Paris Blues

Midnight Delight

Soft background chatter filled my ears as the violin played in the restaurant. I took a sip of my wine feeling the bitter liquor cool my throat as I played with the stem of the glass, my gaze caught my friend Marie throwing her head back in laughter as her husband Michel told a joke. I felt like a third wheel and a part of me felt envious. I was envious because she had her husband while my Henry was halfway across the world. Michel worked as a carpenter in his youth, he fell off a ladder when he was twenty and broke his back. Though he recovered, he could not qualify for enlistment because he still had problems with his back. I gulp down the rest of my wine before I felt a hand gently grab my arm and I turned to look at the person.

"Are you alright?". Marie's concerned voice broke my train of thoughts.

"Yes, why wouldn't I be". I said

"Your mind seems not here". She said her Parisian accent prominent.

"I'm fine Marie just a little tired". I replied giving a fake smile.

"Are you sure?". She inquired and I nodded.

"Yes,I just need some rest. I will see you soon". I said slowly getting to my feet.

"I can drive you home". Michel said and I shook my head.

"No please you two enjoy your night, I will take a taxi". I said.

"Are you sure?". He and I nodded.

They each gave me a kiss on the cheeks and a hug. I put on my jacket and took my purse before walking out of the restaurant. The cold wind hit my face as soon as I exited, I sighed feeling tears running down my face. It had over a month since I had any communication from Henry and I was beginning to worry. I had initially convinced myself that I was overreacting until yesterday. My neighbor Madame Ribery received a letter from the French army, her son had been killed in Algeria, the same place where my Henry was deployed. I could never forget the look on her face. I hoped I was overreacting, I had to be if anything happened to Henry I wouldn't survive he was undoubtedly the love of my life. I walked down the cold Parisian street, I needed to clear my mind and a walk would be helpful. I reached our spot near the pond. Memories flashed through my mind and I smiled sadly looking at the now frozen pond that used to be habituated by ducks and swans.

I was taking out my class out on an excursion and I had asked Henry to accompany us and he agreed. We were walking down the pond the Parisian sun glistening. My students ran around their soft squeals filled ears as a smile took over my face watching Henry chasing them around.

"Alright everyone no more running around". I said hearing them groan.

"Mademoiselle Arnett". Ray one of my students pouted.

"I mean it, Ray". I said giving him a stern look and he sighed before joining the other students who were now taking an interest in the ducks.

"Look at you the fun killer". Henry said trying to catch his breath.

"I'm being responsible since clearly I'm the only adult here". I said and he smiled.

"You going to be the strict parent while I will spoil our children". He said and I laughed.

"Keep dreaming Dubious". I said and he smiled and winked.

"Say that when your belly is swollen with my son". He smiled and I rolled my eyes.

"Alright everyone let's get ice cream". He said running to my students and I gasped hearing them squeal in joy.

"One cone per person". I said rushing after them but a smile formed on my lips seeing the joy in his eyes as he interacted with my students. He is going to be a good father, I thought to myself

I felt someone standing behind me and they cleared their throat to gain my attention and I was suddenly thrust back to reality. I turned around and saw the Nazi officer I had bumped into a few days earlier. My eyes widened slightly not knowing what I had done wrong this time. My gaze shifted towards my wristwatch to see if I had missed the midnight curfew the Nazi's had set. It was on ten so it was still early.

"Miss". His deep voice penetrated my ears.

"Sir". I replied.

"Are you okay?". He asked and I furrowed my brows wondering why he would be concerned with my well-being.

"Yes thank you, is there something wrong". I asked.

"You have been standing here for over thirty minutes at two degrees weather". He said and suddenly a cold chill hit my body and I snuggled into my jacket.

"Oh I apologize if I disturbed the peace, may I be allowed to leave". I said before attempting to walk past him. He gently grabbed my arm and I gasped feeling my heart beat faster. I was convinced it was the end of me.

"I can drive you home". He said and I turned around to look at him.

"No thank you that won't be necessary". I said.

"I insist". He said giving me a stern look and I nodded knowing that there was no room for argument.

He led me into his Mercedes. German steel, the Germans insisted on driving German-made cars only. I was surprised when he opened the door for me but I thanked him either way. He asked me where I lived and I told him. The car ride was quiet for a while as I played with my engagement ring.

"Are you married?". He asked and I shook my head.

"Engaged". I said.

"Your betrothed allows you to walk around alone in the night". He said looking at the road ahead.

"My fiancee is serving in the French army". I said and regretted it immediately. The Germans and French were enemies.

What if he decided to hurt me because of Henry's occupation. He simply nodded and the rest of the ride was quiet. We arrived at my apartment and he stopped the car. He got out and came to open the door for me. His actions shocked me and I wondered if he was up to something. He helped me out and I thanked him before he walked me to my front door. I looked up to look at him.

"Here I am". I said and he nodded.

"Thank you for everything". I said.

"I'm an officer of the law it's my job to ensure citizens are safe". He replied. I decided not to speak my thoughts on his answer.

"Good night Miss". He tipped his army hat at me.

"Good night sir". I said nodding and he turned around and walked back to his vehicle as I opened my apartment door. I watched him drive away. It was the second time I had an interaction with him and both times he was somewhat civil towards me, normally I would not have a problem with it but the fact that he was a Nazi put me at unease.