in the passenger side, “You know, he didn’t mention that.”
“Well, call me later when you find out.”
“Will do, be careful!” I holler while getting into my car.
Babet's Epiphany
http://www.amazon.com/Babets-Epiphany...
See who I pictured when I wrote Babet's Epiphany!! http://www.pinterest.com/augustafern/...
It’s August, and August in New Orleans is hotter than the bluest blazes of hell. It’s been six months. Six months since I last saw…a lot can happen in six months. The tattoo gun vibrates my hand as I work but my thoughts are on all that has transpired. Scarlet is back at school and thriving; utilizing her minimal gifts. Henri is talking a mile a minute; colors, shapes, letters and numbers. My little tape recorder. Mamma is all consumed with the children; which has been a bit of a blessing for me. Searching for a new place is never easy, though my parents are over the moon that we are living at the house.
Luckily I was able to talk Frankie into letting me buy into her Pardido location and set up my tattoo business. Certification was less than difficult and given my reputation in the city I was able to bypass the apprentice process. With a portion of the insurance money from the fire I was to not only able buy all my equipment but renovate a nook for myself and my clients inside the salon.
The most interesting event during this time is my Daddy’s debut back into society, human and vampire alike. Questions of course were brought up, but Daddy fabricated some non-sense about witness protection and plastic surgery for the humans. He needed no excuses for the vampires, his reputation preceding him. And how he got the city to relinquish the house is beyond me. The house is busy, but not with tourists; my Daddy’s vampire coven are in and out at all hours of the night. I know this because I’ve become a borderline insomniac since Cian left.
When I don’t sleep, which is often, I paint. Albeit manically and occasionally while crying incessantly. My old room is littered with canvases, paint tubes and brushes. Mamma made me cover the entire floor with a tarp so not to destroy the original hardwoods and Daddy takes each piece as soon as it’s complete. I take a picture of it and upload it to my tablet for future reference, but because of the fire and ALL my work going up in flames Daddy locks the finished pieces away in his fire proof vault room. So far I’ve painted and Daddy has locked away, eighteen portraits; most of the paintings are depictions of what happened that March night. I also painted Mamma and Daddy as they are now, along with portraits of Scarlet and Henri. The house grounds are the perfect backdrop.
On a personal level I had a friend permanently ink Mora’s final death on my left bicep. My tattoo shows human warrior goddess Collette, her spiked heels implanted in Mora’s clavicles, staking her from overhead. I embellished it a little. I get lots of comments on it, “Where did you come up with the idea?” They ask. Of course I cannot divulge such information, stating it came to me in a dream.
Another visible change is my hair, which shocks even me when I look in the mirror. I let Frankie talk me into an A-line razor bob. It looks great and I feel like a new person but I wonder what he will think when…if he sees me. I get a nauseous pinging in my stomach at this thought.
The good always comes with a little bad and the negativity of our new lives is small, but it’s relevant. Griffin’s mother attempted to blackmail my Daddy; claiming she knew he had something to do with her son’s death. She was so adamant that when she arrived at the house to discuss the situation she disowned Henri completely. If I was honest with myself I would say, Good Riddance. I know she didn’t like me when I married her only son; but she was always very harsh with regard to Scarlet. She showed her true colors and left with a check. The money wasn’t to keep her quiet; my Daddy didn’t care if she said anything to anyone, it was to keep her out of our lives.
My thought are interrupted by Calista LeBeau; my last client of the day,“Ooh!”
She and I attended high school together and she has always been one of the few girls I can consider a friend. She is a sprite of a girl. Petite and thin, she has shoulder length reddish brown hair almost the color of Dr. Pepper. I’m tattooing an intricate Celtic knot on her right forearm. She recently married into an Irish family and wanted to reflect her husband’s heritage.
“Sorry Calista,” I say hoping my hand didn’t get too heavy. I change the subject, “What is your new last name Mrs.?”
“Please, Babe. Tattoos hurt and I am officially Calista Keever.” She holds her head up pompously, then laughs as I continue.
“Keever; that’s a good, strong, Irish name. Congratulations; again.” I say smiling, keeping my eyes on her arm.
“Thanks!” I hear the elation of being a new bride in her voice.
Frankie rounds the corner of my little nook, “Hey; your Dad is on line four.”
“Thanks Frank.” I say as she turns to go back to her client. I look over to Calista who is admiring her new ink, “You mind if we take a break Calista?”
“Take your time Babe.”
“Thanks.” I remove my gloves, discarding them in the trashcan by my door.
I don’t keep a phone in my part of the salon, it’s too distracting ringing off the hook all day. But that’s success isn’t it and Frankie is successful.
Very successful, the shop is still loaded. Every chair is full even though the sun has gone down and the hair is flying. I get hit with the smell of ammonia and sulfur; color, perm, and cuts; highlight and lowlight, waxing, tanning, nails…and tattoo. It’s a lucrative business for sure.
Frankie hands me a cordless phone from her station, “Your Daddy calling here is going to take some getting used to.” She laughs, I reciprocate.
“Daddy?”
“Hey baby girl, how’s your day today?” My Daddy is so sweet but I can hear something behind it.
“Good, just finishing up for the day.”
“Oh yeah? Who’s in your chair at the moment?” My Daddy is so fascinated by my newest endeavor.
“Calista LeBeau, now Keever; she said to tell you welcome home.” I sound just as sweet waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“She’s such a nice girl, good family the LeBeau’s. Tell her Congratulations from your Mother and me.” He says and then he is silent.
“Daddy, you there?”
“Yeah…sorry I was taking paperwork from Alistair. Babe, I have an actor friend from Sweden who will be in Wilmington filming a movie…” he trails off again.
“Wilmington, North Carolina? Daddy?” I hear background voices and rustling papers.
“Yes, would you be interested in taking an au pair job for the next couple of months? I know its short notice but you can paint while you’re there and I know for a fact he is interested in having you paint his son’s portraits.”
I’m silent at first swirling everything together. I would have a lot of affairs to get in order before I go, if I go. I would need to discuss it with Frankie…and Scarlet.
My Daddy doesn’t let me answer, “I’ve discussed it with Frankie and she agrees you need some time away.”
My brow furrows as I begin to feel as if I’m being plotted against, “You talked to Frankie?” My tone is harsh.
“Babe, before you get upset, we all feel that, you threw yourself into work after everything in March. You received the insurance money and immediately talked to Frankie. You got certified and boom started. You don’t sleep, we all know you don’t. You need a vacation, honey.” His tone is pleading.
I can’t say no to my Daddy, “Of course Daddy, a working vacation.” I laugh.
“Think of it as a way to expand your new portfolio, besides you may get some time to go back to Emerald Isle, since those paintings are gone.”
I gasp and I know this is a hint if not a coax from my Daddy, “Thanks Daddy.” I say like I did when I was a little girl.
“I love you, baby girl.”
“I love you.”
I hang up the phone and turn to see the entire salon staring at me. I feel flush as they all resume their previous tasks except Frankie who is waiting for me to tell her I will need some time off. She winks at me, I roll my eyes and a smile comes from the side of my mouth.
“Can we talk later?” I ask.
“Of course, darlin’!” She squeals before applying another foil.
The salon is finally closed and everyone but Frankie and I have gone. I’m cleaning my nook while she pours over the day’s numbers. I peek my head in her door after I’m done to discuss my “vacation” time.
“Hey.” I say sitting in one of two ultra modern chairs, my tone is wary.
“Hey.” Frankie says smiling.
“Okay, so what did my Daddy say to you?” I ask laying it all out on the table.
“He said he had an artistic opportunity for you and I agreed that you could use some time off. If not from the shop; the city.”
I nod my head silently.
“He said he could get a replacement, but I told him you wouldn’t like that. He understood.” Frankie is such a good friend and knows me so well. “I told him not to worry and I’m telling you the same. Babe, you need closure from it all. Griffin’s death, your studio and your Dad coming back. I swear girl, you are strong as steel. I would be in a straight jacket if it were me.”
Frankie exaggerates; she is one of the strongest women I know. Starting her business at such a young age and being a successful entrepreneur takes serious guts and Frankie has them for sure.
“Two months though?”
“Yes, but how long have you been trying to get back to North Carolina? Thirteen years?” Frankie eyes me speculatively.
“That’s true.”
“And Cian?”
Again the sound of his name brings butterflies to my stomach and my heart in my throat. I will never forget the conversation with Frankie and Molly about my Scottish friend.
_________________________________________________________________________________
My cell vibrates in the back pocket of my jeans as I walk through the grocery store and I know by the ringtone it’s Frankie. Queen’s of the Stone Age “Little Sister” plays until I press the talk button.
“Hey girly!” I say with exuberance because I know exactly where this is headed.
“Hey yourself, Babe.” Her tone is humorously inquisitive.
“What are you up to today?” I ask
“Nice try Babe, what is up with that gorgeous man you were with at Molly’s party?”
I laugh, “He’s just a friend.” A friend who has me irrevocably vexed. A wave of sexual tension rises when I remember our kiss.
“Mmhhmm.” She says and I hear the laughter coming. “A friend of Aunt Estella?”
“Yes.” I say pushing the cart mindlessly. Henri is pointing and trying to grab everything.
“Where are you right now?”
“The grocery store, why?”
“Come have lunch with me and Molly. Its 10:30 now, meet us at Gazebo Café at 12:00.”
“Okay, I have Henri though.”
“Aw, petite Henri!” She shrills.
“Ha, he’s not that small anymore. Listen, I will finish up here and head back to Estella’s to unload. I’ll see you girls in an hour and half.”
“Yay! Okay, Luvies!” Frankie sings.
“Luvies.” I mirror.
I get what we need for the week, pay and load my car. After securing Henri in his seat I drive back to Audubon. Henri at two is already a big helper, carrying the bread for me. I pile the bags on the granite counter and begin to unload the groceries. All the while I am checking the time, it’s nearly 11:15 and I definitely can’t go to lunch with the girls in jeans and a t-shirt. I scoop up Henri and head upstairs, he points at the cannon style bed and I oblige him after removing his shoes. He jumps up and down on it while I slip on a pair of crimson and cream damask shorts, boat neck long-sleeved shirt and flip flops. I gather my hair into a ponytail and grab Henri off the bed to make my way down the stairs.
Back in the car the clock reads 11:36. If I can make it to Gazebo before the girls, I can settle Henri with some French Fries and ranch dressing. Parking isn’t the easiest feat near the Square, but I get lucky. I hold Henri’s hand as we walk through the vendor tables, bending to him when he points to something. I explain what it is and he repeats. We luckily make it to the café before Molly and Frankie; I immediately order Henri’s fries.
“Fries!” He says, “My fries.”
“Yes, your fries. They have to cook.” I explain.
“Ooh Hot.” He says eyes wide, tensing his body.
I laugh; he’s so dang cute, “Yes they will be hot.” I say.
Henri looks over my shoulder while I pay; his little voice is so loud under the open air space. “MoMo! Fanky!” I feel like I just lost an eardrum.
Molly and Frankie come up and nuzzle Henri who squeals with delight. I take the tray of fries and ask for a dish of ranch dressing; Henri’s favorite. I don’t get three feet from the table before he is staking claim on the slivers of fried potatoes. “My fries.” He says taking one between his chubby digits. “Hot Mamma; blow.”
I blow on the fry; he smiles and aggressively puts it in his mouth. Frankie and Molly locate a table close to the small jazz band playing. I set Henri in a seat and take a fry for myself as the girls decide what to eat.
Frankie puts the tiny menu down, “So…spill Babe.” She says attracting Molly’s attention as well.
“Ooh yeah, who was he Babe? Frankie is convinced he’s playing for the proper team.” Molly says smiling.
I playfully avoid the inquisition by shifting in my chair to engage Molly, “Your hair looks so great! Did I tell you that last night?”
They both roll their eyes, before Frankie humorously demands, “Confess!” They are both staring and I can’t help but laugh out loud.
“Okay, okay. No, he’s not gay.” I relinquish, taking another one of Henri’s fries.
“See, I told you!” Frankie howls sitting back in her chair.
“I’m sorry ya’ll, I just…wanted to avoid this conversation last night. By the way Molly, it was a great party.”
“Thanks, I sold every piece.”
“That’s wonderful, congratulations!” I exclaim.
“Thanks.” She says adjusting her glasses.
“Uh uh, Babe. I want to know more about Cian.” Frankie says his name like it’s a sexual mantra.
I laugh, but every time I hear his name my body resonates with desire. I can’t hide anything from my girls and this is no different.
“Estella works late, so he and I are always hanging out. I asked him to your show, Molly, because he is a huge fan of your work.” I explain. Molly makes a “who knew?” face and picks up the menu.
“Aunt Estella? I’ve known you your whole life. Who is she?” Frankie asks.
I’ve got this. Anything regarding my father is a conversation killer amongst my friends, “She is my Daddy’s illegitimate sister.” I say sadly.
“Wow, really?” Molly exclaims.
“But, Babe. Isn’t it strange she shows up after Griffin…?” Frankie trails off.
“I thought that too, but after I talked to my Mamma, I felt better about her.”
“So, your Mamma knew?”
“Yeah. You know how families keep things like that under lock and key. Beauregard’s are no different.” I say nonchalantly
“Okay so that is Estella. Cian…he’s got this air about him, a strange aura. Do you pick that up Babe?” Frankie asks.
Molly chimes in, “Yeah and he didn’t take his eyes off you all night, like he was your bodyguard or something…” she trails off but I can see her gearing up.
I hold my hand up to stop her rendition of the famous song from the famous movie, “Don’t.”
“Aw, come on,” Molly is playfully disappointed; “I do a great Dolly Parton.” She folds her arms across her chest.
Frankie takes a fry from Henri who smiles at her as she does so, she then corroborates Molly’s observations, “Yeah, when you and Braxton were talking it looked as though he was going to have a coronary.” She finishes chewing.
“What do you mean by strange aura?”
“Well, I saw how he was watching you and I grabbed his arm. It was cold, like unnaturally cold.”
“Yeah, I don’t know what that is.” I lie. “You grabbed him?” I ask humorously.
“Sure did, he didn’t seem to like it either.” She stops to gaze at Henri, “We are just concerned for you is all Babe. We love you.”
“I love ya’ll, please don’t be worried about me.” I say and I hope that this conversation is over.
It is, Frankie reaches over and snatches the menu from Molly’s hands. Henri sees this; Molly sees Henri her eyes widen and opens her mouth as if what Frankie did was a surprise. They both laugh.
________________________________________________________________________________
Frankie is still watching me closely. After eventually explaining EVERYTHING to her and Molly about Cian, Estella and my Daddy my girls were more concerned for me than when they met Cian. Eventually after many glasses of wine, they came to understand and all was copasetic.
“My Daddy hinted at going back to Emerald Isle. I think Cian may be there, of course I will know for sure once I cross that state line.” I say rolling my eyes.
Frankie is smiling, “I’m glad you are going through with the test. I still don’t know why you didn’t tell us in the beginning?”
“Frank, you know I couldn’t, mostly because I really didn’t grasp it all myself. Where I really come from? Who I may be and what I might be capable of? If I had said something and you or Molly were hurt or killed because of me, I don’t know...” I begin to tear up.
“Oh, my Lord, Babe I didn’t mean to upset you!” She says chastising herself.
I take a deep breath to calm myself, “No, it’s not you. I’m sorry, I guess that proves you all right; I do need to…” I trail off, shake that and resume with a smile, “But as far as seeing him again I too think it will strengthen us.” I say shrugging.
“It’s all so crazy.” Frankie is shaking her head and smiling.
“Crazy is the understatement of the century.” We both laugh.
Frankie sets the alarm as we walk out of the salon. On the way to our reserved parking Frankie says, “So when do you leave?”
I unlock my car and throw my bag in the passenger side, “You know, he didn’t mention that.”
“Well, call me later when you find out.”
“Will do, be careful!” I holler while getting into my car.
Babet's Epiphany
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